Everyone wants a car that will function effectively and not have them stranded on the highway in the middle of the night, wondering where they went wrong. When situations like this occur repeatedly, most people think purchasing a brand new car will solve their automobile troubles, but this is not always the case.
Many things could go wrong with a car, such as all-wheel drive system failures and squeaky brakes. Most of the vehicles on this list are not only unreliable but also overpriced and underpowered, making them a wrong choice for anyone.
This article gives you all the information you need on the top least reliable new SUVs you should avoid. This information is derived from Consumer Reports’ latest reliability data. So, keep reading to know more about the ten new SUVs you should avoid.
A List of Ten New SUVs you Should Avoid
Note that this list is in the order of bad to worst SUVs that you should avoid.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The number tenth SUV on this list is the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan; a model introduced to make up for the shortcomings of the previous years. The company claims that this is a refined SUV. Still, unfortunately, it seems to suffer from several problems of the last model years, including a poorly built structure and defective service brakes.
The Tiguan 2021 and 2022 models were recalled due to a loose brake pipe nut which may allow brake fluid to leak, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a car crash. This SUV is somewhat large and has an optional third row, making it attractive to families who need third-row seats but want a small SUV.
The model’s reliability is a significant concern for people who buy this car. The 2022 Tigua has a Consumer Reports reliability rating of 17 out of 100. This rating results from minor engine issues, suspension, body integrity, and in-car electronics.
Volvo XC90
Volvo has a great reputation for protecting occupants of its automobiles due to exacting Swedish construction and the standards of safety over everything. Protection is probably the company’s best-known trait, but how long can one count on safety, especially regarding the reliability of the XC90.
This SUV has a starting price of $51,000, raising people’s expectations for a sturdy engine. However, there have been complaints filed with Consumer Reports that the XC90’s engine is lackluster and makes clumsy noises. There are also complaints of drivers experiencing bumpy rides on rough terrains.
Consumer Reports lists the Volvo CX90 as one of the least reliable SUVs, with a total reliability score of 17 out of 100. This rating results from the powertrain, transmission, minor suspension, drive system, and body integrity problems.
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Cadillac XT4
The 2019 Cadillac XT4 was the first model year for this entry-level luxury crossover, and 2022 is a carryover model with few changes. This compact SUV is available with front or all-wheel drive alongside a 2-liter twin-turbo engine paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
This SUV quickly started to get poor reliability complaints on Consumer Reports; several drivers reported that the engine is harsh and loud, the throttle is too jerky, and the stiff suspension with supportive seats makes long-distance rides uncomfortable. The driver system issues and transmission power equipment are the primary reasons for this SUV’s low-reliability rating. General Motors issued a technical service bulletin for specific examples of the 2020 and 2021 model years for a problem relating to the clutch spring retaining ring in the transmission. Vehicles with this problem will produce a warning light on the instrument panel (to alert the driver), indicating a malfunction.
Kia Seltos
According to Consumer Reports, Kia fans should expect that the 2022 Seltos will be much less reliable than the average new car based on its prior year model track record. The survey results show that the power equipment, in-car electronics, and transmission are the primary reasons for a low-reliability rating.
Unfortunately, the problems do not stop there; the Kia Seltos is a loud car, and the engine makes a coarse humming sound. It has a standard 2-liter four-cylinder powertrain that produces 146 horsepower, making it an underpowered vehicle. It was also recalled in 2021 due to a heat treating process.
The piston oil rings can spoil the engine and cause power loss, and this increases the risk of a car crash. Dealerships will install software that will inform the driver of potential damage to the piston oil ring, but it is better to avoid this SUV altogether.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer was redesigned and re-engineered for the 2020 model year, but this has not stopped it from being on this list. Despite its fantastic build, the Ford Explorer was disappointed in many areas; power equipment, transmission, and exterior issues. Consumer Reports testers felt a built-in stiffness in the Explorer’s ten-speed automatic transmission, leading to a more rigid ride.
Owners of the Ford Explorer also complained about warping body paint which may seem minor but is also noteworthy. This issue makes the car’s exterior look shabby and could also lead to rust. Even though these issues are not so severe, Consumer Reports feel that the Explorer will continue to disappoint regarding reliability and ownership experience.
Genesis GV80
The Genesis GV80 can be seen as one of the safest SUVs because it saved Tiger
Woods in the high-speed car crash of 2021. Unfortunately, the luxury SUV does not stand up to its top safety scores when it comes to reliability. Consumer Reports show that the 2021 GV80 had trouble with the transmission and drivetrain system, dragging the predictability rating one out of five.
The GV80 has several owner complaints registered with the NHTSA; some complaints were due to a check engine light that came on within thirty days of purchase or less than 1,000 miles. Some other complaints related to problems with the engine control system and a defective fuel injector system.
The GV80 is an overpriced SUV; the 2022 model has a starting price of $50,000 and goes over $75,000 when fully loaded.
Mercedes Benz GLE
The new Mercedes Benz GLE was redesigned in 2020 with the latest technology, more off-road capability, and a spacious interior. According to the Consumer Reports survey, this luxury SUV has some red flags that potential buyers should know about. They include minor engine problems, power equipment, and electrical and climate systems. The body integrity and in-car electronics also have low-reliability ratings.
The GLE has a reliability rating of 5 out of 100 and a predicted reliability rating of 1 out of 5. NHTSA recalled the 2020 GLE twenty-eight times and the 2021 GLE eleven times for several problems, including the powertrain, engine, and electrical system.
Kia Sorento
The 2021 Kia Sorento got a complete overhaul, with new powertrain options and redesigned interior and exterior making its entry into its fourth generation. The 2021 Sorento has a stunning appearance on the outside with an elevated sense of comfort on the inside. Unfortunately, the base four-cylinder is neither quiet nor quick, but the 281 horsepower four-cylinder turbo engine (available on EX trims) gives strong acceleration and a great fuel economy. The problem with the latter engine is that its dual-clutch automatic causes low-speed vibrations; handling is responsive, but the ride is stiff.
Consumer Reports ranked the 2022 Kia Sorento at the bottom among three-row midsize SUVs. This is due to the below-average transmission power equipment and body integrity ranking.
Lincoln Aviator
The Lincoln Aviator was the last redesigned for the 2020 model year; it is based on the platform of the Ford Explorer and is known for its tech-heavy interior and highly comfortable seats. Lincoln changed very little about the Aviator for the 2022 model year, and this is the second SUV on our list of SUVs to avoid.
Consumer Reports listed the Lincoln Aviator as America’s most unreliable midsize luxury SUV. The common problems with this vehicle include body integrity, body hardware (rattling and water leaks), drive system transmission, climate system, brakes, power equipment, and in-car electronic issues.
NHTSA recalled the 2022 model for a fuel system-related issue; it can detach the fuel filler tube and result in a fuel leak, thereby increasing the risk of fire.
GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe
The number one on our list of SUVs to avoid is the GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Suburban and
Chevrolet Tahoe. The GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Tahoe are like twins, and they both ride on GMs newest T1 truck platform. On the other hand, the Yukon XL and Chevrolet Suburban share many things under the hood.
It is no surprise that all these SUVs received similar reliability ratings and made it to the number one spot of SUVs to avoid. Historically, these SUVs suffered extensive transmission engine and power and body equipment issues. Consumer Reports rated the GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Suburban, and Tahoe as the most unreliable large and full-size SUVs.
They all got the least overall reliability score for 2022, and this prediction is based on data from 2021 models since they are carryover models with minimal changes. Though these GM SUVs have the least reliability ratings, a large percentage of them made the 200,000- mile mark. This is because they are often used for Limousine operations.
Conclusion
There you have it, a list of the ten SUVs you should avoid. When next you are going car shopping, remember to tick the above options off your list so that you do not have to deal with potential problems in the long run.
