I’m a Mechanic: These 4 Cars Have Engines That Could Die on You

Bruce Benedict / Kia

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Whether you’re buying a new or used car, it’s no small decision. Cars are expensive. In fact, according to a AAA 2023 study, the average annual cost to own a car is $12,182. That includes, car loan payments, fuel, maintenance, repairs, tires, registration, insurance and depreciation. The point is, with that kind of investment, you definitely want to keep your unexpected repair costs low and the number of years your car will last high.

With that in mind, we reached out to Todd Bialaszewski, a certified mechanic and founder of Junk Car Medics, which buys used and junk cars from private sellers around the nation. His company did an analysis of the average lifespan of more than 50,000 junk cars to identify the vehicles with the longest and shortest lives. Their data found that the average lifespan for a car in the U.S. is 16.58 years — not bad. But to get there, he said, you’ll need to do regular maintenance and drive safely. It also helps to choose the right car.

Here are his thoughts on what cars he would steer clear of, followed by some results of Junk Car Medics’s data.

Kia Optima

• Average Lifespan: 11.41 years

“The Kia Optima may look appealing, but our data shows it doesn’t last as long as many other vehicles,” said Bialaszewski. “Common issues include engine failures and transmission problems, which can lead to costly repairs. The trend suggests underlying reliability concerns.”

Nissan Rogue

• Average Lifespan: 12.11 years

“The Nissan Rogue, despite its popularity, often finds its way to the junkyard sooner than expected,” said Bialaszewski. He said that expensive electrical issues as well as frequent failures with the CVT transmission often make this a frustrating and costly car to own.

Dodge Journey

• Average Lifespan: 11.15 years

“The Dodge Journey is another model that doesn’t hold up well over time. Our data shows a shorter lifespan, and it’s notorious for poor reliability,” said Bialaszewski. He said that the Journey is often plagued with costly transmission and electrical problems. “It’s best to avoid this model if you’re looking for a dependable used car for years to come.”

Chevrolet Cruze

• Average Lifespan: 9.84 years

“The Chevrolet Cruze has a reputation for engine and electrical problems, which aligns with our data showing a shorter lifespan,” said Bialaszewski. “Turbocharged models, in particular, seem to have more frequent and severe issues. Potential buyers should be wary of these common faults before they make a decision they may regret.”

Common Costs of Repair

One thing all these cars have in common, said Bialaszewski, is transmission and electrical issues, which is why they make the list. These problems are some of the costliest a car can have.

According to RepairPal, the average cost of transmission replacement is between $5,266 and $5,469. 

According to Synchrony Car Care, electrical repairs can range from a low of $100 to many thousands. Common problems include fuse box replacement ($125); ignition coil replacement ($214 to $290 per cylinder);  starter motors ($428 to $581); alternators ($608 to $790); wiring problems ($1,300 to $2,000).

As for the turbocharged Chevy Cruze. While it might sound cool to begin with, to replace a turbocharger can cost $2,000 or more, according to Synchrony. Coolness gone.

Cars With the Shortest Lifespans

According to Junk Car Medics data, which analyzed over 50,000 records of junked cars from 2023 across the United States, here are the 10 cars with the shortest lifespans:

1. Chrysler 200: 9.66 years
2. Chevrolet Cruze: 9.84 years
3. Dodge Journey: 11.15 years
4. KIA Optima: 11.41 years
5. Nissan Versa: 11.85 years
6. Nissan Rogue: 12.11 years
7. Chevrolet Traverse: 12.26 years
8. Dodge Avenger: 12.38 years
9. Jeep Patriot: 12.43 years
10. Ford Fusion: 12.73 years

Cars With the Longest Lifespans

And here are the 10 cars with the longest lifespans, based on Junk Car Medics’s data:

1. Ford Ranger: 22.18 years
2. Chevrolet Blazer: 21.62 years
3. Buick LeSabre: 20.50 years
4. Chevrolet Suburban: 19.98 years
5. Ford F-150: 19.26 years
6. Honda Accord: 18.73 years
7. Jeep Grand Cherokee: 18.73 years
8. Ford Explorer: 18.53 years
9. Toyota Camry: 18.50 years
10. Ford Mustang: 18.46 years

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