When you buy a new car, you expect it to be perfect and smooth. For most people, the lack of a previous history automatically means the lack of risks. But unfortunately, real life is a bit more disappointing. Sometimes after buying a brand new car you have to take it back to a dealer. According to the Consumer’s Report survey, it happens to some models much more often than to others. The research was based on several features. Some of them are crucial like transmission and breaks problems. Others are just annoying: for example interior defects and creaky parts. The survey ended up in the list of 10 least reliable cars of 2020. It is mostly based on driver’s reports, but professional mechanics confirm that those vehicles are the most frequent guests in the car services now.
Chevrolet Colorado
What is the most disturbing light you that you may suddenly see on the dashboard? “Check Engine”, of course. Drivers of Chevrolet Colorado have to see it more frequently than anybody else. Two main defects are widely reported and may be a reason for that. One of them is the gas cap issue. Owners of Chevy Colorado have to address mechanics due to a worn gas cap much more often. Another quite common engine-related issue is the worn valve seats that cause engine misfire. Other quite common annoying issues with Chevrolet Colorado are frequent music and radio failures and defective fuel level sensors.
Chevrolet Camaro
One more Chevy in this sad list of the least reliable cars in 2020 is the legendary Chevrolet Camaro. The most common problem that its owners have to face is the premature timing chain wear, which coast them a pretty penny eventually. Mechanics also confirm that all types of engine failures are quite typical for this model. And if we are talking about annoying dashboard signs, owners report that airbag signs keep coming on quite frequently.
Jeep Wrangler
Unfortunately, Jeep Wrangler is the case when a model has a brilliant start but things only go south since then. Most mechanics will strongly advise you to avoid the 3rd generation of 2007-2017. The satiation did not improve much for the past few years. The most common Wrangler issues are connected with engine and Electrical systems.
Alfa Romeo Giulia
Alfa Romeo’s are famous for their brilliant design, nobody can take it from them. But unfortunately, as much as it is beautiful, it is as unreliable. Only 13% of the Giulia owners don’t visit the service for some serious repairs in the first 3 years. But even those lucky ones report about AC issues and problems with electronics quite frequently.
Volkswagen Atlas
This car is one of the biggest disappointments for its owners. It has become so common for Volkswagen Atlas to spend months at a time in service shops that the consumers have submitted complaints to the National Traffic Safety Highway Administration (NHTSA). The main issues associated with the vehicle are engine, breaks, and electrical systems.
Volkswagen Tiguan
One of the most common problems that bring this car to mechanics is a bad timing chain tensioner. Due to that many Tiguan owners report about rattling noise when the engine starts and the Check Engine light that appears all the time. This common defect often leads to major engine repairs that may cost up to $1000.
Acura MDX
Most complaints about Acura MDX are about its transmission. This year consumers have filled a group lawsuit against the Japanese company. They claim that the car has a problem with hesitation when accelerating. That issue has lead to tremendous loss of credibility of Acura MDX this year.
Tesla Model X
Even the Tesla CEO Elon Musk has admitted that the company has taken several wrong turns with Model X. Consumer’s Report has placed it among the least reliable cars this year mostly due to disparity between cost and quality. While spending $100.000 on a car, consumers expect exquisite design combined with comfort and reliability. Unfortunately, in this case, the design is all they get. About 65% of Tesla Model X is going back to dealers almost immediately.
Chrysler Pacifica
Most owners of Chrysler Pacifica have to visit the mechanic during the first 15,000 miles. The most common issues are engine defects. The repairs often cost as much as $1,500. Another “inborn” problem of Pacifica is a loose wire connection. The defect may announce itself as early as the first 50,000 miles and end up in a $350 bill from a mechanic.
Chevrolet Traverse
Yet another Chevy in the sad list of the least reliable cars of 2020. Traverse comes with the “classical” engine issues. Many owners report about the engine losing its power while driving and the Check Engine light turning on unusually often. At the same time mechanics mark the timing chain as the main defective area in the car. The average annual repair bill is around $700.
