8 Most Problematic Car Brands to Avoid
Here are the 8 car brands with the lowest initial quality, ranked by number of problems reported per 100 vehicles:
8. Jeep
Jeep is in the midst of a renaissance, enjoying a level of popularity it has never experienced. But despite its crossovers and SUVs flying off dealer lots in many markets around the globe, its quality leaves something to be desired. Squeaks, rattles, and wind noise have always been common on the rugged Wrangler, but a series of engineering recalls and tech problems have continued to plague the brand. Buyers can almost expect headaches. There were 107 reported issues per 100 vehicles.
7. Subaru
One of Kenya’s most controversial brand leaves something to be desired. customers can’t buy Subarus fast enough. Their lineup of affordable, safe, all-wheel-drive models are perfect for young and older drivers alike. But that doesn’t keep the Japanese brand from having issues. Out of 100 cars, buyers reported 113 problems.
6. Audi
You might not expect to see this German brand on this list. Audi has long positioned itself as a tech-forward car company. Unfortunately, a risk of being an early adapter means a lot can go wrong. While rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz rank sixth and 18th, respectively, Audi finds itself at the back of the pack when it comes to quality. Out of 100 cars, customers reported 115 problems with their new vehicles.
5. Mazda
This brand does fun better than almost anybody, but reliability is another story. In many ways, Mazda is one of the most exciting automakers in the world right now. From the Mazda3 to the full-size CX-9 SUV, the company has found a way to make every model it offers almost as fun to drive. Unfortunately, it still falls short in terms of quality. New Mazda owners reported 125 problems for every 100 cars.
4. Land Rover
This iconic off-roader is still hobbled by so-so reliability. For nearly 80 years, Land Rover has built some of the most capable SUVs on the planet. But the British truck maker has also had the reputation for uneven build quality for nearly as long. Despite record sales and a lineup of beautiful, luxurious SUVs, Land Rover still isn’t doing much to rehab its tarnished image. Out of 100 vehicles, unhappy customers reported 131 issues.
3. Mitsubishi
Quality is just one of this struggling automaker’s problems. After years of turmoil, Mitsubishi is now under the Nissan umbrella and trying to re-establish itself as a worthy contender on the increasingly tight market. Despite some success with the Outlander crossover lineup, the brand continues to struggle. Out of 100 vehicles sold, buyers reported 131 problems.
2. Volvo
This brand of beautiful cars still has a long way to go when it comes to quality. In the span of a few years, Volvo has gone from an aging, unexciting premium brand to one of the most dynamic, sexiest brands on the market. But between the phasing out of old models and the rapid introduction of new ones, quality seems to get lost in the shuffle. With boldly tech-heavy interiors, Volvos have been a disappointment for some new owners. Out of 100 cars, buyers claimed 134 problems.
1. Jaguar
Despite a segment-leading warranty, this brand can still be a headache. In 2015, Jaguar attempted to buck its decades-old reputation for being unreliable by unveiling the Jaguar EliteCare warranty plan. At five years/60,000 miles, it’s one of the best warranties offered by a premium automaker. Unfortunately, buyers might have to use it more often than they’d like. Out of every 100 cars, buyers reported a frustrating 148 issues.