You want to buy an SUV that fits your life without surprises, not one that drains time and money with avoidable problems. This article pinpoints eleven SUVs you should think twice about and explains the practical reasons — from costly repairs to disappointing performance — so you can skip the regret and make smarter choices.
Expect clear, experience-based warnings and straightforward trade-offs that help you weigh cost, reliability, and everyday comfort. The following breakdown walks through common trouble spots — maintenance costs, weak powertrains, cramped cabins, and finicky electronics — so you can spot red flags before signing a deal.
Jeep Compass – frequent reliability issues and pricey repairs
You’ll find common problems with the Compass that can make ownership expensive. Electrical faults, transmission complaints, and persistent oil leaks are reported often.
Repairs tend to be pricey, especially when transmission work or ECU fixes are needed. Expect higher-than-average visits to the shop and parts costs that add up over time.
If you want fewer surprises, consider models with stronger reliability records or budget extra for maintenance and repairs.
Land Rover Discovery Sport – high maintenance costs and outdated tech
You’ll pay more to keep a Discovery Sport running than most mainstream SUVs, with typical yearly and long-term repair bills higher than average. Check estimated repair and maintenance ranges before buying, since costs can spike on major services and parts.
The infotainment and driver-assist systems feel dated compared with rivals; you might miss features newer competitors include as standard. Expect occasional electrical and engine-related issues that raise ownership headaches and bills over time.
Nissan Rogue – underpowered engine and cheap interior materials
You’ll notice the Rogue’s acceleration feels sluggish, especially when merging or passing on the highway. Many reviewers and owners point out the car can feel underpowered during everyday driving.
The cabin looks modern but uses hard plastics and flimsy trim in places you touch the most. If you care about build quality and a premium feel, competitors like the Mazda CX-5 offer a noticeably nicer interior (https://motor-junkie.com/11-suvs-we-would-not-buy-why-they-arent-worth-it/78155/).
Ford EcoSport – cramped space plus subpar build quality
You’ll notice the rear seats feel tight for adults, and cargo space isn’t generous compared with rivals. That cramped layout makes longer trips less comfortable.
Materials and fit can disappoint; panels creak and plastics feel cheap in places. If you care about perceived quality, rivals like the Ford Puma review (and others) offer a more refined cabin.
Chevrolet Traverse – poor fuel economy and expensive upkeep
You’ll notice the Traverse often returns below-average fuel economy for its class, especially if you drive city-heavy routes or tow frequently. Check engine codes or clogged DI injectors can worsen mileage, so don’t ignore warning lights.
Maintenance and repair costs tend to climb as the Traverse ages, with owners reporting higher-than-expected service bills and parts expenses. If low running costs matter to you, compare long-term ownership projections before you commit.
Volkswagen Tiguan – electrical problems and costly parts
You’ll see frequent reports of mysterious electrical gremlins on Tiguans, from warning lights to infotainment glitches. Owners point to widespread issues across model years, including recurring battery, alternator, and software faults (CarComplaints electrical index).
Repairs can get pricey when modules, the throttle body, or turbo electronics fail. Expect diagnostic time and dealer software updates to add labor costs, so budget for higher-than-average repair bills.
Hyundai Santa Fe (older models) – transmission issues
If you’re shopping older Santa Fes, watch for rough or delayed shifting that can get costly fast.
Owners report hard shifts and occasional slipping, especially on mid-2010s models, which sometimes trace to software or transmission component failures.
Get a thorough test drive and insist on service records; a software reflash can fix some soft-failure symptoms, but mechanical repairs often mean major bills.
Check recalls and owner reports like those discussing hard 1–2 shifts before you buy.
Honda HR-V – weak acceleration and noisy cabin
You’ll notice the HR-V feels sluggish when you push for quick passing or merging; the turbo-free engine delivers modest power and can lag under load. That makes highway maneuvers less confident than in many rivals.
Cabin noise picks up during acceleration and on coarse pavement. If quiet matters to you, consider models praised for better engine refinement or aftermarket sound deadening like this Honda HR-V cabin noise reduction guide (https://www.secondskinaudio.com/customer-projects/honda/honda-hrv-sound-deadening/).
Kia Sorento (2020-2022) – problematic infotainment system
You’ll often face frozen or unresponsive screens on 2020–2022 Sorentos, which disrupt navigation and media. Reboots sometimes fix it, but the problem can return days later.
Kia issued technical bulletins for software updates on affected models, so dealers can install fixes. If the display keeps failing, expect repeated visits and lost time.
Toyota RAV4 Prime (early models) – battery concerns and high repairs
You’ll like the Prime’s electric range, but early models showed faster battery capacity drop than owners expected. That can reduce EV miles and lead to expensive diagnostics or repairs under certain conditions.
Some owners report 12V system issues that trigger errors and limp-home modes, adding hassle and shop time. Check forums like RAV4 Prime owner discussions before buying and budget for potential battery-related service.
Mazda CX-9 – tight third-row seating and pricey fixes
You’ll like the CX-9’s driving feel and upscale cabin, but the third row feels cramped for adults. Expect limited legroom and a narrow seat that works best for kids or short trips.
Repairs and options can push costs up quickly. Check maintenance history and warranty coverage before you buy; unexpected bills hit harder on a premium-feeling SUV.
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