These Modern SUVs Have Glaring Issues That No One Should Ignore

Jul 01, 2023

Problems with these SUVs range from minor body-related issues to dangerous engine flaws that can cost thousands of dollars in repairs.

The SUV segment is the most popular vehicle type in today's automotive market. People love them for their practicality, comfort, and safety. Others prefer the complete package offered by some SUVs with sports car performance in a family-friendly package. So predictably, there are plenty of options in the market to cater to various needs. While some SUVs have solid reliability and will serve their owners religiously without missing a beat, others suffer fault after fault and can be a nightmare to own.

Issues with SUVs range from minor body-related issues to fatal engine-related faults that can cost thousands of dollars with constant repairs. Some are isolated cases, but others are widespread and affect many models. Here are modern SUVs with glaring issues that no one should ignore.

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a pretty good SUV offering a comfortable ride, an impressive list of standard features, and responsive handling. But it isn't a perfect ride and was subject to a class action lawsuit alongside the VW Atlas, Golf, Taos, and Jetta siblings.

According to the lawsuit submitted by many owners of 2019 to 2022 models, the vehicles came with a faulty wiring harness resulting in random activation of automatic emergency brakes and windows opening and closing themselves, among other issues.

RELATED: These Are The Volkswagen Tiguan Model Years You Should Avoid Buying Used

The Dodge Durango nameplate brought us one of the most powerful SUVs ever with the short-lived 710-hp Durango SRT Hellcat in 2021. That was a great nod to enthusiasts, but besides the wicked Mopar power, the Durango has several pitfalls and isn't a stranger to problems.

RepairPal reports several problems facing the Durango, and many owners have reported the exhaust manifold bolts breaking, costing between $942 and $842 to fix. Other issues included a clogged exhaust gas recirculation tube and occasional camshaft position sensor failure.

The Maserati Levante provides the muscle and flair you might not find in most luxury mid-size SUVs. The problem is that it has glaring issues that won't let you enjoy it fully.

NHTSA has received complaints concerning the electrical system that causes stalling and misadjusted headlights that could impair visibility. Other serious complaints involved brake and build quality involving fracturing and incomplete sub-frame welds.

With all their cutting-edge innovations, Tesla doesn't build flawless vehicles, as evident with their first ever SUV, the Model X. It was unlike anything on the market, offering an extremely quick, very practical, and family-friendly electric SUV. But it has had its share of problems.

There have been many complaints from Model X owners, including the unique but faulty falcon wing doors, freezing infotainment, windows that refuse to open, and suspension issues.

RELATED: Here's How The New Polestar 3 Is Well Equipped To Outshine The Tesla Model X

The 2022 Ford Explorer has already received four recalls by the NHTSA. You should expect it to be less reliable than the average new vehicle and Consumer Reports gives it a reliability rating of 1 out of five, which is the worst a car can get.

The predicted rating relies on the previous 2020 and 2021 models with glaring issues involving body integrity, power equipment, electronics, and transmission. Most complaints involved the transmission, where the vehicle was prone to lurching and jolting due to gear change failures.

Kia's five-seater SUV offering proves an extremely versatile compact SUV with a roomy, premium interior, large cargo area, and a composed ride and handling. But Consumer Reports expects the 2023 Kia Seltos to be much less reliable than the average new car, which is down to a few glaring issues with the two previous models.

Issues included a major oil leak recall, electrical power loss, and complaints of engine stalling accompanied by excessive oil use.

The Chevy Suburban is an ever-present full-size SUV and one of the longest-running nameplates. It offers a spacious and comfy three-row cabin with high towing capacity and good handling for its size. But it still experiences issues in its 86th year in production.

Used Chevrolet Suburbans have engine problems, mostly involving excessive oil consumption, with severe cases calling for an engine replacement. Other glaring issues include faulty air conditioning, problematic brakes, and airbag problems reported with the 2014 model.

RELATED: See A Comparison Between Old And New Versions Of The Chevrolet Suburban

The Jeep Compass poses as an urban, affordable vehicle with genuine off-roading capability, but it has issues you shouldn't ignore while shopping for a mid-size SUV. The most reported concern with the Compass involved the suspension.

There have been many issues with the suspension in used models, notably the 2007 model, which faces control arm/bushing failure, which costs up to $7000 to fix.

The GMC Yukon has its fair share of problems that consumers need to be aware of. Perhaps the most notable among them is GMs notorious upper dash issues which have been subject to a lawsuit that the court eventually dismissed.

Repair Pal notes that the upper dash cracks when exposed to sunlight and other harsh weather conditions for prolonged periods. It isn't easy to fix and might require replacing the whole upper instrument trim panel.

RELATED: Why The 2023 Toyota Sequoia Is A Better Full-Size SUV Than The 2023 GMC Yukon

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE received an abysmal rating and is among Consumer Reports least reliable 2022 SUVs. The previous model had 14 recalls, while the current one already has three recalls, with two considered dangerous.

Two recalls involved the electrical system and rear glass insufficiently bonded to the tailgate. Other owners have complained about exhaust drones, weak halogen headlights, keyless entry and key fob issues, and a jerky transmission.

Sources: nhtsa.gov, consumerreports.org, repairpal.com, motorbiscuit.com, hotcars.com

Bryan is a content marketer who works as a staff writer for HotCars.com where he covers a variety of topics, from the first Motorwagen to the latest Electric vehicles. A writer by day and a programmer by night. When he is not writing about cars, catch him tinkering with his old motorcycle.