Here is a selection of five crossovers and SUVs that have earned a reputation among car owners for being unreliable, specifically due to engine issues.
2012 Jeep Wrangler
Although the Wrangler is famous for its outstanding off-road capability, the 2012 model caused plenty of headaches for owners who encountered new powertrain problems. After the introduction of a new 3.6-liter gasoline V6, many drivers reported noticeable vibration at idle, sudden engine stalling, and cracks in the cylinder head. Experts strongly advise potential buyers of this vehicle to thoroughly check its service history and consult a qualified mechanic.
Chevrolet Tahoe (2021–2024 model years)
This popular family hauler has recently been involved in numerous cases related to improper operation of the 6.2-liter V8. Owners reported a sharp drop in power due to manufacturing defects. The manufacturer launched an official recall campaign because of identified design flaws, but investigations continue to find other hidden issues.
2015 Honda CR-V
Despite the model's overall reputation for reliability, some owners occasionally experienced strong vibration while parked with the engine running. A powertrain software update improved the situation somewhat, but engine problems continued to be reported by owners. Honda officially recalled cars with this defect, but Consumer Reports still receives complaints from users about lingering issues.
2018 Ford Escape
Although this model was discontinued in 2023, used examples remain popular on the secondary market. The 2018 Ford Escape became known for frequent coolant leaks from the radiator and cooling system, leading to overheating and engine failure. These issues were compounded by occasional transmission glitches, convincing many experts of the model's low reliability.
Nissan Rogue (2021–2023 model years)
Crankshaft bearings became the Achilles' heel of the Nissan Rogue—nearly half a million vehicles were urgently recalled by the manufacturer due to risk of serious damage. Lawsuits revealed several related problems, including poor-quality lubricants and excessively high engine temperature. NHTSA statistics show a large number of complaints from dissatisfied consumers reporting rapid component wear and related cooling system failures.