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.

Several of these models have also drawn scrutiny in owner surveys and road tests for issues beyond repair costs, including recalls, weak fuel economy, and mixed safety scores, all factors worth weighing alongside sticker price when shopping for a reliable vehicle.

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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 has flagged the current-generation Expedition as likely to be less reliable than the average new vehicle, and the SUV has already faced an NHTSA recall. 

Beyond repair costs, the Expedition also posts mediocre fuel economy for its size, at around 17 to 19 mpg combined depending on drivetrain, and some owners have reported transmission issues and technical glitches even on recent model years.

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 has also predicted below-average reliability for the current Explorer generation, which has been recalled by NHTSA multiple times, including for an engine issue tied to connecting rod bearings.

Fuel economy ranges from about 20 to 24 mpg combined depending on the engine and drivetrain, and some owners have reported transmission problems and electrical glitches. 

Cargo space behind the third row is also modest for the segment at 16.3 cubic feet, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

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.

Despite the repair costs, the Grand Cherokee has earned a perfect five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in its major crash tests. 

NHTSA has issued recalls tied to a software error that could delay side airbag deployment during a crash, which owners should confirm has been addressed on any Grand Cherokee they're considering, especially given the model's otherwise strong safety credentials.

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.

On the practicality side, the Canyon offers a class-leading 7,700-pound maximum towing capacity and a 5-foot bed with 41.9 cubic feet of cargo volume, which may appeal to buyers who need work-truck capability. 

Fuel economy runs around 19 to 20 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive, dropping slightly with four-wheel drive, and the truck's ground clearance ranges from 9.6 to 12.2 inches depending on trim.

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.

The Colorado shares its platform and TurboMax engine with the GMC Canyon, and reviewers have similarly pointed to weak fuel economy, around 18 to 20 mpg city and 22 to 25 mpg highway, as one of its bigger drawbacks. 

Some owners have also reported electrical faults, including issues with forward collision warnings, headlights, and door locks, on recent model years. 

On the plus side, the Colorado matches the Canyon's 7,700-pound towing capacity for a midsize truck.

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 also predicts the Grand Wagoneer will be less reliable than the average new vehicle, and owner reviews echo that concern, with some reporting recurring electrical issues involving the infotainment system, power steering, and battery. 

Fuel economy is another weak point, with an EPA rating of about 19 mpg combined that testers have found difficult to match in real-world highway driving. 

The SUV does offer roomy third-row seating and 116.7 cubic feet of total cargo volume.

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.

The Wagoneer shares its platform with the pricier Grand Wagoneer, and it carries similar reliability concerns, including owner reports of electrical glitches affecting the infotainment and climate systems. 

Fuel economy sits in the high teens combined, typical for a full-size, three-row SUV in this class. 

Because several of its costliest repairs involve climate and electrical components rather than the engine or transmission, an extended warranty may be worth considering for buyers planning to keep the SUV long term.

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 pulled its "Recommended" rating from the redesigned Terrain after owner surveys pointed to widespread issues, including problems with the drive system, transmission, and body hardware, such as doors that don't close flush. 

Fuel economy also lags rivals at around 24 mpg combined, without a hybrid option to boost that figure. 

On the plus side, the Terrain's cabin is roomy and well-equipped, and it now includes standard automatic emergency braking and blind spot warning.

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.

The Equinox shares its platform with the GMC Terrain, and reviewers have similarly flagged middling fuel economy, around 25 to 27 mpg combined, as a weak point for the segment. 

Cargo space is also modest at 29.8 cubic feet behind a full complement of passengers, expanding to 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. NHTSA has logged dozens of owner complaints tied to the forward collision warning system on recent model years.

Consumer Reports' Reliability Score (14/100)

Shoppers might be willing to overlook the GMC Acadia'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 Acadia'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 has rated the Acadia the least reliable new vehicle in its most recent owner survey, citing transmission failures on low-mileage vehicles and recurring electrical glitches affecting infotainment and climate systems. 

Fuel economy runs from roughly 21 to 23 mpg combined depending on trim and drivetrain, and cargo space behind the third row is considered tight for the segment, even though the Acadia has earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick award.

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.

Consumer Reports has ranked the Ram 1500 the worst full-size pickup for reliability in its latest survey, with owners reporting electrical issues involving the backup camera, instrument cluster, and infotainment system, along with batteries that drain overnight.

Despite the reliability concerns, many owners still praise the truck's ride quality and Hemi V8 option, and Kelley Blue Book data shows a majority of surveyed owners would still recommend it to others.

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.