As an automotive writer, people often ask me what the worst cars on the market are that should be avoided at all costs. After test driving and reviewing countless models over the years, I’ve come up with this definitive list of 18 nightmarish cars and trucks you must never own based on their poor reliability, dismal safety ratings, and terrible resale value. Steer clear of these roadside headaches waiting to happen.
Fiat 500L
Fix It Again Tony still rings true with the horribly unreliable 500 minivan. Its transmission is prone to premature failure along with the air conditioning, electrical components, and check engine lights popping on constantly. It’s barely able to move under its own power even with low miles. Owners report getting stranded repeatedly by these rolling lemons.
Jeep Compass
Don’t be fooled by the Jeep badge. The Compass is a poorly engineered compact SUV with shoddy workmanship and materials from Fiat Chrysler. Engine stalling, jerky transmission performance, excessive oil consumption, and leaky roofs signal its low quality. Steer clear of this unreliable pretender that tarnishes the Jeep name.
Land Rover Discovery
Beautifully styled but mechanically cursed, the Discovery’s air suspension fails regularly while the complex electronics short out and show faulty messages. Add in coolant leaks, electrical gremlins, and major engine problems for a cozy spot in the shop. Unless you have the budget for endless repairs, avoid this trap.
Nissan Versa
Among the cheapest new cars you can buy, the Versa falls apart quickly in just a few years. Constant fit-and-finish problems arise, including peeling paint, sticking windows, and chintzy plastic materials that break easily. Avoid at all costs.
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Retro styled but quality deprived, the PT Cruiser is a rolling mechanical nightmare. Dreadful driving dynamics combined with the worst reliability rating of any car according to CR make this a used car to avoid. Only masochists and mechanics looking for easy work should consider buying one of these four-wheeled disasters.
Fiat 500
Cute only gets you so far. Fiat’s tiny car is afflicted with never-ending electronics issues, turbo failures, engine stalls, and jerky dual-clutch transmission problems from the day it rolls off the lot. Constant check engine lights and service visits follow. Lemon law lawyers love it.
Ford Fiesta
Do you want a transmission that randomly slips gears, shudders, and feels like it’s falling apart? No? Then skip the economy car plagued with horrendous PowerShift dual-clutch transmission problems.
Volkswagen Beetle
Despite the cute, iconic styling, this modern Bug is a reliability dud. Oil leaks, electrical shorts, turbo replacements, emission equipment defects, and stalling should squash any nostalgia for the reborn Beetle.
BMW X3
Excessive oil consumption, evaporator leaks, failed mass air flow sensors, and blown turbocharger lines are just the tip of the iceberg for BMW’s cursed compact SUV. Steep repair bills starting early in its life make the X3 a used car to avoid.
Alfa Romeo Giulia
When it runs properly the Giulia is a driver’s car, but that’s not often. From wiring harness failures to faulty gas gauges, the beautiful Italian sedan is a rolling electrical nightmare.
Land Rover Range Rover
Between its perpetually failing air suspension, chronic check engine lights, faulty infotainment systems, and widely reported leaky sunroofs, the Range Rover is in the shop so often it might as well come with a reserved parking spot.
Ford Explorer
The Explorer routinely suffers from premature transmission failure, leaky valve covers, faulty shifting, and driveshaft issues, especially on earlier models. Add steering wheel vibration and alignment problems on top. Constant visits to the mechanic will become the norm if you make the mistake of buying this SUV.
Volvo XC90
Volvo can’t seem to fix the glitchy infotainment system in the XC90, which freezes and reboots endlessly. Combine that with shoddy transmissions and you’ve got an expensive Swedish money pit. There are better options out there unless you enjoy the frustration of ergonomic issues and poor reliability.
Jeep Renegade
From stalling engines to leaking sunroofs, flimsy components, and no air conditioning, reliability is virtually non-existent in Jeep’s compact SUV. Perhaps the worst model from Fiat Chrysler in recent history.
Nissan Rogue
The dreaded continuously variable transmission failures requiring complete replacements continue to haunt the Rogue crossover. Combine that with wiring harness failures, faulty brake sensors, and bad gas mileage and it’s an all-around unreliable ride.
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Major engine problems like timing chain failures in the GLE are concerning but complex electronics issues like sensors going bad seemingly overnight push this pricey Mercedes onto the avoid list. You’ll need a second job to cover the exorbitant repair bills.
Cadillac XT5
Despite refinement and style, the XT5 luxury crossover is crippled by the awful nine-speed automatic transmission that hesitates, jerks, and slips constantly. Combine transmission replacements with electrical gremlins and it’s an ownership experience to forget.
Infiniti QX50
Problematic transmissions continue to plague Infiniti’s compact crossover, requiring expensive replacements. Combine that with glitchy infotainment systems and faulty engine components, leading to a low quality ownership experience. If you’re car shopping, cross these lemons off your list no matter how attractive the ad or test drive. Don’t become another victim who overlooked the legion of breakdown-prone cars that should never have left the factory. Remember to research reliability ratings on any model you’re considering – the endless repair bills aren’t worth the false savings on purchase price. Your mechanic will thank you.
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Justin Deagle
Justin Deagle has over 7 years of professional editorial experience writing and editing for both print and digital publications. He has covered a wide range of topics but is most passionate about sports, entertainment, and men's lifestyle subjects. Justin joined the team in 2023 and is excited to provide our male readership with engaging content on the topics they care about most. When he's not researching and writing, Justin enjoys traveling, golfing, and seeking out new adventures.
