17 SUVs With The Worst Reliability, And The Subaru To Buy Instead

Avoid These Models

If you are looking for a reliable used SUV, you've come to the right place. Updated Consumer Reports data says buyers should steer clear of these 17 SUVs because they all have well below-average reliability. 

Consumer Reports warns, "If you buy a three- or five-year-old used car, it's already gone through the steepest part of the depreciation curve. But an unreliable used car is never a good value, no matter how low it may be priced."

This underscores the importance of reliability in your used car purchase.

It's a long list, for sure. They all have much worse-than-average reliability. I will list CR's models you should avoid and then look at the corresponding Subaru models that are reliable. Then, you can feel confident you won't buy a money pit. 

I have a real-life story from my daughter and son-in-law. 

Let me share a real-life story from my daughter and son-in-law. They made the mistake of purchasing a used 10-year-old SUV that is on this list (a Hyundai Santa Fe) for their teenage daughter. The vehicle developed engine problems, and after a mechanic diagnosed the problem, they had the car towed to the junkyard because it was not worth fixing. (They didn't ask for my advice, by the way.) This personal anecdote highlights the importance of making informed decisions when buying a used car.

Ouch

The engine died, and it would have cost more than the vehicle was worth to put in a new engine. They took a $10,000 loss. So they bought a 2015 Subaru Legacy to replace it. Good choice. (My daughter asked for my advice on this one.) 

Let CR do the heavy lifting. 

Consumer Reports collects data from its members in its Annual Auto Surveys so they can tell you how many problems a model has had compared with the average problem rate for all vehicles of the same model year. You can learn which models and model years to stay far away from.

Here are the used models to avoid buying. I've listed them by vehicle category and in alphabetical order by car brand. Based on subscriber responses to CR's Annual Auto Surveys, they have a record of much worse-than-average reliability.

Keep reading, and I will provide the Subaru model in each vehicle category and which years are best for used SUV shoppers. I've also included sports cars, midsize sedans, and compact cars to avoid. 

Small SUV/Crossover vehicles with the worst reliability you should avoid buying

• 2021 Kia Soul
• 2022 Volkswagen Taos

Compact SUVs with the worst reliability you should avoid buying.

• 2021 Ford Escape
• 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid
• 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
• 2016-2017 Hyundai Tucson 
• 2014 Jeep Cherokee
• 2021 Jeep Cherokee L
• 2018, 2020-2021 Jeep Wrangler
• 2022 Nissan Rogue
• 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

Midsize SUVs with the worst reliability you should avoid buying.

• 2023 Chevrolet Blazer
• 2016, 2020 Ford Explorer
• 2018 GMC Acadia
• 2021 Volkswagen Atlas 

3-Row SUVs with the worst reliability you should avoid buying.

• 2018 Chevrolet Traverse
• 2023 Mazda CX-9

Maybe you aren't looking for an SUV. Here are the midsize sedans, sports cars, and compact car to avoid. 

Midsize Cars with the worst reliability you should avoid buying.

• 2014 Chevrolet Malibu 
• 2017-2018 Hyundai Sonata

Sports Cars with the worst reliability you should avoid buying.

• 2020 Ford Mustang

Compact Cars with the worst reliability you should avoid buying.

• 2014, 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

Why Buy A Subaru?

Aside from Subaru's excellent standard Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, off-pavement capabilities, and stellar safety record, Consumer Reports recommends them for their exceptional reliability. This should give you peace of mind when considering a Subaru as your next vehicle.  

What is the most reliable Subaru model you can buy? 

The Subaru Forester is consistently ranked high by Consumer Reports for reliability.

The most recent Consumer Reports (by subscription) survey says it's the Subaru Forester compact SUV. CR released its 10 Most Reliable Cars annual results, and the Forester is a top pick. The Subaru Forester makes the CR list again in models with the best reliability. You can read my report here. 

CR says, "The Forester is ranked #1 of 27 Compact SUVs. Its strengths are its fuel economy, roomy interior, excellent outward visibility, and easy-to-use controls."

Subaru’s best used midsize SUV.

According to iSeeCars data, the best used SUV under $15,000 is the Subaru Outback. Based on iSeeCar's data-driven analysis of each vehicle's reliability, resale value, and safety, they picked the 2014 Subaru Outback as the number one pick for used SUV shoppers. Forester is just a little behind and ranks number two overall.  

iSeeCars says, "The best small and compact SUV under $15,000 is the 2014 Subaru Outback based on our analysis of 12 million vehicles to assess their reliability, resale value, and safety. The 2014 Subaru Outback has an average price of $14,510 with an overall iSeeCars score of 8.8." 

Subaru’s best subcompact SUV

Crosstrek Hits The Sweet Spot (in more ways than one)

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek should be at the top of your used SUV shopping list. An updated Consumer Reports (by subscription) ranking of the best 3-year-old small SUVs says the Crosstrek hits the 'sweet spot' with its reliability, cost-effectiveness, and unique features. 

Consumer Reports rates the 2021 Crosstrek as highly reliable, giving it a score of 78/100. CR says, "It's the most reliable small SUV, and it has an owner satisfaction rating of 4/5, making it a cost-effective choice for used SUV buyers." 

Subaru’s best used midsize 3-Row SUV.

Consumer Reports didn't always recommend it, but the Subaru Ascent is a reliable pick now. The 2023 and 2024 Ascent are now on Consumer Reports' newly recommended models list with improved reliability.

Consumer Reports now says, "It seems that Subaru has worked out most of the Ascent's kinks, so it improved to average predicted reliability. There were still reports of transmission issues, but fewer than in the past."

You should still avoid the 2019 and 2020 Ascent model years. The early years did have reliability issues. Read my report here. 

Are you shopping for a sedan?

Is the Subaru Legacy a reliable midsize sedan? According to an updated Consumer Reports (by subscription), the 2022 Subaru Legacy sedan is still near the top of new midsize sedans you can buy for reliability.

The Legacy is among the six most reliable midsize luxury and mainstream sedans in CR's testing. It ranks second overall out of nine mainstream midsize sedans. 

CR says the Legacy delivers "an excellent combination of passenger space, fuel economy, and affordability. The Legacy provides a super-comfortable ride that outshines some luxury cars."

Consumer Reports recommends the Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Ascent, and Legacy, which score high in reliability. However, make sure any used vehicle has been properly maintained. I recommend that a certified Subaru technician check all used models.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru