Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) have been around since the 1930s, but experienced a real surge in popularity in the mid-1990s. Built on a truck frame, SUV they have special utility features and powerful engine performance. SUVs are generally associated with being tough and are designed as such with the intention of performing on normal roads and off-road trails.
SUVs have become the preference of drivers who demand luxury and power with products like the Range Rover and Cadillac Escalade. Regardless of the model, it’s a good rule of thumb to avoid model years with lots of customer complaints, mechanical difficulties, and expensive maintenance, just like any other product you buy. Let’s take a look at some of the overrated American SUVs that are best avoided like the plague.
10 Hummer H2
This list wouldn’t be complete without this massive brute. That said, there’s no better way to start. This watered down monstrosity of the early 2000s was even worse than the H1 version of the 1990s. The H2 was loud and bold asserting its presence in all the wrong ways. Powered by a 6.2-liter V8 that produces 398 hp at 5,700 rpm, this large SUV was not easy to fit into regular parking spaces.
It guzzled gas like crazy, with a terrible gas mileage of 13 MPG on the highway and 10 MPG in the city. False interior features actively harm drivers during operation. The rear windshield is noticeably small and dangerously restricts visibility. If “bigger isn’t better” was an SUV, there’s the Hummer H2 smirking with its chrome front grills.
9 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2011 model of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is particularly notorious for its poor reliability. NHTSA has 1,565 complaints filed against the 2011 Grand Cherokee with a total of 5 investigations and 6 recall notices. Most complaints are generally associated with electrical gremlins. Any driver knows that it’s better to have three obvious mechanical problems than one ambiguous electrical problem.
Continuing down the list, of the 1565 complaints, 319 were related to engine problems and 235 were related to fuel/propulsion systems. If you don’t want to experience fuel pump failure, random stalling, fires, brake malfunction, and loss of electric brake assist, stay away from this Jeep.
8 Chevrolet Suburban
There are different years of the Suburban that all fall under the “please avoid” category. 2007 is by far the worst of the bunch. This large rear-wheel-drive SUV was powered by a 5.3-liter V8 engine that pushes out 320 hp at 5,200 rpm with 340 lb-ft of twist at 4,200 rpm. This hard-to-miss monster SUV sits at 5,607 lbs.
The 2007 Suburban has the highest number of complaints. The most expensive breakdowns recorded include the engine and transmission; transmission failure repair cost nearly $3,000 and engine failure nearly $6,000. That’s pretty heavy. Plagued by excessive oil consumption and mysterious, vigorous jerks and vibrations that would normally increase with speed, the mechanical department is decidedly lacking. To add insult to injury, the air conditioning system was faulty due to crappy condensers.
7 Ford Excursion
The Ford Excursion is a rugged SUV available with three engine options, comes with more than ample cargo volume, has impressive seating for nine passengers, and was also available in 4WD configuration. Split the bench seats at the end of the second row and fold forward for easy access to the third row. The rear bench is removable and rolls on built-in wheels. Wireless headphones are included with an optional DVD entertainment system.
The 2000 model leads the pack with a series of engine problems. The main problem with the engine was the spark plug being blown out of the cylinder head, damaging the spark plug hole threads. Crazy, right? There were also reports of rough, intermittent idling and poor fuel mileage that was likely caused by the EGR sensor sticking. The list also goes on with oil leaks. move away
6 Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango first appeared in the 1990s and has been a popular choice ever since. Known for its powerful engine, spacious interior and elegant design. It’s the only Dodge SUV of its size with the ability to tow up to 7,400 pounds. The Durango is now in its third generation model. Of these three generations, the 2013 and 2021 models are the most concerning.
On the 2013 model, water was reported to leak into the interior through the hood during heavy rain or car washes. More complainants listed an unpleasant musty smell coming from the AC system. Electronic problems included software issues that triggered the check engine light indicating low oil pressure. The 2021 model was an update that apparently also updated the issues, especially the electrical ones. One homeowner suffered a random fire that broke out from the parked vehicle. It was parked near the house, which also caught fire. Suspension and transmission issues along with mediocre gas mileage make this SUV really undesirable.
5 Chrysler Aspen
The Chrysler Aspen is nothing more than a customized Dodge Durango. Chrysler dressed up the Durango with luxury touches, added tons of chrome, and marketed it as a luxury SUV. The production only lasted three years from 2006 to 2009; with reason The exterior of the Aspen featured a different body compared to the Durango, with recessed fenders and a wider front end. Chrysler offered the Aspen with a luxury interior equipped with heated leather seats, room for up to seven passengers, and a high-performance audio system.
However, we can clearly see where this is headed. There are major problems with the airbag system. In the event of a crash, the airbag would deploy with metal fragments that would seriously injure or kill the driver or passengers. Owners were notified and this was replaced free of charge by dealers. Other problems included severe electrical problems after storms, failure to start, fuel overflow after refueling and loss of steering control.
4 Chevrolet Tahoe
Although not always considered the best of the large SUVs available, the Chevy Tahoe is one of the company’s best-known models. The Tahoe is built on a truck chassis that makes it tough. Powered by a V8 engine throughout its life, this full-size SUV is used to power.
This is where it falls short, however. The transfer case, position sensor switch, or selector switch may fail. This will cause a “four wheel drive service code” to appear and replacing the encoder motor or selector switch is expensive. The Tahoe suffers from faulty air conditioning actuators. Symptoms of this range from popping or clicking noises from the AC vents and inconsistent airflow and erratic erratic temperatures. Fuel and ABS sensors that can fail should not be overlooked.
3 GMC Acadia
GMC Acadia is a rugged-looking, family-friendly SUV with plenty of functional features. This was marketed to compete with the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Traverse. The 2007, 2008, and 2017 models are known for the vast majority of persistent issues, but the 2008 takes the cake with the most complaints. It is truly considered the worst Acadia ever due to high repair costs and poor mileage.
The worst problem with this model is the poor quality transmission. Failure to recognize when the car is in park causes all the electronics to work which is dangerous, worst case it causes damage to the battery or even the vehicle moving when parked. In the electrical department, loose, broken wires and loose connections within the fuse block affected electrical flow, possibly causing the engine to stall or the warning lights to occasionally flash. Some Acadia models have loose relays that would get away from road or engine vibrations, causing the engine to shut off while driving.
2 Dodge Journey
The Dodge Journey is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured between 2009 and 2020. Its rivals include the Ford Explorer and the Chevrolet Equinox. Although no longer in production, there are many used models available for purchase. Here are a few reasons why you should probably skip this SUV.
The Journey has noticeable brake issues and engine problems. Premature brake and rotor wear, along with noisy brakes and randomly locking calipers, are specific problems that no car owner should suffer for obvious reasons. A very important and annoying issue that people also complained about was water leaks inside. The frustration continued exponentially with the malfunctioning keyless entry system. Due to a problem with the component software or a faulty key fob, the high stress caused by not being able to start the car or gain access to the vehicle is unimaginable.
1 Jeep Patriot
Not all Jeeps are lucky enough to get the satisfaction label. Jeep owners have become the center of merciless memes poking fun at their hardships and problems. Here we are with the second Jeep on this list. The Jeep Patriot is a smaller SUV compared to the full-size Grand Cherokee listed above. But. Despite being smaller in height, the troublesome luggage the Patriot carries may not match its diminutive size.
Defective transmissions affected several model years. Overheating, difficulty accelerating, excessive whining, and in the worst cases, complete premature failure were listed as costly problems that needed to be addressed. It didn’t stop there. Manual transmissions were also affected with 2007-2010 Patriot owners reporting vibrations and grinding noises when shifting into first, second and third gear. Faulty built-in power modules cause headlights to turn on or off randomly, faulty power windows, turn signals that don’t work, and many more problems. Many models have a defective sunroof. Lots of. Just do yourself a favor. move away
