When it comes to build quality, reliability, and longevity, Japanese car brands like Toyota and Honda take the cake. But American brands like Chevrolet, Ford, and Chrysler have also made some pretty reliable and long-lasting vehicles that will outlast even a Toyota. A sizable percentage of their vehicles will cross 200,000 miles without giving you any headaches. The Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Expedition, and GMC Yukon are some of the most reliable American cars you can find today.
However, even those American cars from the most reputable automakers are by no means perfect. If their engines are not stalling, their transmissions are shifting roughly and failing. These American models might live up to your expectations of luxury and performance, but that’s not the case when it comes to reliability.
10 2002 Ford Explorer - Transmission Failure
The 2002 Ford Explorer is one of the most problematic cars of the 2000s, with over 3,615 complaints and 14 recalls. The five-speed automatic transmission is a major source of concern for the 2002 Explorer, with many reports of shifting difficulties, shuttering, and failure.
If you find a 2002 Explorer today, it’s most likely going to have cracks, especially around the rear panel below the window. Ford recalled the 2002 Explorer 14 times, with more than 5.5 million vehicles affected.
9 2006 Chrysler 300 - Engine Failure
The well-chiseled 2006 Chrysler 300 sedan looks good and feels comfortable, but the 3.5-liter V6 is not exactly the most reliable engine you will come across. It stalls, consumes excessive oil, misfires, and fails without warning.
The 300’s transmission doesn’t shift properly and tends to fail, making you spend good money on repairs. Chrysler issued four recalls for the 2006 Chrysler 300 and owners filed over 1,724 complaints.
8 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe - 16 Recalls
The 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe is a rugged 4-wheel drive (4WD) full-size SUV with a powerful V8 engine but has dismal fuel efficiency and poor build quality. A large chunk of the Tahoe's complaints come from the brakes, which users say misbehaves at low speeds, and could be very hard to press on the pedal.
The Tahoe’s engine vibrates, leaks, consumes excessive oil, and idles roughly. Thanks to the airbags, brakes, power steering, seat belts, and transmission oil cooler line, Chevrolet issued 16 recalls for the 2015 Tahoe.
7 2009 Dodge Journey - Brake And Electrical Problems
The 2009 Dodge Journey is supposed to be the "right-sized" SUV for a family of seven, but its interior quality pales in comparison to other cars in its class. If the engine is not rattling, then it’s about to die. There are reports of the Journey’s brakes and power steering failing as well, putting occupants of the vehicle in danger.
Interior accessories such as dash lights, CD players, and speakers tend to malfunction just when you need them the most. Dodge recalled the 2009 Journey 8 times due to defects with the power steering, airbags, and fuel pump.
6 2011 Chevrolet Cruze - Unreliable Engine
If reliability is a dealbreaker for you, then you may be better off with the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla instead of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The 1.8-liter inline-4 engine is the major source of trouble for the 2011 Cruze, with several cases of oil leaks from the crankcase seal, loss of power, and backfiring while idle.
Owners of the 2011 Cruze also complain about improper transmission shifts, banging noise between gears, and transmission failure. There are over 702 complaints for the 2011 Cruze, making it the most problematic model year.
5 2014 Ford Focus - Engine Problems
Available as a sedan or hatchback, the 2014 Ford Focus entices you with its decent fuel efficiency and a naturally-aspirated, direct-injected 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with twin-independent variable camshaft timing. But for about three years, the Focus has been plagued with massive transmission problems, which Ford just seems unable to resolve.
Some owners consider the Focus a death trap, as its engine stalls and shut off while driving. There are over 2,272 complaints and 12 recalls for the 2014 Focus, which forced the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to slap the vehicle with a “Do Not Drive” warning.
4 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Engine And Electrical Problems
The first turn-off with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the lack of a third-row option, which many of its rivals offer. Jeep introduced a new V6 engine for the 2011 Grand Cherokee and updated the V8 engine. However, the fourth-generation Grand Cherokee is riddled with engine problems that may be too much for you to handle.
The engine shakes, stalls, and accelerates suddenly, putting your life and other road users at risk. The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), which transmits power to all electrical components of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, is defective, making the engine hard to start.
3 2008 Buick Enclave - Engine And Transmission Issues
The 2008 Buick Enclave offers kid- and adult-friendly seating in all three rows, but is not intended for serious off-roading. The 3.6-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission are the biggest problems of the 2008 Enclave.
The Enclave’s transmission usually fails under 90,000 miles, and customers may pay up to $4,200 for replacement. The NHTSA has received up to 526 complaints from 2008 Enclave owners, and the vehicle has been recalled six times.
2 2010 Cadillac SRX - Engine And Electrical Problems
The 2010 Cadillac SRX’s cabin is stylish and well-equipped, but the standard 3.0-liter V6 is lackluster and a bit problematic. The engine stalls and misfires after driving for a while. The timing belt is also another major issue, and replacing it costs good money.
You also have to be very careful while driving at night because the 2010 SRX’s headlights are very dim and replacing them may not even fix the problem. Cadillac issued six recalls for the 2010 SRX due to problems with the rear suspension toe link, driver’s seat, power steering, and transmission.
1 2013 Dodge Dart - Engine And Transmission Problems
The 2013 Dodge Dart offers three 4-cylinder engines, including a class-leading 160-hp 2.0-liter “Tigershark” engine. But when it comes to reliability, you may want to consider the Honda Civic or even the Volkswagen Jetta. The Dart's engine light comes on often indicating bad sensors, ignition coil replacement, and bad wiring.
The Dart’s transmission usually shifts roughly and fails under 25,000 miles, which is very worrisome. Dodge issued six recalls for the 2013 Dart due to shifter cable detaching from the transmission, power brake booster damage, airbag malfunction, and engine stalls.
Sources: Car Complaints, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, Repairpal, and NHTSA