The used car market can be a minefield to negotiate. On the one hand, some SUVs stand out for their reliable engines. However, this is not always the case. Some used SUVs can have engine problems that will bankrupt you through maintenance and repairs. At the same time, some great, cheap SUVs are reliable. However, there are some cheap used SUVs that you should stay away from.
Engine problems can present themselves in many ways. For example, a stalled engine or overheating are common problems faced by some users SUV. Some of these issues can hit you with unwanted costs. Checking recall history or owner reviews can be helpful. However, this can be very time consuming. Let’s take a look at some cheap SUVs with unreliable engines.
10 2015 Jeep Renegade: $12,000
The 2015 Jeep Renegade offered a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. We can’t forget the 2.4 liter version. There were four recalls for the 2015 Jeep Renegade. The problems included the electrical system and the transmission unexpectedly shifting into neutral. However, the problems never stopped there.
Car complaints describe engine problems for the 2015 model year. They highlight issues such as loss of engine power while driving. NHTSA records 463 complaints for this model year. Some may argue that the Jeep Renegade is the most unreliable off-roader. Some used Jeeps, like the 2015 Jeep Renegade, can be money pits. However, some very reliable Jeeps on the used market are solid alternatives.
9 2011 Dodge Durango: $10,000
The 2011 Dodge Durango is powered by a 290-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine. However, this is one of the third generation Dodge Durango models that you should avoid buying used. Kelley Blue Book identifies engine diagnostics and oil changes as one of the most common areas of service.
There were eight recalls of this SUV. Problems included fuel pump problems and a failed alternator. Car complaints suggest numerous problems, including engine problems. A failing alternator and failed cylinders are among the specific problems. NHTSA records 773 complaints for this model year. 501 complaints related to the electrical system.
8 2016 Hyundai Tucson: $13,000
The 2016 Hyundai Tucson came packed with a 164-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Otherwise, there was the 1.6-liter turbocharged option, which made 175 horsepower. However, before you buy a used 2016 Hyundai Tucson, you should know that there were five recalls for this model year. Problems included the ABS unit causing a fire in the engine compartment. It was reported that there was an urgent fire risk when parking.
Car Complaints cites transmission problems with this model year. They also suggest problems with throttle response, oil burning and engine failure. NHTSA records 1,250 complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Tucson. On the other hand, NHTSA records an overall safety rating of 5/5. The IIHS chose this model year as a 2016 Top Safety Pick.
7 2014 Ford Escape: $9,500
Before you buy a used Ford Escape, you need to know the 2014 model year. At one point, Ford recalled thousands of Fusions and Escapes, including the 2013-14 Escapes, due to a problem with the cable bushings in the changer The problem could have caused the vehicle to move unintentionally. However, more issues with the 2014 Ford Escape have been exposed.
Car Complaints describes transmission and engine problems with the 2014 Ford Escape. Overheating and stalling are among the engine problems. There were fifteen recalls of the 2014 Ford Escape. These recalls included an issue with the engine cooling system that can create problems with the cylinder head, among other recall issues. JD Power gave a score of 77/100 for quality and reliability. On the other hand, NHTSA registered 1,542 complaints. 523 of these complaints were related to the vehicle’s engine.
6 2002 Ford Explorer: $4,000
The 2002 Ford Explorer is one of those cheap Fords that everyone regrets buying used. A 4.0 liter V6 powered this SUV. Otherwise, you could choose the 4.6-liter V8 engine, which produces 240 horsepower. However, the 2002 Ford Explorer isn’t necessarily the best choice for a used Ford SUV.
Car Complaints identifies transmission problems and even engine problems associated with the 2002 Ford Explorer. Engine problems included timing chain tensioner problems, engine failure and spark plug spit. Fourteen recalls were made on this vehicle. Recalls related to issues such as exterior lighting, structure and vehicle speed control. NHTSA received 3,615 complaints related to the 2002 Ford Explorer. Highlights include 50 complaints about the engine and 195 complaints about engine and engine cooling problems.
5 2014 Jeep Cherokee: $11,000
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee is one of those fifth-generation Jeep Cherokee model years to stay away from. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine powers this Cherokee. It offers 184 horsepower. The other option is the 3.2-liter V6 engine, which offers 271 horsepower.
Car Complaints notes that transmission and engine problems in the 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The website identifies engine stalling, oil leaks and excessive oil consumption among the problems. Twelve recalls were made on this vehicle. Among the recall issues were power train issues and vehicle speed control issues. JD Power gave the 2014 Jeep Cherokee a quality and reliability score of 65/100.
4 2014 Buick Encore: $10,000
The 2014 Buick Encore is one of those American crossovers that could bankrupt you through maintenance and repairs. Kelley Blue Book suggests a high probability that this vehicle will need repairs. The most common areas that needed service were the transmission fluid flush and the brake fluid flush.
Car Complaints identifies electrical problems and engine problems for the 2014 Buick Encore. Top problems identified include lack of power and dead battery. Four withdrawals were made. However, the main problems are related to airbags and seat belts. On the other hand, JD Power gave a score of 83/100 for the 2014 Buick Encore. This reiterates the need to weigh the pros and cons and ask whether an SUV like the 2014 Buick Encore is worth the risk.
3 2013 Ford Flex: $10,500
When you look at the prices, specs and features of the 2009-2019 Ford Flex, you might not be surprised like other SUVs. The 2013 Ford Flex offered the 285-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. However, Kelley Blue Book identified this ride as having a medium risk of major repairs. Engine diagnostics are among the most common services performed.
Car complaints identify engine failure as one of the worst problems facing this model. They also identify electrical problems, among other things. Six withdrawals were made. These recalls related to issues such as problems with the gas system and loss of electrical power. NHTSA recorded 510 complaints. 29 of these complaints are related to engine problems.
2 2002 Jeep Liberty: $3,500
The 2002 Jeep Liberty was powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The 3.7-liter V6 engine was the other option. However, you may want to reconsider before purchasing a 2002 Jeep Liberty. For example, Kelley Blue Book identifies oil changes and engine diagnostics as among the most common services performed.
Fourteen recalls were made for the 2002 Jeep Liberty. These recalls related to issues such as the suspension, air bags, and service brakes. However, Car Complaints describes engine problems as a major complaint. Engine failure, the check engine light is on and faulty valves are among the main problems. NHTSA records 1,801 complaints for this vehicle. 74 of these complaints were related to engine problems. This may be one of the reasons why we don’t miss the Jeep Liberty.
1 2013 Nissan Pathfinder: $9,000
The Nissan Pathfinder may be one of the best midsize utility vehicles to own in 2022. However, you may want to reevaluate the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. JD Power gave it a 63/100 quality and reliability rating. Eleven withdrawals were made. Some of the problems include problematic air bags and loss of transmission fluid.
Car Complaints identified transmission problems and engine problems among the problems with the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. Engine stalling, excessive oil consumption and sluggish acceleration were among the engine problems. These engine complaints reiterate the need to research the pros and cons of a used SUV before buying it. At the end of the day, a cheap SUV can look attractive. However, a cheap SUV with engine problems may cost you more.
