Corrosion or rust is one of the worst things that can happen to your car. Even as technology advanced and cars have gotten better and more reliable, rust is still a huge problem.

It is actually surprising how many modern cars suffer from rust. Sure, it was a huge issue with classic cars, but there are plenty of models released in the last decade that still have trouble fending off corrosion and water damage.

Surprisingly, even the most reliable and expensive brands struggle to keep car rust at bay. So, for this list, we've compiled the 15 cars that have all suffered from rust issues in recent years, from brand new vehicles to lightly used ones.

15 Toyota Rav4

via Digital Trends

Toyota is famed for having some of the best quality cars out there. But whilst the Rav4 is reliable and safe, that doesn’t mean it does not have its issues. And sadly, Consumer Reports list that owners' biggest issues with these cars are corrosion and rust, even on some of the later models.

14 Lexus LS

via Performance Drive

The problem even carries over to Toyota's luxury branch - Lexus. I guess you could think about it as a luxury Camry. And whilst the Camry is certainly prone to rust, the LS is not so much. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t suffer, and on occasion, it certainly does - especially considering the price you pay.

13 Vauxhall Corsa

via Car Magazine

According to ‘The Sun’ newspaper in the UK, the Corsa is one of the most rust-prone cars out there. Which is a surprise, given that newer models are vastly superior to their earlier counterparts. But sadly it’s true, Corsa’s do very much suffer although thankfully the cars have got much better with it over the years.

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12 Volkswagen Polo Hatch

via Car Mudi

Volkswagen is quite famous for their hot hatchbacks. To enter, the Polo Hatch. These are some of the best little cars that money can buy and they are great fun to throw around. But they aren’t without their issues. According to ‘The Sun’, the Polo Hatchback is one of the top eight cars affected by rust in the UK, which does not reflect well on Volkswagen at all.

11 Nissan Altima

2019 Nissan Altima 2.5 S
via Digital Trends

For whatever reason, the car is highly susceptible to rust. Floorboards corrode rapidly and according to so sites like Consumer Guide, they rust like mad and red paint will quickly turn brown.

10 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

via AutoCar

This is another car that featured on The Sun’s list of cars that would rust the most in the UK. The Range Rover Sport is one of the best off-roading machines out there, but for years, they have been plagued with rust issues. Add to that the poor fuel economy, and they are major enough issues that would make you think twice before buying.

RELATED: 15 Cars That Look Good Rocking A Rusty Rat Look (And 1 That Looks Hideous)

9 Jeep Wrangler

via Motoroids

I have covered the Jeep Wrangler on a few occasions, and what is sad is that it is a supreme off-roading machine. But god is it bad when it comes to rust. It was unveiled in 2006 and has always been in production since, and again The Sun reported that it was highly susceptible to rust.

8 Ford Fiesta

via Car Buyer

It’s quite sad, actually, that the Ford Fiesta is a car prone to rust. Because it’s a great car. It has been around in various forms since 1976, but sales have fallen over the years especially in Europe. And once again, it was very high on The Sun’s list of cars that were prone to rust. Even newer editions such as the 2019 and 2020 issues don’t escape.

7 BMW 3 Series

via Motor Authority

Now from my research, it seemed quite hit and miss as to whether the BMW 3 Series actually did have rust issues. But the fact some places reported it did mean it was going to make this list. Cold weather according to BMW Blog seems to affect the BMW’s more than in other types of climate.

6 Audi A3

via Car Advice

Audi is one of Europe’s best car brands. And the A3 is certainly one of their best cars. As recent as 2015, Audi A3’s were listed as having rust issues on forums such as R3OC that went as far as reaching the disc bells and hub, plus the calipers as well. Really not what you want from a new car at all.

5 Mazda 3

via Car Magazine

You knew this was coming, didn’t you? Sadly, for all its good points, the Mazda 3 is famous for having rust issues galore. Which sucks, because it not only looks good, but it drives good as well. It wasn’t really addressed until the second generation of models but even then the cars still suffer and so do the sales figures as a result. A shame.

RELATED: 16 Coolest Vintage Trucks That Went From Rust To Brand New

4 Mini Cooper

via Car Magazine

Is this a surprise to some? I doubt it. The modern Mini really isn’t a Mini. It just isn’t. It is much bigger than the original Mini’s and it is effectively a BMW, as they own the Mini brand. And it was an Austin Mini originally too. Anyway, older models of the reboot suffered from major rust issue and even now, you have to stay on top of things.

3 Kia Forte

via Leith Cars

A Kia? With rust issues? Well, it probably isn’t going to be widely reported as some cars with said issues, but that doesn’t mean that the car escapes it. Because it doesn’t. 2014 editions have been known to rust after just a couple of years, and given how the car isn’t that different in 2020 it will probably suffer again a couple of years down the line.

2 Honda Civic

via Top Speed

Honda is surely one of the best automotive manufacturers to ever come out of Japan. And the Civic is one of the best cars that the company makes. As Torque News states, the Civic has had rust issues all through its life although they are now less susceptible to these issues. Which is just as well, because overall, the car is great.

1 Hyundai Sonata

via The Car Connection

Hyundai does seem to get better and better each year. Their cars are becoming more popular, but many did the Sonata have a rough time. 200,000 odd were recalled in 2013 due to rust problems according to the LA Times, and various other sites such as Faulkner have reported ways to try and keep your Sonata rust free.

Sources: The Car Connection, Top Speed, Leith Cars, Car Magazine, Digital Trends

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