When investing in a luxury car, reliability and a seamless ownership experience are often expected. Unfortunately, some brands have a history of engine troubles that can lead to costly repairs. Car reviewer Shari Prymak from Car Help Corner identifies eight car brands to avoid buying in 2025 due to their engine and transmission issues.
Nissan
Nissan has been using continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) in several models since 2003. While improvements have been made, CVTs used between 2003 and 2018 are known for high failure rates.
“When they do fail, there is no repairing or rebuilding them,” Prymak said. “The only solution is a brand-new transmission, which costs around $7,000 to $8,000.”
Fluid changes can help mitigate some risks, but these transmissions remain fragile. Prymak suggests avoiding used Nissans with CVTs unless there’s a documented service history of regular fluid changes or the transmission has been recently replaced.
Hyundai and Kia (with specific engines)
Hyundai and Kia models made between 2010 and 2021 with 1.6-liter, 2-liter, and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines are problematic. These engines can suffer from oil consumption, knocking noises, and failures of key components like rod bearings and piston rings.
These engines fail quickly, leading to recalls of nearly 10 million vehicles due to engine failures.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen models with the 1.5-liter TFSI engine, or the EA211, should be avoided, according to Prymak. The 1.5-liter turbo engine, common in the Jetta and Taos models, is prone to oil consumption and leaks, as well as issues with the timing chain, turbocharger, and fuel/ignition systems. These problems can lead to complete engine failure. Prymak recommends against buying any Volkswagen, new or used, with these engines.
Ram 1500
One of the problematic engines in the Ram 1500 is the 5.7-liter HEMI V8. This popular engine is known for lifter failures caused by poor oil flow.
“These engines are known for having lifter failure, which is caused by poor oil flow,” Prymak said. “This can lead to cam shaft damage and engine failure.”
While the 2025 Ram 1500 uses a new twin-turbo six-cylinder engine, Prymak is cautious due to its complexity.
Ford
Avoid Ford vehicles with EcoBoost engines, including three-, four-, and six-cylinder options. Common problems include coolant and oil leaks, overheating, turbocharger failure, timing chain issues, and problems with injectors, coils, oil pumps, and cam phasers. Prymak notes that models with the three-cylinder engines tend to have the most issues.
General Motors
While General Motors is generally known for reliable V8 engines, this reputation changed with the introduction of cylinder deactivation technology. This led to significant engine failures, particularly in the 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter Ecotec V8s found in many Chevrolet and GMC pickup models from 2014 to 2019.
General Motors and Ford (with specific transmissions)
Avoid any General Motors or Ford model that used the 10-speed automatic transmission (10R 80). This transmission, co-developed by GM and Ford, has been used in full-size trucks since 2017. Vehicles with this transmission include the Ford F-150 (2017 onwards) and Lincoln Navigator (2018 onwards).
“These transmissions have been notorious for harsh jerking, shifting, clunking noises, loss of power and complete failure,” Prymak said.
European Luxury Brands
European luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Land Rover, and Volvo are risky to own after their warranties expire. Repair costs can quickly escalate into the thousands. According to Prymak, a failed engine in one of these vehicles could cost $20,000 to $30,000 to replace.
