Top 10 Least Reliable Vehicles: The Rides You’ll Regret Owning

When you’re buying a car, reliability should be at the top of your checklist. A great-looking vehicle with cutting-edge tech and powerful performance doesn’t mean much if it spends more time in the shop than on the road. Some vehicles have developed a reputation for expensive breakdowns, faulty transmissions, or electrical nightmares.

If you’re looking to avoid the biggest money pits on the market, here are 10 of the least reliable vehicles that could turn your dream ride into a mechanic’s dream paycheck.

10. 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

• Base Price: $36,800
• What’s Wrong? Transmission failures, electrical issues, engine stalling

The Chevy Silverado is supposed to be a dependable workhorse, but many owners have been frustrated by ongoing reliability issues. The 8-speed automatic transmission has been notorious for rough shifting and early failures. Electrical problems and engine stalling have also been reported, making this truck less reliable than its competition.

9. 2019-2022 Tesla Model S

• Base Price: $88,490 (2023 model)
• What’s Wrong? Electrical system failures, touchscreen malfunctions, suspension issues

Tesla’s Model S might be futuristic, but it’s also plagued with modern-day problems. Owners frequently report failing touchscreens, malfunctioning door handles, and air suspension issues. And if something goes wrong? Good luck getting parts in a timely manner—Tesla’s repair process is notoriously slow and expensive.

8. 2017-2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia

• Base Price: $44,670 (2023 model)
• What’s Wrong? Electrical gremlins, transmission failures, weak build quality

The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a stunning sports sedan, but that beauty comes with a price—constant mechanical and electrical issues. From unreliable infotainment to weak transmissions, owning one can be a roll of the dice. If you’re not prepared for frequent shop visits, you might want to pass on this Italian stallion.

7. 2016-2020 Land Rover Range Rover

• Base Price: $108,875 (2023 model)
• What’s Wrong? Air suspension failures, oil leaks, endless electrical problems

Luxury and off-road capability don’t mean much when your ride is constantly in the shop. The Range Rover has a history of expensive suspension failures, electrical problems, and oil leaks. While it’s a status symbol, it’s also one of the most costly SUVs to maintain.

6. 2015-2019 Jeep Cherokee

• Base Price: $37,695 (2023 model)
• What’s Wrong? Transmission failures, engine stalling, electrical problems

Jeeps are built for adventure, but the Cherokee’s 9-speed automatic transmission is a disaster. Jerky shifting, transmission failures, and electrical glitches have made it one of the most frustrating SUVs to own. Whether on the road or off, reliability just isn’t this Jeep’s strong suit.

5. 2011-2015 Ford Fiesta

• Base Price: Discontinued (varies on used market)
• What’s Wrong? Transmission failures, poor build quality, excessive repairs

The Ford Fiesta was designed to be an affordable, fuel-efficient car—but its transmission issues have made it anything but cheap to own. The dual-clutch automatic transmission is infamous for slipping gears, rough shifts, and outright failure. Some owners have had to replace their transmissions more than once before hitting 100,000 miles.

4. 2011-2016 BMW X5

• Base Price: $66,195 (2023 model)
• What’s Wrong? Coolant leaks, electronic failures, costly engine repairs

BMW’s X5 might be an ultimate driving machine, but it’s also an ultimate repair bill. From coolant leaks to electrical issues, this luxury SUV is known for expensive repairs. If you’re buying one used, make sure you budget for maintenance—it’s not going to be cheap.

3. 2007-2012 Dodge Nitro

• Base Price: Discontinued (varies on used market)
• What’s Wrong? Engine failures, transmission breakdowns, poor interior quality

Dodge tried to make the Nitro a tough-looking midsize SUV, but its unreliable engines and weak transmissions make it a risky buy. The 4.0L and 3.7L V6 engines have been known to suffer from oil sludge buildup, leading to complete engine failure. Add in cheap interior components, and it’s easy to see why the Nitro didn’t last long in Dodge’s lineup.

2. 2014-2020 Cadillac Escalade

• Base Price: $81,190 (2023 model)
• What’s Wrong? Air suspension problems, electrical failures, transmission issues

The Escalade is a luxury powerhouse, but it also has a long history of reliability complaints. Air suspension failures, glitchy infotainment systems, and weak transmissions make it one of the riskiest SUVs to own long-term. Repair costs can be sky-high, turning this high-end ride into a major money pit.

1. 2012-2017 Fiat 500L

• Base Price: Discontinued (varies on used market)
• What’s Wrong? Transmission failures, electrical nightmares, poor build quality

If there’s one car that stands out as the least reliable of the bunch, it’s the Fiat 500L. Owners report constant transmission failures, malfunctioning electronics, and cheap materials that wear out quickly. Fiat eventually pulled the plug on this model, and for good reason—it’s an absolute disaster in long-term ownership.