Manufacturers of the goods we use build their reputations through years of selling quality products. Consumers are keen to spot quality, and they demand that every dollar spent is worth the price they pay.
In many ways, vehicles are the same way. However, there are a few differences. For one, a vehicle is much more expensive than many everyday items we use. Another difference is that we have to live with them, potentially, for years to come, and get thousands of hours and miles of use from them.
Unlike the newest iPhone or video game console, vehicles are much more complicated to fix if they break. Of course, iPhone and video games break, but they are easier to fix or replace. Even then, most of the worst reviews may cite an unfriendly user interface or glitch that causes an inconvenience for phone or gaming console users.
If your vehicle’s computer malfunctions, there is some kind of leak somewhere, or a part goes bad, you may lose your ability to travel for a long period of time, and the repair could cost thousands.
Adding to the differences vehicles pose to consumers is the fact that vehicles have potentially hundreds of different problem areas which could affect reliability. Sometimes, even in-depth research on a vehicle buyer’s part may not expose a major fault that could cause serious issues during the ownership period.
In part because of the lack of in-depth knowledge the average consumer possesses, brand loyalty and perception both play huge roles when considering a new vehicle purchase.
Unfortunately, brand loyalty and perception make wonderful blindfolds. Even the smallest mainstream vehicle manufacturers could make several separate models. Despite part sharing, all are different and pose potentially different issues through each model run.
Here are the top vehicles on the market today that are perceived to be more reliable than they actually are.
Honda Odyssey
The Honda Odyssey is one of the most popular minivans available today. It’s large, practical, reasonably priced, and not as reliable as you might think.
Honda is a powerful name in the automotive industry. They have traditionally built very reliable and practical vehicles, but of the hundreds they’ve manufactured, not all have proven to be winners.
More than many other Honda models, the Odyssey has seen its fair share of transmission problems, even though this was much more prevalent on earlier 2000’s models. Other problem areas include the infotainment system, sliding second-row seat, airbags, and fuel system.
Recently, the Odyssey was recalled for issues relating to the power side doors not locking properly, an issue that has also plagued other Odysseys for years. Additionally, a recall was issued to remedy the transmission shifting into “park” unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving.
In February of 2019, Consumer Reports actually rated the Odyssey as the worst minivan to buy.
Nissan Altima
Nissan used to be one of the premiere auto manufacturers in the world. That is no longer the case. Older Altimas can still be found on the road with well over 150,000 miles, but newer models may not be so lucky.
Since their merger with Renault in 2004, their quality has declined dramatically. They have started losing money at an alarming rate, and the Altima, one of their best-selling models, has suffered the worst.
Despite the fact that it is still one of the best-selling sedans in the United States, its registered number of owner complaints are among the highest of any vehicle.
Premature transmission failure highlights the Altima’s woes. Its CVT is one of the industry’s worst, even though Nissan equips many of its vehicles with the same transmission.
Other common issues include those related to airbags, steering, infotainment, radio, navigation, and exterior lighting.
Subaru Forester
Subaru has a great reputation for making safe, reliable, and affordable all-wheel-drive vehicles.
Older Foresters have seen 200,000 miles or more because they were built well and were simpler than they are now.
Unfortunately for the Forester, many of its reliability issues are related to the engine.
Excessive oil consumption has been a hot topic with Subaru and several other large manufacturers. While not immediately detrimental, excessive oil consumption could become a major problem if not understood and addressed correctly.
Not only that, but there are many reports of unexpected engine stalling, rough idle, engine hesitation, airbag sensor and system problems, and computer issues causing the check engine light to illuminate.
Engine problems are bad enough, but perhaps more alarming is that many owners are reporting these issues very shortly after purchase – many within the first 50,000 miles of ownership.
Jeep Wrangler
The Wrangler is an icon. It’s been around for decades, has an unmistakable design, can go just about anywhere, is one of the only truly off-road capable SUVs on the market, has a cult following… and is one of the worst vehicles one can buy in terms of reliability.
As a whole, Fiat Chrysler has been rated as the worst automaker for reliability by Consumer Reports for the past several years. In February of 2019 Consumer Reports rated the Wrangler as the least reliable midsize 2-row SUV.
Despite its issues, Jeep remains a bright spot for FCA because of its sheer capability and the tradition it carries.
Major engine issues follow the Wrangler, including shutting off while running, significant oil leaks, and hesitation when acceleration. Other issues include electrical system problems, steering problems, transmission problems, and the infamous “death wobble,” created by suspension and steering deficiencies.
Ford Mustang
The Mustang is a little different from most other vehicles on this list, because there seems to be a trend of fewer reported issues from owners. This could be due to a variety of issues including the fact that there are fewer on the road than other vehicles on this list and the potential for more owners to drive them less than other vehicles here.
At any rate, the main reasons the Mustang makes this list are due to the incredibly low reported ownership period before problems occur, due to the severity and potential repair costs of an issue, and due to Ford’s reputation for being largely unwilling to work with owners to repair premature component failures.
Engine failure is a commonly reported problem with GT models. In fact, several YouTubers who bought newly redesigned 2018 Mustang GTs experienced and documented GT engine failures – along with their subsequent battles with Ford when asked to do something about it.
The 2.3 liter EcoBoost Mustangs dealt with a slew of issues when they first came out in 2015 for the first time. Engine cooling issues and head gasket failure highlight some of the problems common for the first four-cylinder Mustangs since the SVO.
Other common Mustang issues include faulty climate control systems, transmission problems, and minor electrical issues.
Many will argue that both the EcoBoost and GT models don’t have a failure rate higher than most other vehicles. But, pair the aforementioned issues, a manufacturer who has proven to be difficult to work with when problems occur, and the potential repair costs, and we have the makings of a vehicle with potentially major issues and no real remedies.
Talking critically about anything can be dicey. Feelings get hurt, accusations get tossed around, and trust can be compromised. But, when thousands of dollars are spent to purchase a vehicle and thousands more are spent in upkeep, it’s important to know what you are getting into before you buy.
Not every Honda Odyssey, Ford Mustang, or Jeep Wrangler is going to have these issues. Not every Subaru Forester or Nissan Altima is going to let you sit on the side of the road after just 10,000 miles of ownership. These vehicles simply have a higher rate of documented failure in different areas than the average vehicle.
And of course, these aren’t the only unreliable vehicles on the road.
Taking care of your vehicle – maintaining it correctly at the proper intervals – is the most important part of making any vehicle last as long as possible. If you do that, any one of these vehicles can have a long, healthy life.
The more informed you are the better equipped you will be to handle any situation that comes your way, even if it happens to be a costly vehicle repair.
