Summary
- SUVs have become the most popular vehicle segment due to their taller seating position and larger dimensions, providing a sense of safety and more space for passengers and their belongings.
- With the increase in popularity, there are now a wide variety of SUV models to choose from, making it challenging to decide which one to buy.
- However, there are certain SUV models that score low in reliability, safety, and comfort, and should be avoided when making a purchasing decision.
For the past few years, SUVs have dominated the auto market as the most popular vehicle segment in terms of sales. This is down to the taller seating position and the larger dimensions these vehicles have to offer. You feel safer in them while having more space for passengers and their stuff compared to an average sedan. This increase in the popularity of the SUV has led to a drastic uptick in the available models, making it challenging to decide which brand and model to go with. Not to mention figuring out what trim model best fits your needs because there is no such thing as a 'one size fits all' kind of SUV.
Every brand out there offers something that at least has some resemblance to an SUV. Even Ferrari has buckled under the pressure with its Purosangue! The fact that there are so many SUVs is both a good and a bad thing. The good part involves the fact that finding a decent one is relatively easy, and the negative aspect of the process is deciding which good SUV to buy. However, as long as you avoid the models we are going to mention below, you should be fine. These are the SUVs that score low in essential areas like reliability, safety, and comfort. So, without further ado, here are our top ten worst SUVs for 2023.
We have compiled the information provided below using information from the Consumer Reports website for the most part, but we have also used data from sites such as RepairPal, CarEdge, Consumer Reports and J.D. Power.
Updated on September 8, 2023: Reliability is one of the most important aspects of any vehicle, so instead of letting this article get lost in the multitudes of articles on the web, we have decided to refresh and update it. This keeps it circulating so you always have new and accurate information to look at and use as needed.
1 2023 Ford Explorer
Predicted Reliability Rating: 1/5
The first vehicle on our list of worst SUVs is the Ford Explorer. The Explorer is one of America's most famous models; however, the current generation doesn't seem to be performing well, which is disappointing – especially when you consider that it is built by a company as large and old as Ford. The main reason why the Explorer isn't recommended is that it only has a 1/5 predicted reliability score, according to Consumer Reports.
Reliability
Some of the issues include stalling and breakdowns that happen often, with owners stating that their Explorer needed fixing multiple times during their ownership. Many times, the cause of the stalling is found to be a lack of oil due to a small leak that is the cause of a recall because it has been known to start a fire within the engine compartment due to excessive heat combined with combustible material. Therefore, there is a high likelihood that during your ownership of the Explorer, you will encounter some mechanical issues.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $732 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,017 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 4 (engine, powertrain, backover prevention x 2)
- Worst Explorer Year To Buy Used: 2016 Ford Explorer (water leaks, paint, trim, suspension, power steering, drive system, climate system, transmission, body hardware, and in-car electronics)
2 2023 Nissan Pathfinder
Predicted Reliability Rating: 1/5
The Nissan Pathfinder is another mid-sized SUV that finds itself on this list not because of looks or handling because it has those aspects perfected. The visual appeal may be a little different than what you may be used to because Nissan decided to ignore the current trends of the same type of styling and went with a more boxy appearance, resembling the SUV of the '80s and '90s. Handling is crisp and precise, with minimal body roll. The interior is not as luxurious or as comfortable as some of the others in its class, but Nissan has included the SL package that can satisfy those with more refined tastes.
Reliability
Reliability is where the problems begin with the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder, as you can see from the 1/5 it has received for the year. Some of the trouble spots reported by owners are the transmission or drivetrain system because the SUV will simply stop moving forward. Other problems are common due to all the new technology, such as issues with in-car electronics, and electrical system problems, and some people find that the Pathfinder's control screen stops displaying any information.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $542 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,558 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1 (seats)
- Worst Pathfinder Year To Buy Used: 2015 Nissan Pathfinder (leaks, transmission, climate system, drive system, brakes, suspension, steering, engine cooling system, engine, electric system, fuel system, paint, trim, and body hardware)
3 2023 Kia Sorento
Predicted Reliability Rating: 1/5
You may be starting to wonder why so many mid-sized SUVs are coming up on this list. The answer: It is a segment of the industry that is simply booming right now, so carmakers across the globe are pushing to fill the market. The Kia Sorento is yet another three-row mid-sized offering that has been updated and refreshed to look modern on the outside and is filled with innovative and up-to-date tech on the inside. Regardless of the chosen engine, it gives you a comfortable ride with plenty of power and performance. When it is running correctly, it is one of the best on the market.
Reliability
That is where the problem comes in, though, because it is not one of the most reliable mid-sized SUVs on the market. The Kia Sorento receives a predicted 1/5 reliability rating from Consumer Reports because of issues with the forward collision warning system and the lane departure systems, which could be solved with you, as the driver, paying attention at the wheel, but only if you could see. However, the Sorento has also made this complicated for you due to the lack of vision while driving.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $533 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,953 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 3 (backover prevention, equipment, trailer hitches)
- Worst Sorento Year To Buy Used: 2016 Kia Sorento (engine, power equipment, electrical system and brakes)
4 2023 Lincoln Aviator
Predicted Reliability Rating: 1/5
The Lincoln Aviator, by all appearances, is a well-designed modern mid-sized SUV. It sits up high like a proper SUV should, has well-rounded curves to fend off the wind when on the roads, and corners very well for a vehicle of its size. The turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 under the hood has plenty of power, accelerating the three-row SUV from 0 to 60 MPH in 5.4 seconds. You can spring for the upper trim models for a little more power and some added torque. The interior is as plush as you would expect from a Lincoln since it is the lavish brand of Ford Motor Company, giving you a nice mixture of leather, wood, and chrome.
Reliability
The Lincoln Aviator would not be on this list if looks were all it was about. Unfortunately, reliability is what catches attention here because Consumer Reports has found it necessary to mark the Lincoln with a mere 1/5 for the year, making it one of the worst SUVs of 2023. Problem areas are predicted to be the same as in previous years, such as the drivetrain and in-car electronics, as well as the typical problem Ford products have with paint and trim peeling way too early.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $626 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $11,691 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 5 (back over prevention x 3, power train, and seat belts)
- Worst Aviator Year To Buy Used: 2021 Lincoln Aviator (in-car electronics, drive system, steering, suspension, leaks, paint, trim, and electronics)
5 2023 GMC Yukon
Predicted Reliability Rating: 2/5
Weird right? The GMC Yukon seems to be all over the streets of America. In fact, it is one of the most popular SUVs on the market. However, this doesn't stop it from ranking five out of eighth in its class in the worst SUVs of the 2023 list, which is down to a fair share of problems. This first one is once again related to reliability. The Yukon scores poor reliability ratings with a predicted reliability score of just 2/5, according to Consumer Reports. Worst of all is the fact that the Yukon is an incredibly expensive vehicle; therefore, fixing it when it breaks will be costly.
Reliability
This means that you will own an SUV that needs to visit the shop often and will also cost you a fortune while doing so. Finally, since the Yukon has received such poor reliability scores, its resale values have also tanked. Anyone who buys this vehicle new will lose money both on maintenance and depreciation. So, it is safe to say you are better off avoiding this one.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $747 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,300 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1 (exterior lighting)
- Worst Yukon Year To Buy Used: 2016 GMC Yukon (in-car electronics, climate system, suspension, transmission, engine, drive system, power equipment, paint, trim, body hardware, and electrical system)
6 2023 Jeep Compass
Predicted Reliability Rating: 2/5
The Jeep Compass makes this list for similar reasons as the vehicles above. Jeep doesn't have the best reliability reputation, which is proven with the Compass. Surveys rate the Compass with below-average reliability scores due to numerous reports of mechanical breakdowns and electrical issues that leave drivers stranded on the side of the road.
Reliability
Furthermore, the Compass lacks safety features compared to its competitors, including forward collision and adaptive cruise control, which can't be had even as optional extras. As you can tell, the Compass falls short on two of the most critical factors – reliability and safety. Therefore, you should steer clear of this vehicle.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $526 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $10,031 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 1 (electrical system)
- Worst Compass Year To Buy Used: 2014 (customer satisfaction for the year is low, plus there is a recall for the year involving a stalling engine that can cause an accident to occur)
7 2023 Ford Escape
Predicted Reliability Rating: 2/5
The 2023 Ford Escape takes the lead as one of the worst or perhaps the worst SUVs of 2023. It is a classic example of bad design paired with poor materials. Everything from its interior design to its performance suggests that these vehicles aren't up to par with the competition. Interior materials have been reported to wear down or crack quickly. Its old transmission system leads to a slow response in throttle inputs. The Escape has a reliability score of 2/5, according to Consumer Reports.
Reliability
Finally, the most important factor, safety, isn't the Escape's strong point, as its poor build quality and lack of safety features deem it one of the least safe vehicles out there. Therefore, just like the rest of the vehicles on this list, you are better off avoiding the 2023 Ford Escape.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $600 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $8,721 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 3 (electrical system, engine, fuel system)
- Worst Escape Year To Buy Used: 2018 Ford Escape (engine, suspension, electrical system, transmission, and engine cooling system)
8 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan
Predicted Reliability Rating: 2/5
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact crossover ranked number 18 out of 21 in the segment by Consumer Reports for 2023. That is not to say it is a horrible ride because it offers plenty of comfort and room inside, at least in the first two rows. The optional third row is more suited for smaller children or fur babies. It also has styling cues that catch the attention of young and old alike, making it popular with all age groups.
Reliability
The reliability of the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan is not the worst in the segment. As you can see from this list, it is not at the bottom, but it does have enough problems to warrant a second or third look before buying. Current owners have logged complaints about acceleration lag and then sudden acceleration, infotainment issues that are hard to locate and repair, and the SUV has been known to burn through oil for no apparent reason other than that it is a Volkswagen engine.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $730 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,644 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 0
- Worst Tiguan Year To Buy Used: 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan (in-car electronics, electric system, engine, power equipment, and fuel emissions system )
9 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE
Predicted Reliability Rating: 2/5
You would not think to see one of the premier brands on a list of the most unreliable SUVs for the year, but here one is. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE is a mid-sized SUV with luxury, power, room, and enough tech gadgets to make even the most modern consumer happy. The company gives you the option of numerous powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder all the way up to a hybrid system paired with a turbocharged inline six-cylinder.
Reliability
The long-term reliability of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE will not be a problem for you if you go through a good dealership, but that seems to be the problem. There are so many owner complaints online about receiving a brand new GLE and having problems right away because of the lack of care during the assembly stage. For example, one person received his car and had to replace the front hubs within the first month because they were not greased when installed. Unfortunately, the lack of care during assembly reflects poorly on the brand itself, so Mercedes-Benz finds itself on a list of the worst SUVs in 2023.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $1,194 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $14,738 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 2 (structure, fuel system)
- Worst GLE Year To Buy Used: 2020 (in-car electronics, electric system, body hardware, power equipment, climate system, leaks, and engine)
10 2023 GMC Acadia
Predicted Reliability Rating: 3/5
If you are considering purchasing a GMC Acadia, you might want to think again. The last thing you want when buying a new or used car is to purchase something that isn't worth it. In a segment as popular as the SUV, competition is huge. This means there are models out there that perform exceptionally well and others that don't. Sadly, the GMC Acadia scores low in performance, its handling capabilities are sub-par, and its ride quality is considered hard. Historically, the Acadia has suffered from several reliability issues.
Reliability
Finally, design-wise, the Acadia doesn't measure up to the competition. Its cabin is cramped and, according to some reviewers, uncomfortable. Also, its infotainment system is known for being difficult to navigate. Lastly, in a world filled with futuristic designs and EVs, the exterior of this GMC is undoubtedly outdated. The worst part of all is that this vehicle is one of the most expensive models in its class. It's a shame because it also happens to be one of the worst.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $734 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,817 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 3 (powertrain x 2, and equipment)
- Worst Arcadia Year To Buy Used: 2017 GMC Acadia (water leaks, squeaks, transmission, electric system, drive system, brakes, engine, power equipment, and in-car electronics)