Navigating the automotive market can be a complex journey, often filled with the promise of reliability and performance. However, not every new car lives up to its initial allure. While many models deliver problem-free experiences, a concerning number are entering the market burdened with a litany of mechanical issues, frequent recalls, and a trail of frustrated owners. For consumers, distinguishing between a dependable investment and a potential headache requires a critical, evidence-based approach to vehicle evaluation.
At the core of understanding these troubling patterns lies meticulous data analysis. Our team has dedicated considerable effort to cross-referencing vast pools of consumer complaint data with sales figures. This rigorous methodology allows us to pinpoint specific models that exhibit a track record of recurring defects, malfunctions, and significant safety issues—problems that manufacturers might prefer remain unaddressed. This process is designed to cut through marketing claims and provide an objective look at real-world vehicle performance, ensuring that our evaluations remain strictly unbiased.
This comprehensive report sheds light on some of the 2024 vehicles most likely to present persistent challenges, as identified through thousands of consumer complaints. While no manufacturing process is entirely flawless, a consistent accumulation of complaints far exceeding normal expectations serves as a clear red flag. Our aim is to empower prospective buyers with the actionable intelligence needed to make informed decisions, transforming what could be a nightmare vehicle experience into a conscious, well-researched purchase. Let’s delve into the top contenders on our Lemon Vehicle Index, exploring the specific issues that have left owners warning others to steer clear.
1. **Tesla Model 3**Kicking off our index of vehicles raising significant consumer concerns is the Tesla Model 3. Despite its widespread appeal for innovative design and advanced technology, this model has garnered the highest number of complaints relative to its sales, marking it as a vehicle owners should approach with caution. The issues reported span across critical functional areas, directly impacting both the driving experience and fundamental safety.
One recurring problem highlighted by owners involves “Turn Signal Button Failures.” Drivers have reported that the steering wheel’s turn signal buttons sometimes fail to respond, making it difficult to signal lane changes or turns accurately. This isn’t merely an inconvenience; it poses a tangible safety risk, hindering clear communication of driver intentions to other vehicles on the road, particularly in dynamic traffic conditions.
Adding to the list of functional compromises are “Horn Malfunctions in Bad Weather.” Following exposure to rain or snow, some owners have reported that the vehicle’s horn becomes muffled or stops working entirely. The horn is a critical safety feature, essential for alerting pedestrians or other drivers to immediate hazards, and its failure in adverse weather conditions severely limits a driver’s ability to react to unforeseen dangers.
Furthermore, the Model 3’s reliance on its central display unit has brought forth “Screen & Software Glitches.” The touchscreen, which is central to controlling most vehicle functions, has been reported to freeze or crash intermittently. This disrupts access to essential features such as navigation, climate control, and entertainment, turning what should be an intuitive interface into a source of frustration and distraction for drivers, undermining the vehicle’s advanced technological promise.
Car Model Information: 2024 Ford Mustang GT Premium
Name: Tesla Model 3
Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Production: 2017–present
Assembly: unbulleted list
Designer: Franz von Holzhausen
Class: Mid-size car
BodyStyle: Sedan (car)
Layout: unbulleted list
Related: Tesla Model Y
Motor: unbulleted list
Transmission: Single-speed fixed (9:1 ratio)
Battery: unbulleted list
ElectricRange: unbulleted list
Charging: unbulleted list
Wheelbase: cvt
Length: unbulleted list
Width: cvt
Height: unbulleted list
Weight: cvt
Caption: 2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance
Categories: 2020s cars, ANCAP large family cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles in need of updating, All Wikipedia articles written in American English
Summary: The Tesla Model 3 is a battery electric powered mid-size sedan with a fastback body style built by Tesla, Inc., introduced in 2017. The vehicle is marketed as being more affordable to more people than previous models made by Tesla. The Model 3 was the world’s top-selling plug-in electric car for three years, from 2018 to 2020, before the Tesla Model Y, a crossover SUV based on the Model 3 chassis, took the top spot. In June 2021, the Model 3 became the first electric car to pass global sales of 1 million.
A facelifted Model 3 with revamped interior and exterior styling was introduced in late 2023 for countries supplied by Gigafactory Shanghai and in early 2024 in North America and other countries supplied by the Tesla Fremont Factory.
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Brand: Tesla Model: Model 3
Price: $48,997 Mileage: 24,328 mi.
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2. **Honda CR-V**Positioning itself at number two on our list, the Honda CR-V, a model often celebrated for its practicality and perceived reliability, has unfortunately accumulated a higher volume of complaints than anticipated. The issues reported primarily center around its steering, braking systems, and crucial safety features, drawing attention to unexpected reliability concerns within a brand traditionally associated with dependability. These problems directly impact vehicle control and driver confidence.
A significant concern for CR-V owners is “Sticky Steering.” Drivers have described the steering as feeling notchy or resistant, particularly noticeable when driving at highway speeds. This creates difficulties in maintaining smooth and precise control of the vehicle, which can be disorienting and fatiguing on longer journeys. Beyond comfort, such steering inconsistencies present clear safety implications, making accurate vehicle placement and responsive maneuvering a challenge in critical driving moments.
Another alarming category of complaints involves “Brake Issues.” Some vehicles have reportedly experienced sudden, unexplained braking or even unintended acceleration. Such incidents are inherently dangerous, capable of creating hazardous driving situations without warning. The risk of collisions is significantly increased when a vehicle’s fundamental control systems behave unpredictably, leaving drivers feeling vulnerable and uncertain about their car’s responses in traffic.
Compounding these control issues, “Backup Camera Malfunctions” have also been frequently reported. The rearview camera display may exhibit problems such as appearing in black and white or failing to activate altogether. This directly reduces a driver’s visibility when reversing, making maneuvers in tight spaces or crowded areas more hazardous. The failure of such an essential driver-assist feature undermines safety protocols that modern vehicles are expected to provide reliably.
Car Model Information: 2018 Honda CR-V LX
Name: Honda CR-V
Caption: 2023 Honda CR-V e:HEV
Manufacturer: Honda
Aka: Honda Breeze (China, 2019–present)
Production: 1995–present
Class: Compact crossover SUV
BodyStyle: Sport utility vehicle
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout,Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout
Chassis: Unibody
Predecessor: Honda Crossroad
Successor: Honda ZR-V
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in British English
Summary: The Honda CR-V (also sold as the Honda Breeze in China since 2019) is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by Japanese automaker Honda since 1995. Initial models of the CR-V were built using the same platform as the Civic.
Honda began producing the CR-V in Sayama, Japan, and Swindon, United Kingdom, for worldwide markets, adding North American manufacturing sites in East Liberty, Ohio, United States, in 2007; El Salto, Jalisco, Mexico, in late 2007 (ended in early 2017); Alliston, Ontario, Canada, in 2012; and Greensburg, Indiana, United States, in February 2017. The CR-V is also produced in Wuhan for the Chinese market by Dongfeng Honda, and also marketed as the Breeze in China for the version produced at Guangzhou by Guangqi Honda.
Honda states that “CR-V” stands for “Comfortable Runabout Vehicle,” while the term “Compact Recreational Vehicle” was used in a British car review article that was republished by Honda, associating the model name with the Sports Utility Vehicle abbreviation of SU-V.
As of 2022, the CR-V is positioned between the smaller ZR-V (marketed as HR-V in North America) — with which the CR-V shares a platform — and the larger North American market Passport/Pilot or the Chinese market Avancier/UR-V. It is currently Honda’s best-selling vehicle in the world, and the second best-selling SUV globally in 2020.
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Brand: Honda Model: CR-V
Price: $17,999 Mileage: 88,081 mi.
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3. **Jeep Wrangler**The iconic Jeep Wrangler, revered for its rugged off-road prowess, unfortunately finds itself on our index due to several noteworthy issues that have deeply frustrated its owner base. While its capability for adventure is undisputed, a pattern of significant mechanical and electrical problems has emerged, casting a shadow over its overall reliability and, more critically, its safety in everyday and demanding environments.
Among the most unsettling reports are “Electrical System Malfunctions.” Numerous owners have experienced sudden vehicle shutdowns, occurring either while driving or when stopped at traffic lights. These incidents are particularly alarming as they happen without any prior warning, requiring drivers to restart the vehicle to regain power and continue their journey. Such unpredictable power loss represents a severe safety hazard, especially in high-traffic situations or on highways where immediate responsiveness is crucial.
Furthermore, “Persistent Battery Issues” plague many Wrangler owners. Complaints frequently detail batteries discharging quickly, failing to hold a charge, or causing the vehicle to stall. This problem is exacerbated in the electric driving mode, where battery reliability is paramount. These recurring battery failures diminish the vehicle’s dependability for daily use, often leading to inconvenient breakdowns and unexpected service calls, directly contradicting the expectation of a robust vehicle.
Adding to these electrical woes, drivers often encounter a “Service Hybrid System Warning.” This alert demands “service needed” for the hybrid electric system, creating confusion and raising significant concerns among owners about the vehicle’s overall performance and long-term dependability. Such warnings, especially when frequent or unexplained, erode trust in the vehicle’s complex systems and necessitate inconvenient and often costly diagnostic visits, impacting the ownership experience negatively.
Car Model Information: 2019 Jeep Wrangler Sport
Name: Jeep Wrangler
Caption: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Sahara edition
Manufacturer: Jeep
Class: Compact SUV
Production: 1986–present
Predecessor: Jeep CJ
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout,rear-wheel drive
Chassis: Body-on-frame
Related: AIL Storm
Categories: 1980s cars, 1990s cars, 2000s cars, 2010s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles
Summary: The Jeep Wrangler is a series of compact and mid-size four-wheel drive off-road SUVs manufactured by Jeep since 1986, and currently in its fourth generation. The Wrangler JL, the most recent generation, was unveiled in late 2017 and is produced at Jeep’s Toledo Complex.
The Wrangler is a direct progression from the World War II Jeep, through the CJ (Civilian Jeeps) produced by Willys, Kaiser-Jeep, and American Motors Corporation (AMC) from the mid-1940s through the 1980s. Although neither AMC nor Chrysler (after it purchased AMC in 1987) have claimed that the Wrangler was a direct descendant of the original military model — both the CJ Jeeps and the conceptually consistent Wrangler, with their solid axles and open top, have been called the Jeep model as central to Jeep’s brand identity as the rear-engine 911 is to Porsche.
Similar to the Willys MB and the CJ Jeeps before it, all Wrangler models continue to use a separate body and frame, rigid live axles both front and rear, a tapering nose design with flared fenders, a fold-flat windshield, and can be driven without doors. Also, with few exceptions, they have part-time four-wheel drive systems, with the choice of high and low gearing, and standard open bodies with removable hard or soft tops. However, the Wrangler series was specifically redesigned to be safer and more comfortable on-road, to attract more daily drivers, by upgrading its suspension, drivetrain, and interior, compared to the CJ line. The suspension on all Wranglers included trackbars and anti-roll bars, and, from the 1997 TJ onwards, front and rear coil springs instead of the previous leaf springs.
From 2004 on, the Wrangler has been complemented with long-wheelbase versions, called Wrangler Unlimited. 2004-2006 models were longer versions with 2 doors. In 2004, only automatic transmission-equipped “Unlimited” versions were sold. In 2005, both an automatic and manual 6-speed (NSG-370) were offered. Since 2007, the long-wheelbase Wranglers were four-door models, offering over 20 in (508 mm) more room. By mid-2017, the four-door models represented three-quarters of all new Wranglers on the market.
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Brand: Jeep Model: Wrangler
Price: $19,977 Mileage: 68,026 mi.
Read more about: Where Did They Go? 14 Beloved Automotive Icons That Vanished from Our Roads, Stirring Nostalgia and Sparking Curiosity
4. **Tesla Model Y**The Tesla Model Y, celebrated for its advanced technology and sleek design, regrettably secures a place on our list due to widespread safety and software failures that have caused considerable frustration among its owners. Despite Tesla’s reputation for cutting-edge innovation, a troubling number of malfunctions affecting critical safety systems have surfaced, raising serious questions about the vehicle’s overall reliability and its capacity to consistently deliver on its technological promises.
One of the most concerning issues is “Safety System Failures.” Many owners have reported instances where all cameras and safety features—including the backup camera, forward collision warning, lane assist, and adaptive cruise control—have inexplicably ceased functioning. These failures often occur immediately after a software update, indicating a potential systemic flaw. The sudden loss of multiple critical safety aids profoundly compromises vehicle safety, leaving drivers without vital assistance systems intended to prevent accidents.
Another highly dangerous malfunction reported is “Unexpected Hard Braking,” commonly referred to as “Phantom Braking.” Drivers have experienced the vehicle initiating sudden, unexplained braking while in motion, without any discernible obstacle or apparent reason. These unexpected decelerations create extremely dangerous driving conditions, particularly on busy roads, and significantly elevate the risk of rear-end collisions, jeopardizing the safety of both the Tesla occupants and surrounding traffic.
Furthermore, reports of “Unintended Acceleration” pose a severe safety risk. Some drivers have recounted instances where the vehicle unexpectedly accelerates on its own, without driver input. Such a malfunction can lead to a complete loss of control, transforming a routine drive into a terrifying experience. The potential for serious accidents and collisions is inherently high when a vehicle’s acceleration system behaves erratically, underscoring the critical need for immediate and reliable system performance.
Car Model Information: 2021 Nissan Rogue SL
Name: Tesla Model Y
Caption: Pre-2025 Tesla Model Y
Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
Production: January 2020 – present
Assembly: Unbulleted list
Designer: Franz von Holzhausen
Class: Compact crossover SUV
BodyStyle: SUV
Layout: Unbulleted list
Related: Unbulleted list
Motor: unbulleted list
Battery: val,Lithium-ion battery
ElectricRange: FTP-75
Charging: unbulleted list
Wheelbase: Unbulleted list
Length: Unbulleted list
Width: cvt
Height: Unbulleted list
Weight: cvt
Sp: us
Categories: 2020s cars, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, All articles lacking reliable references, All articles that may contain original research, All articles to be expanded
Summary: The Tesla Model Y is a battery electric compact crossover SUV produced by Tesla, Inc. since 2020. The vehicle was presented in March 2019 as the company’s fifth production model since its inception after the Roadster, Model S, Model X and Model 3.
After its 2019 introduction, the Model Y started production at the Tesla Fremont Factory in California, US in January 2020. Production at Giga Shanghai, China was added in December 2020, and at Gigafactory Texas, US since late 2021. Deliveries from Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg, Germany started in March 2022.
The Model Y is based on the Model 3 sedan and serves as a larger variant, with around 76 percent of parts being shared between the two and identical exterior and interior styling. While most Model Y are configured with two-row seating, in the US the Model Y offers optional third-row seats for a seven-passenger seating capacity.
In 2023, Tesla delivered 1.2 million Model Ys, making it the world’s best-selling vehicle that year, surpassing the Toyota Corolla and becoming the first electric vehicle to claim that title. With at least 2.16 million units delivered since its start of production up to December 2023, the Model Y is also the most popular electric vehicle of all time. In 2024 sales were second to the Toyota RAV4. A refreshed version of the Model Y was revealed in January 2025, with upgrades similar to the upgraded Model 3.
In mid-2025, Tesla unveiled and released the Model Y L, a long-wheelbase, six-seat variant of the Model Y. That year, Tesla debuted the performance model of the Model Y.
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Brand: Tesla Model: Model Y
Price: $20,995 Mileage: 117,217 mi.
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5. **Toyota Tundra**The Toyota Tundra, a truck traditionally associated with formidable durability and rugged performance, surprisingly earns a spot on our index of the worst cars of 2024. This inclusion stems from serious performance and safety issues that have consistently frustrated its owners, prompting major reliability red flags. For a vehicle lauded for its toughness, these reported problems—ranging from acceleration inconsistencies to critical braking concerns—demand rigorous scrutiny from prospective buyers.
A primary concern articulated by Tundra drivers is “Acceleration Hesitation.” Owners report a dangerous lag when attempting to accelerate, particularly from a complete stop or at low speeds. This hesitation can create perilous situations, leading to potential near-misses in various traffic scenarios where immediate responsiveness is crucial for safe merging or avoiding obstacles. The lack of predictable and smooth acceleration fundamentally undermines confidence in the vehicle’s power delivery.
Compounding the operational frustrations, “Fuel Gauge Malfunction” has been a significant point of contention. The fuel gauge reportedly resets to a full reading with disturbing frequency, providing drivers with false information about their actual fuel levels. This misleading indication can have severe consequences, potentially leaving drivers unexpectedly stranded after unknowingly running out of fuel, turning a minor oversight into a major roadside emergency.
Finally, “Brake Problems” contribute to the Tundra’s reliability woes. Owners have reported a range of braking concerns, including squeaky brakes, generally poor braking performance, and inconsistent responsiveness. These issues collectively raise serious questions about the vehicle’s ability to provide adequate stopping power, especially in emergency situations. Inconsistent braking diminishes a driver’s sense of control and directly impacts the overall safety profile of this heavy-duty truck.
Continuing our deep dive into the vehicles that have garnered significant owner complaints, we now turn our attention to the next five models on our Lemon Vehicle Index. These vehicles, despite their varied market positions and brand reputations, unfortunately share a common thread of mechanical and electrical vulnerabilities. Our objective, as always, is to provide unbiased, evidence-based insights to help you, the consumer, make the most informed decisions when considering your next vehicle purchase.
Car Model Information: 2017 Toyota Tundra SR5
Name: Toyota Tundra
Manufacturer: Toyota
Production: May 1999 – present
ModelYears: 2000–present
Assembly: San Antonio,Texas
Class: Pickup truck#Full-size pickup truck
Layout: unbulleted list
Related: Toyota Sequoia
Predecessor: Toyota T100
Caption: 2022 Toyota Tundra Limited
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English
Summary: The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck manufactured in the United States by the Japanese manufacturer Toyota since May 1999. The Tundra was the second full-size pickup to be built by a Japanese manufacturer (the first was the Toyota T100), but the Tundra was the first full-size pickup from a Japanese manufacturer to be built in North America. The Tundra was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award and was Motor Trend magazine’s Truck of the Year in 2000 and 2008. Initially built in a new Toyota plant in Princeton, Indiana, production was consolidated in 2008 to Toyota’s San Antonio, Texas, factory.
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Brand: Toyota Model: Tundra
Price: $25,490 Mileage: 99,363 mi.
Read more about: Beyond the Quarter-Million Mark: Our Shortlist of Cars Engineered for Extreme Longevity
6. **GMC Sierra 1500**While often marketed as a robust and dependable workhorse, the GMC Sierra 1500 has unfortunately landed on our index due to widespread mechanical and electrical failures that have left its owners deeply frustrated. These issues transcend mere inconveniences, impacting the truck’s fundamental performance and raising serious reliability concerns for what should be a stalwart in its category. Our data points to persistent problems that undermine confidence in this vehicle’s long-term value and safety.
A particularly alarming concern reported by Sierra 1500 owners is sudden ‘Engine Failure’ without prior warning. Drivers recount instances of a complete loss of power while on the road. This experience is not only terrifying but also inherently dangerous, especially in high-speed or heavy traffic scenarios, fundamentally compromising the vehicle’s reliability. Such a malfunction puts occupants at considerable risk, demanding immediate attention from manufacturers.
Adding to the operational woes are significant problems with ‘Transmission Valve Body Failure.’ Issues from this critical component lead to a loss of power and, in some cases, inability to engage reverse gear. Owners frequently face long repair delays due to part shortages, exacerbating frustration and leaving vehicles sidelined. This combination of mechanical failure and service unavailability burdens owners relying on their truck for daily tasks.
Beyond major powertrain issues, the Sierra 1500 exhibits widespread ‘Electrical System Failures.’ Owners report abrupt malfunctions of essential components like headlights, dashboard displays, and audio systems. These sudden failures detract from the driving experience, severely impacting visibility and access to critical vehicle information, thus compromising safety. A reliable electrical system is non-negotiable, and its inconsistency here is a serious red flag.
Car Model Information: 2021 Nissan Rogue SL
Name: Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra
Caption: 2025 Silverado 2500 HD ZR2
Manufacturer: General Motors
Aka: unbulleted list
Production: 1998–present
Assembly: unbulleted list
Class: unbulleted list
BodyStyle: unbulleted list
Layout: unbulleted list
Predecessor: unbulleted list
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English
Summary: The Chevrolet Silverado is a range of trucks manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand. Introduced for the 1999 model year, the Silverado is the successor to the long-running Chevrolet C/K model line. Taking its name from the top trim level from the Chevrolet C/K series, the Silverado is offered as a series of full-size pickup trucks, chassis cab trucks, and medium-duty trucks. The fourth generation of the model line was introduced for the 2019 model year.
The Chevrolet Silverado shares mechanical commonality with the identically related GMC Sierra; GMC ended the use of the C/K nomenclature a model generation prior to Chevrolet. In Mexico, high-trim level versions of the Silverado use the Chevrolet Cheyenne name (not to be confused with the 2003 concept). Competing against the Ford F-Series, Ram pickup, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan, the Silverado is among the best-selling vehicles in the United States, having sold over 12 million trucks since its introduction in 1998 as a 1999 model year.
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Brand: GMC Model: Sierra 1500
Price: $20,995 Mileage: 117,217 mi.
Read more about: Beyond the Quarter-Million Mark: Our Shortlist of Cars Engineered for Extreme Longevity
7. **Honda Accord**The Honda Accord has long been a benchmark for reliability and practicality in the sedan segment, earning the trust of countless drivers over decades. However, the 2024 model regrettably secures a spot on our index at number seven, marked by serious steering, fuel system, and electrical issues. These unexpected failures have prompted significant concern among owners, challenging the Accord’s esteemed reputation and raising questions about its consistent safety and dependability.
One concerning category of complaints involves pervasive ‘Steering Issues.’ Owners describe sticking, pulling, and general difficulties in maintaining precise vehicle control, particularly at higher speeds. This creates an unsettling and potentially dangerous driving experience, requiring constant corrective input and undermining confidence typically associated with a Honda.
Furthermore, the Accord has faced a notable ‘Fuel Pump Recall & Fuel System Problems,’ generating numerous owner complaints. Reports detail fuel leaks, gasoline spills after refueling, and broader implications of fuel pump recalls. These issues are inconvenient and increase fire and safety risks, directly impacting the vehicle’s fuel delivery system, demanding urgent resolution to protect occupants.
Compounding these concerns are recurring ‘Electrical Failures & Warning Lights.’ Owners frequently observe sudden, unexplained illumination of warning lights for critical systems like braking and steering, appearing without discernible cause. Such unpredictable alerts cause undue alarm and distraction, while underlying electrical malfunctions raise serious safety concerns, diminishing trust in the vehicle’s diagnostic integrity.
Car Model Information: 2017 Honda Accord Touring
Name: Honda Accord
Caption: 2023 Honda Accord LX (US)
Alt: Front three-quarter view of a front-engined four-door car.
Manufacturer: Honda
Production: 1976–present
Class: Compact car
BodyStyle: hatchback
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout
Predecessor: Honda 1300
Categories: 1980s cars, 1990s cars, 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars
Summary: The Honda Accord (Japanese: ホンダ・アコード, Hepburn: Honda Akōdo; ), also known as the Honda Inspire (Japanese: ホンダ・インスパイア, Hepburn: Honda Insupaia) in Japan and China for certain generations, is a series of automobiles manufactured by Honda since 1976, best known for its four-door sedan variant, which has been one of the best-selling cars in the United States since 1989. The Accord nameplate has been applied to a variety of vehicles worldwide, including coupes, station wagons, hatchbacks and a Honda Crosstour crossover.
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Brand: Honda Model: Accord
Price: $15,781 Mileage: 134,708 mi.
Read more about: Beyond the Quarter-Million Mark: Our Shortlist of Cars Engineered for Extreme Longevity
8. **Honda HR-V**The Honda HR-V, designed as a versatile and economical compact SUV, lands on our index due to serious steering, braking, and safety concerns frustrating its owners. While Honda generally maintains a strong reliability reputation, the HR-V’s specific malfunctions, from steering anomalies to crucial parts availability, cast a shadow over its performance and safety profile, warranting close scrutiny.
Drivers of the HR-V report troubling ‘Steering Problems,’ including stickiness, sudden jerking, and difficulty accurately turning the vehicle. These issues directly translate into dangerous road situations, where precise control is paramount for avoiding hazards. The inability to predict or smoothly control steering inputs is a fundamental flaw that compromises driver confidence and vehicle safety.
A particularly challenging aspect for HR-V owners has been notorious ‘Parts Availability for Recall Repairs.’ Many individuals face frustratingly long delays addressing critical safety recall repairs, especially those related to steering issues. This shortage means that even with recognized safety defects, owners drive potentially compromised vehicles for extended periods, highlighting a systemic issue in addressing known problems promptly.
Adding to safety concerns are reports of ‘Seat Belt Problems.’ Instances indicate malfunctioning or improperly locking seat belts, which critically compromises passenger safety during sudden stops or collisions. As a fundamental passive safety device, its unreliable operation in a family vehicle is a severe defect demanding immediate, effective corrective action to protect all occupants.
Car Model Information: 2023 Honda HR-V LX
Name: Honda HR-V
Caption: Honda HR-V 1.5 Advance (RV5)
Aka: Honda ZR-V
Manufacturer: Honda
Production: 1999–2006,2013–present
Class: Subcompact crossover SUV
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout,Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, ASEAN NCAP small off-road, All-wheel-drive vehicles
Summary: The Honda HR-V is a subcompact crossover SUV (B-segment) manufactured and marketed by Honda over three generations.
The first generation HR-V, based on the Honda Logo, was marketed from 1999 to 2006 in Europe, Japan and select Asia-Pacific markets, in either three-door (1999–2003) or five-door (1999–2006) configurations — internally designated GH2 and GH4 respectively.
After a seven-year hiatus, Honda reintroduced the nameplate for the second generation HR-V, based on the third-generation Honda Fit. Production began in late 2013 for the Japanese domestic market as the Honda Vezel (Japanese: ホンダ・ヴェゼル, Hepburn: Honda Vezeru), while production started in 2015 for North America, Australia, Brazil and select Asian markets as the HR-V. Apart from Japan, the model is also sold as the Vezel in China.
For the third-generation model, the nameplate is split between two different vehicles, one for the global market (sold as the Vezel in Japan), and a larger model based on the eleventh-generation Civic destined for North America and China. The latter model is sold outside those markets as the Honda ZR-V.
According to Honda, the name “HR-V” stands for “Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle”, while the name “Vezel” is coined from “bezel”, the oblique faces of a cut gem, with the “V” for “vehicle”.
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Brand: Honda Model: HR-V
Price: $20,690 Mileage: 45,093 mi.
Read more about: 12 New Cars Named ‘Best Buys’ for 2025: An Expert Guide for Savvy Shoppers
9. **Ford Maverick**Emerging as a popular choice for its affordability and practicality, the 2024 Ford Maverick lands at number nine due to persistent electrical and drivetrain issues, leaving many owners dissatisfied. These problems challenge the compact truck’s initial appeal, transforming a versatile vehicle into one riddled with reliability and, critically, safety concerns that merit careful consideration.
One frequently reported issue involves the ‘Backup Camera Freezing,’ occurring intermittently and without warning. This malfunction makes it difficult for drivers to safely reverse, especially in tight or crowded environments, creating unsafe driving conditions. A reliable rearview camera is an essential modern safety feature, and its inconsistent operation undermines driver assistance and confidence.
Furthermore, numerous owners encounter persistent ’12-Volt Battery Issues.’ Reports indicate the battery frequently fails to hold a charge, leading to inconvenient jump-starts and broader electrical malfunctions. These recurring failures diminish the Maverick’s dependability for daily use, often resulting in unexpected downtime and costly diagnostic visits, contradicting expectations of a practical, low-maintenance truck.
Perhaps the most alarming concern is the reported phenomenon of the ‘Vehicle Shifting to Neutral’ unexpectedly while driving. Some drivers experience their truck abruptly disengaging from gear, posing an immediate and serious hazard, particularly on highways where constant propulsion is vital. Such a catastrophic drivetrain malfunction can lead to a complete loss of control and dramatically increases collision risks, demanding urgent investigation and resolution.
Read more about: 12 New Cars Named ‘Best Buys’ for 2025: An Expert Guide for Savvy Shoppers
10. **Toyota Tacoma**Rounding out our top ten is the Toyota Tacoma, a surprising entry given its long-standing reputation for toughness and off-road capability. However, the 2024 model is plagued with serious transmission failures, persistent shifting issues, and unsettling power loss, collectively leaving many owners profoundly disappointed. These significant mechanical flaws in a truck revered for durability raise critical questions about its current-generation reliability and fitness for daily driving and demanding tasks.
Owners of the automatic transmission Tacoma widely report severe ‘Gear Engagement & Rough Shifting Issues.’ The transmission frequently gets stuck in high gears, leading to sluggish acceleration and lack of responsiveness. Compounding this, drivers experience hard, jerky gear changes that disrupt the driving experience, making acceleration unpredictable and undermining smooth operation, particularly under load.
Further transmission-related concerns include ‘Transmission Overheating & Sluggishness.’ Some trucks unexpectedly lose propulsion while in motion, accompanied by erratic RPMs and a complete absence of dashboard warning signs. This sudden, silent loss of power creates extremely dangerous situations, leaving drivers without control and significantly increasing accident risks, especially when towing or navigating challenging terrain.
Finally, widespread ‘Driving Control Issues’ contribute to the Tacoma’s reliability woes. Reports include sudden power loss, an unsettling tendency for the truck to creep forward at stops even with the brake depressed, or unexpected jerking motions while driving. These unpredictable behaviors make the Tacoma feel highly unreliable and potentially hazardous, diminishing driver confidence and posing a tangible threat to safety. The expectation of a rugged, predictable truck is compromised by these erratic characteristics.
Car Model Information: 2019 Toyota Tacoma SR5
Name: Toyota Tacoma
Caption: 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road
Manufacturer: Toyota
Production: January 1995 – present
ModelYears: 1995–present
Class: unbulleted list
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Predecessor: Toyota Hilux (N80)
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English
Summary: The Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck manufactured by Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota since 1995. The first-generation Tacoma (model years 1995 through 2004) was classified as a compact pickup; subsequent models are classified as mid-sized pickups. The Tacoma was Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year for 2005.
As of 2015, the Tacoma was sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Bermuda, and the French overseas collectivity of New Caledonia. Most markets across the world receive the Toyota Hilux in lieu of the Tacoma.
The name “Tacoma” was derived from the Coast Salish peoples’ name for Mount Rainier in the U.S. state of Washington.
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Brand: Toyota Model: Tacoma
Price: $27,755 Mileage: 87,049 mi.
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