9 Cars Known for Terrible Engines (And Costly Repairs)
When you buy a car, you expect it to last (at least some amount of time) without any major issues. However, not every car is built the same. Some engines are just terrible, leading to constant breakdowns and massive repair costs. Unfortunately, there are some vehicles that have a reputation for just that. Here’s a look at nine cars that are known for their awful engines and pricey repairs.
1. Triumph TR7
The Triumph TR7 may have looked sleek, but its 2.0L inline-four engine was an absolute nightmare. Owners frequently dealt with overheating issues due to a poorly designed cooling system. The head gasket was another weak point, often failing early and leading to costly repairs. Electrical problems plagued the ignition system, making the car unpredictable to start. Many mechanics dreaded working on these engines because of their awkward placement under the hood.
2. Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
The Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme suffered from its infamous Quad 4 engine, which was known for extreme vibration issues. This high-strung 2.3L DOHC four-cylinder was meant to be advanced but ended up being a headache. The engine was prone to blown head gaskets, cracked blocks, and oil leaks. Many owners reported failing timing chains, which required expensive repairs or complete engine replacements. The engine also had a habit of stalling at the worst times, making it a nightmare for reliability.
3. Maserati Biturbo
The Maserati Biturbo’s 2.8L twin-turbocharged V6 was a prime example of why Italian engineering can be hit or miss. This engine suffered from poor turbocharger reliability, leading to frequent and costly failures. The cooling system was inadequate, causing overheating issues that warped cylinder heads. Electrical problems made diagnosing issues a nightmare, and many owners experienced sudden breakdowns. Parts were incredibly expensive, making even minor repairs an ordeal.
4. AMC Gremlin
The AMC Gremlin came with an inline-six engine, but it wasn’t built to last. The biggest issue was the poor quality control, leading to inconsistent engine reliability. Many Gremlins suffered from cracked manifolds, failing carburetors, and excessive oil consumption. The engine often overheated due to a weak cooling system, and owners had to constantly deal with leaks. It also had a reputation for being incredibly loud and rough, making for an unpleasant driving experience.
5. 2010 Era of Range Rovers
Range Rovers from the 2010 era came with Jaguar-sourced V8 and V6 engines that were notorious for failure. These engines suffered from timing chain issues, leading to complete engine breakdowns if not replaced in time. The supercharged versions had cooling system failures, causing the engine to overheat and seize. Oil leaks were common, and repairing them required expensive labor costs due to the complexity of the design. Many owners reported a random loss of power, making these SUVs unreliable for daily driving.
6. Hyundai
Hyundai’s Theta II 2.0L and 2.4L engines turned into a widespread disaster for the brand. These engines suffered from defective bearings, leading to premature engine failure. Excessive oil consumption was a common issue, often causing complete seizures before the vehicle hit 100,000 miles. Hyundai eventually had to issue recalls and extended warranties, but many owners still faced costly repairs. The problem was so bad that lawsuits forced the company to compensate affected drivers.
7. Subaru
Subaru’s 2.5L boxer engines from the late 1990s to early 2010s became infamous for head gasket failures. These engines were prone to coolant leaks, leading to overheating and costly repairs. The horizontally opposed design made fixing these issues more complicated and expensive. Many owners experienced oil-burning problems, reducing engine life and efficiency. Subaru attempted to address the problem over the years, but early models remained a financial burden for owners.
8. Kia
Kia’s 2.0L and 2.4L engines, which shared components with Hyundai’s Theta II engines, had serious reliability issues. Metal debris left over from manufacturing would clog oil passages, causing the engine to seize. Owners frequently reported spun bearings, excessive knocking, and complete engine failures. Kia was forced to recall thousands of vehicles and extend warranties due to a massive lawsuit. Even with repairs, many of these engines never fully regained their reliability.
9. Fiat
Fiat’s MultiAir and FireFly engines were designed for efficiency, but they came with major downsides. The MultiAir system was prone to valve failure, leading to misfires and rough running conditions. Many Fiat engines suffered from oil leaks, sensor malfunctions, and electrical failures, making diagnostics a nightmare. Parts availability was an issue, making even simple repairs expensive. Fiat’s twin-cylinder FireFly engine was also notorious for vibrations and poor reliability.
Avoid These Engine Nightmares
Nobody wants to buy a car just to have it in the shop more than they get to drive it. For the most part, it’s a good idea to avoid the vehicles listed here. They are known for overheating, engine failures, and overall reliability issues. Some manufacturers have improved over time, but many of these brands and cars have left a lasting bad reputation. At the end of the day, do your research and choose a vehicle known for being durable and trustworthy.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.