5 Cheap Car Brands With Unreliable Engines To Avoid Buying

andresr / Getty Images

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

When shopping for a vehicle, it’s important to balance cost with reliability. Some models from certain car brands might seem like a great deal upfront, but could lead to expensive repairs and headaches down the road. Unreliable engines are among the worst repairs to do since according to JD Power, it can cost as much as $4,000 for a four-cylinder vehicle and up to $10,000 for a high performance vehicle.  

Here’s a list of five cheap car brands with unreliable engines that you might want to avoid.

1. Land Rover

Land Rover vehicles often come with high maintenance costs and frequent engine problems. Issues such as oil leaks, timing chain failures, and overheating are common complaints among owners.

In fact, Repair Pal found that Land Rover car owners can spend an average of $1,174 on maintenance each year.

2. Subaru

While Subaru has built some good quality cars, buying an older used Subaru may not be the best idea. Some models have been prone to head gasket failure and cylinder misfires which can cost around $3,000 or more to repair.

3. Mazda

Mazda vehicles may offer a sporty drive, but they’ve been reported to have engine durability problems, including issues with turbochargers and timing chains. Some of this Japanese manufacturer’s cars, like the Mazda RX-8 and Mazda RX-7, have already had some issues with its engine.

4. Volvo

Volvo cars are renowned for their safety features, but some models have shown frequent engine issues such as electrical system malfunctions and turbocharger failures such as Volvo XC90 and S60 where drivers have reported issues like electronic failure and sudden loss of power from the engine. 

Consumer Reports gave the Volvo XC90 a 2 out of 5 rating in terms of reliability and Volvo vehicle owners can expect to spend around $769 per year on repairs.

5. Alfa Romero

Alfa Romeo vehicles are stylish and performance-oriented, but their engines often suffer from reliability issues including fuel system problems and electrical faults. Certain models from 2017 to 2018 were recalled due to engine misfires and other issues have included electrical problems and anti-lock brake failure.

While these brands might offer appealing prices and features and as some are even shifting to a luxury focus, their track records in engine reliability leave much to be desired. When shopping for a vehicle, it’s crucial to consider the long-term reliability and potential repair costs.

Share This Article: