10 Vehicles With Major Engine Problems

Published on June 1, 2020 in Top 10 by Guillaume Rivard

Engine problems are by far some of the most frustrating and expensive for car owners. Sometimes it’s so bad that the engine needs to be rebuilt or replaced altogether.

U.S. magazine Consumer Reports knows quite a few things about vehicle issues and reliability. It recently published a list of 10 models reported to have the most severe engine problems based on frequency and cost.

You’ll find them here in rank order, ending with the one with the highest problem rate. For each vehicle, the typical model years and mileage range where the problems most occur are identified along with suggestions of comparable models with more reliable engines.

10. GMC Acadia
Model years: 2010
Typical mileage: 170,000-210,000 km
Problem areas: Cylinder head, timing belt, oil consumption, engine control module
More reliable options: Toyota Highlander

9. Buick Lucerne
Model years: 2006
Typical mileage: 185,000-230,000 km
Problem areas: Head gaskets, cooling system, engine mounts
More reliable options: Lexus GS, Toyota Avalon

8. Acura MDX
Model years: 2003
Typical mileage: around 300,000 km
Problem areas: Electric system, head gaskets, cooling system
More reliable options: Lexus RX

7. Cadillac SRX
Model years: 2010
Typical mileage: around 210,000 km
Problem areas: Electric system, catalytic converter, injectors, timing chain
More reliable options: Lexus RX, Acura MDX

6. Jeep Wrangler 2.4L
Model years: 2006
Typical mileage: around 240,000 km
Problem areas: Head gaskets, cooling system, oil consumption
More reliable options: Toyota 4Runner

5. Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain
Model years: 2010
Typical mileage: 135,000-175,000 km
Problem areas: Cylinder head, oil consumption, fuel system
More reliable options: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4

4. MINI Cooper/Clubman
Model years: 2008-2009
Typical mileage: 195,000-210,000 km
Problems areas: Timing chain, cylinders, valves, cooling system
More reliable options: Mazda3

3. Chrysler PT Cruiser
Model years: 2001
Typical mileage: 165,000-215,000 km
Problem areas: Oil consumption (leaks), cooling and electric systems, timing belt, pistons
More reliable options: Toyota Matrix

2. Ford F-350 Diesel
Model years: 2008
Typical mileage: 100,000-190,000 km
Problem areas: Emission control, cooling and fuel systems
More reliable options: None

1. Audi A4 2.0T
Model years: 2009-2010
Typical mileage: 170,000-245,000 km
Problem areas: Cylinders and cylinder head, turbocharger, timing chain, oil consumption
More reliable options: Lexus ES, Acura TL, Infiniti G37