The Reputation Came First
Some cars earn a reputation for being almost impossible to wear out. Owners brag about them, mechanics recommend them, and used buyers hunt them down.
Then one expensive problem starts showing up again and again. Suddenly, that “last forever” reputation comes with a very big asterisk.
Toyota Tacoma: The Frame Wasn't As Tough As The Truck
The Tacoma became the truck people bought when they wanted something they could keep forever. Then owners in road-salt states started finding serious corrosion underneath. Toyota ultimately created programs covering certain 2005–2010 Tacomas, including frame inspections and, when corrosion met specific criteria, complete frame replacement. That is a pretty big weak spot for an otherwise famously durable truck.
Honda Accord V6: The Transmission Became The Question Mark
A Honda Accord was practically the default answer to “What used car should I buy?” But some early-2000s V6 Accords developed a much less comforting reputation for automatic-transmission trouble. Honda recalled certain 2003–2004 V6 models over heat buildup in second gear and, in some cases, transmission replacement was part of the repair.
Toyota Camry: It Started Drinking Oil
The Camry built its reputation by being boring in the absolute best possible way. Certain 2007–2009 Camrys with the 2.4-liter 2AZ-FE complicated that story. Toyota issued repair procedures for excessive oil consumption that could involve new pistons and piston rings. Suddenly, checking the oil between fill-ups became a lot more important than Camry owners expected.
Mrxandthexfactor (Matthew Wong), Wikimedia Commons
Ford F-150 5.4: That Engine Rattle Got Owners' Attention
Ford's 5.4-liter three-valve V8 powered an enormous number of trucks that owners expected to work for years. Then the familiar warm-engine rattle started showing up. Ford documented intermittent rattling, rough idle and trouble codes on certain F-150s and related models, with the variable cam timing system among the components requiring attention.
Nissan Altima: The CVT Changed The Conversation
The Altima spent years as the sensible midsize sedan you could find absolutely everywhere. Then its continuously variable transmission became the thing shoppers started asking about first. Nissan eventually extended CVT warranty coverage on eligible Altimas, covering major components including the transmission assembly, valve body and torque converter.
Quzhouliulian, Wikimedia Commons
Ford Focus: The Automatic That Didn't Feel Right
The Focus looked like the sort of ordinary compact that should survive years of commuting without drama. The DPS6 dual-clutch automatic had other ideas. Ford issued bulletins addressing excessive clutch shudder and related problems on certain 2012–2016 Focus models, with some cars requiring clutch work rather than the simple software fix owners hoped for.
Honda Civic: Yes, Even The Engine Block
Few cars have a stronger “it'll run forever” reputation than the Civic, which made this one especially surprising. Honda extended engine-block warranty coverage on certain 2006–2008 and early-production 2009 Civics after coolant seepage from the block could lead to overheating. The covered remedy could include replacing the engine block itself.
order_242 from Chile, Wikimedia Commons
Chevrolet Silverado: The Lifter Tick Nobody Wanted To Hear
A naturally aspirated V8 pickup should be the simple choice, right? Certain 2014–2015 Silverados with 5.3- and 6.2-liter engines developed problems involving Active Fuel Management lifters. GM documented cases involving misfires, ticking and collapsed or stuck AFM lifters, with the prescribed repair potentially involving the affected lifters, their guide and the oil pan assembly.
Acura TL And CL: Honda Reliability Met A Costly Transmission
The TL and CL offered Honda engineering with more power and luxury, so buyers expected them to pile on the miles. Automatic transmissions became the weak point on certain late-90s and early-2000s versions. Acura eventually extended transmission and torque-converter warranty coverage on specified models because of higher-than-normal premature wear or failure.
Kentaro Matsui, Wikimedia Commons
Toyota RAV4: The Same Oil Problem Followed It Here
Toyota's 2AZ-FE engine didn't live exclusively under Camry hoods. Certain 2006–2008 RAV4s used it too, which meant Toyota's oil-consumption repair procedure covered them as well. The little Toyota SUV might keep running for an impressively long time, but an engine consuming significant oil was not exactly the low-drama ownership experience buyers signed up for.
Ford Fiesta: Small Car, Familiar Transmission Problem
The Focus wasn't alone. Certain 2011–2015 Fiestas received the same DPS6 dual-clutch transmission, and Ford's own bulletin covered excessive clutch shudder and possible fluid leakage on both models. A Fiesta was supposed to be cheap, basic transportation. Transmission work has a funny way of ruining that particular selling point.
Subaru Outback And Forester: The Head Gaskets Became Infamous
Subarus developed a fiercely loyal following partly because owners could keep them for years. But certain 2.5-liter models became known for head-gasket trouble. Subaru itself launched a service program after determining that affected Foresters, Legacy/Outbacks and Imprezas could develop external coolant leaks at the cylinder-head gaskets.
order_242 from Chile, Wikimedia Commons
Nissan Sentra: Another CVT Reputation Takes A Hit
The Sentra had spent decades being exactly the kind of inexpensive compact people handed down to their kids. Later CVT-equipped cars made the transmission itself a major shopping consideration. Nissan extended CVT warranty coverage on eligible Sentras, covering major transmission components under specified time and mileage limits.
OWS Photography, Wikimedia Commons
Toyota Tundra And Sequoia: The Rust Problem Got Bigger
Toyota's frame-corrosion story didn't stop with the Tacoma. Certain 2007–2008 Tundras and 2005–2008 Sequoias were included in the same broader settlement over frame corrosion. Depending on the vehicle and inspection results, Toyota's procedures included corrosion-resistant treatment or frame replacement. The drivetrain could outlast the structure holding it.
order_242 from Chile, Wikimedia Commons
Honda Odyssey: The Transmission Wasn't Always As Family-Friendly
The Odyssey became a favorite because it drove like a Honda while swallowing an entire family and its luggage. Certain 2011–2012 Touring and Touring Elite models developed torque-converter lock-up clutch judder. Honda extended torque-converter coverage, with affected vehicles potentially requiring software updates, fresh transmission fluid and, if the problem returned, torque-converter replacement.
BMW N20 And N26 Cars: One Chain Could Change Everything
BMW's turbocharged four-cylinder N20 and N26 engines promised strong performance without six-cylinder fuel consumption. Certain BMWs later received extended warranty coverage for the timing chain and oil-pump drive-chain modules. Timing-chain problems are particularly unpleasant because ignoring the warning signs can turn a relatively contained repair into something much more serious.
Jeep Wrangler 3.6: Watch The Top Of The Engine
The Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 appeared across a long list of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles and generally earned a decent reputation. One recurring trouble area has been oil leaking around the oil filter adapter/cooler area. FCA service information specifically tells technicians to inspect the adapter area when oil collects in the engine valley before replacing parts.
Ethan Llamas, Wikimedia Commons
Subaru Legacy, Outback And Forester: When Oil Consumption Meant More Than Oil
Subaru owners are accustomed to keeping cars for years, which makes engine problems especially painful. Subaru documented certain 2011 Legacy and Outback models and 2010 Foresters with 2.5-liter engines that could develop white exhaust smoke or high oil consumption because of improperly machined valve-guide holes. The prescribed repair could require replacement of one or both cylinder heads.
Michael Gil from Calgary, AB, Canada, Wikimedia Commons
Acura MDX: A Small Leak With A Massive Repair
This may be one of the nastiest surprises here. Certain 2016 MDXs and just five 2017 VINs were covered by an Acura warranty extension involving an internal leak in the transmission warmer that could allow engine coolant and transmission fluid to mix. Severe cases could require replacing the transmission, radiator and hoses, and sometimes the engine too.
Toyota Prius: The Trouble Could Start With A Rough-Running Engine
The Prius earned a reputation for shrugging off enormous mileage, especially among commuters and taxi drivers. Toyota nevertheless documented an EGR-related rough-running or misfire condition on certain 2010–2015 Prius-family vehicles. The official repair involved replacing the intake manifold, making repeated stumbling or misfire warnings something owners couldn't simply ignore.
Even Great Cars Have A Weak Spot
Many of these cars still deserve their reputations. But even a famously reliable vehicle can have one expensive flaw. And sometimes, that one flaw is enough to make owners think twice about keeping it forever.
TuRbO_J from Adelaide, Australia, Wikimedia Commons
You Might Also Like:
My mechanic says my turbocharged engine needs stricter maintenance than older cars. Is that true?
