Least Reliable Cars That Won't Even Last 60,000 Miles

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Ten 2024 models that will not reach anywhere near the 200,000 miles or more car owners expect from their cars today. Plus, the 10 most reliable 2024 models.

Can some of the worst designed cars reach 200,000 miles (or more) as long as you maintain it regularly and drive it gently? Maybe. But according to the host of the Car Help Corner YouTube channel, it will come at a significant financial cost in repairs and headache to nurse these modern-day lemons further than 60,000 miles.

To help new car shoppers avoid those 2024 models that are now developing problems that are expensive fixes, here are the models the host points a finger at and explains what the problems are in this summary listed in order from the least worst to the absolute worst:

The Least Reliable Cars of 2024

1. Nissan Rogue―the Nissan Rogue has several reported problems that include:

Complex engine design prone to internal bearing and link damage resulting in an engine knocking noise and loss of power that could eventually turn into a seized engine with major damage; Enough so, that it has caught the attention of the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

CVT Failure―the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) basically is a transmission designed to use pulleys connected via a steel band, rather than using a hydraulic-based system to engage the gears in older model cars and trucks. The host points to the Jotco brand used in Nissan that fail prematurely and are not generally repairable making this an expensive replacement problem.

2. Infiniti QX50―the QX50 shares much of the same CVT problems as the Nissan Rouge and has a problematic engine that just does not last much beyond its first lease.

3. Ford Bronco Sport―the Bronco’s EcoBoost engine has an established history of problems, especially the 1.5L 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine used in the Bronco Sport and Ford Escape with its cracking fuel injectors making these models a fire risk. There are also cooling issues such as leaks and head gasket failures.

4. Chrysler Pacifica (Plug-in Hybrid) ―with numerous recalls under its seatbelt, the Pacifica Hybrid is noted for its electrical problems, engine shut-down, and fire risks. The host also warns against purchasing other Stellantis-made models including the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE and the Jeep Wrangler 4XE (plug-in hybrid models).

5. Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra―while known for making good trucks in the past, the move to introduce their cylinder deactivation technology the past several years has significantly reduced their reliability ratings, especially in the Ecotech 3-, 5.3-, and 6.2-liter V8 engines with valve lifter sticking and collapsing problems signaled by ticking and knocking engine noise. Class action lawsuits against GM about this problem are in the works.

6. Land Rover Range Rover―marked by a long list of problems, chief of which is the engine, transmission, air suspension, and electronics, this is a make you will find continual problems―even within the first few years let alone as a used after-lease purchase.

7. Jaguar F-Pace―countless engine, transmission, oil and cooling system leaks, electronic, and fuel system problems qualify this model as a “must-avoid at all costs” or expect to pay a lot to keep this vehicle on the road making this “nightmare brand” another one to avoid.

8. Volkswagen Taos―a small-displacement 1.5 L turbocharged engine is the bane of this model experiencing leaks, fuel system issues, and even total engine failure. A complicated dual clutch automated manual transmission also adds to the rising costs of ownership.

9 and 10. Any Hyundai or Kia with the 2.0 L 4-cyinder engine―pretty much every model of both makes from 2011 and later have had major engine and fire risk issues amounting to over 10,000,000 affected vehicles in all.

The Video That Tells All About the 2024 Models to Avoid

To get all of the details not covered in the summary with the host’s view and recommendations, here is the tell-all video posted below for more information you should hear about before going new car shopping for a 2024 model.

Least Reliable Cars That Won't Even Last 60,000 Miles || Avoid Buying!

 

Is This List of Least Reliable 2024 Cars Accurate?

One thing to keep in mind is that lists are sometimes just that…. lists. In other words, few provide hard statistical analysis and might have some bias to them depending on who creates the list and how they view reliability.

However, when hard numbers are not provided in the list one thing you can observe rather easily is that of trends. In particular, comparing multiple independent lists and seeing how they compare and contrast with one another.

For example, a Kelly Blue Book article points to a Consumer Reports list of CR’s selection of the least reliable 2024 models and makes some valid points on what CR looks at in qualifying a car as unreliable as well as how that their data generated comes directly from customer survey reviews. Therefore, whomever does a “Best Of” or “Worst Of” type review can vary.

However, when it comes to the least reliable cars of 2024 you will find Consumer Reports and the Car Help Corner YouTube channel are remarkably similar.

Here is the list from Consumer Reports of the least reliable 2024 models made earlier this year:

Jeep Wrangler: Reliability Score of 27

Jeep Grand Cherokee: Reliability Score of 26

VW Jetta: Reliability Score of 25

Nissan Frontier: Reliability Score of 23

Jeep Grand Cherokee L: Reliability Score of 23

Rivian R1T: Reliability Score of 22

Volvo XC60: Reliability Score of 21

Ford F150 Hybrid: Reliability Score of 19

Volkswagen Taos: Reliability Score 18

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid: Reliability Score of 14

What Are the Most Reliable Recommended Cars for 2024?

For a list of what Consumer Reports recommends as the ten 2024 models you should be seriously considering when looking for reliability over all else, here is what CR analysts recommend ranked beginning with the most reliable model their data shows:

Consumer Reports 10 Most Reliable 2024 Models

1. 2024 Toyota 4Runner (Predicted Reliability Score: 87)

Price Range:  $40,455 - $54,920

CR MPG:  Overall 17 / City 12 / Hwy 24 mpg

#8 of 16 Midsized SUVs

Predicted owner satisfaction: 4/5

2. 20204 Toyota Camry Hybrid (Predicted Reliability Score: 87)

Price Range:  $26,420 - $36,845

CR MPG:  Overall 47 / City 39 / Hwy 53 mpg

#1 of 11 Midsized cars

Predicted owner satisfaction: 4/5

3. 2024 Toyota Camry (Predicted Reliability Score: 86)

Price Range:  $26,420 - $36,845

CR MPG:  Overall 32 / City 20 / Hwy 49 mpg

#3 of 11 Midsized cars

Predicted owner satisfaction: 3/5

4. 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime (Predicted Reliability Score: 84)

Price Range:  $43,440 - $47,310

CR MPGE:  Overall 72 / City 74 / Hwy 71 mpge

#2 of 27 Compact SUVs

Predicted owner satisfaction: 4/5

5. 2024 BMW X5 (Predicted Reliability Score: 82)

Price Range:  $65,200 - $122,300

CR MPG:  Overall 23 / City 15 / Hwy 33 mpg

#1 of 16 Luxury midsized SUVs

Predicted owner satisfaction: 5/5

6. 2024 Subaru Forester (Predicted Reliability Score: 82)

Price Range:  $27,095 - $37,395

CR MPG:  Overall 28 / City 20 / Hwy 38 mpg

#1 of 27 Compact SUVs

Predicted owner satisfaction: 4/5

7. 2024 Toyota RAV4 (Predicted Reliability Score: 80)

Price Range:  $28,475 - $39,780

CR MPG:  Overall 27 / City 19 / Hwy 38 mpg

#12 of 27 Compact SUVs

Predicted owner satisfaction: 2/5

8. 2024 Acura RDX (Predicted Reliability Score: 80)

Price Range:  $44,050 - $53,850

CR MPG:  Overall 22 / City 15 / Hwy 30 mpg

#3 of 24 Luxury compact SUVs

Predicted owner satisfaction: 3/5

9. 2024 Toyota Corolla (Predicted Reliability Score: 77)

Price Range:  $21,900 - $28,140

CR MPG:  Overall 36 / City 24 / Hwy 51 mpg

#5 of 16 Compact cars

Predicted owner satisfaction: 3/5

10. 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (Predicted Reliability Score: 75)

Price Range:  $36,620 - $53,025

CR MPG:  Overall 35 / City 27 / Hwy 41 mpg

#1 of 20 Midsized SUVs 3-row

Predicted owner satisfaction: 4/5

Which Reliable Model is Expected to Last the Longest?

To help narrow down your most reliable model to choose, matching the above CR list of the most reliable 2024 models with an article from the Autoblog.com website that lists 12 models expected to go 200,000 mile and beyond, the two lists share these 4 models to choose from:

  • 2024 Toyota Highlander
  • 2024 Toyota Corolla
  • 2024 Toyota Camry
  • 2024Toyota 4Runner

For recommendations about cars proven to be reliable, here are some additional articles for your consideration:

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on  “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

Image source: Deposit Photos

Submitted by David Radzieta (not verified) on March 27, 2024 - 5:43AM

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I am thankful for the thousands of new CCS and Chademo Quick EV Chargers. Canada too. I can almost drive my 2012 Nissan Leaf with 85% battery remaining, 11/12 bars, from Key West to Anchorage. Just a gap between Northern Alberta and BC. I was surprised to see how many chargers are in Whitehourse, Fargo, Bismark, etc.

Submitted by David Radzieta (not verified) on March 27, 2024 - 5:52AM

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I love my RV and Titan 4x4 crew cab. I love my diesel tractors. I also love our EV commuter cars.

If your family has multiple vehicles and you can charge at home one should be an EV. We have saved over 10,000 gallons of gasoline in 12 years driving some Nissan Leas for commuter cars. Never leave or local area. Very economical, reliable, exceptionally safe, just 2 seconds to plug it in and the next day it is ready for your commute. When selecting an EV choose one that gets twice your range of your daily commute, or 3x for Tesla. Charging a EV at home over night when there is excess power cost less than half the cost of fueling a Prius. However. Using public chargers to charge an EV in general cost about twice that of fueling a Prius. My 2012 Leaf literally saved my really expensive 4x4 too. Better health too avoiding those weekly trips to the gas station to mess with those phlegm covered gas pumps. I bet I saved 2 months of PTO in 9 years before I retired.

Submitted by Michael McHenry (not verified) on March 27, 2024 - 6:11AM

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"Nissan Rouge"? Nothing undermines the credibility of any article faster than a failure to proofread before pushing the "publish" button....

I bought a new Nissan Rouge because we owned one before in the late seventies. We had twins and the Nissan station wagon was perfect.
When I saw the 23 rogue on TV with the purple / gray paint, I was love at first sight!
Wouldn't you know that the local dealership had that rogue in stock with that paint! I bought it!!!

Submitted by JTinNJ (not verified) on March 27, 2024 - 7:27AM

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Year after year Toyota makes reliable cars, we know that. Too many other manufacturers know that and don't care. The culture of a company starts at the top, with the Board of Directors chosen by the owners. They need to demand quality, they need to be embarrassed by the image they have created. As much as those at the bottom who want to be proud about what they produce.