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If you are looking for a used car, you're in good company. More than 40 million Americans are expected to buy used cars this year—more than twice as many as will purchase new cars. Shoppers are seeking to get the most for their money and avoid rapid initial depreciation that comes with a new car. But by purchasing used, you take greater risks. And as our data shows, even top-selling models can have their share of problems.
Each year, Consumer Reports tracks reliability problems by surveying its subscribers. Data from our latest Annual Auto Survey come from experiences with 1.1 million vehicles, giving us deep insights into what goes wrong. What we found is that even reliable cars can have troubles, and some cars should be avoided altogether.
To highlight the kinds of problems captured in the latest survey, we've singled out top-selling models to draw attention to their detailed problems. The problems noted in these summaries are those that occurred at a higher rate compared with other vehicles of the same age.
Subscribers to ConsumerReports.org can view the 17 individual trouble spots for each model for each of its latest 10 model years. All visitors can learn more about car reliability.
This widely sold domestic SUV has been fraught with reliability concerns. The V6 Equinox has been around longer and had many more problems than the four-cylinder version that was introduced for 2010. Owners of 2005 through 2008 V6s cite many problems with check-engine lights, brake wear, rotors, and other parts; and suspension problems such as with struts, shocks, and wheel bearings on 2005 and 2006 versions. V6 models from 2005 are prone to A/C compressor and refrigerant leakage, and 2006 models have heating-system problems. Some head-gasket problems are common on 2005 and 2006 models. The V6s also develop many squeaks and rattles from 2005 through 2009, power window or lock problems on 2008, and some electrical (mostly battery and spark plug) woes on 2007 and 2008 models. The 2010 four-cylinder has far-worse-than-average frequency of engine problems, particularly with the timing chain. For those who didn't replace the chain in time, an engine rebuild has been necessary. That is troublesome for a model that's relatively new.
The four-cylinder and V6 Malibu sedans have far-higher-than-average problem rates in several areas. Models from 2005 through 2008 have various fuel-system problems such as check-engine light and fuel-gauge trouble. The two oldest model years have problems with power windows, and 2004 through 2009 models have locks and latches problems, with 2008 being the worst year. A high incidence of brake and suspension problems crop up among 2004s through 2010s, with 2007 being the worst for brakes and 2006 the worst for suspension. Squeaks and rattles are especially prevalent in most years before 2009. The 2002 and 2003 versions have frequent A/C and cooling-system problems. Keyless entry is conking out especially in 2004 to 2008 models.
Relative to other vehicles, the Silverado and Sierra twins tend to vacillate from average to below-average overall reliability from year to year. Common problems include misbehaving dash gauges, water pumps, and 4WD systems from 2003 to 2005. The owners of 2007 and earlier V8s have frequently reported wheel-bearing and steering-linkage problems. Audio (such as CD player and speakers) problems were mentioned on older models. Power windows and tailgates were problems on the oldest years, locks go out on some 2008 and 2009 models, and the climate system's fan motor acts up in various 2006 and earlier models.
The Grand Caravan and its twin, the Town & Country, have worse-than-average problems—small and large—almost every year. Troublesome power windows, locks, latches, liftgate, and sliding doors are predominant. Check-engine lights come on frequently on 2010 and all earlier models. The 2004 model is also affected by stalling or hesitation and sensor problems. Brake problems span all years up to 2011. A/C, body rust, power steering, shocks, and tie-rod problems emerge on 2006 and all earlier models. Squeaks, rattles, and wind noise are prominent in almost all years.
Despite its complexity, the Escape Hybrid has proved more reliable than the regular four-cylinder and V6 models. Yet hybrid-related components are a concern in 2005 to 2008 models. Owners of the redesigned 2013 Escape had lots of grievances with the MyFord Touch infotainment system. Gripes on 2009 and earlier Escapes included squeaks and rattles, body rust, oil leaks, and brake-system problems. The 2002, 2006, and 2007 V6 models had somewhat elevated transmission replacements.
Overall, the Ford F-150 pickups aged quite well, with mostly average or better reliability, when compared with other vehicles. The 2002 to 2008 V8 and 2002 to 2007 V6 models are prone to brake problems. Trouble with the 4WD system haunt 2003 to 2006 models. Rust plagues some 2005 and older trucks, and power windows falter on many 2008 and earlier models. Older trucks have problems with door seals or weather stripping.
In its early years the Focus developed many problems. Reliability improved with subsequent model years—until the recent 2012 redesign. The 2002s to 2004s have numerous cooling-system problems. Some transmission and engine-failure problems were reported on 2002s. Power windows and locks are troublesome in 2002 models as well. The air conditioning is failing in 2002 and 2003 models, and shocks or struts too frequently need work on 2002, 2003, and 2007 models. Paint or rust problems are emerging among 2002 to 2007 models. The 2012s and 2013s have notable transmission problems, such as slipping and rough shifting, and a lot of infotainment-system woes.
The first-generation Fusion has been one of Ford's most reliable cars, but problems have appeared over time. Hybrid models from 2011 and 2013 have experienced some infotainment-system problems—more so than the nonhybrids. Regular Fusions from 2006 to 2008 had spotty CD-player problems. Battery problems occur in 2010 V6s. The 2007 four-cylinders are having paint and rust issues, and some 2007 and 2008 all-wheel drives are having driveshaft or axle trouble. Brake-system problems appear on 2010 and earlier models, especially those with all-wheel drive, including abnormal brake wear and rotor problems. The 2006 and 2007 models have power-lock problems. The redesigned 2013 models have been affected by MyFord Touch problems.
The Accord has few problems overall, but the V6 version's transmission-replacement concerns on 2004 and earlier models remain. Timing belts are a problem in 2006 and earlier V6s. Brake problems are especially high in 2008s and 2009s. Owners complain about radio problems in 2013 models and CD-player trouble in 2003 and 2004 versions. Owners of 2005 Hybrid models complain of hybrid-battery-related problems. Accord coupes fare worse than the sedans across all years.
The CR-V has been one of the most dependable SUVs, but even the most reliable vehicles can experience problems as they age. For example, power locks can malfunction in 2002 to 2005 CR-Vs. By 10 years, the oxygen sensors are troublesome, and by 11 the keyless entry and the shocks, struts, and brakes might need attention.
Despite Honda's quality reputation, the Odyssey is not always trouble free. Wind noise is routine on 2010 and earlier models. The 2008 and earlier versions might develop power-steering and sliding-door problems. The 2006 and earlier models might need timing-belt and engine-mount replacement. The 2004 and 2005 have some CD- or DVD-player problems. The A/C compressor might give out in 2005 and 2007 models. The 2002 to 2004 models have had transmission-replacement problems and continue to be troublesome.
For most model years, the Elantra is a good choice. From about age 7, an oxygen sensor can give trouble. Power windows are problematic in 2009 models. Beginning about age 8 (2006) the brakes, cooling system, and paint might develop problems. The 2010 Touring wagon suffers from squeaks and rattles, and brake and wheel-alignment problems. The 2011's transmission might shift roughly. The 2013 GT Hatchback can have communications-system problems.
Except for the Hybrid and turbo model, Sonatas have been fairly reliable overall. Power windows and locks can cause problems on 2006 and 2007 models. Brake wear is a common complaint for 2010 and older models. A/C, paint, and rust problems appear in 2005 and older V6 Sonatas. Hybrid battery systems are giving some problems on 2011s, and communications-system problems have arisen in 2012 models.
The compact and sporty Mazda3 has been reliable overall, but some lingering concerns remain. The brakes are troublesome in the 2006. Check-engine lights often activate on the 2004 model. Squeaks and rattles and shock or strut problems are worse than average in 2004 to 2008 models. The 2004 to 2007 Mazda3 is more prone to rust than competitors. The A/C compressor and engine mounts are bringing higher-than-average complaints in the 2004 to 2007 models.
The Altima has been a good sedan with decent reliability in most years, but it does receive notable complaints. For instance, brake and battery problems are common for all model years from 2010 and earlier. Oil leaks can occur over time in V6 Altimas. The oldest models also have pronounced A/C compressor problems and refrigerant leakage. Quite a few 2002 to 2005 four-cylinders have needed a new catalytic convertor. The 2002 model needs an engine rebuild and has head-gasket problems. The 2009 and earlier models might have shock or strut trouble.
The Rogue has had somewhat elevated squeaks and rattles since its first year, 2008. The 2008 has some brake problems and check-engine-light reports. The 2009 has slight problems with the power locks.
Generally considered a reliability champ, even the Camry has problems at times. For example, the 2008 and some earlier models might need work on shocks or struts. The 2007 to 2012 V6 is prone to squeaks and rattles. The 2002 has oil leaks, plus starter and catalytic-convertor problems. Water pumps can fizzle early in four-cylinder 2008 and earlier models.
The 2002 and 2003 RAV4s have some transmission-replacement problems and some glitches with the power locks. Faulty water pumps and squeaks and rattles are commonplace in 2006 to 2008 models. The steering linkage is a sore spot on some 2006 and 2007 models.
The Jetta has an enthusiastic fan base, but this compact can be frustrating to own. Overactive check-engine lights crop up in most models and years from 2002 to 2011. The four- and five-cylinder versions might need a new catalytic converter (2002 and 2006); CV joints (2006); transmission (2005 and 2007); and power locks (2002, 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2009). The 2002 and 2007 have paint and A/C problems. The TDI diesel's problems include timing belt, clutch, and power locks (2002 and 2006); water pump, paint, and rust (2002); squeaks and rattles (2002, 2011, and 2012); A/C compressor (2002 and 2006); and power locks (2002, 2006, and 2009).
Even the best cars develop problems as they rack up the miles. Parts wear, break down, and ultimately need replacement, following the natural order for cars. But components wear at different rates, as highlighted in the chart below.
Drilling deeper into the huge amount of information collected in our Annual Auto Survey reveals trends among the 17 potential trouble areas. Breaking the data out into average problem rates at 3, 6, and 12 years, we can see the prevalence of some problems and how they increase over time.
Most categories cover multiple subsystems. For example, "Fuel system," the most frequently cited problem in older cars, includes check-engine lights, oxygen sensors, fuel-injection system, and other items.
Most hybrid gas/electric cars have proved reliable, with a notable exception: the Honda Civic Hybrid. Last year we blasted the 2009 Civic Hybrid after almost one in five owners told us the hybrid battery had needed replacement. In this year's survey, the results were much worse.
The failure rate of the 2009 Civic Hybrids' batteries has risen to 30 percent, and the 2010s' failure rate jumped from 12 to 32 percent, the worst among any model year. For 2009s and 2010s, that's almost one in three owners experiencing a failure—an astonishing replacement rate for any part on any car. The equivalent for the Toyota Prius? A fraction of 1 percent.
Most of those Civic Hybrid batteries were probably replaced under warranty, which in most states runs for eight years and 80,000 miles. Out-of-warranty Civic Hybrid batteries cost about $3,000, plus installation. But regardless of whether someone is dinged for the replacement cost, any car with a trouble rate that high, especially on a major component, is one to avoid.
For the first time we're getting a sense of the lifespan of a Prius hybrid battery. Our latest survey sees 12- and 11-year-old Prius batteries (2002s and 2003s) with a replacement rate of 5 and 4 percent, respectively. Overall, the Toyota Prius remains among the most reliable of all cars.
It can be tempting to buy a used luxury vehicle for the same money as a new mainstream model. Given that new cars tend to lose more than 40 percent of their value in the first three years, you can save significantly by buying a used luxury car, putting a fancy model in reach that you'd never consider buying new.
But the complex systems designed to entertain, pamper, and protect mean more stuff can go wrong. New-car buyers benefit from the longer warranty protection commonly offered by premium brands, but once that warranty expires, the repairs are on you. And they won't be cheap.
The problems cited below were reported at higher-than-average rates.
Problems get numerous around age 5 (2009) on the A4. Common maladies involve power windows and locks, water pump, coolant leaks, premature brake wear, oil leaks, and timing belts. About 4 percent of 2009s have needed an engine rebuild. A/C compressors and power-steering units are failing in 2002s and 2003s.
Although it's wonderful to drive, the 3 Series can cause a lot of costly heartache. Fuel pumps remain a problem, especially in the 2007 to 2009 335i, despite a recall. Oil leaks are common in 2008 and older versions. Power windows are problematic for 2007 and earlier. Most versions from 2002 through 2008 have worse-than-average rates of water-pump failures. Emission-control complaints dog the 2011 335d diesel.
The 2007 and 2008 six-cylinder 5 Series cars require battery replacements at an especially high rate. The 2009s and older are having lots of brake problems, oil leaks, and suspension trouble. Cooling-system faults and squeaks and rattles are common in 2007 and older models. The 2005s need head gaskets, and the 2004s experience A/C compressor troubles.
The most common complaint is premature brake wear (2003 through 2011). The 2004 through 2006 Infiniti Gs have started developing problems with squeaks and rattles, the exhaust system, and the CD player.
Not much out of the ordinary goes wrong with the Lexus LS. Pulsing or squeaky brakes are a problem in 2007 to 2010 models. Wind noise is a complaint for 2007s, and the 2002s and 2003s have audio problems, mostly with the speakers.
The C suffers from somewhat elevated audio problems all the way along, especially model years 2003 through 2005. Suspension woes occur at a higher-than-average rate in 2005s and 2011s. Climate-system and engine problems, including oil leaks and engine mounts, are particularly frequent for the 2002 models.
Audio problems are common, especially in the 2006 to 2009 E-Class models. Battery problems occurred relatively frequently, especially in the 2006s and 2010s. The 2005 V6 rear-drive cars have had notable cooling-system problems. The 2006 and 2009 V6 needs a major engine overhaul at above-average rates. The 2006 V6 also has a high rate of fuel leaks, as does the 2004 V8. In addition, the 2004 V8 has ball-joint and other suspension problems.
The MDX is dependable until age 7 or 8, when owners report power-steering-system problems. At age 10, body rust starts showing up. Many 2002 and 2003 models have transmissions that need replacement. MDXs from 2007 and earlier often have some GPS or communications-system woes.
Despite complex audio electronic systems, problems are notable only in 2004 models, mostly with the CD player. The 2005 to 2007 RXs are developing slight steering-linkage problems. For 2007, the RX Hybrid exhibits some water-pump problems.
Owners of 2006 though 2011 MLs report a lot of squeaks and rattles. The 2006s have CV-joint and audio problems. Among 2006 through 2008 models, some common problems are check-engine lights, power windows, and the paint and trim.
This article also appeared in the April 2014 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
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