10 Notoriously Unreliable Used SUVs Under $20K You Should Avoid Buying

Purchasing a used SUV can be a great way for car shoppers to save money. Unlike brand-new SUVs, used models won't lose as much of their value due to depreciation.

However, just as it's wise to shop around with different insurance companies to save money on car insurance, consumers should do their homework before purchasing a used SUV. While the sticker price may be affordable, getting stuck with an unreliable car can quickly turn into a money pit.

Here are 10 used SUVs under $20,000 you should steer clear of if you want to avoid an unreliable vehicle.

Editor's note: All average car prices are sourced from Edmunds. 

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Average price: $10,990

Consumers have filed a staggering 780 complaints against the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

The agency has also launched recalls over issues with the 2010 Equinox's electrical system, powertrain, seats, and visibility.

Average price: $2,429 - $3,637

There have been 40 complaints against the 2010 Nissan Pathfinder with the NHTSA. Those complaints range from airbags and engine issues to problems with this SUV's powertrain.

The NHTSA has also issued recalls for this vehicle because of issues with its airbags, suspension, and steering. In addition, the agency has investigated the 2010 Pathfinder for transmission failures.

Average price: $9,500 - $20,998

Consumers have filed 64 complaints against the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe with the NHTSA. 

In years past, the NHTSA also issued a very urgent recall for the 2015 Santa Fe due to a faulty ABS unit that could cause the engine to catch on fire while parked. This serious issue potentially affected 1,649,478 vehicles.

Average price: $9,900 - $21,998

The 2015 Ford Explorer has a significant number of complaints on file with the NHTSA, with 1,539 complaints against this SUV, to be exact.

Many of those complaints are because of problems with the engine, while the other part of the majority have to do with structural issues in the vehicle.

Average price: $7,990 - $33,590

Consumers have filed a mind-boggling 2,309 complaints against the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Of these complaints, most are against this SUV's engine, and other complaints are due to issues with its electrical system and problems with its airbags.

The NHTSA has also issued 19 different recalls for the 2014 Grand Cherokee, while investigating it for issues with its powertrain, forward collision avoidance, airbags, and electrical system.

Average price: $11,999 - $19,998

The 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has almost a dozen consumer complaints on file with the NHTSA for issues ranging from its steering, service brakes, airbags, and engine.

Some reviewers have also criticized this vehicle for having poor handling and ride quality. Others have also complained about the 2019 Eclipse Cross's lackluster ride quality and unreliable transmission.

Average price: $9,450 - $23,998

Consumers have filed 647 complaints against the 2015 Honda CR-V with the NHTSA. Many of those were due to the CR-V's engine alone. There are also many complaints filed around issues with the vehicle's electrical system.

The NHTSA is also investigating the 2015 CR-V for airbag inflator issues as part of the Takata airbag recall that has rocked the automotive industry.

Average price: $9,956 - $20,990

There have been 36 complaints with the NHTSA against the 2020 Dodge Journey. These range from issues with the SUV's airbags, electrical system, service brakes, steering, engine, and more.

The NHTSA is also currently investigating this SUV because of issues with its backup camera and locks failing.

Average price: $11,014 - $14,999

With 154 consumer complaints on file with the NHTSA, the 2013 BMW X5 M is a less-than-reliable vehicle. This luxury SUV has received numerous complaints regarding engine issues and several others concerning problems with the powertrain.

Most alarmingly, the NHTSA issued recalls for the 2013 X5 M's airbag inflators, which may explode during a crash. 

Average price: $14,955 - $23,998

The NHTSA has issued three recalls for the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport due to problems with its seatbelts, electrical system, and structure. Consumers have also filed numerous complaints with the agency regarding the 2021 Rogue Sport's engine, powertrain, and steering.

CarGurus estimates that the average price of a used car is $27,958, which means now is an excellent time to find a good deal on an affordable SUV.

However, consumers should steer clear of unreliable vehicles with excessive complaints or recalls over safety, engine, or powertrain issues. This could result in high maintenance or insurance costs, which makes them less than smart money moves for car owners.