15 Car Models With Serious Engine Problems You Should Avoid in 2025

Did you know a single engine failure could wipe out more than 20% of your car’s value — and sometimes much more? It’s one of the costliest repairs a car owner can face. As someone who’s spent years investigating vehicle reliability, I’ve seen how choosing the wrong car model can turn into an expensive nightmare.

Engine problems aren’t just about repair bills either – they can leave you stranded in dangerous situations.

I’ve tracked thousands of engine failure reports, and certain car models keep showing up on the problem list. From luxury BMWs to everyday Hyundais, even well-known brands have produced engines that developed serious issues.

Let me share what I’ve learned about which cars you should think twice about before buying.

Car Models Known for Engine Problems

Let’s dive into the list of vehicles with a well-documented history of engine problems.

Hyundai and Kia Models (2011-2019)

The Theta II engines in Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima cars had serious problems. Metal pieces from poor manufacturing got into these engines. Many cars stopped working while driving. The fix often meant putting in a whole new engine. These issues hit cars made from 2011 to 2019.

BMW Models (2007-2012)

The N47 diesel engine had timing chains that wore out too fast. When these chains failed, they wrecked the whole engine. This hit many 1, 3, and 5 series cars. Fixing these engines cost owners thousands of dollars.

Toyota Models (1999-2007)

The 1ZZ-FE engine went through oil fast. This engine went into many Corollas and Matrix cars. Bad piston rings made these engines use up oil much faster than normal.

Chevrolet and GMC Models (2010–2017)

The 2.4L EcoTec engine had piston rings that didn’t work right. This made oil leak into places it shouldn’t go. The Equinox and Terrain SUVs got hit hardest by these problems.

Jeep Models

The 2.4L TigerShark engine used too much oil. Many Cherokee and Renegade owners saw their engines stop working. Some cars needed new engines with very few miles on them.

Ford Focus Issues (2005–2011)

The 2.0L Duratec engine often got head gasket problems. This let oil mix with coolant. When this happened, the engine could get very bad damage.

Range Rover Problems (2010–2012)

These SUVs got hit with many engine troubles. Timing chains broke early. Coolant leaks showed up often. Fixing these problems always cost a lot of money.

Jaguar X-Type Troubles (2002–2005)

The AJ V6 engine had valve timing problems. Oil leaks made things worse. Many owners paid big repair bills to keep these cars running.

These cars show why checking engine history matters when buying. Looking at past problems helps avoid costly repairs later. Each of these models teaches us about watching for signs of engine trouble early.

Understanding Engine Reliability in Modern Cars

A car’s engine is its beating heart, and when it fails, the results can be both dangerous and expensive. Truth is, bad engines can leave you stranded on busy roads, cost thousands in repairs, and drop your car’s resale value fast.

Safety Risks

When engines break down, they create real safety problems. A car that stalls in heavy traffic puts everyone at risk. Some engine problems can even start fires. That’s why I always tell people to take engine reliability seriously. It’s not just about saving money, it’s about staying safe on the road.

Financial Impact

The money side of engine problems hits hard, too. Here’s what can happen:

Major repair bills that often reach thousands of dollars
Lower resale value when you try to sell your car
More frequent trips to the mechanic
Higher fuel costs from poor engine performance

What Makes an Engine Unreliable

I’ve seen many cars come through with these common engine problems:

High oil use that leads to engine damage
Timing chains that wear out too soon
Problems with emissions systems
Strange noises that signal bigger troubles ahead

Bad engines often show warning signs like:

Knocking sounds from under the hood
More trips to the gas station
Blue or black smoke from the exhaust
Warning lights on the dashboard

Is Excessive Oil Consumption a Problem?

Truth is, many manufacturers don’t treat oil consumption as a defect—even if it’s a quart every 1,000 miles. This is why using Car IQ Report to spot models with a history of this costly problem is so important before you buy.

Finding Reliable Cars

I recommend these steps when checking a car’s engine reliability:

Look up customer reviews for specific models
Check the recall history
Pick simple engines over complex ones when possible
Get a mechanic to check used cars before buying
Keep up with regular oil changes and maintenance
Have all warranty work done at the dealer and save your receipts

Many car buyers skip these steps and end up with problem engines. Taking time to research now can save you from joining the list of owners dealing with failed engines later.

Remember, the most reliable engines aren’t always in the most expensive cars – they’re in the cars that were built right.

Most Common Engine Problems to Watch For

High Oil Usage Issues

I’ve noticed that excessive oil consumption is one of the biggest red flags in modern cars. When engines burn through oil too fast, they lose the protection they need. This leads to parts wearing down quickly and eventual engine failure. If you’re adding oil between changes, that’s a clear warning sign that something’s wrong.

Timing Chain Problems

Bad timing chains cause some of the worst engine damage I’ve seen. When these chains stretch or break, they can destroy the entire engine in seconds. Repair costs can range from $1,500 to over $5,000 depending on the extent of the damage and the engine type.

Many popular vehicles, like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, BMW 3 Series, and certain Chevrolet and Ford models, use timing chains instead of belts. While timing chains are designed to last longer, when they fail, the consequences can be catastrophic—and expensive.

Emissions System Failures

Car makers have made engines more complex to meet strict pollution rules. Sometimes these systems break down, causing:

Poor engine performance
Failed emissions tests
Check engine lights that won’t go off
Cars that won’t start properly

Hidden Engine Damage

Some problems aren’t obvious right away. Oil leaks might start small but get worse over time. Worn piston rings can slowly damage cylinders. That’s why regular checkups matter – they catch issues before they turn into major failures.

The best way to avoid these problems is to:

Change oil on schedule
Listen for unusual noises
Check fluid levels often
Fix small problems before they grow

When buying a used car, always check for:

Signs of oil leaks
Service history documents
Previous accident damage
Engine recall notices
Unusual sounds or vibrations

These checks help spot problem engines before they leave you stranded. Remember, fixing a small issue now costs much less than replacing an engine later.

Big Engine Recalls That Changed the Car Industry

The Role of Safety Recalls

Car makers issue recalls and corrections to fix problems that could hurt people or damage vehicles. These fixes are free for car owners and help keep everyone safe on the road. When it comes to engines, recalls often point to serious issues that many cars of the same type might have.

Major Engine Recalls in Recent Years

Hyundai and Kia recalled 1.6 million cars because of their Theta II engines. Metal bits inside these engines could make them stop working without warning. Many owners reported their cars dying while driving.

BMW had its own problems with coolant pumps that could catch fire. They had to fix thousands of cars to keep them safe. But the biggest recall came from Volkswagen. They had to fix 11 million cars worldwide because their diesel engines weren’t as clean as they claimed.

How Recalls Affect Car Brands

When car companies have to recall lots of vehicles, it hurts their good name. People think twice before buying their cars. I’ve seen this happen with:

Hyundai and Kia losing customer trust after engine failures
Volkswagen’s reputation dropping after their diesel problems
BMW facing questions about their engine quality

What Recalls Mean for Car Owners

If your car gets recalled, here’s what you should know:

The car company must fix the problem at no cost to you
You’ll get a letter in the mail about the recall
The fix might take a few hours or several days
Some recalls are more urgent than others

Checking for Recalls

I always tell people to:

Look up their car’s VIN number on the NHTSA website
Call their local dealer about open recalls
Keep all recall repair papers
Watch their mail for recall notices

These big recalls show why it’s so important to pay attention to engine problems. When car makers find serious issues, they must fix them to keep drivers safe. Always respond to recall notices – they’re free fixes that could save you from big troubles later.

Looking at recall history helps you make smart choices when buying cars. Models with lots of recalls often have more problems down the road. That’s why checking recall records is just as important as looking at the price tag.

How to Check Engine Reliability When Buying a Car

Use Car IQ Reliability Rating Reports

Before trusting dealership promises or glossy brochures, dig into real-world data. The Car IQ Reliability Rating Reports are a powerful tool to help you uncover hidden issues with specific car models—directly sourced from government-reported complaints and vehicle data.

While access to these reports costs just a few bucks, they could save you thousands in unexpected car repairs. These reports go beyond surface-level reviews. You’ll see patterns of real complaints from real owners.

Look closely at:

Engine problems and reliability trends over time
Common repair issues warranty is not covering
Safety issues causing owners problems

Don’t rely on luck—use data to avoid buying a problem vehicle.

Study Recall Records

A vehicle’s recall and complaint history can tell you a lot about how well its engine holds up over time. Be sure to check multiple sources for the full picture:

The NHTSA website for official government-issued recalls
Manufacturer websites for recalls and technical updates
Dealer service bulletins that may point to recurring problems
Class action lawsuits related to engine defects
Owner forums and groups for firsthand accounts of issues
Car IQ Reliability Rating Reports for a full breakdown of complaint trends, engine-related recalls, and potential red flags

Taking the time to research now can save you from thousands in repairs later.

Pick the Right Engine Type

Basic engines often work better longer than fancy ones. When choosing between engines:

Plain 4-cylinder engines need fewer repairs
Non-turbo engines have fewer parts to break
Older designs have known fix patterns
Simple is usually better than complex

Keep Up with Service

Good maintenance helps engines last. Make sure to:

Change oil at proper times
Use the right grade of oil
Replace air filters regularly
Fix small problems quickly
Keep all service records

Get a Pre-purchase Check

Always have a mechanic inspect a used car. They should:

Run computer diagnostic tests
Listen for odd noises
Check oil condition
Look for leaks
Test engine performance

Watch for Red Flags

Some warning signs mean trouble:

Cars that use lots of oil
Smoke from the exhaust
Rough running engines
Check engine lights
Poor service records

Regular checks and fixes cost less than waiting for big problems. Following these steps helps you pick cars with good engines and avoid costly mistakes. Remember, engine problems often show up slowly, so taking time to check everything matters.

Making Smart Choices for Reliable Engines

After examining years of data and countless engine problems, I’ve learned that knowledge is your best defense against buying a troublesome car. The most expensive lesson is often learned through experience—but you don’t have to learn it the hard way.

Remember, a car’s price tag doesn’t always reflect its reliability. Some of the most dependable engines come in modest packages, while certain luxury vehicles hide expensive problems under the hood. Take your time, do your research, consult a trusted mechanic, and let Car IQ Report guide you toward smarter choices.