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17 WORST Cars That NO ONE Buys According to Consumer Reports

17 WORST Cars That NO ONE Buys According to Consumer Reports

Car Care Clues

3,704,466 views 1 year ago Save 18 min 8 min read

Video Summary

Consumer Reports has identified 17 cars that are financial disasters, plagued by premature engine failures, costly repairs, and poor reliability. The Chevrolet Blazer, starting at $44,000, suffers from engine stalling and electrical issues, while the luxury Lincoln Aviator, priced up to $88,000, faces recalls for faulty airbags and electrical systems. Even the stylish Volvo XC60, at $53,000, has transmission problems and infotainment failures. The electric Rivian R1T, costing over $100,000, is hampered by software glitches and charging difficulties. At the bottom of the list, the Mitsubishi Mirage, despite its low price, is called the worst car due to its weak engine, poor handling, and costly repairs, with an estimated $5,135 in maintenance over 10 years, and is being discontinued in the U.S.

Short Highlights

  • Chevrolet Blazer
  • Lincoln Aviator
  • Volvo XC60
  • Rivian R1T
  • Polestar 2
  • Ford Bronco
  • Buick Encore
  • Dodge Durango
  • Jeep Wrangler
  • Jaguar F Pace
  • Nissan Frontier
  • Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
  • Volkswagen Jetta
  • Land Rover Range Rover Sport
  • Fiat 500L
  • GMC Sierra 1500
  • Mitsubishi Mirage

  • Many vehicles suffer from engine stalling, electrical issues, and premature failures.

  • Repair bills can rival down payments on new cars.
  • The Mitsubishi Mirage is highlighted as the worst, with high repair costs and poor performance.

Key Details

Chevrolet Blazer [00:01:19]

  • The Chevrolet Blazer, priced at $44,000, struggles with engine stalling, electrical issues, and poor reliability, particularly in 2020-2021 models.
  • It offers underwhelming fuel efficiency at 20 MPG, rapid depreciation, high insurance premiums, and subpar crash test results.

    "With a rough driving experience and lagging competitors, the Blazer is a risky and costly SUV choice."

Lincoln Aviator [00:02:17]

  • The Lincoln Aviator, a luxury SUV starting around $53,000, has significant reliability issues, with recalls for electrical systems and faulty airbags affecting 2020-2022 and 2024 models.
  • Its fuel economy is a low 18 MPG combined, and it underperforms compared to competitors like the BMW X5 or Audi Q7.

    "If you're spending this much money, you expect better efficiency."

Volvo XC60 [00:03:11]

  • The Volvo XC60, a $53,000 compact SUV, faces three major recalls for its 2024 model, with common complaints including transmission problems, engine stalling, and infotainment system failures.
  • Driver assist features often malfunction, and its 22 MPG combined fuel efficiency is underwhelming for its price point, with steep maintenance costs.

    "While beautiful and safe, the XC60 struggles to deliver long-term value."

Rivian R1T [00:04:07]

  • The electric Rivian R1T truck, starting at $71,700, is plagued by software glitches, suspension problems, and repair delays, with four recalls in 2024 for issues like airbag and accelerator pedal problems.
  • Its 314-mile range is decent, but limited charging stations and charging interruptions, along with limited technician availability, make long trips challenging.

    "Making the R1T feel more like a gamble than a reliable choice."

Polestar 2 [00:05:11]

  • The Polestar 2 electric vehicle, priced at $49,900, suffers from frequent glitches in its Google-powered infotainment system and a 270-mile EPA estimated range that lags behind rivals.
  • Models from 2021-2022 faced recalls for battery problems that could shut down the high-voltage system, and it has limited service centers and high repair costs.

    "With limited service centers and high repair costs, the Polestar 2 struggles with reliability."

Ford Bronco [00:06:07]

  • The Ford Bronco, with off-road trims starting at $39,630, has significant reliability issues, including recalls for cracked fuel injectors that could cause fires, transmission problems, and noisy engines.
  • Owners report cheap interior materials, an outdated infotainment system, inconsistent build quality, a loud cabin, and poor highway ride comfort with only 17 MPG fuel economy.

    "Build quality is inconsistent, and the removable roof mechanism can be frustrating."

Buick Encore [00:08:09]

  • Despite its ride comfort and space, the Buick Encore's 1.4-liter turbocharged engine is underpowered, leading to issues with acceleration, transmission, air conditioning, and electrical systems.
  • It lacks modern safety features, has a clunky infotainment system, and has faced several recalls, including powertrain and airbag/seatbelt safety concerns.

    "While the Encore offers good initial affordability at around $26,000, the lack of performance makes it a tough choice for long-term ownership."

Dodge Durango [00:09:24]

  • The Dodge Durango, starting around $40,000, boasts a 8,700-pound towing capacity but suffers from poor fuel economy (15 MPG with V8), engine failures, exhaust manifold issues, and below-average safety scores.
  • It lacks key active safety features, feels bulky, and has high maintenance costs and poor resale value, making it an expensive vehicle to own.

    "Despite its performance and towing capabilities, the Durango's flaws make it a tough choice for everyday use."

Jeep Wrangler [00:10:38]

  • The Jeep Wrangler, starting at $33,000, is plagued by electrical problems, rust, engine noise, vague steering, and a bumpy ride due to its firm suspension.
  • Multiple recalls include faulty fuel lines, airbag defects, and structural cracks, with poor fuel efficiency (19 MPG), limited storage, and high depreciation making it a poor financial choice.

    "Owners often find themselves upside down on their loans, making it a poor financial choice."

Jaguar F Pace [00:11:55]

  • The Jaguar F Pace luxury SUV, starting at $58,375, suffers from widespread electrical problems, particularly with the infotainment system, excessive oil consumption, and failing fuel pumps.
  • It has faced recalls for faulty brake systems, and Jaguar ranked 29th out of 32 manufacturers in a reliability survey, indicating frequent repair shop visits.

    "It drives like a dream when it's not in the shop, one reviewer said."

Nissan Frontier [00:13:05]

  • Older Nissan Frontier models (2005-2010, 2013-2018) are particularly problematic, with transmission failures, engine issues, defective airbags, paint chipping, and faulty fuel systems.
  • Even newer models fall short compared to competitors, with stiff rides, basic interiors, and recalls on airbags and brake components; production is set to end March 31, 2025.

    "While it has a loyal fan base, this truck may not be for everyone."

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid [00:14:18]

  • The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, starting at $44,145, faces serious reliability issues, including problems with its EV battery, in-car electronics, and charging system in the 2021 model.
  • The 2023 model was recalled due to a defective wiring connector that could cause the engine to stall, with over 67,000 units recalled from 2017-2023.

    "While it's fuel-efficient and eco-friendly, its long-term reliability is questionable."

Volkswagen Jetta [00:15:29]

  • The Volkswagen Jetta, starting at $21,995, is tarnished by reliability issues across various model years, including transmission failures, engine stalling, and electrical problems leading to costly repairs.
  • Recalls for defective fuel lines and airbag malfunctions, along with average crash test ratings and criticisms of cheap interior materials, make it a questionable choice for dependability.

    "If you're looking for a dependable sedan, better options exist."

Land Rover Range Rover Sport [00:16:43]

  • The Land Rover Range Rover Sport, with prices starting at $85,175, is known for high maintenance costs due to complex systems and technology, leading to expensive repairs.
  • The worst years, 2006-2008 and 2013, faced significant engine, transmission, and electrical issues, adding to the already high cost of ownership.

    "The complexity of its systems, parts, and technology can lead to expensive repairs."

Fiat 500L [00:18:12]

  • The Fiat 500L, starting at $24,000, is notorious for transmission failures and engine stalling in models from 2014-2017, with repair costs quickly adding up.
  • It officially discontinued in 2021, it suffered from a cramped interior, poor fuel efficiency (25 MPG), a bumpy ride, and significant value depreciation, losing 50% in three years.

    "Though it seemed promising at first, the Fiat 500L ended up being a costly mistake for many."

GMC Sierra 1500 [00:19:18]

  • The GMC Sierra 1500, priced between $38,945 and $86,690, has serious reliability issues, particularly in 2014-2019 models, with transmission failures, engine troubles, and faulty electronics.
  • It faces common recalls for brake system failures and fire risks, averages only 17 MPG, has high insurance costs, and is considered less dependable than the Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

    "If you're looking for a reliable truck, the GMC Sierra 1500 should probably stay off your list."

Mitsubishi Mirage [00:20:21]

  • The Mitsubishi Mirage, one of the cheapest cars available, is criticized for its weak, noisy, vibrating three-cylinder engine, sluggish acceleration, clumsy handling, and low-rent interior with cheap materials.
  • It has a history of recalls, including airbag failures due to faulty sensors, aggressive brakes, AC issues, and transmission problems, with an estimated $5,135 in repairs over 10 years, and is being discontinued in the U.S.

    "The Mitsubishi Mirage has received several negative reviews, and for good reason."

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