SUVs are one of the most popular vehicle segments in the United States, and there’s no shortage of models to choose from.
While buyers are spoiled for choice, not all SUVs are created equal. Some models are plagued by poor build quality, reliability issues, and extortionate maintenance costs.
We’ve created a list of SUVs that are best avoided based on information from reputable websites such as RepairPal, Consumer Reports, J.D Power, Kelley Blue Book, U.S. News, Edmunds, CarEdge, CarSurvey, NHTSA, IIHS, as well as owners’ forums.
2013 BMW X3
The 2013 model-year BMW X3 seems to be the worst of the second-generation SUVs. There are 56 complaints about it, most regarding the engine and timing chain failure.
The 2013 BMW X3 gets a 3.8/5 score for reliability by Consumer Reports, and RepairPal estimates that the annual maintenance will cost over $1,000.
2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Unless you’re a decent mechanic and can fix your own vehicles, you should steer clear of the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Even low-mileage models have experienced expensive issues.
On CarComplaints, we can read that the most common issues are related to the engine, transmission, and AC. Sorting out the transmission can cost around $2,000, and if the engine calls it a day, expect to pay around $5,000 to replace it.
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
The Mercedes-Benz ML320 is cheap on the used car market these days, and it may be tempting to buy one. However, some years seem to be best avoided – there are over 200 complaints about the 2001-year model on CarComplaints.
Most of the issues relate to the brakes and electrical system. Multiple owners report spending thousands of dollars to keep their ML320 running, and some call it the worst car they’ve ever owned. According to RepairPal, annual maintenance is around $1,500.
2020 Dodge Journey
Dodge discontinued the Journey in 2020, and honestly, we’re not going to miss it. It was never particularly good and couldn’t match the competition.
U.S. News gave the Dodge Journey an overall score of 6.4/10, saying it’s underpowered, doesn’t handle well, and has a cheap and tacky interior. It also offered very little in terms of driver-assistance features. If you want a nice, safe vehicle to transport your family, the Dodge Journey is best avoided.
2011 Cadillac SRX
The 2011 Cadillac SRX has an average J.D. Power reliability rating, but there are quite a few potentially costly problems to be aware of. Most complaints are about the engine, lights, and electrical system.
The timing belt is known to fail, so that should be changed more often than the recommended intervals. The most common complaint is about water in the lights, which doesn’t seem too bad, but, on average, it costs $1,600 to sort it out. The SRX’s issues tend to start before the vehicle hits 100,000 miles.
2012 Jeep Wrangler
Thanks to its off-road capabilities and massive selection of aftermarket parts, the Jeep Wrangler is one of the coolest SUVs money can buy. However, it does have some severe issues.
CarComplaints ranks the 2012 model year as the worst due to its poor reliability record, and Consumer Reports awarded it a 2/5 reliability rating. Most owners complain about engine problems and transmission failure.
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is another highly capable off-roader and a great all-rounder for everyday use. However, Grand Cherokee ownership isn’t always cheap.
We’re not complaining about the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s predicted yearly maintenance costs. At around $600, those aren’t exceptionally high. However, the Grand Cherokee has a 31% chance of needing major repair within 10 years, almost 10% worse than similar brands.
2008 GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia mid-size SUV debuted in 2007, and according to the comments on CarComplaints, even low-mileage models have suffered from some serious issues. Transmission and engine issues are the most common complaints.
Repairing or replacing the gearbox costs an average of $3,700, and repairing the problem with the engine shutting down costs around $4,000. So, that affordable used SUV is suddenly becoming very expensive to own.
2016-2023 Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X was first lauded as the greatest thing since sliced bread, but it wasn’t long before a whole host of problems began rearing their ugly head. Consumer Reports gave it the lowest possible reliability rating, an appalling 1/5.
Model X owners have reported rust issues, navigation/infotainment system freezing, acceleration issues, and poor body integrity. Its Falcon doors, while cool, have also received their fair share of criticism. Even the ride quality leaves a lot to be desired. In all fairness, Tesla has recalled cars and issued updates, but it’s still not a stellar purchase.
2013 Lincoln MKX
There’s no shortage of complaints about the Lincoln MKX, and Consumer Reports scores it 2.0 out of 5.0 for reliability. The owners are a bit kinder; the owner satisfaction score is 3.0 out of 5.0, but that still isn’t great.
The NHTSA has issued a recall for the powertrain, but owners are still complaining about problems with the engine, transmission, brakes, AC, suspension, and more. According to RepairPal, the Lincoln MKX has an average yearly maintenance cost just shy of $800.
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE250
The Mercedes-Benz GLE250 is actually surprisingly reliable. J.D. Power scored it 83/100 for both reliability and overall.
So what’s the problem? Well, it’s a Mercedes-Benz, so it won’t be cheap to maintain, and according to Consumer Reports, the brand is among the least reliable. Annual maintenance can be as much as $1,500, depending on mileage. The GLE250 isn’t necessarily a model you should avoid, but ensure it’s been cared for and properly maintained before parting with your hard-earned cash.
2020 Toyota Sequoia
Toyota has earned a reputation for being one of the most reliable car brands on the market. Unfortunately, even they make mistakes. According to U.S. News, the Toyota Sequoia was the worst affordable SUV in 2020, and they gave it an overall score of 6.9/10.
While it’s not a horrible vehicle, the Sequoia has just too many downsides. Its 5.7-liter V8 engine returns terrible fuel economy, but it also has the lowest tow ratings in its class. Unless your bank account is filled to the brim, its high projected ownership costs are another issue to be aware of.
2014 BMW X1
In 2009, the world was introduced to the first-generation BMW X1 SUV. Seeing as it’s built on the same platform as the E90 BMW 3 Series, it’s largely impacted by the same issues.
There are 5 recalls for the BMW X1, related to its electrical and safety components. According to CarComplaints, there are 119 complaints from unhappy owners about various problems and defects, and since it’s a BMW, maintenance costs will be on the higher side.
2015 Jeep Renegade
Over the years, the NHTSA has issued four recalls for the 2015 Jeep Renegade, ranging from problems with the trailer hitch to suspension, powertrain, and electrical issues. However, the recalls don’t seem to have made owners any happier.
The 2015 Jeep Renegade has an overall owner satisfaction score of 1.0 of 5.0 on Consumer Reports. CarEdge also estimates that the average annual maintenance costs are over $1,000.
2023 Volvo XC40
People still consider Volvo a reliable car brand, but it’s been a few years since that has been the case. Consumer Reports gave the Swedish carmaker a reliability rating of 28 out of 100.
The 2023 XC40 is among the brand’s worst cars. While it’s true that a car that’s so new will come with a warranty, it’s annoying to constantly have to go back to the dealership. It’s also estimated that maintenance costs during the first ten years of ownership will be close to $14,000, so it’s not a cheap car to own.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC300
According to J.D. Power, the 2020 GLC300 is less reliable than the GLE250 we mentioned earlier. J.D. Power only gives it a reliability rating of 77 and an overall rating of 79. Most of the owners’ complaints are about the powertrain and electrical system.
The 2020 GLC300 has seen 20 recalls during its four years on the market. According to Edmunds, annual maintenance costs are between $900 and $1,700.
2011 BMW X5
The 2011 BMW X5 is the worst model year for customer satisfaction. In fact, with around 300 NHTSA-registered owner complaints, no other BMW SUV has as many complaints and dissatisfied owners. Car Complaints also state that 2011 X5 owners have reported 450 problems and defects.
Surprisingly, J.D. Power says the 2011 X5 offers average quality and reliability. We would’ve thought it was much worse than that. The X5 has also been recalled 18 times over the years.
2013 Audi Q5
The 2013 Audi Q5 is another stylish German SUV that can potentially give you some costly headaches. It has a reliability score of 3.5/5 and suffers from issues such as a loose timing chain, excessive oil consumption and water pump failure.
The average yearly maintenance is estimated to be just north of $1,000, so it’s not the worst SUV on the used market, but it could certainly be better.
2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a luxury SUV that comes with all the original Land Rover’s off-road credentials. However, it only received a 3.5/5 reliability score and there’s a 49.63% chance that it will need major repairs within its first decade.
The estimated maintenance costs for the first five years is around $4,500, and will most likely increase after that.
2017 Jaguar F-Pace
The F-Pace is the first SUV from British carmaker Jaguar, and it packs all the performance we’ve come to expect in a Jag, but in a more practical package. Jaguar isn’t exactly known to make the most reliable vehicles, and down the road, that can be a costly problem as the F-Pace ages.
It has a 3.5/5 reliability score, and maintenance costs are estimated to be around $4,500 in the first five years. Owners have already complained about multiple issues, including electrical gremlins and timing chain failure.
2015 Buick Encore
Consumer Reports gave the 2015 Buick Encore an overall reliability score of 1.0 out of 5.0. That should be enough to make you steer clear, but if you need more convincing, we can inform you that it also has a 1.0 out of 5.0 owner satisfaction score.
There are problems with the engine, exhaust, electrical system, suspension, and various other components. Unless you enjoy pulling out your hair on a regular basis, we suggest you look for a different SUV.
2016 Fiat 500X
The tiny Fiat 500 hatchback is an Italian icon that’s fun to drive. However, it’s also available as a compact crossover called 500X, and that version should be avoided like the plague.
The NHTSA has received well over 100 complaints about the Fiat 500X regarding engine issues, drivetrain problems, and electrical gremlins. If that doesn’t sound like much, keep in mind that they barely sold any of these vehicles. J.D. Power scores the 2016 Fiat 500X 62/100 for reliability and quality, which is way lower than average.
2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is an affordable compact SUV, but it’s not particularly good. In fact, it’s a rip-off, and we suspect Mitsubishi resurrected the iconic Eclipse name to help make some sales.
The Eclipse Cross is noisy and underpowered, which makes driving longer distances stressful. Interior-wise, there’s not much space for cargo, and operating the infotainment system when driving can be challenging. Testers also gave it a low score for predicted reliability.
Author: Andre Nalin
Expertise: Automotive
