I’m a Mechanic: 4 Money Pit Sedans To Avoid in 2026
Written by
G. Brian Davis
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Sedans have a reputation for better reliability and fuel economy than SUVs and trucks. And sure enough, nearly every “car” on Consumer Reports‘ rankings of the 10 least reliable cars in 2026 are SUVs. Not a single sedan made the list.
But sedans can still become money pits, especially as you go higher up the price ladder. Watch out for these four money pit vehicles to avoid in 2026.
Chrysler 300
Sure, it looks stylish and offers a smooth drive. But you’ll pay handsomely for the experience.
Auto mechanic Alan Gelfand of the German Car Depot warns would-be buyers about the repair costs looming on the horizon. “Transmission problems and electrical system breakdowns become worse with time, getting ever more frequent.”
In their latest rankings of car brands’ dependability, J.D. Power ranks Chrysler second from last. The only brand with more problems per 100 vehicles is Volkswagen. And Consumer Reports concurs, ranking Chrysler 22nd out of 26 car brands for reliability.
Steer clear of Chryslers if you want your car to spend more time on the road and less in the shop.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The S-Class is undeniably sexy and elegant. Just don’t try to justify the purchase based on value-for-money.
“Its complex design requires expensive maintenance,” explains Gelfand. “The S-Class experiences three main types of problems: Suspension failures, infotainment system breakdowns and control module malfunctions.”
Plus, replacement parts cost an arm and a leg, and the complexity requires specialized mechanics. CarEdge grades the S580 a “D+” on value, with its estimated ownership cost of $122,656 in the first five years alone.
Mercedes-Benz suffers poor reliability in general. Consumer Reports ranks it 19th out of 26 brands, and J.D. Power reports a worrying 243 problems per 100 vehicles.
Audi A8
Audis experience even more repairs, at 273 problems per 100 vehicles.
“We see frequent issues with the complicated all-wheel drive system, electrical system failures and transmission issues,” Gelfand added. “Watch out for any cars like this with complex systems, expensive components and a pattern of deteriorating parts that start after reaching higher mileage.”
CarEdge calculates the average cost of ownership at $97,942 for the first five years. The A8 drives like a dream, but it requires nightmare spending to keep it on the road.
BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series also drives well — and costs enormous sums to maintain. With a value grade of “D-,” CarEdge estimates that owners pay an average $115,676 to own the BMW 740 for five years.
Gelfand said the same advanced features that draw buyers are exactly what make it so expensive to repair.
“Complex electronics cause plenty of electrical system gremlins. The advanced air suspension works great until it fails,” he noted. “I also see frequent cooling system breakdowns from its premium drivetrain.”
For a sedan that rarely breaks down, avoid chasing German cachet. Consider Subaru, Toyota or Honda, or their high-end sister brands Lexus and Acura for luxury models.
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