10 Popular Used Cars You Should Avoid
Buying a used car is a risk since most don't come with a warranty. If something goes wrong or breaks, it's now an out-of-pocket expense for you.
To help give consumers better peace of mind, Consumer Reports recently put together a list of 10 popular models that have shown to be at risk for potential problems.
On the list are cars such as the 2003-2006 Ford Focus for problems with the alternator, ignition and battery, and the 2003-2004 Honda Accord V6 for potential issues with transmission failure.
Consumer Reports does point out the list is not set in stone - some cars may not have these problems at all. And there were models in their research that had even higher problem ratings. So the bottom line is to always do reliability research before purchasing a used car.
Vehicle | Problems |
---|---|
2007-2010 BMW 335i | Fuel pump, fuel injection |
2003-2006 Chevrolet Silverado | 4WD system |
2003-2006 Dodge Grand Caravan | Power steering, tie rod, water pump |
2003-2007 Ford F-150 V8 | Brakes, 4WD system |
2003-2006 Ford Focus | Alternator, ignition, battery |
2005-2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Slipping transmission, locks, windows |
2003-2004 Honda Accord V6 | Transmission failure |
2003-2005 Nissan Altima | Catalytic converter, O2 sensor, stalling engine |
2003-2007 Subaru Forester | Head gasket failure |
2007-2009 Toyota Camry | Water pump |

Each week, I'll keep you up-to-date on the latest car deals and news that might affect your purchase. This includes...
- Best Rebates, Incentives, and Lease Deals
- Latest Car Buying Scams and Tricks
- The Best & Worst Time to Buy a Car
- Which Cars You Should Avoid
About The Author

Latest Weekly Car Buying Tips
July 2025
- All SUV Lease Deals Compared July 2025 Jul 17, 2025
- New Cars with the Most Available Inventory Jul 17, 2025
- Real Prices of Large SUVs Jul 17, 2025
- Cheapest Luxury Lease Deals Jul 17, 2025
- Top 100 Cheapest Lease Deals Jul 10, 2025
- Biggest Discounts on New Cars July 2025 Jul 10, 2025
- Top 100 Cheapest New Cars Right Now Jul 10, 2025
- Real Prices of Pickup Trucks Jul 10, 2025
- Best 0% Finance Deals July 2025 Jul 03, 2025
- Best Bang for Your Buck Lease Deals Jul 03, 2025
- Best Electric, Hybrid Lease Deals Jul 03, 2025
- Best Car Deals for 4th of July 2025 Jul 03, 2025
June 2025
- Best Car Deals Around the Country Jun 26, 2025
- Real Prices of Compact Cars Jun 26, 2025
- Largest Hidden Dealer Rebates Jun 26, 2025
- Cars With the Largest Rebates Jun 19, 2025
- Price Comparison of Subcompact SUVs Jun 19, 2025
- Real Prices of New Compact SUVs Jun 12, 2025
- Real Prices of Midsize SUVs Jun 05, 2025