You probably expect Japanese cars to be reliable, but some recent model years have surprised owners with costly repairs, tricky tech problems, and disappointing performance. This article shows which seven models experts now advise avoiding so you can protect your wallet and pick a safer buy.
Keep reading to learn what types of issues crop up across popular nameplates and how those problems affect ownership costs, safety, and resale value. Armed with that info, you can make smarter choices when shopping or deciding whether to keep your current vehicle.
Nissan Altima
You should watch the Altima’s CVT for shuddering, delayed acceleration, and loss of power that can appear well before 100,000 miles. Repairs or a rebuild can be costly once the warranty expires, so factor service history into your decision.
Inspect for vibration and test-drive under varied conditions. Read expert warnings about the Altima’s transmission problems at this detailed warning from MSN.
Toyota RAV4 Prime (Plug-In Hybrid)
You get strong acceleration and an electric range that lets you do short commutes mostly on battery.
Some owners report early hybrid-system issues and concerns with battery cooling and drivetrain complexity, which can raise repair costs after warranty ends.
Check reliability ratings and owner complaints before buying, and consider extended coverage if you really want a RAV4 Prime.
Read detailed reliability info at Consumer Reports for the 2022 model year to help decide.
Honda Civic (Certain Model Years)
You should watch specific Civic years—many owners report transmission failures, cracked engine blocks, and electrical headaches on older 2000s and some mid‑2010s models. These faults can mean expensive repairs before 100k miles, so inspect service history and get a pre‑purchase inspection.
Pay attention to 1.5L turbo models from the mid‑2010s for oil dilution and A/C condenser problems. Read owner reports and recall info before you buy, and compare listings carefully on sites like MotorBiscuit for flagged years.
Mitsubishi Outlander
If you’re looking at a used Outlander, watch for years with recurring transmission and electrical complaints. Those problems often show up before 100,000 miles and can be costly to fix.
Get a pre-purchase inspection and request maintenance records to confirm regular service. Read a short guide on which Outlander years to avoid to help narrow your search: Mitsubishi Outlander years to avoid (https://rerev.com/articles/mitsubishi-outlander-years-to-avoid/).
Subaru Legacy
If you’re eyeing a used Subaru Legacy, watch model years that developed recurring issues like head gasket failures and transmission troubles. Get a pre-purchase inspection and check service records to confirm those repairs were done properly.
Some years are more reliable than others; targeting well-reviewed years can save you money and hassle. For guidance on which model years to prefer or avoid, see this guide to Subaru Legacy years to avoid.
Lexus RX (Earlier Models)
If you’re shopping used, watch the 2009–2012 era closely; owners report transmission shudders and rough shifts that can mean pricey repairs.
Have a mechanic test drive it and inspect the transmission fluid and mounts before you buy.
Some model years also showed inconsistent reliability across electronics and suspension parts.
Bring a pre-purchase checklist and factor in possible out-of-warranty costs when negotiating price.
Learn more about common problem years and owner reports from this roundup of best and worst Lexus RX years.
Mazda CX-5 (Specific Trims)
If you like higher trims with added tech, be careful: some owners report electrical and transmission problems that show up more often on loaded models.
Have a mechanic inspect adaptive cruise, infotainment, and transmission function before you buy.
Lower trims tend to be simpler and cheaper to repair.
Compare repair history and recalls for the exact trim and model year you’re considering, and check detailed reports like the 2025 Mazda CX-5 Problems & Complaints for trends.
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