9 SUVs in 2025 Owners Say Have Major Reliability Issues
Not all SUVs live up to their promises. In 2025, several popular models have frustrated owners with mechanical issues, poor build quality, or expensive repairs. Before investing your money, here are the 9 SUVs most drivers say they regret buying due to long-term reliability concerns.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Oh man, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, starting around $37,000 or so, top of the unreliable list with a measly 22 out of 100, you know? It’s got that rugged look, off-road vibes, roomy inside for the family, comfy seats, and the V6 or V8 punch feels solid at first, but uh, transmission slips, brakes acting up, climate controls fritzing, it’s like, why pay premium for constant shop visits? Compared to a Toyota, it’s night and day, honestly, I thought Jeeps were tough, but nah, owners are complaining left and right, feels like a regret after a year. Side thought, that PHEV version? Even worse, battery drama.
Mazda CX-90 PHEV
Mazda CX-90 PHEV, PHEV, wait, yeah, around $50,000 bucks, luxury three-row beast with that inline-six turbo-hybrid, smooth ride, fancy interior, you know, quilted leather options and all. Predicted reliability? A brutal 15 out of 100, like second-worst or something, powertrain glitches, electronics haywire, even though it drives nice on paper. I mean, it’s got space for seven, decent EV range maybe 25 miles, but not gonna lie, why risk it when Mazda usually nails it? Random observation, looks sharp, but forums are full of early woes, compared to a Highlander hybrid? No contest, dude.
Ford Escape Hybrid
Ford Escape Hybrid, uh, kicks off about $33,000, compact, fuel-sipper with like 40 mpg combined, handy for city runs, Apple CarPlay, decent boot space. But reliability at 21 outta 100? Yikes, hybrid battery packs dying early, brakes wearing fast, leaks everywhere, honestly, thought the hybrid would fix Ford’s rep, but nope. It’s got that sporty ST-Line trim looking cool, you know, but cheap plastics rattle, feels cheap inside versus a Corolla Cross. Personal take, skip it unless you’re flipping it quick, ’cause long-term? Oof.
Jeep Wrangler
Jeep Wrangler again, around $38,000 for the four-door, iconic, right? Removable top, insane off-road with those diffs and suspension, fun as hell on trails, boxy style never gets old. Score’s 27/100 though, death wobble steering, electrical gremlins, suspension bits snapping, wait, is it worth the adventure or just a money pit? Not gonna lie, I’d joyride one, but daily? Nah, compared to a Bronco, still sketchy recalls piling up. Tiny joke, it’s reliable if you never leave pavement, ha.
Volkswagen Taos
VW Taos, subcompact starting like $25,000, cute updates for ’25, 174-hp turbo, roomier than a Jetta, slick 8-inch screen, adaptive cruise standard. Reliability? 24/100, brakes seizing, infotainment crashes, jerky shifts, honestly, VW trying with the refresh, but same old rep. Feels peppy, good for urban stuff, but why not a Trax for less drama? You know, owners say warning lights pop randomly, ugh, personal opinion, pass unless you love German quirk.
Chevrolet Blazer
Chevy Blazer, midsize around $35,000 base, sporty crossover vibe, big screens, Super Cruise option, V6 power if you want it. But 32/100 reliability? Powertrain woes, glitches galore, thought it was a Camaro SUV, cool styling, but nah, interior creaks, tech fails. Compared to a Telluride? Laughable, dude, and that EV version’s even iffier. Random thought, looks fast, drives okay, but regret city after warranty.
GMC Yukon
GMC Yukon, full-size tank from $60,000 up, luxury Denali trims, massive towing like 8,000 lbs, plush ride, V8 rumble. Score’s 31/100, transmission slipping, lifter failures in the 6.2, big and bold, you know, but why drop cash on repairs? It’s comfy for road trips, wood trim fancy, but versus a Suburban? Same issues, honestly, feels like overkill for unreliability. Side note, gas guzzler too.
Chevrolet Tahoe
Chevy Tahoe, Yukon’s twin basically, $58,000 start, same huge space, engines, tech suite with Google built-in. 31/100 again, powertrain headaches, glitches, repetition alert, but yeah, family hauler on paper, third row usable, but shop magnet. I mean, it’s got presence, tows heavy, but not gonna lie, cheaper long-term options exist. Question is, worth the gamble? Meh.
Dodge Wagoneer
Dodge Wagoneer, full-sizer around $65,000, opulent inside, Hurricane inline-six smooth, seats like couches, massive screens. Reliability 22/100, electronics berserk, build quality iffy, looks baller, premium feel, but early models broke hearts. Compared to an Escalade? Still risky, you know, tiny joke, it’s a yacht on wheels that sinks. Observations say skip.
