13 Used Cars to Avoid Buying

5 used sedans to avoid

2015 Honda Civic Hybrid

Reliability rating: 3/5
Common problems: Electrical, transmission, airbag deployment, powertrain (vehicle speed control)
Although
Honda
has built a reputation for producing some of the safest and most reliable vehicles on the market, the 2015 Honda Civic Hybrid missed the mark and earned a top spot as one of the worst used cars to buy due to a host of problems ranging from airbag issues to faulty wiring. According to the NHTSA, the 2015 Honda Civic Hybrid received 260 registered complaints, one recall for transmission software, and two open investigations about airbag deployment.
What to consider instead: 2015-2022 Toyota Prius, 2018 BMW i3, 2013 or 2017 Tesla Model S

2018 Nissan Versa

Reliability rating: 2.5/5
Common problems: Airbag deployment, faulty ignition switch, engine shut-off, transmission
Subcompact and compact cars are an excellent choice for drivers looking to maximize their budget. While the 2018 Nissan Versa was a top choice among drivers due to its roomy interior and attractive price tag, the promise that it “surrounds you in confidence” falls flat with defective airbags, faulty electrical, engine malfunctions, and a less-than-impressive powertrain. Not to mention a loud engine that struggles to haul the car and below-average NHTSA safety ratings. With 36 registered complaints, two recalls, and one open investigation with the NHTSA, investing in a used Versa will likely cause more headaches than it’s worth. 
What to consider instead: 2015 Kia Rio, 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla

2015 Acura RLX

Reliability rating: 2.5/5
Common problems: Steering, suspension, cheap interior materials, electronic stability control
Although the
Acura RLX
is the company’s largest luxury sedan, it misses the mark where reliability and owner satisfaction are concerned for the 2015 model year. With a used price averaging around $20,000 (and far higher for a new model), you’re getting a lackluster interior that doesn’t scream luxury, along with a host of issues that can quickly rack up the cost of your RLX. Complaints range from cheap interior finishes that break or damage easily to an overly stiff ride. And that doesn’t touch on the eight complaints for steering and suspension, two recalls, and two open investigations with the NHTSA. Although Acura generally produces reliable vehicles, the 2015 Acura RLX solidifies its spot at the bottom of the used Acura lineup. 
What to consider instead: 2016 Lexus ES, 2016 Audi A6, 2018 Infiniti Q50, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

2015 Mitsubishi Lancer

Reliability rating: 2.5/5
Common problems: Electrical system airbags, powertrain
The 2015
Mitsubishi Lancer
may look cool with its sporty vibe, agile handling, and responsive steering, but hopping behind the wheel tends to come with a stiff ride, noisy engine, and a vehicle that falls behind other small cars like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda 3. The interior looked cheap and outdated, the suspension was stiff and uncomfortable, and the safety features were minimal. Plus, with below-average crash-test ratings and poor predicted reliability, drivers aren’t instilled with much confidence—and the 23 registered complaints, two recalls, and one open investigation don’t help.
What to consider instead: 2017 Mazda 3, 2021 Toyota Corolla

2013 Ford Fiesta

Reliability rating: 2/5
Common problems: Engine stalling, poor acceleration, transmission stalling, door closure issues
For the budget buyer, the small, economical, and fun-to-drive
Ford Fiesta
might seem like a good pick, and while it’s one of Ford’s top-selling vehicles worldwide, it’s best to avoid the 2011 to 2014 model years. On top of the whopping 619 registered complaints with the NHTSA, it also has three recalls and three open investigations. So, what’s the deal with it? The Fiesta’s transmission and engine seem overly problematic, causing hesitation, stuttering, and stalling, along with sudden loss of speed, poor acceleration, and engine fluid leakage.
What to consider instead: 2013 Kia Rio, 2011 Honda Fit

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5 used SUVs to avoid

2019 GMC Yukon

Reliability rating: 2/5
Common problems: Air conditioning, taillights, service brakes, engine failure
One of the largest SUVs in the GMC lineup, the 2019 GMC Yukon has a lot to offer—and it’s not necessarily a bad SUV; however, it didn’t meet its expectations for a somewhat luxury SUV and didn’t seem all that different from the less-expensive Chevy Tahoe. With a truck like drive, a slow-shifting transmission, and a tight third row, it’s not the most compelling full-size SUV on the market. Perhaps what’s more concerning is its poor predicted reliability rating, 11 registered complaints, and one NHTSA recall. 
What to consider instead: 2018 Ford Expedition, 2016 Chevy Tahoe

2019 Mitsubishi Outlander

Reliability rating: 2/5
Common problems: Difficulty with interior controls, transmission issues
The 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander looks pretty cool with its sleek lines and sporty appearance, and it’s one of the few compact SUVs that can seat seven. But despite the few positives, the Outlander just doesn’t stand out in a sea of many. With underpowered engines, a cheap and dated interior, and subpar ride quality and handling, the Outlander lacks the finesse you’d expect from a relatively expensive SUV. Oh, and the nearly rock-bottom reliability rating, 21 registered complaints, and four recalls don’t instill confidence. 
What to consider instead: 2016 Hyundai Tucson, 2017 Ford Escape, 2017 Kia Sportage

2019 Ford EcoSport

Reliability rating: 3/5
Common problems: Engine failure, service brakes, transmission failure
For anyone looking for the practicality of an SUV with the economical costs of a small sedan, the Ford EcoSport grabs your attention. While competitors like the Hyundai Kona offer plenty in terms of driving dynamics and safety features, the Ford EcoSport falls short. Although it has decent handling and a good amount of space, the three- and four-cylinder engines fail to deliver sufficient power, and the suspension offers a jittery ride over rough pavement. Plus, you’d expect far more driver-assist features for what you're paying. And with several engine failure complaints, it’s likely not the most reliable pick. 
What to consider instead: 2018 Buick Encore, 2016 Chevy Trax, 2016 Honda HR-V

2019 Fiat 500 X

Reliability rating: 2/5
Common problems: Forward collision avoidance, fuel system, vehicle speed control
The
Fiat
500X does an excellent job presenting a grown-up feel while retaining its cheekiness and offering more space and capability than its smaller cousin, the Fiat 500. While the 2019 Fiat 500X has a sporty appearance and a relatively well-equipped interior, the lack of driving refinement rules it out for a good used compact crossover SUV. The noisy engine, hard ride, and lackluster cargo and passenger space fall short of its competitors, and the hard-shifting nine-speed transmission takes some of the joy away from driving.
What to consider instead: 2016 Hyundai Tucson, 2017 Kia Sportage, 2014 Honda CR-V

2016 Jeep Patriot

Reliability rating: 2.5/5
Common problems: Airbag deployment, engine failure, fuel/propulsion system, vehicle speed control
Jeeps
aren't known for great reliability scores (the Wrangler has some of the worst rankings), and the 2016 Jeep Patriot continues this tradition. The boxy 2016 Jeep Patriot shares many of the same structural and mechanical features as the Jeep Compass and, consequently, shares many of the same issues. Its outdated and poor-quality interior, underpowered engine performance, and bumpy ride quality don’t make it a top choice for most people. And when you tack on a poor crash safety rating and low reliability, it’s not likely a winner. Plus, it also racks in 326 registered NHTSA complaints, one recall, and three open investigations centered around the engine and transmission, putting up a huge red flag to potential buyers. The Patriot was discontinued in 2017 and hasn’t returned to the Jeep lineup. 
What to consider instead: 2014-2017 Toyota Highlander, 2014-2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2015-2016 Kia Sorento

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3 used pickup trucks to avoid

2015 Nissan Titan

Reliability rating: 3.5/5
Common problems: Powertrain, engine, electronic stability control, service brakes
It may look big and burly, but the 2015
Nissan Titan
comes with a beefy list of issues that make it a top contender for one of the worst used pickup trucks to buy. Although the solid V8 engine offers a fair bit of pulling power and the crew cab is plenty roomy, the interior desperately needs a revamp, tech and safety features are limited, and it doesn’t offer near as comfortable a ride as other full-size competitors. The grim 13 miles per gallon in the city and 18 miles per gallon on the highway don’t do much for it, either. On top of that, you can add the nine registered complaints and one recall for front airbag deployment. 
What to consider instead: 2017 Ram 1500, 2014-2018 ChevroletSilverado

2014 & 2016 Ram 1500

Reliability rating: 3/5
Common problems: Transmission
The
Dodge Ram 1500
is a classic in the pickup truck work. It’s ultra-capable, fully customizable, and comfortable—but some newer models are more reliable the others. The 2014 Ram 1500 was the debut of the new EcoDiesel engine and came with its share of problems, primarily with the transmission—specifically improper downshifting, noise, and bumping, according to complaints. Although minor, they could lead to future transmission failure. And with 1,032 complaints and 16 recalls, it doesn’t look good. The 754 complaints and 15 recalls on the 2016 Ram 1500 showed little improvement, with the EcoDiesel engine still causing problems. Apart from the engine, issues arose with a faulty rear tailgate latch, shifter linkage, cruise control, and airbag deployment.
What to consider instead: 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, 2018 Ram 1500, 2017 Toyota Tundra

2015 Chevrolet Colorado

Reliability rating: 2/5
Common problems: Shifting, engine stalling, electronic stability control, steering
For drivers looking for the practicality of a truck without the size and fuel commitments, the
Chevy Colorado
seems like a pretty attractive midsize pickup. It’s composed, practical, has plenty of active safety features, and comes in two engine options. But since its release in 2004, the Colorado has had many problems. The 2015 model was plagued by numerous transmission problems; some owners complained of sluggish shifting, a complete failure to downshift, and random engine stalling. All signs point straight ahead to the poor reliability rating, reinforced by the 374 registered complaints and seven recalls. 
What to consider instead: 2011 Toyota Tacoma, 2018 GMC Canyon

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