The 12 Most Problematic Cars to Avoid in 2025

Every new year brings a wave of exciting car models but not all of them live up to the promise. Some are plagued with reliability issues, poor safety ratings, or shocking repair costs that leave owners frustrated. In 2025, a few cars have already earned a bad reputation for the wrong reasons. From constant breakdowns to design flaws, these are the 12 most problematic cars you’ll definitely want to avoid this year.

Land Rover Defender

Okay, I know, I know, it looks so good. It’s like this rugged, boxy, adventure-ready thing that makes you feel like you should be on a safari. And the interior is actually really nice! But oh my god, the electronics. They are just… so glitchy. Infotainment screens freezing, random error messages, sensors freaking out for no reason. It’s a $60,000 vehicle that sometimes acts like a cheap laptop. For that kind of money, you want something that just works, you know? Not something that needs a software update every other week.

Jeep Wrangler 4xe

So this is the plug-in hybrid Wrangler, which sounds awesome in theory, right? You get electric range for around town and then the gas engine for off-roading. But the complex combo of the two powertrains has been a nightmare. There are so many stories about them just dying on the road, or the hybrid system throwing a fit and leaving you stranded. And it’s not cheap, like, you’re looking at over $55,000 easily. It feels like they tried to do too much too fast and the reliability just isn’t there yet.

BMW X5 xDrive45e

Another plug-in hybrid, seeing a theme here? BMWs are amazing to drive, honestly. The performance is sharp, the interiors are gorgeous. But this hybrid system, uhm, it’s been plagued with issues. High-voltage battery problems, charging system failures… stuff that costs a fortune to fix once it’s out of warranty. And a new one is like, $70,000! That’s a huge gamble. You’re basically paying a premium for the privilege of having super expensive problems down the line.

Ford Focus (with the Powershift transmission)

Okay, so this one’s a bit of a legacy pick but it’s still a huge trap in the used car market. The Focus itself is a fine car, but the automatic transmission they used for years, this “Powershift” dual-clutch thing, was a complete disaster. It shudders, it jerks, it hesitates, it fails prematurely. It’s just awful. You could find a used one for like $12,000 and think you’re getting a steal, but you’re actually buying a $4,000 transmission repair waiting to happen. Just… get a manual. Or a different car.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

I mean, it’s the pinnacle of luxury, right? It has every feature imaginable. Massaging seats, crazy ambient lighting, semi-autonomous driving. But that’s the problem—there’s so much stuff to break. And when it does break, the repair bills are absolutely astronomical. We’re talking five-figure bills for things that would be minor on a normal car. A new one starts at over $110,000, but the real cost is in the ownership. It’s a money pit on wheels unless you lease it and give it back before the warranty expires.

Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra with the 5.3L V8

These are workhorses, I get it. But the specific V8 engine, the 5.3-liter, has had this persistent issue with something called Active Fuel Management, where it deactivates cylinders to save fuel. The system is just… it fails. It leads to lifter collapse, which can destroy the entire engine. It’s a known, widespread problem that GM has been dealing with for years. For a truck that costs $50,000+, you shouldn’t have to worry about your engine blowing up because of a fuel-saving gimmick.

Audi e-tron

An electric Audi, it should be so cool. And it is, it’s quiet, it’s comfortable, it’s built really well. But its real-world range is kinda disappointing compared to, like, a Tesla. And the bigger issue is that it’s had a bunch of software gremlins and electrical problems that are just a nightmare to diagnose. You’re looking at a starting price around $70,000, and for that, you can get an EV that’s just more sorted and has better range. It feels like a first-generation product, and first-gen products always have problems.

Nissan Rogue with the CVT

Nissan’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) is… not great. In the Rogue, it’s especially problematic. They’re known for failing early, often before 100,000 miles. They make this droning sound and just feel really sluggish. It’s a shame because the Rogue is otherwise a decent, practical SUV that you can get for a good price, maybe $30,000 new. But that transmission is such a massive liability that it just ruins the whole package. I’d be so nervous owning one out of warranty.

Alfa Romeo Giulia

Oh, the Giulia. It’s so beautiful. It drives like a dream—so agile and responsive. For about $45,000, it feels like a million bucks from behind the wheel. But the reliability… it’s just not there. Electrical issues, weird mechanical glitches, it spends a lot of time in the shop. It’s the car you fall in love with on a test drive and then have a toxic relationship with for the rest of your life. The excitement isn’t worth the anxiety, honestly.

Volkswagen Atlas

It’s a huge SUV, tons of space for a family, and it’s not crazy expensive, maybe starting at $35,000. But it’s been hit with a lot of complaints about its electronics, from the infotainment system to driver-assist features just acting up. There have also been some engine and transmission concerns. For a family hauler, you want something boring and dependable, not something that’s going to have random warning lights on the dash all the time.

Kia Seltos

This is a bummer because the Seltos is a great little crossover. It looks funky, it’s practical, and it’s affordable, like under $25,000. But there have been a bunch of recalls and reports about the engine… like, the engine just stalling while you’re driving. Which is, you know, kind of a big deal. It’s one of those situations where the fundamental thing you need from a car—for it to run—isn’t a guarantee. That’s a dealbreaker for me.

Tesla Model S (Older models, pre-2021-ish)

Okay, don’t come for me. Newer Teslas are better, but the older Model S sedans? They can be a nightmare out of warranty. The big one is the screen—the giant touchscreen fails, and it’s a $2,000+ repair because you can’t control anything without it. Door handles that don’t present, air suspension failures… the bills are insane. You might see a used one for $40,000 and think “wow, a cheap Tesla!” but it’s a trap. You’re buying someone else’s expensive problem.