Mechanic Exposes 11 SUVs With Unseen Engine Failures And Sky‑High Warranty Claims

Mechanics and reliability analysts are raising alarms about 11 SUVs with documented patterns of catastrophic failures well before their expected lifespans. Engine seizures, transmission breakdowns, and denied warranty claims have turned family vehicles into potential financial burdens. Ford alone issued 153 safety campaigns in 2025, affecting approximately 12.9 million vehicles. Some independent specialists now refuse to rebuild certain models due to recurring design flaws. These documented failures highlight reliability risks that every prospective SUV buyer should carefully research before making a purchase.

1 — Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue’s CVT transmission has a documented history of reliability issues, with some owners reporting failures requiring $6,500 to $7,100 repairs. Independent mechanics and transmission specialists have raised concerns about the CVT design, and some shops avoid rebuilding Nissan CVT units due to recurring problems. Two 2026 recalls affecting approximately 640,000 Rogues involve engine bearing seizures and throttle body gear breakage. Many CVT failures occur beyond warranty coverage, leaving owners financially exposed. The Rogue’s troubles reflect broader reliability concerns affecting some compact SUVs.

2 — Toyota Tundra

The 2022–2024 Toyota Tundra with the twin-turbo 3.4L V6 has experienced engine failures related to machining debris and bearing problems. Toyota issued a recall covering approximately 102,000 Tundra and Lexus LX vehicles in June 2024, later expanding to about 127,000 vehicles including 2024 Lexus GX models. Some owners have reported engine failures at relatively low mileage. Toyota dealers provide loaner vehicles during engine replacements, which can take extended periods. These issues represent a departure from Toyota’s traditional reputation for long-term durability and have raised concerns among owners expecting reliable service from full-size trucks.

3 — Hyundai Palisade

Some Hyundai Palisade 3.8L V6 engines have experienced internal damage including metal debris, bearing failure, and oil starvation. Hyundai and Kia have faced class-action lawsuits and settlements related to engine defects in their Theta-family engines. Some owners report warranty claim denials for engine failures, leading to significant out-of-pocket repair costs. Engine replacement or major repair expenses can reach five figures, creating financial strain for families. There are reports of recurring issues even after engine replacement. These problems illustrate how major mechanical defects can convert a family SUV into a substantial financial burden.

4 — Ford Explorer

The 2020–present Ford Explorer with the 10-speed automatic transmission has experienced reported issues including jerking, delayed throttle response, and hesitation. Technical service bulletins address some transmission concerns. Some fleet operators have reported reliability concerns with Explorer vehicles. Ford issued 153 safety campaigns in 2025 covering approximately 12.9 million vehicles across its lineup, with transmission and engine issues affecting multiple models. Persistent Explorer transmission concerns highlight the potential for unexpected repair costs and reliability issues for both private and fleet buyers.

5 — Hyundai Tucson

Some Hyundai Tucson models share the Theta II engine design that has been linked to failures in other Hyundai and Kia vehicles. Hyundai and Kia paid substantial settlements related to Theta-family engine defects affecting multiple model years. Owners have reported sudden power loss, metal debris in oil, and engine seizures in affected vehicles. Some Tucson models also experience transmission issues including slipping and hard shifts. Engine replacement costs can be substantial when warranty claims are denied, reaching several thousand dollars or more. The Tucson shows that even vehicles with strong warranty programs can experience significant mechanical failures and associated repair costs.

6 — Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse has experienced transmission problems at both low and moderate mileage, with some owners reporting failures requiring wave clutch replacements or full transmission rebuilds costing $3,000 or more. Some 2012 models experienced timing chain failures requiring extensive engine work. Owner complaints include transmission hesitation, steering issues, interior material quality concerns, and issues with turbocharged engines under load. The Traverse demonstrates how mid-size family SUVs can generate major repair expenses despite average reliability ratings. Recurring problems and repair needs challenge the perception of the Traverse as consistently dependable for family use.

7 — Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee, including the 4xe plug-in hybrid, has experienced electrical issues, transmission hesitation, and excessive oil consumption. The 4xe has been subject to recalls with guidance to park vehicles outdoors due to potential fire risk. Consumer Reports has assigned below-average reliability scores to various Grand Cherokee model years. Chronic failures include powertrain and build-quality issues across multiple generations. Safety concerns and repair costs affect both private owners and fleet operators. Documented failures show the Grand Cherokee continues to face reliability challenges despite redesigns and the addition of hybrid powertrains.

8 — Volkswagen Taos

The Volkswagen Taos has received poor reliability ratings in recent consumer assessments. Owners report repeated electrical failures, check engine lights, stalling, and multiple dealer visits without permanent fixes, according to consumer reviews. Transmission upgrades in 2025 addressed some concerns, but reliability issues remain. Repair costs on European vehicles can accumulate rapidly, and Taos pricing remains high relative to competitors. Platform-wide issues also affect the Atlas, with recurring drivetrain and electrical failures.

9 — Land Rover Range Rover

Land Rover Range Rover owners face approximately $1,174 in average annual repair costs, totaling around $18,569 over ten years, according to ownership cost analyses. Common failures include electrical system malfunctions, air suspension collapses exceeding $3,000, engine and transmission problems, and premature brake wear. Range Rovers experience steep depreciation, with luxury SUVs in this class commonly losing significant value in the first few years. Repeated four-figure repairs create a constant financial drain. Mechanics warn that owners require substantial budgets to manage reliability problems. Luxury pricing does not prevent serious maintenance issues, and high repair frequency accelerates value loss.

10 — Ford Escape and EcoSport

Ford Escape and EcoSport models have experienced coolant system failures, engine overheating, carbon buildup on direct-injection engines, and some complete engine failures. Many problems appear after factory warranties expire. Some Escape models with automatic transmissions have experienced reliability issues. Replacement engine costs can exceed the vehicle’s remaining value on older models, turning budget SUVs into financial liabilities. These models illustrate the risk of long-term ownership costs hidden behind affordable initial pricing. Budget-conscious buyers may face substantial unexpected repair expenses on compact crossovers that can significantly exceed the vehicle’s depreciated value.

11 — Jeep Compass

The 2018 Jeep Compass has received a high volume of owner complaints to NHTSA and consumer complaint websites, including reports of transmission failure, electrical issues, oil consumption, and turbocharger wear. Consumer Reports has assigned below-average reliability scores to various Compass model years. Transmission and engine repairs typically cost $3,000 to $5,000. Multiple mechanic analyses and consumer reliability assessments consistently flag the Compass among the least reliable compact SUVs. Persistent failures and high repair expenses make it a risky purchase for budget-conscious buyers seeking dependable transportation.

Sources:
I’m a Mechanic: 11 SUVs I Would NOT Buy and Why They Aren’t Worth It. GoBankingRates, May 5, 2025.
7 SUVs That Mechanics Are BEGGING You Not to Buy in 2026. YouTube/Torque Talk, Dec. 29, 2025.
2023 Toyota Tundra Owner Says 24K and I’m Getting New Engine. TorqueNews, Feb. 2025.
Weekly Recalls: Nissan Rogue Engine Bearing Seizure and Throttle Body Failures. CarPro, Feb. 2026.
10 Car Brands With the Most Recalls in 2025. Autoblog, Feb. 2026.
Chevrolet Traverse Reliability and Common Problems. CarParts, ongoing analysis.