Buying the wrong new car in 2025 can lock you into years of repair bills, poor resale value, and daily frustration. I have pulled together models that repeatedly surface in reliability data, complaint tallies, and expert “do not buy” lists so you can steer clear. Each of these nine vehicles illustrates a different way a shiny showroom purchase can turn into a long‑term headache.
1. Ford F‑150 Hybrid
The Ford F‑150 Hybrid looks like the perfect do‑it‑all truck, but reliability reporting suggests it is one of the riskiest new vehicles you can buy in 2025. One detailed analysis of new‑car dependability notes that At the very bottom of the list is the Ford F‐150 Hybrid, with a shockingly low reliability score of just 7/100 per Consumer Report. When a mass‑market work truck lands at the bottom of a reliability ranking, that is a red flag for anyone who depends on their vehicle for commuting or towing.
Hybrid systems add complexity, and in this case the payoff appears undercut by quality issues. Owners facing repeated trips to the dealer for drivetrain glitches or electrical gremlins will not recoup the fuel savings that justified the upgrade in the first place. For contractors, farmers, and families who need a truck that simply works, the stakes are high: downtime can mean lost income, missed school runs, and a truck that depreciates faster than rivals with stronger durability records.
2. Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is an icon, but its reputation for ruggedness does not always translate into everyday reliability. A focused 2025 buyer’s guide warns that Jeep Wrangler. The Wrangler is a mainstay of the off-road world, one that can trace its roots back to WWII. But it seems as though the current version doesn’t fare so well in the reliability department. That contrast between heritage and current‑generation durability is crucial for shoppers who want character without constant repairs.
In practice, owners report issues ranging from leaky roofs to drivetrain and electronics problems, all of which can be amplified by the vehicle’s boxy aerodynamics and removable body panels. I see the Wrangler as a niche tool: great for dedicated trail use, less compelling as a daily driver that must endure long highway commutes and harsh winters. When a vehicle’s charm is tied to WWII roots but modern reliability lags, buyers should think carefully before signing a long‑term loan.
3. Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier has long traded on a reputation for simplicity, yet recent assessments suggest it is no longer a safe bet among midsize pickups. A 2025 list of models to sidestep states that Cars that you should AVOID In 2025 * Nissan Frontier. Nissan is a long way off from being the most desired brand of truck, highlighting concerns about how this truck stacks up against fresher rivals. That blunt warning reflects both dated engineering and quality questions that undermine its value.
For buyers, the implications are straightforward. A truck that lags in refinement and dependability will feel old before the loan is paid off, and resale values tend to follow reputation. When Nissan is described as “a long way off” from segment leaders, I interpret that as a signal to cross‑shop aggressively. In 2025, there are more modern midsize pickups that deliver better safety tech, smoother drivetrains, and stronger predicted reliability for similar money.
4. The Cadillac Lyriq
The Cadillac Lyriq is a headline‑grabbing electric SUV, but early reliability projections raise serious concerns. A detailed ranking of problem‑prone vehicles notes that What vehicle is the most unreliable? The Cadillac Lyriqis the most unreliable vehicle for 2025. Its predicted reliability score trails not only luxury competitors but also many mainstream models. When a brand‑new EV is singled out as “the most unreliable,” that should give pause to early adopters.
Electric vehicles already require buyers to adapt to charging infrastructure and evolving incentives, so layering on a high risk of defects or software issues magnifies ownership stress. I see this as especially problematic for drivers in regions with limited dealer coverage, where repeated service visits are costly and inconvenient. Until the Lyriq proves it can match class rivals on durability, shoppers seeking a premium EV may be better served by models with stronger track records and more reassuring reliability data.
5. Alfa Romeo Tonale
The Alfa Romeo Tonale promises Italian style in a compact SUV package, yet reliability expectations remain muted. In a breakdown of problem‑prone models, analysts flag the More on the 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale * See 2025 Alfa Romeo Tonale Photos » * Read the full review in the context of broader unreliability concerns. That framing places the Tonale alongside vehicles that already struggle with predicted dependability, a worrying sign for a brand still rebuilding trust.
Alfa Romeo’s recent history in the United States includes attractive cars hampered by electrical and mechanical glitches, and the Tonale appears vulnerable to the same pattern. For buyers, the risk is that a stylish new SUV becomes a frequent visitor to the service bay just as warranties expire. I would treat the Tonale as a lease‑only candidate, if at all, until independent reliability data shows that the brand has finally turned the corner on long‑term durability.
6. Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer remains a popular three‑row SUV, but complaint data suggests owners are voicing significant frustrations. A detailed table of owner feedback lists Cars with the most complaints Table_content: header: | Make & Model | # of Complaints | row: | Make & Model data showing the Explorer with 11,037 complaints, a striking figure for a family‑focused vehicle. High complaint counts do not always equal catastrophic failures, but they do indicate recurring pain points that owners feel strongly enough to report.
For parents hauling kids and gear, repeated issues with transmissions, infotainment systems, or build quality can quickly erode confidence. I view the Explorer’s complaint volume as a signal to scrutinize model‑year histories and consider alternatives with cleaner records. When a mainstream SUV accumulates that many documented problems, the risk of inheriting someone else’s headaches rises, and long‑term ownership costs can climb well beyond the sticker price.
7. Volkswagen ID.4
The Volkswagen ID.4 is positioned as a mass‑market electric crossover, yet brand‑level reliability scores raise caution flags. One assessment of new‑car dependability reports that Volkswagen, as a brand, struggles as well. CR ranked it the 5th least reliable brand overall, with a score of 34/100, and notes charging‑related frustrations on fast charging networks. When a brand scores 34 out of 100 on reliability, its complex EVs deserve extra scrutiny.
For ID.4 shoppers, that context matters because electric crossovers rely heavily on software, battery management, and charging hardware, all areas where glitches can be costly and time‑consuming to fix. I see the combination of middling brand reliability and charging complaints as a warning that ownership may involve more service visits and range anxiety than buyers expect. Until Volkswagen’s scores improve, other EVs with stronger dependability records may offer a safer path into electric driving.
8. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee aims to blend off‑road capability with family comfort, but reliability and owner satisfaction data suggest caution. A broad review of problem‑prone models highlights several Jeeps among the 10 least reliable cars, underscoring persistent issues with drivetrains, electronics, and build quality. When a nameplate that often carries premium pricing appears in such rankings, it raises questions about long‑term value.
For families, the stakes include not just repair costs but also safety and peace of mind on long trips. A Grand Cherokee that spends time in the shop for warning lights, suspension problems, or software glitches undermines its role as a dependable road‑trip machine. I recommend that buyers who like the Jeep image consider certified used examples with strong warranty coverage or cross‑shop rival SUVs that deliver similar capability with fewer red flags in independent reliability surveys.
9. Popular “problem” models flagged by Consumer Reports
Beyond individual nameplates, several widely sold vehicles have been singled out as popular cars to avoid because of chronic issues. A detailed breakdown of owner feedback notes that Popular Cars You Should Avoid Buying, According To Consumer Reports, published on Oct 16, 2025, highlights recurring pain points that keep showing up in surveys. That list underscores how even high‑volume models can disappoint when automakers cut corners on quality or rush new technology to market.
For shoppers, the lesson is that popularity does not guarantee durability. I pay close attention when long‑running surveys flag specific models for transmission failures, infotainment bugs, or premature component wear, because those patterns often persist across several years. In 2025, with prices elevated and financing costs high, ignoring such warnings can turn a seemingly smart mainstream purchase into one of the very cars you should skip buying.
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