Know the flaws before you buy

Years to avoid in popular cars

Model years with more than twice the complaints of a typical year of the same car. Tap a year for its problems.

• Ford F-150 20132018 Fewest complaints: 2007, 2008, 2009
• Ford Explorer 2002201320152016 Fewest complaints: 2007, 2019, 2022
• Jeep Grand Cherokee 2005201120122014 Fewest complaints: 2009, 2020, 2022
• Ford Escape 20132017 Fewest complaints: 2007, 2021, 2022
• Honda Accord 2003200820132018 Fewest complaints: 2011, 2021, 2022
• Chevrolet Malibu 2009 Fewest complaints: 2019, 2021, 2022
• Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2014 Fewest complaints: 2006, 2012, 2013
• Toyota Camry 2002200720082009 Fewest complaints: 2016, 2017, 2021
• Honda CR-V 201720182019 Fewest complaints: 2020, 2021, 2022
• Hyundai Sonata 2011201220132015 Fewest complaints: 2010, 2018, 2020
• Honda Civic 2001200620072016 Fewest complaints: 2011, 2020, 2021
• Jeep Wrangler 2018 Fewest complaints: 2009, 2017, 2022

See years to avoid for more cars

Tools

• VIN decoderSee the problems and recalls for an exact car
• Lemon laws by stateWhen a new car qualifies for a refund
• Trouble codesWhat a check engine code means, by car
• Compare carsRivals side by side, year by year
• Repair costsWhat owners paid to fix common problems
• Warranty extensionsRepairs the maker covers for longer

From our studies

• The cars with the most fire reports (2011-2026)
  Which recent model years have the most owner complaints involving a fire, and which brands have the highest share of fire reports among all their complaints.
• Phantom braking: the cars that brake by themselves, according to owners
  2,209 owner complaints about 2015 and newer vehicles describe the car braking hard on its own, with nothing in the way. These are the models with the most reports.
• The recalls that did not stop the complaints
  We compared owner complaints about the recalled part in the year before and the year after 787 large recalls since 2015. In 242 of them, complaints held steady or rose even after the fix was announced.

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