11 Cars That Are Costing Their Owners a Fortune in Repairs in 2026 (Is Yours One?)

With the average automotive repair bill reaching $838, according to Cox Automotive, American consumers should now take extra care when considering how their vehicle is helping them save or costing them unnecessary money. A lot of this comes down to how reliable a vehicle is. Beyond extra repair and maintenance costs, an unreliable vehicle could make it harder for drivers to find a cheaper auto insurance policy.

Based on Consumer Reports' most recent reliability rankings and RepairPal's estimates for maintenance and replacement parts, consumers should steer clear of these 11 vehicles in 2026 to avoid costly repairs that could drain their wallets.

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Consumer Reports' Reliability Score (30/100)

RepairPal reports that the Ford Expedition has average annual repair costs of $861. But drivers forced to replace some of the pricier components for this unreliable SUV could easily spend several hundred dollars on each part.

A steering knuckle replacement for the Ford Expedition typically costs anywhere from $690 to $788, while an exhaust pipe replacement could set drivers back $567 to $596. Replacing the Expedition's fuel evaporative canister could also drain drivers' wallets of another $531 to $593.

Consumer Reports' Reliability Score (30/100)

According to RepairPal, the Ford Explorer has average annual repair costs of $732. Some of this SUV's more expensive replacement costs could easily come out to nearly twice that total.

Replacing the Explorer's exhaust manifold costs between $1,015 to $1,183, and replacing its heater hose typically costs $1,040 to $1,133.

Consumer Reports' Reliability Score (29/100)

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has an average annual repair cost of $666, according to RepairPal. What consumers should know is that replacing this SUV's exhaust pipe costs well over twice that amount.

That fix costs between $1,575 to $1,670. The Grand Cherokee's transfer case shift motor also costs significantly more than this average, typically coming in at $703 to $1,333.

Consumer Reports' Reliability Score (29/100)

RepairPal reports that the GMC Canyon has average annual repair costs of $548. Shoppers should know that this pickup truck has multiple repairs that could potentially surpass that total by thousands of dollars.

Replacing the GMC Canyon's clutch could cost drivers between $1,651 to $2,120, while a rack and pinion replacement could drain anywhere from $1,643 to $1,826 from their bank accounts.

Consumer Reports' Reliability Score (29/100)

According to RepairPal, the Chevrolet Colorado costs an average of $599 to repair annually.

However, consumers should know that the cost of fixing this pickup truck's clutch master cylinder could easily eclipse that total by hundreds of dollars. Replacing that part costs between $658 to $897.

Consumer Reports' Reliability Score (28/100)

RepairPal reports that the Jeep Grand Wagoneer has an annual average repair cost of $521.

While that may not sound like much, consumers should be aware that replacing the Grand Wagoneer's trans oil cooler line could easily cost them more than twice that amount.

That fix usually comes out to between $992 to $1,254.

Consumer Reports' Reliability Score (28/100)

The Jeep Wagoneer has an annual average repair cost of $691, according to RepairPal. Although consumers should know that this SUV's AC evaporator could cost more than three times that amount to fix. Replacing it costs between $1,655 to $2,235.

The Wagoneer's battery is also very expensive to replace, costing anywhere from $972 to $1,012.

Consumer Reports' Reliability Score (17/100)

The GMC Terrain has annual average repair costs of $558, according to RepairPal. But issues with this SUV's powertrain control module could have drivers spending hundreds of dollars more.

The typical cost to replace the Terrain's powertrain control module comes out to $798 - $877.

Consumer Reports' Reliability Score (17/100)

RepairPal states that the Chevrolet Equinox's average annual repair costs come out to $537. However, its most expensive repairs greatly exceed that total.

A fuel tank replacement could cost nearly three times that amount, ranging from $1,344 to $1,534, while replacing the Equinox's AC compressor could cost more than twice that, usually $1,026 to $1,279.

Consumer Reports' Reliability Score (14/100)

Shoppers might be willing to overlook the GMC Arcadia's dismal reliability score when they see that this SUV's average annual repair costs are only $734, according to RepairPal.

However, the cost to replace the Arcadia's head gasket ranges from $2,848 to $3,824. Its heater core replacement also costs between $800 to $1,023. So, repairs and maintenance for this SUV could easily skyrocket.

Consumer Reports' Reliability Score (5/100)

The Ram 1500 is the least reliable vehicle on the road, according to Consumer Reports. RepairPal estimates that its average annual repair costs are $691.

However, consumers should be aware that this pickup truck's most costly maintenance and service expenses greatly exceed that figure.

This truck's starter replacement ranges from $428 to $625, and its mass airflow sensor replacement ranges from $335 to $460.

These unreliable vehicles could seriously deplete drivers' bank accounts with costly repairs that could easily pile up to hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. This is why it is imperative for car owners to understand the cost of a repair versus the car's current market value.

Generally speaking, if a vehicle's repair bill is equal to more than 50% of its current market value, it's likely a good idea to start looking for a newer, more reliable car.

Additionally, drivers who are looking to save money on car insurance might be able to secure a better policy if they are driving a more reliable vehicle.