10 Cars That People Will Never Buy Again (and Why)
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The automotive industry is ever-evolving, with manufacturers continually striving to introduce innovative designs, improved reliability, and enhanced performance to attract buyers. Despite these efforts, some models have fallen short of consumer expectations, resulting in reputational damage and reduced popularity in the market.
EZ AutoSpa reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recalled 13 million cars in 2020, with Ford statistically recording the highest recalls annually. This analysis examines a selection of cars that have consistently disappointed consumers.
Infiniti QX 50(2019-2021)
The Infiniti QX50 was introduced in 2019 with a variable compression turbo engine, the first of its kind in the automotive industry. It promised to deliver improved fuel economy and performance but failed to do so. Consumers reported constant stalling issues resulting from faulty sensors and software glitches.
The car’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) also experienced frequent shuddering, jerking, and sudden power loss, significantly impacting the driving experience. As a result, the QX50 has declined in popularity, with a recent Consumer Reports survey revealing that only 25% of current owners would choose to buy it again.
Jeep Cherokee(2014-2015)
Jeep introduced a new 9-speed automatic transmission in this model to improve fuel efficiency and performance. The results did not live up to expectations, as the cars developed numerous problems, such as erratic shifting, unintended gear shifts, and complete transmission failure.
The vehicle’s infotainment and engine management systems had electrical issues and software glitches, further adding to the owner’s frustrations.
Ford Bronco Sport(2021-2024)
Ford’s iconic Bronco made a highly anticipated return in 2021, but the new Sport model faced significant consumer backlash. Marketed as an off-roading champion, it fell short of expectations with its underwhelming performance on rugged terrain. Consumer Reports revealed Ford had to recall 456,000 Bronco Sport SUVs, prompted by 917 warranty claims.
The predominant consumer complaints included power loss while driving and failures of various electrical accessories, such as hazard lights. These issues raised serious safety concerns, as they hindered drivers’ ability to accelerate or keep pace with traffic, potentially leading to accidents.
PT Cruiser(2001-2010)
The PT Cruiser experienced a short-lived surge in popularity during its early years, but this quickly diminished as consumer complaints accumulated. Owners reported various issues, including problems with the engine, transmission, electrical systems, and suspension. Street Smart Transmissions noted concerns about delayed forward and reverse gear engagement, resulting in a jarring double bump sensation during shifts.
Additionally, the speedometer was reported to still indicate speed even when the vehicle was stationary. Despite its distinctive retro design and attractive price point, the PT Cruiser’s unreliable performance ultimately contributed to its decline.
KIA Rio(2012-2016)
Consumer Reports consistently rated The KIA Rio model as one of the worst vehicles in its class. Key complaints include subpar handling, uncomfortable seating, and excessive road noise. Additionally, owners have reported frequent transmission failures, particularly in manual models.
KIA and Hyundai vehicles lacked engine immobilizers, which heightened their vulnerability to theft. The NHTSA revealed that approximately 45 million KIA vehicles were stolen between 2011 and 2022.
Volkswagen Taos(2022)
The Volkswagen Taos was introduced as a new subcompact SUV in 2022 but has already received negative reviews for its transmission problems. Owners reported rough and inconsistent shifting, delayed acceleration, and complete transmission failure. Additionally, the car’s infotainment system experienced frequent glitches, leading to the loss of audio or navigation functions.
These problems have significantly impacted the driving experience and raised concerns about safety and reliability. As a result, Consumer Reports gave the Taos a low reliability score of 47/100.
Mini Cooper Countryman(2011-2016)
The Mini Cooper Countryman was marketed as a spacious and more practical alternative to the traditional Mini Cooper. However, this model suffered from numerous issues, including many recalls for transmission problems. Finn, a car insurance and aggregator company, ranks Mini Coopers 25th out of 32 car brands on reliability scores. It cites clutch failures resulting in damage to the manual transmission as a major concern.
The water pump and thermostat housing are made of plastic, which breaks or burns, causing leaks that lead to the car engine overheating. The car has electrical issues which cause faulty sensors and malfunctioning lights.
GMC Acadia(2013-2015)
GMC’s entry into the compact SUV market was met with a lukewarm response, mainly due to its transmission problems. The car experienced harsh shifting, hesitation during acceleration, and complete transmission failure. Its faulty chip failed normally after 60,000 miles, which brought recurring “shift to park” messages that led to faster battery draining.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety(IIHS) revealed that these problems were particularly prevalent in models equipped with the 6-speed automatic transmission. Despite improvements in later model years, the Acacia never fully regained consumer confidence.
Dodge Caliber
The Dodge Caliber was launched in 2007 as a successor to the popular Neon model. Despite its bold design and attractive pricing, this compact car struggled to win over critics and consumers. Major drawbacks included cheap plastic interior materials, lackluster performance, and disappointing fuel efficiency, which deterred potential buyers.
Reports also indicated that the electronic throttle and front axle were prone to failure after just 60,000 miles. Consequently, as noted by Motor Trend, production of the Dodge Caliber ended in 2012.
Nissan Altima(2013-2015)
The Nissan Altima has been a popular choice for consumers in the midsize sedan market, but its 2013-2015 model faced significant issues. The car was plagued with transmission failures, leading to costly repairs and replacements. Owners reported jerking and shuddering while accelerating and difficulty shifting gears.
These problems were prevalent in both the automatic and CVT models, resulting in a class-action lawsuit against Nissan. In 2020, Nissan agreed to pay $1000 and offer extended warranties for buyers to settle this lawsuit, acknowledging that their transmissions were defective, according to Top Class Actions.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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