SUVs are the workhorses of the family home. They are the default vehicles for a wide range of tasks that range from grocery runs to a weekend family trip out in the countryside. Today, some SUVs add the thrill of performance driving to the mix. The market is full of options and prospective buyers who cannot afford brand new vehicles will be spoilt for choice in the used car market. However, as with any other used car, some caution is required.
There is nothing worse than spending your hard-earned money on a used SUV that turns out to be a dud; a constant drain on resources due to endless trips to the mechanic's workshop. Always carry out your due diligence before you make the buying decision for a used SUV, but you'll want to be extra careful where your consideration is any of the vehicles on this list.
10 2009 Dodge Journey
The Journey has been on quite a trip (excuse the pun). Production began in 2008 and it's remained a steady, if not outstanding, member of the Dodge lineup ever since. The early models had to navigate some pretty tricky terrain especially when it came to their brakes and rotors. They just were not durable enough and would often require a replacement after a measly 10,000 miles or so.
There have also been several reports about issues with the remote keyless system that would cause it to function intermittently. To be fair, they are issues you can live with. That is if you really love the Dodge Journey.
9 2008 Buick Enclave
2008 was the debut year for this Buick SUV and at the time, it seemed a step in the right direction for a brand that desperately needed revitalization. Unfortunately, as is often the case, things did not go quite as well with the early models.
Some of the cars experienced issues with the transmission programming that in turn, led to cases of high rpm at cruising speeds or improper shifting. You will do well to keep this in mind if you lack options and the 2008 Buick Enclave is the only choice on your radar.
8 2013 Dodge Durango
The Durango was plagued with recalls for the model years 2011 to 2014 and any prospective buyer needs bucket loads of caution in a deal involving one. According to the Cars website, there have been a total of 11 safety recalls for the 2013 Durango SUV with the latest one happening in 2019.
The recalls have covered issues ranging from electrical system failures to airbag defects and brakes. It does the reputation of the car a little good and a full-service report and car history should be the minimum requirement before you purchase one.
7 2014 Nissan Qashqai (Diesel)
In 2021, the automotive website, WhatCar, carried out a survey that utilized data from nearly 13,000 car owners and the 2014 Qashqai emerged as one of the least reliable used SUV options out there today.
According to the survey, the car was plagued by several issues relating to the air conditioning system, infotainment, fuel system, and engine. To be fair, a good number of these faults were rectified under warranty but the question of what happens after the expiration of the warranty coverage is bound to create a few anxious owners.
6 2015 Honda CR-V
Honda usually has a very decent reputation when it comes to the production of reliable vehicles. Unfortunately, the 2015 Honda CR-V was a step out of character for the Japanese carmaker. Several owners reported a niggling issue with vibrations that would just start suddenly while the car was in motion. It was so bad that it could be felt even in some of the passenger seats.
There did not seem to be a proper explanation for this and it ultimately led to a 2015 lawsuit. Honda later did release a technical bulletin to explain scenarios where this could occur and possible fixes. However, be sure to carry out your due diligence before you purchase that 2015 CR-V with the tempting sticker price.
5 2012 Kia Sorento
This model year Sorento has the unwholesome reputation of being one of the worst ever in a lineage that began all the way back in 2002. According to Car Complaints, a website that tracks customer issues, this is one model to steer clear from if you are in the market for a used Sorento.
A worrying number of owners reported engine issues that often led to a complete breakdown in vehicles with mileage that was less than 60,000 miles. The model year has been a subject of a recall by the manufacturer in an attempt to fix these problems but in a market where options abound, you may want to skip the 2012 Sorento altogether.
4 2010 Lincoln MKT
According to Consumer Reports, Lincoln was dead last on this list of the most unreliable luxury brands. It's a stinging indictment for the American carmaker and cars like the Lincoln MKT don't help the matter much. Even the late models have been singled out for poor fuel economy, clumsy handling attributes, and dated interior.
The 2010 Lincoln MKT also suffers from these issues but in addition, there are niggling reliability problems with the air conditioning system and numerous complaints about premature tire wear.
3 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
There's a reason why you can find one of these today for as little as $2,500. The 'bargain' price can be likened to a small piece of cheese used to lure a rat to its doom. The 2005 Equinox was plagued by potentially serious problems, especially with the engine.
There have been hundreds of registered complaints that range from excessive oil consumption, fuel pump failure, and head gasket breakdown. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is non-negotiable and a detailed service history should also be made available for review.
2 2004 Ford Explorer
In January 2020, Ford celebrated an incredible milestone with the production of the 8 millionth Explorer SUV. The jeep is one of the most popular vehicles in the United States and has been around for 3 decades now.
It's a journey that's not been wholly smooth with hiccups like the 2004 model, happening along the way. The 2004 Explorer had a well-recognized transmission failure issue alongside other problems like slipping gears and a flashing O/D light that could be an annoyance especially if you can't find out the reason behind it.
1 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
A quick internet search will reveal the fact that the Grand Cherokee is the most complained-about Jeep product and that is down to models like the one that was introduced in 2011. The SUV is known to suffer from a problematic Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM).
This is essentially like a brain box for all the electrical systems in the car and any defect could manifest in several ways. It could be something as minor as a power window glitch to a major defect like a complete engine shutdown. Again, you have to wonder if it's worth the trouble just to have one in your garage.