The market for used cars offers a wide variety of Japanese SUVs. The Japanese car models are well-built and typically offer unbeatable reliability. Based on consumer reports the most reliable SUV brand is Toyota, with the second Japanese giant Honda following close behind. When choosing the most reliable SUV to buy used, the list will definitely include names like the Toyota Rav-4 or Honda CRV. The same brands remain in tight competition to see who can last the longest.
As with many things, there is always the good and most surely the bad. Despite some having average to good reliability ratings from authorities such as JD Power and Consumer Reports, the vehicles listed carry hefty repair bills, factory faults and severe nuisances which can really drain your pocket and weaken your mental fortitude. Here are a few Japanese SUVs that you should probably steer clear of.
10 Mitsubishi Pajero - Reliability 80/100
The Mitsubishi Pajero is a 4WD full size SUV first manufactured in 1981. Since then, it has evolved over the decades making improvements in some areas but simultaneously drops the ball in some.The 2011 model seems to be rather troublesome according to most owners. The 2011 Pajero power plants have several versions which range from a 3.8-liter V6 gasoline engine packing 250 hp to a less powerful 3.2-liter diesel engine with 160 hp.
Rust was a very massive issue. Many owners noted that the extensive rust issues were unusual, especially when considering the climate conditions, and the age and distance covered. Owners have also complained about an unsettling rumbling or whirring noise which is audible when driving at high speeds. The presence of black smoke with low power during acceleration and the lack of an overdrive option should be enough to seal the deal.
9 Toyota C-HR - Reliability 81/100
The Toyota C-HR is a small crossover, designed to integrate the driving experience of a sedan with the increased seating position of an SUV. The C-HR has a distinct coupe-like sloped roof body style. The interior is laced with soft-touch material combined with plastic door panel inserts with stylish geometric patterns. These patterns are highlighted at night in the Limited trim by soft ambient lighting. Clearly, the C-HR’s styling is what attracts interest.
As mentioned at the outset however, all that glitters is not gold. Despite its decent reliability score, failing transmissions were heralded in by humming sounds which progressed into grinding, whiny sounds. One specific case saw the transmission failing at just 10,500 miles after purchase. The shot AC system starting blowing warm air just months after purchase. Anothr worrying issue was the battery dying after a single day of inactivity. All of these headaches listed were shortly after purchasing this vehicle brand new.
8 Infiniti QX80 - Reliability 79/100
The Infiniti QX80 is a full-size SUV available in rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive configuration, that can seat up to eight people in three rows. It is powered by a 5.6-liter V-8 engine that paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission producing an impressive 400 hp. The highest trim level dubbed "Limited" features 22-inch wheels, ash wood trim, satin-chrome finishes and other high-end features and finishes.
One of the most recorded complaints about the 2019 model was the battery issue. The battery drain was severe, unexpected and in some cases left drivers stranded. Further electrical issues saw the alternator failing prematurely and was assumed to be the reason the battery performance was shabby. The rear camera would work intermittently, the brake pedal was faulty, the fuel gauge was faulty and the fuel pressure sensor would leak.
7 Mitsubishi Outlander - Reliability 71/100
The Mitsubishi Outlander has been sold since 2003. It has since been trying to excel, but it seems to be always outperformed by the competition. The Outlander is a seven-seater SUV equipped with features that provide practicality and comfort. Mitsubishi had promised owners that they would "get thunderstruck" acquiring an Outlander. However, the troublesome 2014-2018 group has only left individuals struck with shock from a financial thunderbolt.
According to recall documents, some vehicles had defective relays that caused various engine issues such as stalling, reduced engine power, and overheating. The low crash rating went hand in hand with its faulty airbags. Many models had automatic transmission failure. To top it off there were unsettling rattling noises coming from the engine. Factory paint was of poor quality. An average 11,400 miles saw paint ripples and chips which went on to rust.
6 Nissan Pathfinder - Reliability 77/100
The Nissan Pathfinder is a dependable SUV new or used, but being around for 30+ years it has its fair share of problems. It's probably best if you stay away from the Pathfinder from the 2005–2007 years. Equipped with optional 4WD powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder diesel or a 4.0-liter V6 petrol engine. Both engines produced 174 hp and 269 hp respectively.
These Pathfinders had a severe issue with coolant leaking into the transmission. A defective part within the coolant system would typically break down, causing coolant to mix with the transmission fluid. This critical failure event was dubbed "Strawberry Milkshake of Death" (or SMOD) because of the color the fluid mixture produced.The gasoline engine was known for loss of power and bucking during acceleration.
5 Suzuki Ignis - Reliability 58/100
This small Japanese SUV comes in a rugged optional four-wheel-drive package. The Suzuki Ignis looks like an SUV that was shrunk to the size of a compact entry-level hatchback and it doesn’t have many direct rivals. The Ignis is powered by a 1.2-liter 4-cylinder engine which can be paired to a 5-speed manual or automatic CVT transmission. Here are a few of the most common issues reported by consumers.
Ignition switches were reported to randomly start smoking. This was caused by a bad electrical cable bridge in the ignition or from carbonized grease lodged inside the switch. A faulty roll bar from the factory resulted in regular creaking or squeaky noise going over bumps or even turning the steering wheel. Models were even recalled due to increase risk of fires due to the fuel leaks as a result of faulty manufacturing processes.
4 Nissan Juke - Reliability 79/100
The Nissan Juke offers punchy engines, good handling, all coupled with a comfortable ride. Drawbacks include its lack of cargo space and not so good reliability rating. Not many persons like the Juke; this may be attributed to its quirky borderline ugly exterior design. The cabin is mostly clad in padded materials, with the front seats being rather supportive.
The sunroof is known to rattle and eventually shatter exploding into many pieces. Nissans' faulty glass tempering process is to blame for this crazy dangerous occurrence. Something serious to bear in mind. You're welcome for the heads-up. Get it? The engine, transmission and fuel system will not cease to amaze. From failure to start, blown turbos and engines, smacked transmissions and electrical issues, these Jukes are loaded.
3 Subaru Outback - Reliability 73/100
The Subaru Outback is a very popular SUV that's been in production since 1995. The body style has remained mostly the same with four doors with easy access for passengers. The rear hatch and roof rack allows the Outback to carry plenty of cargo both inside and on the roof accordingly. The Outback has good towing capacity, enough for towing a jet skis or fishing boats on the weekend.
Subaru models are known for their nasty oil issues. This SUV is no different. The Outback engine oil leak has been passed down over the years and is basically a mechanical heirloom at this point. Outbacks tend to suffer from cracked oxygen sensors that fail affecting fuel economy and causing rough running. A slight amount of warping caused head gaskets to fail and allow oil to leak from within the engine bay.
2 Acura MDX - Reliability 78/100
The 2023 MDX boasts a 290 hp V-6 engine balanced on a double-wishbone front suspension for sharp cornering. The MDX Type S cranks 355 hp from a turbo V-6 engine with available air suspension. Despite being backed by Honda's legendary reliability, the MDX has its fair share of nuisances that spans different generations.
Early 2000 models from the first generations transmissions suffered severe failure. Poor acceleration, slipping, shuddering, hard shifts and failure to select gears were all a part of the nightmare. Some owners ended up having to replace the transmission not only once, but twice. Second-gen models from 2007 to 2009 used piston rings which clogged easily with carbon buildup resulting in excessive oil consumption. The suspension system is known for making loud clunking noises. Sport and Advance models, came with an electronic Adaptive Damper System (ADS) which used magnetic struts to provide improved handling. These tend to fail prematurely and with no aftermarket options, these are expensive replacements.
1 Mazda Tribute - Reliability 57/100
Mazda has a wide variety of vehicles on the market with many being in production for a relatively long time. The interior is roomy providing adequate comfort. Mazda marketed the Tribute as the Miata of SUVs, a claim that was supported by owners who described the Tribute as fun to drive, some stating that it was a truck that drove like a car. Despite this the Tribute didn't have a long life on the market.
Rusting was a sore point for this SUV. Wheel wells rusted out, and the struts also rusted badly early on in the life of the new vehicle. Recalls were executed for faulty fuel delivery modules which were sending fuel through small cracks and onto hot surfaces. There was a very dangerous problem which caused the power steering to randomly disable. Further inconveniences would include stalling after a cold start and the ac blower motor malfunctioning.