Over the years, European automakers have earned a reputation for making cars that excel most in speed, styling, luxury, and handling. Unfortunately, sustainable reliability is rarely the most outstanding quality associated with European brands. And that's a significant portion of the automotive pie considering European cars make up approximately 21% of the global passenger car population, second only to automobiles from greater China.

Related: 9 Blisteringly Fast Chinese Cars You've Never Heard Of

Nonetheless, it's worth noting that European brands that target mass markets are relatively more successful at producing reliable cars, unlike automakers who prefer to market luxurious cars and stunning supercars. From this disparity in target markets arises a contrast between European manufacturers who take pride in their vehicles' dependability and those who prioritize sheer performance and unbridled opulence. From our analysis of survey data, here's a list of European cars that'll last forever and those that will bankrupt you.

10 Will Run Forever: Audi Q5

2023 Audi Q5
Audi

For enthusiasts looking to drift from the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape, Audi's best-selling Q5 is an excellent option for long-term reliability. The first generation Q5 won an above-average number of new customers' hearts to cement itself as one of the world's most successful SUVs in its class.

The 2017 Q5 is the most favorable model year since it's the last year of the first-generation model, and Audi had worked out most of the bugs that created reliability problems when the model made its debut. According to J.D. Power, the 2017 Q5 scored an impressive 82 out of 100 for quality and reliability, despite the five recalls issued by the NHTSA.

9 Will Bankrupt You: Volvo XC90

Volvo XC90 2022
 Volvo

Swedish automaker Volvo has gradually built an excellent reputation for occupant protection through its hell-bent ethos of safety over everything. However, the update for the second-generation XC90 arrived with hybrid variants, drivetrains, new technology, and safety systems that have complicated the SUV's overall maintenance and reliability.

Related: Mid-Size Luxury SUV: Why The 2022 Volvo XC90 Is The Best Option For Family Trips

Consumer Reports cited the climate system, drive system, body hardware, and brakes as the most significant issues with the XC90, awarding 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2021 model years an abysmal predicted reliability rating of 1 out of 5. J.D. Power corroborates these XC90 ratings with average to fair predicted reliability scores ranging between 60 and 70 out of 100.

8 Will Run Forever: Porsche 987 Boxster S

Porsche 987 Boxster
via: Mecum

The second generation Boxster debuted with a refined design language comprising a new headlight design, powerfully sweeping contours, a rear end with distinctive joint lines, and an ergonomically optimized interior. Like its predecessors, the 987 Boxster S is hampered by IMS bearing failure that causes catastrophic engine damage.

However, Porsche later discontinued the IMS bearing in its models, narrowing down the list to post-2008 as the most reliable models. Impressively, the NHTSA records indicate that the 987 Boxster received only one recall throughout its production period, issued in 2011 for faulty sun shields. Currently, Consumer Reports ranks Porsche as the second most reliable European brand after Mini.

7 Will Bankrupt You: Mercedes-Benz GLE

2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Mercedes-Benz

The GLE became the best-selling Mercedes-Benz in the SUV segment by combining superior ride quality with robustness, versatility, and efficient, state-of-the-art drive technology. However, the fourth-generation GLE introduced in 2020 has undone the excellent reputation built through the years by registering worrying reliability ratings.

According to NHTSA data archives, the 2020 GLE received 31 recalls ranging from fuel leaks to overheating electrical cables, faulty emergency call systems, inoperable rearview camera display, unsecured wiring, faulty exterior lighting, water intrusion from AC drain hose, airbag deployment issues, and electronic stability control malfunction. Although Mercedes-Benz solved most of these bugs for the 2021 model, Consumer Reports awarded the 2022 model a 1/5 predicted reliability score, a red flag that the new GLE could bankrupt you still. ​​​​​

6 Will Run Forever: BMW Z4

BMW-Z4
via: BMW

BMW has had an impressive history with classy roadsters, and the Z4 has held its own since its debut in 2002. Aside from recurring recalls for PCV heater short circuits and electrical issues with safety belt tensioners and the retractable roof, the BMW Z4 is a solid roadster with above-average reliability ratings.

Related: 10 Things To Know Before Buying The 2022 BMW Z4

The BMW Z4 has had meager consumer complaints rates and reasonable maintenance costs, not to mention minimal recall from the NHTSA. As a brand, BMW has recently dropped three positions in Consumer Reports' auto reliability rankings. Still, new Z4 models are expected to have about average predicted reliability compared to other new cars.

5 Will Bankrupt You: Fiat 500L

Red Fiat 500L
FCA Media

The four-door 500L crossover SUV was a grown-up version of the tiny Dante Giacosa-designed 1957 Fiat 500 that made a mark for its low price, city functionality, and admirable economy. Unlike the original 500, the bloated 500L struggled to make waves in the market, with poor consumer reviews and disappointing reliability ratings dominating most of its production period.

Don't let the retro, European aesthetics and cute design elements fool you because Consumer Reports gave the Fiat 500L a dismal score of 29 out of 100. Fiat ran into severe issues with the 500L, further evidenced by the 1/5 score issued for both predicted reliability and owner satisfaction and the 2/5 score for ride comfort, transmission, and cargo space.

4 Will Run Forever: Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen-Golf_GTI_US-Version
via: Volkswagen

The legendary Golf has been in production for almost five decades, establishing itself as a European best-seller that truly redefined the meaning of a hot hatch and revolutionized the hatchback segment. Although predicted reliability scores for the high-performance Golf GTI have been a big letdown for several years, the standard Golf has maintained above-average scores on the reliability scale.

According to the complaints against the Golf, it's advisable to avoid Golf models fitted with the problematic DSG transmission, especially before the 2013/14 model year. RepairPal awarded the Golf a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability score with a below-average frequency of unscheduled repairs, while J.D. Powers has consistently given an average score between 70 and 80 out of 100.

3 Will Bankrupt You: Land Rover Discovery

2022 Land Rover Discovery Sport
via: Land Rover

The Discovery was among the first pioneers of the refined off-road capable family car niche with commendable towing prowess, serving the role that Land Rover initially intended for the luxurious Range Rover. As a brand, Land Rover places 31st out of 32 brands with a shocking overall score of 46 out of 100, mainly due to its dreadful reliability score.

Related: 10 Things To Know Before Buying The 2022 Land Rover Discovery

According to Consumer Reports, the woeful reliability score dragged down the Discovery's overall score to 45 out of 100. The Discovery is riddled with issues such as leaking head gaskets, coolant leaks, leaking air springs, front differential failure, main bearing failure, sticking thermostat, clogged radiators, sticky ignition switch, and rear cargo door latch failure.

2 Will Run Forever: Mercedes-Benz GLK

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLK350 4MATIC
via Mercedes-Benz USA

The GLK's controversial styling did not invoke the pride and lust that other Mercedes-Benz offerings did at its debut, but its likable package still offered buckets of charm and competence. Furthermore, the GLK is one of the most reliable Mercedes-Benz SUVs from the 2010s, with a 5th out of 11 RepairPal reliability rank rated at 3.5 out of 5.0.

Despite the recurring NHTSA recalls involving faulty airbags and oil leaks, J.D. Power awarded the GLK a great quality and reliability score, averaging 85 out of 100 throughout its production period. According to Kelley Blue Book, data from consumer reviews revealed that the GLK received a 4.7 out of 5 for reliability.

1 Will Bankrupt You: Maserati Quattroporte V

Maserati has built the Quattroporte since the 1960s, but the fifth iteration introduced in 2003 raised the bar with elegant Pininfarina styling and outstanding performance courtesy of Ferrari-derived engines. Buying a Quattroporte V is considered one of the best ways to look rich for under $20,000, but ironically, maintaining one for everyday use is a fast way to bankruptcy.

Significant electrical glitches seem to have a life of their own, and low mileage is surprisingly no guarantee of reliability for this exotic sedan. As if that's not enough, the scarily immense complexity of the Quattroporte V makes it a pain to work on once they start going wrong, meaning you'd have to spend a lot to babysit.