Nobody wants to have an unreliable vehicle. One of the joys of modern motoring (due to new technologies and major advances in reliability) is the ability to get out of the driveway, press the starter button, and light the fires on our beloved whip, no matter the weather or time of day. It wasn’t always like this, even just a few years ago.
But cars are still complicated machines, and problems can still happen. That’s why the experts at Consumer Reports consistently release a list of the most reliable and least reliable cars each year. In terms of CR, it’s crucial to understand that “least reliable” doesn’t automatically imply a car that breaks down on the side of the road in a cloud of steam from the radiator.
The team monitors twenty potential problem areas, ranging from minor issues like noisy brakes and damaged interior trim to severe issues like issues with the engine, gearbox, EV battery, and EV charging. According to CR, “these models are the least reliable” based on the data.
15 Most Unreliable Cars For 2024
15. Land Rover Range Rover
For many years, rich elites and celebrities have preferred the Range Rover as their SUV of choice. There are three different powerplant options: V-8, plug-in hybrid, and inline-six. The Range Rover is inherently more expensive than competitors’ entry-level models; whatever version you select—you’ll be spending six figures.
Exorbitantly priced, plug-in hybrids are available only in Autobiography trim. Even in long-wheelbase trims, the third row’s low headroom might make it uncomfortable for tall people, but children and passengers with lesser statures will have no trouble finding a comfortable seat there.
14. Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Volkswagen has significantly updated the Atlas Cross Sport for the fifth generation of the vehicle. Headlights and taillights have been modified, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder has greater power, adaptive cruise with lane-centering is now standard, and the interior has been upgraded.
However, having boring driving dynamics isn’t going to cut it in this challenging segment. According to Consumer Reports, it has the lowest consumer satisfaction rating of any car on the road, with only 38% of owners saying they would buy it again.
13. Nissan Sentra
In the world of reasonably priced sedans, the Nissan Sentra is a well-known brand due to its stellar gas mileage record. However, it’s known to be among the least reliable cars on the market right now. The most common locations for problems to appear are in the electrical systems, engine, and transmission.
According to CarandDriver, it has almost no go behind its show, a noisy powertrain, and its rivals are much more fun to drive. The Sentra’s low starting price and array of standard safety features aren’t enough to propel it to the top of the compact car class.
12. Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada is the largest car in the series and has a strong V8 engine as standard. However, this car’s main selling point is also one of its biggest drawbacks. The Nissan Armada does not have good fuel economy. Additionally, the Armada’s large size and weight may make it more difficult for it to maneuver, particularly in confined locations or urban settings.
Getting around in crowded places is difficult. Finally, even though Nissan’s reliability has been steadily improving, certain customers may need to worry more about upcoming maintenance expenses. MotorTrend calls the Armada’s third row “cramped” and grades the vehicle’s five-year ownership expenses as “poor” for all four trim options.
11. Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the last subcompact hatchbacks available, so drivers on a tight budget may be tempted to settle for it with a starting price under $18,000. However, purchasers need to be aware that it is not inexpensive. It is cheap. The car is not enjoyable to drive because of its lack of power.
The Mirage is a glorified golf cart with a hilariously small three-cylinder, 78-hp engine that is barely powerful enough for short trips around town, let alone highway cruising. There have been no updates to suggest that the 2024 model year will be any better. Therefore, if performance is important to you, you should consider a car with more power.
10. Chrysler Pacifica
The 2024 Chrysler Pacifica is a versatile minivan that is suitable for families. The 3.6-liter V6 engine of the Chrysler Pacifica produces 287 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic gearbox may direct power to either the front or all four wheels. This engine’s performance and fuel efficiency are typical for a minivan with a V6 engine.
The huge cargo area is close to average for a minivan, with dimensions of 32.3 cubic feet (0.91 cubic meters) behind the third row, 87.5 cubic feet (2.4 cubic meters) behind the second row, and 140.5 cubic feet (3.9 cubic meters) behind the third row. Moreover, it has a below-average resale value, which makes it unreliable for 2024.
9. Volkswagen Taos
The 2024 Volkswagen Taos is the company’s smallest and most recent SUV. All 2024 Taos versions are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Although there isn’t a hybrid or upgrade engine option, you can still select between normal FWD and AWD.
While AWD vehicles have a 7-speed DCT that shifts faster swiftly but frequently not smoothly, FWD models use a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission. Be aware that the top-tier SEL variant is limited to AWD. Moreover, it has less power than its rivals and has a single engine choice, making it appear on this list.
8. Ford F-150 Hybrid
Ford’s 2024 F-150 is a full-size pickup truck royalty. The 2024 Ford F-150 is equipped with two turbocharged V6 engines: a 2.7-liter and a 3.5-liter engine. The twin-turbo 3.5 engine produces 400 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque, but when it’s in the Raptor, it’s increased to 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. The 2.7 engine produces 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque.
However, Ford has somewhat lowered the maximum payload and towing capacities of the F-150 for 2024. Additionally, a diesel engine is not available. The process of placing an order for a 2024 F-150 will be easier for purchasers. Ford offers popular option combinations in bundles, and it claims to have decreased complexity by 90% from the previous year.
7. Volvo XC60
With a Scandinavian-inspired interior, strong safety ratings, and a sophisticated appearance, the 2024 Volvo XC60 is a small, luxurious SUV with a European flair. Volvo’s 2024 XC60 is a preferred option for individuals looking for a European alternative to German hardware.
Volvo equips its XC60 trims with a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine. Modest hybrid (MHEV) electric systems power various electrical components, and they are mated to more reasonably priced B5 trims. The result is an 8-speed automatic transmission that allows the engine to send its full power to the wheels.
The turbo-4 is paired with a plug-in battery-powered electric motor (PHEV) system in the considerably more expensive XC60 Recharge trims. This enables the XC60 Recharge models to go for up to 35 miles (56 km) on electricity. However, it is only available with AWD and is quite an old entry in the segment.
6. Rivian R1T
Rivian is a new startup. The R1T truck debuted in 2021, and the R1S all-electric 7-seater SUV debuted in 2022. However, the electric car industry is not as traditional as the combustion industry. Standard equipment on all the R1T electric trucks includes all-wheel drive.
The dual-motor models have one per axle. With a motor for every wheel, the quad-motor version can produce an impressive 835 hpand 908 lb-ft of torque when combined. Additionally, this configuration enables precise torque vectoring, allowing the drive to be optimized from side to side and front to back. But Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are not available.
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee L
The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a three-row SUV that is suitable for families, capable off-road, and opulent in higher trim levels. The majority of Grand Cherokee L vehicles are powered by a 3.6-liter V6 standard engine, which produces 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
With a third row of seats that can accommodate up to seven people, the Grand Cherokee L boasts a reputation for excellence. Equipped with an available V8 engine, refined top trims, and a plethora of standard equipment, this Jeep strikes a compromise between mainstream and luxury SUVs. However, the optional V8 is inefficient. Moreover, it has a high starting price.
4. Nissan Frontier
The 2024 Nissan Frontier is a competitive midsize truck that goes up against some more advanced and modern competitors. But when it first came out, it didn’t break any ground, and now it has to compete with even more recent midsize trucks from Ford, Toyota, and Chevy/GMC for customers.
Though not as much as with most of its competitors, there are still many positive aspects about Nissan. The Nissan Frontier has a single 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 281 lb-ft of torque and 310 hp. This is coupled with an automated nine-speed gearbox. However, it does not have many choices. Moreover, there is a non-telescoping steering column, causing it to be featured in this list.
3. Volkswagen Jetta
In today’s automotive world, compact sedans still have a place. They tend to be at least somewhat entertaining to drive, have a lockable trunk for added security, are reasonably priced to buy and operate, and are typically easy to park. That’s surely the case with the Jetta. But it’s growing old, and its resale values aren’t competitive.
To remain competitive in the small sedan market, the Volkswagen Jetta will be equipped with additional standard features in 2024. All Jettas with automatic transmissions now come equipped with the IQ. Drive safety tech package as standard. The base engine for the 2024 Jetta models is a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 158 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
2. Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep’s Grand Cherokee is a popular midsize SUV in the United States due to its exceptional combination of off-road prowess and on-road comfort. The Grand Cherokee is an all-around SUV with plenty of room inside, cutting-edge technology, and a genuinely comfortable ride in the higher trim levels, even if you never use it off-road.
The Grand Cherokee has a 3.6-liter V6 engine that makes 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It strikes the ideal balance between efficiency and performance. However, not every trim level comes standard with AWD. Additionally, its price is a little higher than that of most competitors with comparable features.
1. Jeep Wrangler
With a contemporary style and cutting-edge technology, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler upholds its reputation as an off-road star. There are four engine options available for the 2024 Jeep Wrangler: a V6, a turbocharged 4-cylinder, a plug-in hybrid 4-cylinder, and a V8.
For 2024, the classic Jeep Wrangler will receive a number of upgrades. To begin with, an updated look includes a restyled grille, new wheel options, and a windshield-integrated stealth antenna.
Many people trade in their mainstream crossovers for a Wrangler because they want to live the “Jeep Life.” However, after buying one, they often find that they don’t like the wind noise, the rough ride, or any of the other things that come with owning a Wrangler.
Conclusion
Buying a new car is a huge investment, and with the rising prices of vehicles all over the world, it is getting difficult to find vehicles that will prove reliable in the long run. In this blog, we have discussed the top 15 vehicles that you should avoid buying in 2024 at all costs.
We have analyzed and reviewed their features and drawbacks in detail. If you are thinking of getting a new vehicle in 2024, you should go through this article so you don’t end up spending your hard-earned money on any unreliable vehicle.
