When buying a used car, there are certain engines and transmissions that have been known to have more reliability issues than others. Here are some engines and transmissions to consider avoiding when looking at used cars from model years 2006 to 2018:
Used Car Engines to Avoid
GM 2.4-liter Ecotec Engine
This engine has been used in many GM models between 2006-2015, and has been known to have issues with excessive oil consumption and timing chain failure. GM did not issue a recall for the oil consumption issue, but did issue a technical service bulletin and extended the warranty for affected vehicles. Here is the list of used Chevrolet cars and other GM models that have the 2.4-liter Ecotec Engine.
| Model Years | Avoid these Used Car Models |
|---|---|
| 2006-2010 | Chevrolet Cobalt |
| 2006-2011 | Chevrolet HHR |
| 2007-2009 | Saturn Aura |
| 2007-2010 | Pontiac G5 |
| 2007-2010 | Pontiac G6 |
| 2008-2010 | Chevrolet Malibu |
| 2010-2015 | GMC Terrain |
| 2010-2015 | Chevrolet Equinox |
Volkswagen 2.0-liter TSI Engine
This engine has been used in many VW models since 2008, and has been known to have issues with timing chain failure, excessive oil consumption, and turbocharger failure. Volkswagen did not issue a recall for the timing chain and oil consumption issues, but did extend the warranty for affected vehicles. Here is the list of used VW cars and used Audi cars that have the faulty 2.0-liter TSI Engine.
| Model Years | VW & Audi Models to Avoid |
|---|---|
| 2008-2013 | Volkswagen Golf GTI |
| 2008-2013 | Volkswagen Jetta GLI |
| 2008-2013 | Volkswagen Tiguan |
| 2008-2013 | Audi A3 |
| 2008-2013 | Audi A4 |
| 2009-2013 | Audi A5 |
| 2010-2013 | Audi TT |
BMW N54 Engine
This engine has been used in many BMW models between 2007-2010, and has been known to have issues with high-pressure fuel pump failure, turbocharger failure, and valve cover gasket leaks. BMW issued several recalls and extended warranties to address issues with the engine, including the high-pressure fuel pump and turbocharger failures. Here is the list of used BMW cars that have the faulty N54 engine.
| Model Year | Avoid these Used Car Models |
|---|---|
| 2007-2010 | BMW 335i |
| 2008-2010 | BMW 135i |
| 2008-2010 | BMW 535i |
| 2009-2010 | BMW 740i/740Li |
| 2009-2010 | BMW X6 xDrive35i |
| 2007-2010 | BMW X3 xDrive35i |
| 2008-2010 | BMW Z4 sDrive35i |
Used Car Transmissions to Avoid
Ford PowerShift Transmission
This transmission was used in many Ford models between 2011-2016, and has been known to have problems with slipping, shuddering, and even complete failure. Ford issued several recalls and extended warranties to address issues with the transmission, including a settlement for a class-action lawsuit. Here is the list of used Ford cars that have the faulty Powershift Transmission.
| Model Years | Avoid these Used Ford Models |
|---|---|
| 2011-2018 | Ford Fiesta |
| 2012-2018 | Ford Focus |
| 2013-2017 | Ford Fusion |
| 2013-2018 | Ford C-Max |
| 2015-2018 | Ford Transit Connect |
Nissan CVT Transmission
This transmission has been used in many Nissan models since 2007, and has been known to have issues with shuddering, slipping, and even complete failure. Nissan issued several recalls and extended warranties to address issues with the transmission, including a settlement for a class-action lawsuit. Here is the list of used Nissan cars that have the faulty CVT Transmission.
| Model Years | Avoid These Nissan Models |
|---|---|
| 2007-2018 | Nissan Altima |
| 2013-2018 | Nissan Sentra |
| 2014-2018 | Nissan Versa |
| 2015-2018 | Nissan Versa Note |
| 2013-2018 | Nissan Pathfinder |
| 2013-2017 | Nissan Juke |
| 2013-2018 | Nissan Rogue |
| 2014-2017 | Nissan Murano |
It’s important to note that not all of these used cars with gasoline engines will have problems, and that regular maintenance can go a long way in preventing issues from arising. However, if you are considering a used car with any of these engines, it’s a good idea to do some research, have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before making a purchase, and consider buying an extended service contract that covers engine and transmission repairs..
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