SUVs are a great family choice, but some models bring more headaches than benefits.
SUVs may be the go-to family car, but certain models can end up costing owners far more than they expect. And it’s not just about gas mileage. Automotive expert Zach Trahan has identified five of the least reliable SUVs that also rack up some of the highest repair bills.
The issues range from costly repairs to rapid depreciation. Drivers should know which models to steer clear of.
Trahan ranks the Compass among the worst offenders: fix one problem and another is quick to follow. Jeep’s overall reliability has been declining for years.
Over a 10-year span, maintenance and repair costs for the Jeep Compass average $10,822—about $2,600 more than the typical SUV. Owners also face a 32% chance of a major repair within the first decade.
“The only journey this SUV makes is to the repair shop—and usually on a tow truck,” Trahan quipped. The Journey has long been plagued with reliability issues, and breakdowns are frequent.
Annual repair costs average around $562, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Owners regularly report water leaks, faulty keyless entry, and electrical problems.
“One of those SUVs where fixing one issue just uncovers a thousand more,” said Trahan.
The Ford Escape is a popular choice in the U.S., but its dependability is questionable. Yearly repairs run about $775, well above the industry average of $652.
High parts costs and pricey labor bills make it an expensive vehicle to keep on the road.
“It’s called the Escape, but there’s no escaping a hefty repair bill,” Trahan warned.
Transmission and electrical issues are among the most common problems.
Luxury doesn’t come cheap—and for Range Rover owners, the costs never stop. Trahan points to recurring issues with electronics, air suspension, and engines.
The flagship SUV ranks among the most expensive to maintain, with average yearly expenses of around $1,500.
“I know you’re tired of me mentioning the Range Rover,” Trahan said. “But there’s a reason I bring it up so often. People keep buying them.”
The Chevy Traverse is marketed as a family-friendly and relatively affordable SUV, but it struggles with reliability. Its Ecotec engine is underpowered, and older models suffer from transmission problems.
Chevrolet ranks 14th out of 16 brands for 10-year ownership costs, with Traverse owners spending around $9,000 on maintenance and repairs in that timeframe.
“Just stay away from the Chevy Traverse,” Trahan concluded.