While automakers can’t get every inch of their cars to be mint, and most strive to produce reliable vehicles, the world has seen countless horrible cars since the invention of automobiles. This failure doesn’t imply that car manufacturers had ill intentions; it simply means their products failed to meet the industry expectation. What exactly goes wrong? On some occasions, brands attempt to develop revolutionary cars; sometimes, they overengineer the vehicles or make bad in-house decisions, e.g., significant cost-cutting.
What we get as a result are terrible new cars that are unreliable, ugly, horrible to drive, and overpriced for their troubles, which leads them to become a bad value compared to competitors. Some cars are so bad that they become a hard sell, forcing the end of their production. One of the most difficult things as a buyer is figuring out the car that will give you the least headaches. Here, we have compiled a list of 10 new cars that are nothing but a waste of money, highlighting why you should avoid them completely.
10 Chrysler Pacifica
For reasons unknown, Chrysler decided that the 2nd-gen Pacifica should be a minivan, not a crossover like in its first generation. While great for families who need a vehicle with roomy seating and ample cargo space, the Pacifica has always been plagued with reliability issues. 2017-2018 models were the worst but still, its 2022 predicted reliability score is lower than average.
Priced between $38,700 and $59,500, it is the most expensive vehicle in its class. Considering its poor resale value, don't be among those paying a financial penalty come selling time. Opt for rivals' minivans that start out costing less, or go for one of the new, stylish, and competent SUVs for under $30,000.
9 Toyota Mirai
Automakers are moving towards zero-emission vehicles such as electric cars and carbon-neutral fuels. Toyota has been a leading automaker for such innovations, and in 2014, they unveiled the Mirai, a car that runs on hydrogen. A more environmental-friendly car than EVs, its main downside is its lack of practicality.
It has a driving range below 200 miles and taking into account there are very few public hydrogen fuel stations available today (only 43 in the entire US in 2020); the Mirai should only be bought new in 2030. Its global sales were only 17,940 units last year. We'd consider other, cheap EVs that are available in the US, instead.
8 Land Rover Discovery Sport
If you are on the lookout for reliability in a car, steer clear of anything from Land Rover, except for the classic Defender. Compared to its competition, the Discovery Sport emerged as one of the least dependable models and also the worst in its segment, with an overall score of 44/100.
Common problems include oil leaks, failed air suspension, leaking head gasket, coolant leaks, and broken cargo latch. With repairs heavy on the pocket and a thirsty engine, there won't be much that makes you happy by the time its payments are done. If not for its reasonable pricing, the Discovery is a no-go SUV.
7 Jeep Wrangler
![White Jeep Wrangler 4xe [EU] (2021) - Front Angle](https://static1.hotcarsimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/White-Jeep-Wrangler-4xe-EU-(2021)---Front-Angle.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=750&dpr=1.5)
On a list of bad cars, the Jeep Wrangler will attract a divided opinion. To be clear, it’s not a bad car. Its sturdy nature, rigid axle, high ground clearance, and body-on-frame construction makes it the king for off-roading. Trouble starts when you take it out for some highway driving.
The Wrangler is terrible on the tarmac; it drinks fuel at an alarming rate, and its stiff suspension makes it uncomfortable and noisy. Predicted reliability ratings and safety scores are also poor, not forgetting it has suffered from a "Death Wobble" curse for years. Don’t spend over $30,000 on a vehicle that excels only where good roads end.
6 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
The Range Rover Evoque exhibits an exquisite design; any bystander is guaranteed to look at it at least twice. It's an SUV that is popular for its opulence, comfort, and style. But according to consumer reports, it's not very dependable and offers more problems than its high price is worth. Only one luxury SUV has a lower reliability rating than the overpriced Evoque in 2022.
It scored 58 out of 100 on its road test, 2 out of 5 on its predicted reliability rating, as well as owner satisfaction. It might be tempting to take this beast off-road, but you’ll wish you had bought a Toyota SUV instead. Not suited to muddy tires and rough terrain; many return to garages on a flatbed and are expensive to fix.
5 Fiat 500L
Fiat ranks among the oldest vehicle manufacturers and has for a long time made headlines for all the wrong reasons – by producing unreliable cars. While the Fiat 500L is a good choice for someone who prefers small and economical cars, by paying $23,000, what you get is an oddly proportioned car with woeful reliability (29/100 score).
Apart from the divisive styling, many will not like this city car's cheap interior furnishings, tiny trunk, and severe depreciation. The lack of torque gives it sluggish acceleration, while its uncoordinated ride and handling further spoil driving excitement.
4 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross possesses an impressive design and the interior finishes with quality material. It wraps up with a highly-intuitive infotainment system and controls. Judging by the looks, anyone would be tempted to spend on this car, considering its competitive price tag of $23,695.
But things take an abrupt turn when you get to the heart of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Fitted with a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, with 150 hp, it is massively underpowered for a car of its size and weight.
3 Subaru Ascent
Over the years, the Subaru brand has been recognized for its reliability. Unfortunately, the Ascent – the first three-row Subaru SUV — is the family's black sheep. Any recall is always a bad sign; the Ascent had early pointers of it being a problematic model, with 2019 cars recalled due to transmission issues.
Data from the 2020-2021 models revealed little improvement, and now Consumer Reports has given it an 18 out of 100 reliability score. So, why buy a new Subaru Ascent while it will require frequent repairs to its noisy CVT transmission, power equipment, brakes, electronics, and climate system?
2 Alfa Romeo Giulia
Running a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, the Alfa Romeo Giulia is underpowered compared to its German rivals. An Italian car with horrendous reliability, owning it is not for the faint at heart. Consumer Reports gave it a reliability score of only 13/100 in 2021, and so far, it has been recalled 2 times by NHTSA. Axle and suspension problems account for 25% of its faults.
The Giulia is also expensive to maintain, not just because of the car’s reliability history, but also since its components and parts are unique to the brand. Also, compared to its competition – BMW and Mercedes – the Giulia falls short regarding space, comfort, and practicality. You're better off getting one of the German compact-luxury sports sedans instead.
1 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE
How low can a reliability rating get? Well, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE has an abysmal 5 points for reliability, and that’s out of 100 (Consumer Reports) – it’s the least reliable 2022 SUV. Notably, this model has only been available only since 2016. Despite its striking looks and the allure of the Mercedes-Benz badge, it’s the luxury SUV from Germany to not buy.
Significant red flags noted by Consumer Reports include problems with its electrical system, the climate system, and in-car electronics. It also has body integrity and minor engine issues.