10 Japanese Cars Experts Now Recommend Avoiding in 2026

Japanese cars have always been known for reliability, but not every model has aged well. According to car gurus and long-term ownership data, several popular Japanese vehicles are now showing serious issues—rising repair costs, poor reliability trends, and expensive maintenance. Before you buy a used Japanese car in 2026, check this list so you don’t end up with a regret purchase.

Toyota Camry

Okay, so the Camry… man, it’s been the dependable grocery-getter for, like, decades. But lately, I dunno, it’s just kinda lost its spark, you know? I mean, yeah, it’s comfy and the hybrid gets you what, like 46 MPG? But for around $30,000, it’s just… meh now. Other cars feel more exciting for the money. Like, I drove a Kia K5 the other day, and it made the Camry feel like it was still in 2012. Not bad, just a bit boring. I still respect it though, old reliable and all that.

Honda Civic

Ah, the Civic. Everyone’s first love. Cheap to run, lasts forever, all that jazz. But honestly, with prices starting around $25,000 and stretching way past 30k for the decent trims, you might start wondering if it’s worth it anymore. And the new ones? Kinda lost their youthful vibe, right? The old ones had that tuner soul, while the new ones feel like, I dunno, the class rep version of a car, too cleaned up. I mean, it’s fine, just not “wow.”

Nissan Rogue

So this one annoys me. The Rogue looks pretty good, like it’s pretending to be premium, but once you drive it… oh boy. That CVT transmission makes everything feel mushy. And I get it, it’s trying to be efficient, and yeah, it’s got a nice interior for around $28,000, but it just doesn’t hit right. Not bad. Just, like, too average. You could spend similar money on a Mazda CX-50 and get more fun, seriously.

Mazda CX-5

This hurts because I love Mazda. But even I gotta admit, the CX-5’s starting to show its age. It’s still sexy, like that understated, adult kind of sexy, but tech-wise, man, it’s lagging behind. For like $29,000, you can get newer features and better space elsewhere. The turbo engine’s still a blast though, not gonna lie. It just feels like Mazda’s holding back, waiting for the next-gen model to step up.

Toyota Corolla

You know, I think the Corolla’s like that responsible friend who never misses a payment but also never has fun. It does everything right, just kind of… exists. Reliable, cheap-ish at about $22,000, great MPG, but come on, it feels like driving a sensible toaster. You’ll never regret buying it, but you’ll also never smile behind the wheel. I mean, unless you really, really like safety features.

Honda CR-V

So, the CR-V, this one’s wild. People used to swear by it, and yeah, it’s solid, but now it’s like $34,000 for something that looks good but doesn’t really wow in any one area. The hybrid’s fine, but if you put it next to a RAV4 Hybrid or even a Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, it kind of gets smoked. It’s one of those “you buy it because it’s safe” cars, not because your heart wants it.

Subaru Outback

Okay, I can already hear the Subaru folks getting ready to fight me. I like the Outback, I do. It’s quirky, rugged-ish, reliable, all-wheel drive standard, sweet deal. But it’s also super pricey now, like $36,000 for the trim you actually want. And the interior tech? Feels like a knockoff iPad glued to a dashboard. I mean, it’s perfect if you love camping, but daily driving? Eh, not my jam.

Nissan Altima

The Altima’s the kind of car your uncle swears is amazing but never actually washes. It’s comfy, spacious, and starts close to $26,000, but those CVTs, ugh. And they age terribly. Like, your first test drive it’s fine, but give it 40,000 miles and it’s just “whiiineeeee.” It’s got potential, but Nissan keeps playing it too safe. I’d rather grab a used Accord at that price.

Mitsubishi Outlander

So, lowkey, the Outlander’s design is cool, like, it stands out, but then you drive it and you’re like… wait, where’s the power? The base model at around $30,000 moves like it’s dragging an anchor. The plug-in hybrid version’s better but crazy expensive. It’s trying, I’ll give it that, but there’s just better stuff out there. Mazda and Toyota are outclassing it in every way but looks.

Acura ILX

Oh man, the ILX. This one feels like Acura forgot it existed. It’s been hanging around forever with barely any updates, and for about $28,000 plus, it just doesn’t make sense anymore. It’s basically a fancy Civic from a few years ago, minus the personality. Like showing up to a tech expo with an iPhone 6, still functional, but you feel behind.