12 SUVs Known for Constant Repairs and Frustration

Some SUVs may look great on the lot, but under the hood, they’re a constant headache. From recurring mechanical issues to costly maintenance, these 12 SUVs have earned a reputation for spending more time in the shop than on the road.

Range Rover Evoque

Starting with the Range Rover Evoque, and man, this one hurts because it looks so good, like seriously stylish and sleek. But honestly, the reliability is terrible, I mean, really bad. You’ve got electrical gremlins everywhere, the Haldex all-wheel-drive system needs service every 40,000 miles or it dies, and the automatic gearbox is constantly having issues with harsh shifts and jerking. Not gonna lie, the AdBlue system is a nightmare too, warning lights come on even when it’s full, which is just annoying. Starting price is around $51,000 or so, but uh, side thought: that’s before you start hemorrhaging money on repairs. Random observation, my friend’s Evoque had engine noise issues that the dealer couldn’t fix after three attempts, so yeah, maybe skip this pretty face for something reliable.

Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer, okay, this is supposed to be the classic American family SUV, right? But recent models are just plagued with problems. Reliability score is literally 1 out of 5 from Consumer Reports, which is basically a warning sign saying “don’t buy me.” Owners complain about oil leaks, transmission issues, stalling, electronics failing constantly, and body hardware breaking down way too early. I mean, you’re looking at around $732 a year in maintenance according to RepairPal, and over 10 years? Like $9,000 in repairs, that’s insane. Price starts around $40,000 base, but honestly, the 2016 model year is particularly bad with water leaks, paint issues, suspension problems, you name it. Not gonna lie, for a Ford, this is disappointing, you feel me?

Jeep Wrangler

Alright, the Jeep Wrangler, and hear me out, I know it’s iconic and rugged and all that, but man, it’s expensive to keep running. Maintenance costs are about $11,664 over the first 10 years, which is $3,456 more than the average SUV. There’s a 32% chance you’ll need a major repair in those years, which is way worse than similar vehicles. The ride is super stiff because it’s built for off-roading, not daily driving, and getting in and out is tough if you’ve got any joint issues. Annual costs run around $694, but uhm, side joke: that’s assuming nothing big breaks. Price starts around $35,000, which seems reasonable, but the repair bills add up fast, you know? Random thought: unless you’re actually taking this thing off-road every weekend, there are more comfortable options.

BMW X3

The BMW X3, oh man, this one’s a wallet killer. Annual maintenance cost is $1,034, and over 10 years you’re looking at $19,074 in repairs and maintenance, which is like $6,500 more than average. There’s a 56% chance it’ll need a major repair in the first five years, that’s 17% higher than other SUVs in its class. Common problems include oil leaks, AC failures, timing chain issues, and expensive fuel system repairs that’ll drain your bank account. Starting price is around $50,000 depending on trim, but honestly, the real pain comes later with those specialized BMW service bills. Not gonna lie, the iDrive system is complicated too, lots of menus within menus, and I mean, do you really want that stress?

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Land Rover Discovery Sport, another British SUV with a reputation for breaking your heart and your wallet. Electrical faults are super common, infotainment glitches constantly, and the Ingenium diesel engines have timing chain problems that can lead to catastrophic engine failure if the chain stretches or snaps. Turbo failures are also a thing, usually from oil starvation, and you’ll hear rattling noises on cold starts if the timing chain is going bad. Price starts around $50,000 base, but uh, these repairs aren’t cheap, a timing chain replacement can cost thousands, and if it snaps? You might need a whole new engine. Side thought: why do British cars always look amazing but break so often? Anyway, maybe look at a Lexus instead, honestly.

Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento, and this is tricky because Kia usually has good value, right? But the Sorento has serious drivetrain, engine, and transmission problems, with a reliability score of just 1 out of 5. You know, excessive oil consumption and engine failures are common complaints, especially on the 2011-2013 models. Starting price is around $35,000, which seems affordable, but side observation: you’ll spend that savings on repairs pretty quick. Random thought, it’s attractively priced but budget-conscious buyers won’t appreciate the constant trips to the mechanic for what should be a reliable family hauler. Not gonna lie, I’d go with a Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander instead, way more dependable.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep Grand Cherokee, this one’s a repeat offender on unreliable SUV lists, like, it shows up every year. According to Consumer Reports, it’s the least reliable midsize SUV for 2025. Owners complain about steering and suspension issues, drive system problems, engine electronics failing, and constant noises and leaks. The transmission is a mess too, with slipping gears being a huge complaint, and check engine lights related to lane departure warnings and transmission faults come on constantly. Price starts around $45,000, but honestly, for the money there are way better options. I mean, it’s got capability and looks tough, but uh, reliability? Not so much. Side joke: more time in the shop than on the trail.

Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid

Mazda CX-90 Plug-In Hybrid, and this one surprised me because Mazda usually has great reliability. But the CX-90 PHEV is plagued with problems, like, the EV battery has issues, transmission is problematic, in-car electronics fail, climate system acts up, and the steering and suspension have complaints. There have been 11 recall actions since the 2024 model year, including software problems that cause loss of power while driving, which is dangerous. Starting price is around $55,000, but not gonna lie, that’s a lot of money for something this unreliable. Random observation: the automatic braking and adaptive cruise control systems were recalled for unexpectedly slowing down to match adjacent lanes, which is terrifying on the highway. Maybe wait a few years for them to iron out the bugs?

Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan Pathfinder, especially the 2005-2010 models, these are notorious for transmission failures, like, total catastrophic failure that leaves you stranded. Even newer ones have issues with worn timing chain guides, AC and heating problems, and bad fuel level sensors. RepairPal gives it a 3.5 out of 5, which is average, but uh, when repairs happen they tend to be severe and expensive. Annual maintenance is around $542, which isn’t terrible, but those big failures add up. Starting price for a new one is around $37,000, but honestly, I’d be nervous about long-term reliability. Side thought: definitely avoid those 2005-2010 years if you’re buying used, total gamble with the transmission.

Cadillac SRX

Cadillac SRX, discontinued in 2016 but still around used, and man, it’s got some expensive problems. RepairPal gives it 3.5 out of 5, which sounds okay, but when things break they’re severe and costly to repair. Common issues include lighting problems, sunroof failures, steering wheel position sensor failures, and engine noise. The CUE infotainment screen fails constantly with system glitches, transmission slipping is common, timing chain wear causes issues, and suspension parts wear out prematurely. Used prices are around $26,000 for a three-year-old model, but honestly, the maintenance costs for a luxury SUV add up fast. Not gonna lie, I’d rather get a Lexus RX for similar money and way better reliability.

Ford Bronco Sport

Ford Bronco Sport, the newer smaller version, and it’s already got a bad reputation for reliability with a score of 2 out of 5. Owners report problematic brakes, serious engine issues, and body hardware failures in just the first few years of ownership. I mean, this thing just came out recently and it’s already falling apart, which is concerning. Starting price is around $30,000, which seems affordable for the rugged looks and off-road capability, but uh, random observation: you’ll be visiting the mechanic way more than trails. Side thought: maybe Ford just can’t build reliable SUVs anymore? The Explorer and Bronco Sport both have terrible reliability scores, so yeah, be careful with this one.

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS, specifically the older 2008 models, these have surprisingly expensive maintenance costs of about $992 annually due to frequent electrical issues and air suspension failures. The newer ones aren’t much better honestly, loaded with complicated MBUX tech, gesture controls, and driver aids that constantly intervene and confuse people more than help. Starting price for a new one is around $80,000, but those older used ones still cost a fortune to maintain. Not gonna lie, the air suspension is notorious for failing and costs thousands to replace. Random thought: luxury comes with a price, but this is ridiculous, you know? Maybe go with a Lexus GX if you want three-row luxury without the constant repair bills.