American SUVs promise space, power, and comfort, but not every model delivers the value or durability shoppers expect. Based on recent reporting that flags specific vehicles for reliability, cost, and ownership headaches, I have pulled together 15 American SUVs you should avoid right now. Each entry focuses on concrete concerns, from projected 2025 trouble spots to telling omissions from key reliability and affordability lists.
1. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a staple of American driveways, yet it is singled out among 7 SUVs to avoid in 2025 because of ongoing reliability concerns. That warning reflects a pattern of issues that have dogged recent model years, including complaints about drivetrain durability and electronic glitches that can be expensive to diagnose. When a nameplate with this much history lands on a list of vehicles to skip, it signals that the problems are not isolated to a single trim or year.
For buyers, the stakes are significant, since the Grand Cherokee often commands a premium price for its off-road image and upscale options. If reliability lags, that premium can quickly evaporate in repair bills and lost time in the shop. I see this as a case where brand reputation risks masking the real cost of ownership, especially for families counting on an SUV to last well beyond the warranty period.
2. Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is another high-profile SUV that appears among the 7 SUVs to avoid in 2025, with transmission and electrical problems called out as key reasons to steer clear. Those are not minor annoyances, since transmission failures can sideline a vehicle entirely and modern electrical systems control everything from safety tech to basic drivability. When both systems are flagged together, it suggests a risk of cascading issues rather than a single, easily fixed defect.
Because the Explorer is widely used as a family hauler and even in fleet service, persistent mechanical and electrical trouble can have outsized consequences. Owners may face not only repair costs but also rental expenses and lost work time when the SUV is down. In my view, that combination of critical-system complaints and heavy real-world use makes the Explorer a particularly risky bet for 2025 shoppers.
3. Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe earns a place on the list of 7 SUVs to avoid in 2025 because of projected high maintenance costs and fuel inefficiency. Full-size SUVs are rarely thrifty, but when a model is specifically cited for poor efficiency, it means owners could be hit twice, at the pump and in the service bay. That is especially concerning for drivers who choose a Tahoe for towing or long-distance travel, where fuel and upkeep quickly add up.
In a market where more efficient crossovers and hybrid SUVs are gaining ground, a gas-hungry vehicle with expensive maintenance can become a financial drag. I see the Tahoe’s inclusion as a warning that its traditional strengths in size and capability may no longer offset the long-term costs. For budget-conscious families and small businesses, those projected expenses are a strong reason to look elsewhere.
4. Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango is flagged among the 7 SUVs to avoid in 2025 for safety recalls and durability shortcomings. Safety-related recalls are particularly serious, because they often involve components like brakes, airbags, or structural integrity that directly affect crash performance. When those concerns are paired with questions about long-term durability, it suggests that owners could face both immediate safety fixes and ongoing wear issues.
For shoppers, that combination undermines one of the main reasons to buy a three-row SUV: peace of mind for carrying passengers. If a vehicle is repeatedly called back to the dealer and still struggles with lasting quality, trust erodes quickly. I view the Durango’s situation as a reminder that raw power and aggressive styling do not compensate for unresolved safety and longevity problems.
5. GMC Yukon
The GMC Yukon appears on the same list of 7 SUVs to avoid in 2025, this time for engine performance complaints and concerns about resale value. Engine issues can range from rough running to more serious internal failures, and any pattern of complaints in this area is a red flag for a vehicle that often sees heavy towing and hauling duty. When buyers pay a premium for a large SUV, they expect the powertrain to be one of its strongest assets, not a liability.
The mention of resale value drops adds another layer of risk, since depreciation directly affects leasing costs and long-term equity. If the market starts discounting the Yukon because of perceived reliability problems, current owners may find themselves underwater on loans or facing lower trade-in offers. I see that as a clear signal that shoppers should think carefully before committing to this model.
6. Buick Enclave
The Buick Enclave is warned against in the group of 7 SUVs to avoid in 2025 due to interior quality issues and tech glitches. For a vehicle marketed as a near-luxury family SUV, subpar cabin materials and fit can be particularly disappointing, undermining the sense of refinement buyers are paying for. Technology problems, from infotainment freezes to malfunctioning driver aids, can also sour daily use and erode confidence in the vehicle’s safety systems.
Because the Enclave competes in a crowded segment where rivals emphasize upscale interiors and seamless tech, these shortcomings carry real competitive and financial consequences. Owners may face not only frustration but also diminished resale appeal if shoppers perceive the model as dated or trouble-prone. In my assessment, that makes the Enclave a risky choice for anyone prioritizing comfort and modern features.
7. Cadillac Escalade
The Cadillac Escalade, long a symbol of American luxury SUVs, is nonetheless recommended to skip among the 7 SUVs to avoid in 2025 because of excessive repair frequency and failures in its luxury features. When high-end components like adaptive suspensions, complex infotainment systems, or power steps fail, repair costs can climb quickly. For a flagship model that commands a substantial sticker price, repeated trips to the service department can feel especially painful.
Luxury buyers typically expect not only comfort and status but also a sense of effortless ownership. If the Escalade’s advanced features become a source of constant maintenance, that promise breaks down. I see its inclusion on an avoid list as a strong signal that shoppers should weigh the prestige of the badge against the potential for ongoing, high-dollar repairs.
8. Lincoln Navigator
The Lincoln Navigator is notable for what it lacks: it is absent from a list of reliable American SUVs under $15,000. That omission matters because the list focuses on budget-friendly vehicles with proven dependability, and the Navigator’s absence suggests it does not fit that profile. Large luxury SUVs often carry high running costs, and if they do not show up among recommended used buys, it can indicate concerns about long-term reliability or repair expense.
For used shoppers, especially those trying to stay under a strict budget, the lack of endorsement is telling. A Navigator that looks like a bargain on the lot may still bring premium-priced parts, complex electronics, and higher insurance costs. I interpret its exclusion as a warning that ownership could be significantly more expensive and unpredictable than similarly priced alternatives.
9. Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is another high-visibility model that does not appear among reliable American SUVs under $15,000, a list that highlights dependable used options. Its omission is striking because the Wrangler is one of the most recognizable American SUVs, yet it is not singled out as a smart budget choice. That gap aligns with long-standing concerns about ride comfort, noise, and the wear that comes with serious off-road use.
For buyers hoping to stretch a limited budget, a used Wrangler can be tempting, but the absence from a reliability-focused list hints at hidden costs. Suspension components, soft tops, and off-road accessories can all add to maintenance over time. I see this as a reminder that the Wrangler’s rugged image may come with compromises that make it a poor fit for shoppers prioritizing low-cost, trouble-free ownership.
10. Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition is not ranked among the 12 most reliable SUVs of all time, a list that celebrates long-term dependability. Its absence suggests that, despite its size and capability, the Expedition has not earned a place among the most trusted nameplates for durability. For a full-size SUV often used for towing, road trips, and family duty, that lack of recognition is significant.
When a model does not appear in a reliability hall-of-fame style ranking, it does not automatically mean it is unreliable, but it does mean it has not distinguished itself for exceptional longevity. Buyers looking for a vehicle to keep for a decade or more may want to prioritize models that do make that cut. I view the Expedition’s omission as a caution to scrutinize long-term ownership data before signing a contract.
11. Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban, another full-size staple, is also excluded from the list of 12 most reliable SUVs of all time. Given its long production history and popularity with large families and fleets, that absence is noteworthy. The Suburban’s size and complexity can translate into higher wear on components like brakes, suspensions, and drivetrains, which may help explain why it does not rank among the most bulletproof models.
For owners, frequent breakdowns or major repairs can quickly erase any perceived value in the Suburban’s cavernous interior and towing strength. When a vehicle with such a long legacy fails to secure a spot on a top reliability list, it raises fair questions about long-term costs. I see that as a strong reason for shoppers to consider more proven alternatives if durability is a top priority.
12. Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee is missing from a lineup of American-made cars under $40,000 that emphasizes value and quality. That absence is telling, because the list focuses on vehicles that balance price, features, and perceived reliability, and the Cherokee does not make the cut. For a compact SUV competing in one of the most crowded segments, failing to appear among recommended American-made options suggests concerns about overall value.
Shoppers often look to the Cherokee for its off-road capability and Jeep branding, but if it cannot secure a place among top sub-$40,000 choices, those strengths may not offset its weaknesses. Potential issues could include interior refinement, feature content, or reliability relative to rivals. I interpret its omission as a sign that buyers seeking the best mix of cost and quality should be cautious about defaulting to this nameplate.
13. Ford Edge
The Ford Edge is also not featured among American-made cars under $40,000, which highlights models that deliver strong value at that price point. Its absence aligns with separate reporting on Trump’s tariffs, where the Ford Edge is used as an example with an Average price in March 2025 of $24,898, and a 5% premium of $1,245 or a 10% premium of $2,490. Those figures illustrate how quickly costs can climb when pricing pressure and tariffs are layered onto a vehicle that already struggles to stand out on value lists.
For buyers, the combination of being overlooked in a key value ranking and facing potential price increases makes the Edge a risky proposition. If tariffs or market shifts push transaction prices higher while the model remains absent from top-value recommendations, owners may end up overpaying for a crossover that does not excel in reliability or features. I see that as a clear reason to approach the Edge with skepticism.
14. Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox is absent from a ranking of the cheapest new cars for 2025, which focuses on the 15 least-expensive sedans, SUVs, and hatchbacks available. That omission indicates that the Equinox does not qualify among the most budget-friendly new SUVs, even as price-sensitive shoppers look for relief from rising costs. When a mainstream compact SUV fails to appear on a list centered on affordability, it suggests that pricing or equipment levels are out of step with the most competitive offerings.
For consumers, the lack of inclusion raises questions about whether the Equinox delivers enough value relative to its transaction price. If it is neither among the cheapest nor singled out for exceptional reliability, the model risks being squeezed from both sides by rivals. I interpret its absence as a sign that buyers should compare total cost of ownership carefully before committing.
15. GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain is similarly overlooked in the list of cheapest new cars for 2025, which highlights the 15 least-expensive new vehicles across several body styles. Its exclusion suggests that the Terrain does not meet the threshold for true bargain pricing, even though it competes in a segment where value is crucial. Without a place among the most affordable choices, the Terrain must justify its higher cost through features or reliability, yet it is not singled out in the provided reporting for excelling in those areas.
For shoppers, that gap can translate into paying more for a compact SUV that does not clearly outperform cheaper rivals. If the Terrain also faces the typical depreciation and maintenance costs of its class, the lack of a strong affordability or reliability narrative becomes a liability. I see its omission as a final reminder that not every American SUV on the lot is a smart buy, and the Terrain is one more model that many buyers should avoid.
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