When it comes to reliable cars, SUVs are among every car buyer's favorite choices. They stand the test of time and give their owners little to no hassles in the reliability department. Indeed, one only has to look at the staggering rise in SUV sales over the last decade to know that these jacked-up machines are here to stay.
Some of the most reliable SUVs ever made are of Japanese origin. However, even some SUVs from the likes of Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Subaru are total slouches when it comes to dependability. Take a look at 10 such Japanese machines that may leave you stranded at any given moment by breaking down rather unceremoniously.
10 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder is a solid SUV that ticks many boxes. It is the ultimate off-roader for an adventurous family and a vehicle that can be bought for cheap. However, looking at its history, there are a few models that must be avoided. One such vehicle is the 2007 Pathfinder, which has a reputation for being a rather unreliable SUV.
The 2007 Pathfinder is a dependable vehicle, but with time, a horde of problems shows up. From starter relay failures to a faulty fuel sensor, and from transmission issues to the radiator breaking down, any one of these could leave its driver stranded on the road. Given how serious some of these problems are, they could be stranded for a while.
9 2003 Mazda Tribute
The Mazda Tribute has a reputation for being an unreliable SUV. Mazda generally has a reputation for producing good vehicles, but this was the exception to that rule. It was plagued with so many reliability issues that the company was eventually forced to retire it from the market for good.
A detailed look back at the Tribute reveals its notorious transmission issues that left so many stranded. It was also susceptible to engine breakdowns and occasional spontaneous acceleration. This combination of unreliability and danger made it a vehicle to avoid.
8 2016 Nissan Qashqai
The Nissan Qashqai is one of Nissan's most popular models, sporting attractive styling and impressive versatility. Indeed, it is an SUV that drives like a hatchback, making it a favorite in the Japanese car market. However, while its standards in the driving department are impressively high, the same cannot be said for some models like its 2016 self.
The 2016 Qashqai was prone to alternator and turbocharger problems that made it a nightmare to run. It also had faulty steering and a dodgy suspension that started stuttering after a few thousand miles. It is a shame that it is not a reliable vehicle, for the rest of it is a neat little package.
7 2019 Suzuki Ignis
The Suzuki Ignis is the most adorable AWD off-roader in the market. It is a fascinating SUV that combines the best bits of an SUV and a hatchback, and makes for a great buy if one is looking for a quirky car. However, buyers need to accept that it will not be the most reliable purchase, with some of its problems having the potential to leave its driver stranded if they are not careful.
Common problems in the Ignis include clogged EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valves, faulty steering, dodgy oxygen sensor, and soft inner tie rods. These are not as serious as some of the aforementioned ones, but if not maintained well, they could add up to result in a disaster.
6 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander always aimed to be a practical and affordable SUV. While it has always fulfilled that objective, it has never been the best in its class. That last point becomes more relevant upon owning one for a few years, for it displays substandard reliability that gets worse with time.
The one to avoid is the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander, which comes with a truckload of reliability issues. It has 169 NHTSA complaints and six recalls to its name, which completely destroyed its reputation. Among its many problems is persistent automatic transmission failure, with it being very vulnerable to overheating and making concerning noises. These are things you need to know before buying an Outlander, simply because it is not the kind of SUV anyone would want to own for an extended stint.
5 2014 Toyota Sequoia
For a manufacturer synonymous with bulletproof reliability, even Toyota has had its fair share of unreliable vehicles. In the SUV department, the one that is most likely to leave its driver in a spot of bother is the 2014 Toyota Sequoia. While it has plenty of things going for it, long-term reliability is not its strong suit.
The 2014 Sequoia comes with a transmission that is always one bad day away from giving up the ghost. It starts with harsh shifts at lower speeds and has the potential to end up being a major repair job. It also has some very unreliable electronics that get fried within months of ownership.
4 2006 Nissan Xterra
The 2006 Nissan Xterra is an SUV that is perfect for people who like to live life in the dunes. However, it was also notorious for being an extremely unreliable vehicle that came with plenty of serious problems. Time only made the list of issues bigger, making it one of Nissan's weakest efforts in the reliability department.
The Xterra had a dodgy fuel sensor that gave the driver no indication of the amount of fuel it had in its tank. This could result in serious accidents if it were on the highway or in traffic. It was also vulnerable to transmission issues, fuel injector failure, and radiator leaks, making it an SUV that was extremely unreliable on multiple fronts. Indeed, it is the complete opposite of the perfect apocalypse getaway car.
3 2019 Toyota C-HR
The Toyota C-HR is an aesthetic crossover that shows off a sleek, futuristic design. It comes loaded with features and is one of the best value-for-money vehicles in its class. However, when it comes to reliability, it is not the best and is more likely to break down than one might think.
The 2019 C-HR is a major culprit in this department. It was infamous for its transmission issues, engine problems, and excessive vibrations. It is a shame these took away from what was otherwise a peppy and really lively SUV. Buying a C-HR is still very much viable, but compromises have to be made with the fact that it is not built to last.
2 2014 Subaru Outback
The 2014 Subaru Outback is a decent SUV that can get the job done on the road and off it. Used models sell pretty well in the pre-owned market, with it often considered an alternative to the likes of the Toyota Highlander. However, unlike the latter, it will struggle to hit the 300,000 miles mark without displaying some significant problems.
2014 Outbacks were prone to gulping down oil at an alarming rate thanks to issues with the gaskets. It also displayed shuddering while shifting between gears, which is something that can be quite dangerous. Indeed, the fact that it had more recalls than any other SUV from its time tells the whole story.
1 2004 Infiniti QX56
Nothing screamed 'big, hulking SUV' like the 2004 Infiniti QX56. It was a behemoth that commanded the road with its stature. Infiniti's take on the Nissan Armada was a solid and dependable SUV, save for some problems that could surface if it was not maintained properly.
The QX56 had a weird issue wherein radiator fluid would leak into the transmission, wearing out the latter and eventually resulting in a non-functional gearbox. Its front suspension was also not the best and had to be replaced immediately if it was making popping noises. If it wasn't, it would end up breaking for good and leaving its driver stranded. If taken care of, however, it would last for years and show why it was a superior luxury SUV of its time.