Spec sheets and showroom lighting have a way of flattering an SUV that daily ownership doesn’t always back up. A generous cargo number, a punchy horsepower figure and a cabin that photographs beautifully can all be true and still not add up to a vehicle that’s pleasant to live with once the new-car smell fades.
None of the nine SUVs below are outright bad vehicles, and each has real strengths that keep it selling. But each also has a documented problem, whether a safety recall, a lawsuit or repair-cost data, that the brochure leaves out. Here is what the record shows and what to check before you buy.
Land Rover Discovery
The Discovery’s blend of real off-road capability, three-row practicality and a handsome interior makes for one of the more compelling spec sheets in the segment. The brand’s repair record is the catch. RepairPal ranks Land Rover 31st out of 32 car brands for reliability, with a rating of 2.5 out of 5 and an average annual repair cost of $1,174, against $652 across all models. Its data shows Land Rover owners making unscheduled shop visits about 0.7 times a year, and it classes 16 percent of repairs as severe, compared with 12 percent for the industry. RepairPal does not have enough data to rate the Discovery on its own, so those are brand-wide figures. If you want one anyway, favor a vehicle with complete dealer service records, test the air suspension at every height setting, and work through each screen and menu of the infotainment system before signing. Price an extended warranty before you buy, and read what it excludes.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
The Stelvio drives with a sharpness and enthusiasm that few compact luxury SUVs can match, and the twin-turbo V6 Quadrifoglio version turns that up further. The early cars had a rough start, though. NHTSA’s database lists 11 recalls for the 2018 model year, the Stelvio’s first in the U.S. One of them covers 2018 Stelvios in which water may leak into the body control module and its connectors, causing corrosion and warning lamps. The agency notes the resulting electrical malfunctions could stop the wipers working in rain or the lights working at night. Other recalls covering 2018 cars addressed contaminated brake fluid, a fuel gauge that could read higher than the actual level and adaptive cruise control that might not disengage. Recall repairs are free, but each one is a trip to the dealer. Before buying a used Stelvio, run the VIN through NHTSA’s lookup to confirm every recall has been completed, and check how far the nearest Alfa Romeo dealer is from home.
Nissan Pathfinder (CVT Generations)
The mid-2010s Pathfinder promised smooth, efficient highway cruising thanks to its continuously variable transmission, a pitch that looked good against three-row competitors still using conventional automatics. Instead, the CVT drew enough owner complaints that it became the subject of class-action litigation. The lawsuit, covering 2015 and 2016 Pathfinders along with 2014 to 2016 Rogues, alleges the JATCO-built transmissions cause the vehicles to lurch, jerk, shake and stall, with severe delays under acceleration. Those are allegations in a court filing, not findings, but the same report notes Nissan had already extended powertrain warranties in 2009 on a list of earlier CVT-equipped models. If you are considering a used Pathfinder from these years, drive it long enough to get the transmission fully warm, then accelerate gently from 20 to 40 mph and feel for a shudder. Ask for records of CVT fluid changes and any transmission software updates or replacements. No paperwork is a reason to negotiate hard or keep looking.
Ford Explorer (Current Generation)
The current Explorer’s rear-wheel-drive-based platform brought better towing capability and a more engaging driving feel than the front-wheel-drive-based generation it replaced. The launch years have been a different story. NHTSA’s database lists more than 30 recalls for the 2020 model year, the first of this generation. Among them is a 2023 recall of 2020 to 2022 Explorers because the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and let the driveshaft disconnect, which can mean a loss of drive power or a rollaway if the parking brake is not set. The fix replaces a subframe bushing and the axle bolt. Other 2020 recalls cover a driveshaft that may fracture along a weld seam, motor mount fasteners that may loosen and repeated rearview camera failures. If you are shopping for a used 2020 to 2022 Explorer, check the VIN for open recalls, ask the seller for repair invoices, and make sure the backup camera image appears every time you select reverse.
Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2 V6 and V8)
The Grand Cherokee’s combination of real off-road hardware, a comfortable, upscale-feeling cabin and strong towing figures made it a favorite on paper throughout its long production run. One of its best-known flaws was something owners touched on every drive. In 2016 Chrysler recalled 2014 and 2015 Grand Cherokees fitted with the eight-speed automatic and a monostable gear selector, which NHTSA’s summary says may not adequately warn the driver when the door is opened and the vehicle is not in Park. The stated risk was a driver being struck by the vehicle after getting out with it still in gear. The remedy was a software update. Before buying one from those years, confirm with a VIN check that the recall work was done, and get in the habit of setting the parking brake every time you park. On models with air suspension, raise and lower it through each setting and watch the dash for warning messages. Ask for service records, and walk away from a seller who has none.
Cadillac Escalade
Few vehicles project the luxury and presence of a fully loaded Escalade, with a cabin, technology suite and engine lineup that read like a flagship. The engine is where the paper promise has slipped. In April 2025 GM recalled 2021 to 2024 Escalade and Escalade ESV models, along with related Chevrolet and GMC trucks and SUVs, because connecting rod or crankshaft components in the 6.2-liter V8 may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and failure. NHTSA’s filing puts the potential number of affected vehicles at 597,571 across all the models covered. Dealers inspect the engine and repair or replace it as needed, and vehicles that pass get higher-viscosity oil, a new oil fill cap and a new filter. The work is free. If you own or are shopping for one of these model years, check the VIN, keep the recall paperwork, and treat a knocking noise or check-engine light as a reason to stop driving and call the dealer.
Chevrolet Traverse and Buick Enclave
These GM three-row siblings offer spacious interiors, strong cargo figures and, in the Enclave’s case, a notably plush ride that reads well in a comparison against other three-row crossovers. The transmission is the part to look into. In 2020 GM recalled 2018 to 2020 Traverses and 2019 and 2020 Enclaves, among other models, because the start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts. NHTSA’s summary says that could result in a transmission oil leak that may progress to a loss of propulsion, and that leaking fluid near an ignition source may increase the risk of fire. Dealers inspect the accumulator and replace it if bolts are missing. When shopping, check the VIN for open recalls and look under the vehicle for red or brown fluid spots. On the test drive, pay attention to how smoothly it restarts and pulls away after the engine shuts off at a stop. Hesitation or a harsh engagement is worth having a shop look at before you commit.
Lincoln Navigator
The Navigator’s redesigned cabin, quiet ride and flagship-level feature list make it read as a serious rival to top-tier luxury SUVs on specification alone. Living with one has meant more recall notices than the image suggests. In May 2026 Ford recalled 2018 to 2022 Navigators and Expeditions because the seat belt pretensioner in the driver or front passenger seat may inadvertently lock the belt so it will not retract or extend. NHTSA’s filing puts the potential number of affected vehicles at 419,967 and says dealers will inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge, with the remedy anticipated in August 2026. If you own or are considering a Navigator from these years, check the VIN on NHTSA’s site and ask the dealer whether parts are available. Pull each front belt out fully and let it retract several times. Test every screen and power feature as well, because there are a lot of them and each is something that can need attention later.
Volkswagen Atlas
The Atlas offers a cavernous interior for its segment, with a third row that is noticeably roomier than many competitors’ and a spec sheet that reads like a clear value for larger families. Its electrical record is less tidy. In March 2022 Volkswagen recalled 2019 to 2023 Atlas and 2020 to 2023 Atlas Cross Sport models because door wiring harness electrical contacts may corrode, disrupting the connection and delaying deployment of a front side air bag in a side impact. NHTSA’s filing lists 222,892 potentially affected vehicles. The remedy has dealers secure the front door harnesses and replace any showing a fault code, at no charge. If you are shopping for a used Atlas, check the VIN for open recalls and ask for proof the harness work was done. Watch the instrument cluster for an air bag warning light at startup, and operate every window, lock and mirror from both front doors, since those controls live in the doors.