These Are the Worst Used Cars to Buy This Year
Used cars continue to go up in rise thanks to the disruption in the supply chain triggered by the pandemic, delayed delivery of new motor vehicles, and limited supply of car parts. This disturbance was a boon for the used-car market and helped drive up used-car prices. Even though vehicles are built much better and last longer than cars from previous generations, there are lemons out there, and buyers must beware more than ever.
At Enemy of Average, we have compiled a list of the 15 worst used cars to buy in 2024. We considered owners’ complaints and known issues.
Most complaints were about transmission failures, defective wheels, gear-shift issues, and interior accessories problems. The vehicles were made by American, Japanese, and Korean car manufacturers.
2014 Ram 1500
The vehicle was plagued by transmission and interior accessories issues and engine, steering, and electrical problems. The 2014 model was the first to include the EcoDiesel engine, and there were problems with it. CarComplaints ranked the 2014 model year for the Ram as the worst year for the vehicle in terms of repair cost at average mileage when problems develop.
The 2014 Ram 1500 was recalled 17 times by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, according to Consumer Reports.
2000 Dodge Intrepid
Sludge in the 2.7L V6 engine was the main problem with the Dodge Intrepid and other Chrysler cars.
The total repair cost for the vehicle was estimated at $4,500. CarComplaints said that the engine issues only apply to the 2.7L V6 and that other available engines have no significant problems. Owners also complained about electrical problems and interior accessories issues.
2013 Nissan Altima
Among the many problems with the 2013 Nissan Altima has been the CVT (continuously variable transmission). Owners attribute vibration and transmission failure to the CVT and hear a shrill noise from the power steering pump. Another issue is windshield problems, which are attributed to poor design.
Consumer Reports said the 2013 Nissan Altima had been recalled 12 times by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
2010 – 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
While the first three generations of the Jeep Grand Cherokee were considered free from trouble, the fourth generation was not. In the 2010 and 2011 models, complaints about the vehicle failing to start soared ten times.
Other problems included a defective totally integrated power module (TIPM), which distributes power to the vehicle’s electrical components. The situation became so widespread that parts became scarce. That led to a class action, claiming Chrysler did not act promptly on addressing the issue.
2011 Hyundai Sonata
The 2011 Sonata’s engine seized up without warning, costing an average of $5,100 to fix. In May 2015, a class action was filed against Hyundai, claiming that the 2.4L Sonata engine was defective. Other problems with this model included an engine that stalled or cut out and excessive engine noise.
Consumer Reports said the 2011 Hyundai Sonata had recalled 14 times by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
2013 Hyundai Elantra
Some of the problems with the Elantra include steering that pulls to one side and premature tire wear. Owners have readjusted sensors, realigned wheels, and, in some cases, replaced axles, all with mixed results.
There have also been complaints about brakes grinding at very low mileage because of an inventory of substandard pads and rotors. Gas mileage on the Elantra was noticeably lower than EPA estimates.
2014 – 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2014 (and 2015) Jeep Grand Cherokee has had a slew of transmission complaints. Some owners complained that the transmission is problematic after 40,000 miles.
Other complaints include rough shifting, jerking and hesitation while shifting gears, and that the Cherokee loses power while driving. Edmunds said some drivers complained the engine of the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s diesel engine is noisy when it is idling.
2002 – 2005 Ford Explorer
There are problems aplenty with the Ford Explorer models from 2002 to 2005, which has been the best-selling sport utility vehicle in the United States. Start with the transmission and the widely reported failures of the device at fewer than 100,000 miles.
Wheel bearings fail at around 90,000 miles. The models also have an issue with rear panels that crack.
2014 Nissan Altima
The 2014 Nissan Altima owners complained about vibration and transmission failure related to the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).
Other issues bedeviling owners include interior accessories problems like door handles breaking, lights issues such as dim low beams, malfunctioning air conditioning and heaters, rough suspension, and cracked windshields. Additional complaints reported about the vehicle included not enough space for backseat passengers.
2012 Ford Focus
Because the 2012 Ford Focus had steering problems, it’s best to avoid this vehicle. 2012 was the first year that motorists were offered Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) in the Focus.
The 2012 vehicle is the first Focus to offer Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS). The average cost to repair the steering was $1,800. There were other issues with the vehicle, including the transmission, which shudders. Owners also reported shifting problems.
2014 Ford Escape
Owners might be looking to escape from the 2014 Ford Escape, a compact sport utility vehicle that has high ownership costs. The top problem with the Escape is the transmission, which fails at about 70,000 miles. Fixing it costs an average of $4,500. Owners have also complained about gears not shifting correctly.
J.D. Power graded its reliability ratings as average and rated it as the sixth-best SUV to purchase in its category.
2013 Ford Escape
The previous year’s Escape model left much to be desired. Within months of its debut, the Escape was recalled three times, two because of engine fires.
After discovering that the Escape’s fuel line might split in two and leak, Ford told owners to leave the cars parked and sent tow trucks to bring the vehicles to the dealership. Ford gave owners rental cars while repairs were made. Another fire hazard was antifreeze, which could leak onto the engine because a free plug was jolted out of position and could ignite a fire.
2003 Honda Accord
Among the problems afflicting the 2003 Honda Accord are transmission failures and the stereo backlight failing. The vehicle’s transmission problems have been recurring. As part of a class-action settlement, Honda lengthened the transmission warranty to 93 months or 109,000 miles for the 2000-2001 Accord.
Owners of Accords from other years were not included in the settlement. The problem with the stereo backlight on the Accord has bedeviled the vehicle for many years, and Honda had to issue a recall that covered the repair for seven years or 100,000 miles.
2019 Toyota RAV4
Transmission problems are the biggest issue with the 2019 Toyota RAV4. The vehicle’s average repair costs are $5,927 at 7,323 miles. Drivers have complained that the car hesitates and lurches at lower speeds and that the roof rack leaks.
The Toyota RAV debuted in 1996 and in 2020, the vehicle became the car company’s best-selling SUV in its fifth generation.
2001 Honda Civic
CarComplaints tallied 899 complaints about the 2001 Honda Civic’s transmission. While that was the lion’s share of the complaints about the vehicle, owners also reported a defect with the front airbag that wasn’t recalled for ten years.
Until the front airbag problem was fixed in recalls in 2011 and 2013, flawed airbags were activated with great force, and pieces of metal were released. The Civic is among the most-recalled cars ever.
