15 Worst Pickup Trucks Ever Made

If you’ve ever owned a pickup truck, you know that they can be the ultimate utility vehicle. From hauling heavy loads to off-roading adventures, there’s little these powerful machines can’t do. However, not all trucks are created equal.

Some models, unfortunately, have gained a notorious reputation for their lackluster performance, terrible reliability, or subpar design. To help you make an informed decision when buying your next truck, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 worst pickup trucks ever made.

Chevrolet SSR (2003-2006)

Red 2004 Chevrolet SSR retro-styled convertible pickup truck with chrome grille and alloy wheels in parking lot — Image Credit: MercurySable99 – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

The Chevrolet SSR, a retractable hardtop convertible pickup truck, was launched in 2003. This vehicle was unique in design, but its uniqueness was not enough to save it from failure.

The SSR was an attempt to blend a sports car and a pickup truck, but it didn’t excel in either category. It was underpowered for a sports car and lacked the capacity and power expected from a pickup truck. Its outrageous price tag didn’t help its sales either.

Dodge Dakota (2005-2007)

Silver 2005-2007 Dodge Dakota crew cab pickup truck with 4x4 badging and alloy wheels parked in parking lot — Image Credit: IFCAR – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

The Dodge Dakota is a mid-size pickup truck that was in production from 1987 to 2011. However, the models from 2005 to 2007 are notorious for their reliability issues.

These models were plagued with problems like transmission failures, engine stalls, and airbag malfunctions. This generation of Dakota also suffered from a decline in build quality and materials, making it one of the poorest-rated trucks in terms of customer satisfaction.

Ford Explorer Sport Trac (2001-2005)

Black 2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac pickup truck with crew cab and Ontario license plate parked in lot — Image Credit: Ontariocarguy07 – CC0/Wiki Commons.

The Ford Explorer Sport Trac was a unique offering, blending the characteristics of an SUV and a pickup truck. Unfortunately, this combination didn’t work out well.

The Sport Trac had several mechanical issues, including transmission failure and engine problems. Additionally, it lacked the cargo capacity that most pickup truck buyers were looking for, making it a disappointing choice for many.

Cadillac Escalade EXT (2002-2013)

Black 2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT pickup truck parked at dealership with chrome grille, alloy wheels, and tinted windows — Image Credit: Elise240SX – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

The Cadillac Escalade EXT was an attempt to create a luxury pickup truck, but it missed the mark. The Escalade EXT was based on the Chevrolet Avalanche and shared many of its problems.

The vehicle was not only expensive but also had several reliability issues. Furthermore, its bed was smaller than most other trucks, severely limiting its utility.

Chevrolet Colorado (2004-2012)

White 2004-2005 Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck with Montreal city markings parked on street with autumn leaves around — Image Credit: Bull-Doser – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

The first-generation Chevrolet Colorado was a compact pickup truck that suffered from multiple issues. They were known for their electrical problems, excessive oil consumption, and poor build quality.

Furthermore, the Colorado was notorious for its uncomfortable seats and a lack of interior space, making it one of the least popular trucks on the market.

Lincoln Blackwood (2002)

Black 2002 Lincoln Blackwood luxury pickup truck parked in parking lot with chrome grille and alloy wheels — Image Credit: IFCAR – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

The Lincoln Blackwood was a luxury pickup truck that was only sold for a single year, which should give you an idea of how well it was received.

It was expensive, had limited cargo space, and was only available in black. Furthermore, the covered bed was not functional for carrying large items, which is a key feature for most pickup trucks.

GMC Canyon (2004-2012)

Silver 2004 GMC Canyon extended cab pickup truck parked on wet pavement with industrial buildings in background — Image Credit: Bull-Doser – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

The GMC Canyon, a twin to the Chevrolet Colorado, also suffered from the same issues as its sibling. The first-generation Canyon was plagued with engine problems, electrical issues, and a lack of refinement.

The Canyon didn’t offer much in terms of towing capacity or off-road capabilities, making it a poor choice for those looking for a practical pickup truck.

Nissan Titan (2004-2015)

Silver 2004-2007 Nissan Titan pickup truck parked in front of red brick building with white-trimmed windows — Image Credit: IFCAR – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

The first-generation Nissan Titan was a full-size pickup truck that had several issues. Despite its strong V8 engine, the Titan was known for its poor fuel economy and reliability issues, including problems with the rear axle, brakes, and exhaust system.

Furthermore, the Titan’s interior was criticized for its cheap materials and lack of comfort.

Suzuki Equator (2009-2012)

Silver 2009 Suzuki Equator extended cab pickup truck parked at dealership with dealer sticker on windshield — Image Credit: IFCAR – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

The Suzuki Equator was a mid-size pickup truck based on the Nissan Frontier. However, the Equator didn’t live up to its Nissan counterpart. It suffered from a lack of power, poor fuel economy, and a lack of refinement.

The Equator was also not as reliable as other trucks in its class, making it a poor choice for those looking for a dependable pickup truck.

Hummer H2 SUT (2005-2009)

Black 2005 Hummer H2 SUT pickup truck with large off-road tires parked on cobblestone street — Image Credit: Elise240SX – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

The Hummer H2 SUT was a pickup truck version of the infamous Hummer H2. It was big, bold, and impractical. The H2 SUT was notorious for its poor fuel economy, lack of cargo space, and expensive maintenance costs.

Its massive size made it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, making it a poor choice for city dwellers.

Ford F-150 (2004-2005)

White 2004 Ford F-150 extended cab pickup truck with chrome grille parked in parking lot with side steps — Image Credit: Bull-Doser – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

The Ford F-150 is generally a highly-regarded pickup truck. However, the 2004-2005 models suffered from significant reliability issues. These models were plagued with problems like spark plug ejection, engine failure, and transmission problems.

These F-150s had issues with their window regulators failing, leading to windows that couldn’t be rolled up or down.

Chevrolet Avalanche (2002-2013)

Red and gray 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche crew cab pickup truck parked on wet asphalt near wooden building — Image Credit: IFCAR – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

The Chevrolet Avalanche was a unique pickup truck with a fold-down rear seat that extended the bed into the cab. However, this design didn’t resonate with buyers. The Avalanche was criticized for its poor fuel economy, lack of towing capacity, and subpar interior quality.

It also suffered from several reliability issues, including problems with the transmission and electrical system.

Dodge Ram 1500 (2002)

Silver 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab pickup truck parked in lot with chrome grille and alloy wheels — Image Credit: Bull-Doser – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

The 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 is infamous for its reliability issues. This model was known for its transmission failures, exhaust manifold leaks, and dashboard cracking.

The 2002 Ram 1500 also had problems with the differential, leading to a high rate of failures. These issues made the 2002 Ram 1500 one of the least reliable trucks on the market.

GMC Sierra 1500 (2014)

White 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 pickup truck with chrome grille and fog lights displayed in shopping mall showroom — Image Credit: Bull-Doser – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

The 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 had several significant issues. This model was known for its excessive oil consumption, transmission slipping, and AC failure.

It also had problems with the engine, including misfires and a shaking sensation. These issues made the 2014 Sierra 1500 a disappointing choice for many truck buyers.

Toyota T100 (1993-1998)

Red 1993-1998 Toyota T100 pickup truck parked in shopping center lot with trees, other vehicles, and shopping cart corral visible — Image Credit: IFCAR – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

The Toyota T100 was a full-size pickup truck that didn’t live up to Toyota’s reputation for reliability. The T100 was criticized for its lack of power and towing capacity.

Furthermore, it had several design flaws, including a lack of a third door, which made access to the rear seats difficult. Despite being a Toyota, the T100 had several reliability issues, making it one of the least popular trucks of its time.

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