Generally, luxury SUVs can be everything you want them to be and more. They have excellent form and style. They deliver stellar performance. And of course, they know how to make you comfortable. If you’ve got the budget for it, luxury SUVs are always an excellent option. Even better, the likes of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Bentley, Porsche, and more have various SUV models that you can choose from.
Unfortunately, there are also some luxury SUVs that developed issues over the years. Because of this, these luxury cars would spend more time at the mechanic than on the road with you. Be aware of these problems if you're in the market for a used car.
10 2006 Lexus RX400H
Sure, hybrids are pretty popular today, even among car buyers who aren’t necessarily looking to buy a luxury vehicle. However, you must keep in mind that some of these hybrids can be a disappointment, such as the 2006 RX400H.
Over the years, this luxury SUV has already been the subject of six recalls. One of the recalls was issued because of a problem in the car’s Intelligent Power Module that can cause the car to go into a fail-safe or limp-home mode. This would limit the car’s drivability and even increase the risk of a crash.
9 2005 Infiniti FX35
Unfortunately, the 2005 FX35 has already been the subject of nine recalls and two investigations. One of the recalls was issued in 2005 after it was discovered that the car’s fuel filler hose may crack and cause a fuel leak. If this occurs near an ignition source, a fire can also possibly occur.
In addition, another recall was issued in the same year because it was found that lower anchorage brackets in the rear seats do not meet the standard location requirement, making it difficult to attach car seats.
8 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
It certainly is troublesome to learn that a luxury SUV such as the 2016 GLE-Class has already been the subject of 15 recalls over the years. Three of the recalls involving this GLE-Class have been linked to the car's electrical system and two of these issues involved the car’s engine control unit (ECU) software.
It was found that the car’s engine may unexpectedly shut down as the car brakes or accelerates following an ECO start. In addition, it was also found that the car’s rear driveshaft in the power train may loosen and proceed to separate from the vehicle.
7 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport
The 2016 Discovery Sport has been the subject of recalls for a number of different reasons. Five of these recalls were done due to an ongoing issue with the locks and linkages in this Discovery Sport.
As it turns out, there is a problem with the car’s Keyless Vehicle Latching system. Because of this, the doors may appear to be closed even if it is still unlatched, and they may open unexpectedly while the car is in motion. In addition, it was also found that an assembly error can lead to the failure of the front lower control arm fasteners in the car’s suspension.
6 2017 Audi Q7
Over the years, the 2017 Q7 has already been subjected to seven recalls. One of the recalls was issued as early as September 2016 when it was found that the car’s electric power steering assist control unit may suddenly short circuit.
If this happens, the car can suddenly lose power steering assist, making the car harder to control. An additional steering issue also led to another recall last March when it was found that the bolt which connects the car’s steering shaft and steering gear may come loose.
5 2015 Lincoln MKC
15 recalls have already been made regarding the 2015 MKC. One of the earliest recalls was done in January 2015 after it was found that the fuel pump was manufactured with improper plating. Because of this, the fuel pump may fail unexpectedly, and the SUV could stall.
The following year, another recall was issued after it was found that a component in the car’s door latches may break, preventing the doors from being securely closed. Unfortunately, there were also issues with the previous repair done. Because of this, another recall involving the car’s doors was issued just last June.
4 2010 BMW X5
The X5 is generally a good SUV but perhaps, you’d want to avoid the 2010 model if you’re currently shopping for used luxury SUVs. What is most alarming about the 2010 X5 is that it’s already been the subject of 20 recalls.
Of these, six issues involve problems with the car’s engine and engine cooling. Among these are two recalls regarding the car’s engine belt idler pulley bolt that may suddenly loosen or even break. If this happens, the car will lose its power-assisted steering without warning.
3 2003 Cadillac Escalade
The Escalade is another popular SUV model. Just so you know, however, the 2003 model has already been the subject of seven recalls. One of these recalls was issued as early as August 2002 when it was found that some all-wheel-drive units were manufactured without a power steering bracket.
Because of this, the cable insulation can become worn out and possibly cause an electrical short and engine compartment fire. Meanwhile, another recall was issued after a problem was detected in the car’s wheel hub assembly, which can cause tire separation.
2 2004 Porsche Cayenne
Over the years, the 2004 Cayenne has become the subject of eight recalls. One of the recalls was done because it is believed that the main wiring harness may have been routed incorrectly. Because of this, there can be an eventual failure of the several electrical systems in the car.
Aside from this, a recall was also issued after it was found that the seat frames on the driver side may not have been properly welded. Because of this, the seat frame could break in case of a car crash.
1 2019 Bentley Bentayga
The 2019 Bentayga may be relatively new, but it’s already become the subject of three recalls. One of the recalls was issued because it is believed that a fuel link quick connector in the car’s engine compartment may leak. If this happens near an ignition source, a fire may also occur.
In addition, a recall was also issued last February because it is believed the side curtain airbags in the car may not inflate properly when needed. Meanwhile, the most recent recall was done in March because of an issue involving the upper seat belt attachment in the third-row seats.