SUVs and pickup trucks are two of the most popular vehicle segments in the United States. That means there’s no shortage of models to choose from, and buyers are spoiled for choice whether they want a used model or a brand-new vehicle.
These practical vehicles come in different shapes and sizes, with prices ranging from very affordable to ridiculously expensive. Be warned, though, just because a vehicle is cheap doesn’t necessarily mean you can afford to own it. Sometimes, the hidden maintenance costs can be downright ridiculous.
We have searched the internet for a list of SUVs and trucks that can be very costly to own. Please note that not all of them are bad just because the maintenance is expensive. All the information comes from reputable websites such as ConsumerReports, RepairPal, Kelly Blue Book, CarEdge, Edmunds, CarSurvey, NHTSA, IIHS, and owners’ forums.
2013 BMW X3
The 2013 model-year BMW X3 is the worst of this second-generation Bimmer SUV. There are a whopping 56 complaints about it, most of them about the engine and timing chain failure.
Consumer Reports gives the 2013 BMW X3 a 3.8/5 reliability score, and RepairPal estimates that annual maintenance will cost over $1,000.
2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer is certainly a vehicle to stay away from if you can’t fix it yourself. Even low-mileage models have experienced expensive issues.
On CarComplaints, the most common issues are related to the transmission, AC, and engine. Sorting out the transmission can cost around $2,000, and if the engine calls it a day, expect to pay around $5,000 to replace it.
2001 Mercedes-Benz ML320
The Mercedes-Benz ML320 is cheap on the used car market these days, and it may be tempting to buy one. However, some years seem to be best avoided – there are over 200 complaints about the 2001-year model on CarComplaints.
Most of the issues relate to the brakes and electrical system. Multiple owners report spending thousands of dollars to keep their ML320 running; some call it the worst car they’ve ever owned. According to RepairPal, annual maintenance is around $1,500.
2011 Cadillac SRX
The 2011 Cadillac SRX has a 3/5 JD Power reliability rating, and there are many potentially costly problems to be aware of. Most complaints are about the engine, lights, and electrical system.
The timing belt is known to fail, so that should be changed more often than the recommended intervals. The most common complaint is about water in the lights, which doesn’t seem too bad, but the average repair cost is $1,600. The SRX’s problems tend to start before the vehicle hits 100,000 miles.
2023 Ram 1500
Buying a brand-new Ram 1500 may seem like a great deal. After all, it’s known to be a very capable work truck and can also tackle some off-road adventures for the low price of $38,750.
However, it’s not so cheap once you factor in that the expected 10-year maintenance costs are around $18,000, and it’ll depreciate another $18,000 on average during the first five years. CarEdge also estimates a 54.8% chance that the Ram 1500 will require major repairs in the first ten years.
2012 Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most astonishing off-road-capable SUVs money can buy, largely thanks to its massive selection of aftermarket parts. However, the Wrangler does come with some severe issues.
CarComplaints ranks the 2012 year model as the worst due to its poor reliability record, and Consumer Reports awarded it a 2/5 reliability rating. Most owners complain about engine problems and transmission failure.
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is another highly capable off-roader and a great all-rounder for everyday use. However, Grand Cherokee ownership isn’t always cheap.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee’s predicted yearly maintenance costs are relatively low, coming in at around $600. However, with a reliability score of 3.5/5, the Grand Cherokee has a 31% chance of needing major repair within ten years, which is almost 10% worse than similar brands.
2008 GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia mid-size SUV debuted in 2007, and according to the comments on CarComplaints, even low-mileage models have suffered from some severe problems. Transmission and engine issues are the most common complaints.
Repairing or replacing the gearbox costs an average of $3,700, and repairing the problem with the engine shutting down costs over $3,800. Suddenly, that affordable used SUV is no longer very affordable.
4th-Generation Ford F-250 Super Duty
If the F-150 can’t get the job done, there’s always its bigger sibling, the F-250. With a 6.7-liter turbo-diesel engine, the 2023 Ford F-250 certainly isn’t lacking in the power department. This truck can haul as much as 4,268 lbs and pull up to 23,000 lbs.
However, the average yearly maintenance cost is around $1,500, so that’s certainly something you need to factor in when you purchase this behemoth.
2013 Lincoln MKX
There’s no shortage of complaints about the Lincoln MKX, and Consumer Reports scores it 2.0 out of 5.0 for reliability. The owners are a bit kinder, as the owner satisfaction score is 3.0 out of 5.0, which still isn’t great.
The NHTSA has issued a recall for the powertrain, but owners are still complaining about problems with the engine, transmission, brakes, AC, suspension, and more. According to RepairPal, the Lincoln MKX has an average yearly maintenance cost just shy of $800.
2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE250
The Mercedes-Benz GLE250 SUV is surprisingly reliable. JD Power gives it an 83 reliability score and an 83 overall score. Edmunds even says it’s the best used luxury SUV of 2016.
So what’s the problem? Well, it’s a Mercedes-Benz, so it will be costly to maintain. Annual maintenance can be as much as $1,500, depending on mileage. The good news is that it should last for years with proper servicing and maintenance.
2014 BMW X1
In 2009, the world was introduced to the first-generation BMW X1 SUV. Built on the same platform as the E90 BMW 3 Series, it’s largely impacted by the same issues.
There are five recalls for the BMW X1, related to its electrical and safety components. According to CarComplaints, there are 110 problems and defects that owners are unhappy with.
2015 Jeep Renegade
Over the years, the NHTSA has issued four recalls for the 2015 Jeep Renegade, ranging from problems with the trailer hitch to suspension, powertrain, and electrical issues. However, the recalls don’t seem to have made owners any happier.
The 2015 Jeep Renegade has an overall owner satisfaction score of 1.0 of 5.0 on Consumer Reports. CarEdge also estimates that the average annual maintenance costs are over $1,000.
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC300
According to JD Power, the 2020 GLC300 is less reliable than the GLE250 we mentioned earlier. JD Power only gives it a reliability rating of 77 and an overall rating of 79. Most of the owners’ complaints are about the powertrain and electrical system.
During its four years on the market, the 2020 GLC300 has seen 20 recalls. According to Edmunds, annual maintenance costs are between $900 and $1,700.
2019 Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 has enjoyed the top spot in the American automotive market for decades. It offers everything you need from a truck and then some. It’s even quite affordable to purchase new – at least if you don’t go too crazy with the trims and options.
However, while finding an affordable, used F-150 is easy, maintenance costs soon increase, and they get more expensive as the vehicle ages. CarEdge says the F-150’s annual maintenance costs add up to over $1,000 per year, which is more than the industry average.
2011 BMW X5
The 2011 BMW X5 is the worst year for customer satisfaction. In fact, no other BMW SUV has as many complaints and dissatisfied owners. It has a whopping 293 NHTSA-registered owner complaints.
Surprisingly, JD Power says the 2011 X5 offers average quality and reliability. We would’ve thought it was much worse than that. The X5 has also been recalled 18 times over the years.
2023 Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is one of the cheapest new pickup trucks on the market, and seeing as it’s a Ford, it should be reasonably affordable to own and operate, right? Well, it depends. In 2023, you could buy a brand-new Ranger for $27,400, and according to CarEdge, it would cost $2,618 to maintain during the first five years.
However, maintenance costs will skyrocket for the following five years, as the total bill is just over $10,000 for ten years. During that time, it may also need major repairs, which could push costs even higher.
2013 Audi Q5
The 2013 Audi Q5 is another stylish German SUV that can potentially cause costly headaches. It has a reliability score of 3.5/5 and suffers from issues such as a loose timing chain, excessive oil consumption, and water pump failure.
The average yearly maintenance is estimated to be just north of $1,000, so it’s not the worst SUV on the used market, but it could certainly be better.
2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevy Silverado 1500 is another excellent work truck that you can buy for reasonable money. However, it can get seriously expensive if you decide to move up to the top trims and tick many option boxes.
The Silverado 1500 is estimated to cost just over $10,000 in maintenance during its first ten years. That’s nearly a third of the cost of the entire base-model truck.
2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a luxury SUV with all the original Land Rover’s off-road credentials. However, it only received a 3.5/5 reliability score, and there’s a 49.63% chance that it will need major repairs within its first decade.
The estimated maintenance costs for the first five years are around $4,500 and will most likely increase beyond that.
2023 Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevrolet Colorado is just as capable as any of its competitors, whether it’s for work or light off-road adventures. Like the other mid-size trucks, it’s also relatively affordable, with the base trim starting around $30,000.
If you own one for ten years, it will undoubtedly see a fairly significant depreciation, and the average maintenance costs are estimated to be around the $10,000 mark over a 10-year period.
2017 Jaguar F-Pace
The F-Pace is the first SUV from British carmaker Jaguar, and it packs all the performance we’ve come to expect in a Jag but in a more practical package. Jaguar isn’t exactly known to make the most reliable vehicles, which can be a costly problem as the F-Pace ages.
It has a 3.5/5 reliability score, and maintenance costs are estimated at around $4,500 in the first five years. Owners have already complained about multiple issues, including electrical gremlins and timing chain failure.
2015 Buick Encore
Consumer Reports awarded the 2015 Buick Encore an overall reliability score of 1.0 out of 5.00. That should really be enough to make you steer clear, but if you need more convincing, it also has a 1.0 out of 5.0 owner satisfaction score.
There are problems with the engine, exhaust, electrical system, suspension, and various other parts. Unless you enjoy pulling out your hair, we suggest you look for a different SUV.
2016 Fiat 500X
The little Fiat 500 is an Italian icon. It could be more reliable, but it’s a fun little hatchback that is perfect for city driving. However, you should avoid the compact crossover 500X version like the plague.
The NHTSA has received 112 complaints about the Fiat 500X regarding engine issues, drivetrain problems, and electrical gremlins. JD Power scores the 2016 Fiat 500X 62/100 for reliability and quality, which is way lower than average.
