Cars That Are Almost Guaranteed to Break Down After 100,000 Miles

When a vehicle crosses the 100,000-mile threshold, many drivers begin to worry — especially if they own a model with a questionable reputation for reliability. And there’s good reason for that concern: statistics show that a number of today’s popular cars tend to develop serious issues and require costly repairs right around that mileage.

A closer look at Consumer Reports data reveals which models are most likely to give their owners headaches once they hit six figures on the odometer. Surprisingly, some of them are well-known names.

Mini Cooper

A classic example that proves constant attempts to “improve” a car don’t always make it more reliable. The tiny British hatchback is notorious for timing chain stretch at relatively low mileage, as well as frequent turbocharger and water-pump failures.

Chevrolet Equinox

Designed as a safe family hauler, the Equinox develops a reputation for burning oil once it nears 100,000 miles. The only true fix involves replacing worn piston rings — an expensive job. The model is also known for timing chain issues and transmission troubles that can appear with age.

Nissan Pathfinder

Costly transmission problems aren’t just a Land Rover thing — even more down-to-earth Nissan owners have felt the pain. The Pathfinder’s CVT and its V6 engine are considered weak points, often prompting owners to sell the vehicle shortly after it passes 60,000 miles.

Ford Explorer

A real gift to transmission repair shops. But that’s not its only weak spot once it approaches the 90,000-mile mark. The timing chain and water pump can both fail — the latter is buried deep enough to make the repair especially pricey. Intercooler and automatic transmission problems also top the list.

Audi A4

The 2.0-liter TFSI engine in the A4 is infamous for oil leaks, and its timing system is a complex piece of engineering that’s anything but cheap to repair.

BMW 3-Series

A sporty sedan that delivers brilliant handling — but falls short when it comes to dependability.

According to Consumer Reports, water pumps in the 3-Series tend to fail like clockwork every 60,000 miles. Radiators, thermostat housings, and expansion tanks typically need replacement before 75,000 miles. And the N54 engine is a known headache, especially as the odometer approaches 100,000 miles.

Volkswagen Passat

A sedan that combines German precision with German-priced repairs. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine is prone to oil leaks from seals and gaskets, heavy carbon buildup, timing chain tensioner failures, and the high-maintenance DSG transmission that demands frequent servicing.