Least Reliable New SUVs in 2025 - DO NOT BUY!

Just because a vehicle is brand new, doesn't mean it's trouble-free. In fact, some of the latest models, despite their renowned brands and flashy features, are nothing but money pits. That's why we turn to Consumer Reports' reliability scores to expose 12 SUV models with the worst reliability records. Stick around to find out which new vehicles to avoid and save yourself from a costly mistake. Number 12. Maserati Grecale The Maserati Grecale might turn heads with its elegant design and promise of Italian luxury, but beneath the surface lies a host of issues that have left many owners disappointed. For a vehicle with a starting price of $78,000, the Grecale's reliability has proven to be alarmingly poor. A major source of frustration comes from its overly complex infotainment system, which is plagued by frequent glitches. Drivers often report that the system freezes unexpectedly or behaves erratically, requiring trips to the dealership for software updates that don't always resolve the problems. Electrical issues add another layer of concern, from malfunctioning keyless entry systems to inconsistent performance of door sensors and heads-up displays. Owners are left questioning the dependability of even basic features. To make matters worse, the vehicle's build quality has also come under scrutiny, with complaints about poorly functioning door handles and buttons. The Maserati Grecale is a stark reminder that prestige and good looks can only go so far when reliability takes a back seat. Number 11. Mercedes-Benz GLA The Mercedes-Benz GLA is often marketed as a gateway to the luxury SUV world, but it has found itself on Consumer Reports' list of the least reliable SUVs for good reason. With a buyer's predicted reliability score of just 30, the GLA struggles to deliver the dependability buyers expect from the Mercedes-Benz badge. Many owners have expressed frustration with the GLA's transmission, which can feel unrefined and jerky during low-speed driving, detracting from the smooth experience one would anticipate from a luxury vehicle. Additionally, electrical issues are a recurring theme, particularly with the vehicle's advanced driver assistance systems and infotainment features, which often malfunction or require costly repairs. The interior, while stylish, has also drawn criticism for quality inconsistencies. Reports of creaking panels and premature wear on materials have left some owners questioning the premium price tag. Number 10. Land Rover Defender The Land Rover Defender, known for its rugged capabilities and adventurous appeal, faces significant reliability concerns that have landed it on Consumer Reports' list of the least dependable SUVs. Common complaints include air leaks, faulty sensors, and worn-out components that can lead to uneven ride height. In some cases, the vehicle may sag on one side or even on all four wheels, pointing to potential failures in the air compressor or height control system. An intermittent suspension fall warning displayed on the driver display often renders the suspension controls unresponsive, leaving drivers unable to adjust the vehicle's ride height when needed. Combined with electronic glitches and build quality concerns like leaky seals and misaligned panels, the Defender's premium price tag becomes difficult to justify. For potential buyers, it's a gamble that could leave them with more headaches than adventures. Number 9. 2025 Infiniti QX80 The 2025 Infiniti QX80 joins the six-figure club in its highest trims, as the redesigned full-size SUV packs with power, luxury, and safety features. The automaker says this is the first model in its new product renaissance, giving importance to the styling and equipment as previews of things to come in Whether buyers are sold on that vision is another story. Consumer Reports handed the new QX80 a predicted reliability score of just 30 out of 100. Ouch! Why? Because Infiniti's past models haven't exactly been the poster child for dependability, and the new model still shares some components underneath. As if that weren't enough, Infiniti as a brand is having its own existential crisis. Sales are in freefall, and dealerships are being forced to shack up with Nissan in a controversial co-location strategy. Oh, and did we mention the Honda-Nissan merger? That's a plot twist no one saw coming. Number 8. 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque With a starting price of $50,000, the 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque offers luxury and style in a compact package. However, its long list of reliability issues makes it a worse choice. Frequent electrical problems, including glitchy infotainment systems and malfunctioning safety features are among the most common complaints. Mechanical issues such as potential turbocharger failures add to the frustration. Additionally, fuel leaks and suspension problems compromise both safety and ride comfort, often leaving owners with unnecessary trips to the service department. It's no surprise that Consumer Reports gave this compact SUV a poor reliability rating. Number 7. Alfa Romeo Stelvio A compact luxury crossover SUV with Italian DNA and a badge that guarantees an entertaining driving experience sounds like a great idea, especially when some important German-made parts get put into the mix. However, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio proves that even style and performance can't mask serious reliability flaws. One of the most frustrating features for Stelvio owners is recurring oil leaks and spark plug problems. Many report the same cylinder being affected repeatedly, leading to frequent spark plug failures that disrupt the fuel rail and mixture. These issues often leave drivers stranded, with towing to the dealership becoming an all-too-familiar routine. The headaches don't stop there. Glitchy electronics and mechanical troubles, including drivetrain issues and premature suspension wear, further tarnish the Stelvio's promise of sporty performance. You'll do better avoiding this money pit and looking for a more reliable luxury SUV instead. Hey, before we get to the next SUV, did you know that dealers across the country are selling certain models way under MSRP just to clear out inventory? Honestly, I'm not surprised, considering the mounting inventory many dealers are faced with. Now, what if I told you there's a way to check the dealer invoice price on any car in just minutes? Thanks to CarEdge, you can do exactly that with their Dealer Invoice Price tool. All you need to do is select the make and model, pop in your email, and boom! You'll see the average invoice price and target discount. It's a total game-changer because when you walk into the dealership, you'll know exactly how much room there is to negotiate. And the best part? It's completely free if you use the link in the description. Check it out, it could save you thousands! Number 6 Land Rover Discovery Sport Another Land Rover, another disappointment. If the Defender didn't scare you off, the Discovery Sport might seal the deal. Marketed as a versatile luxury SUV that combines off-road chops with family-friendly practicality, it sounds like a dream. Unfortunately, its reality is more of a recurring nightmare, with a poor predicted reliability score from CR. The Discovery Sport struggles with some all-too-familiar Land Rover issues. Turbocharger failures and oil leaks plague its engine, leaving owners with costly repair bills and frequent trips to the dealerships. Suspension problems are another sore spot, with premature wear turning smooth rides into bumpy ordeals. And let's not forget the electronics and software glitches. Just when you think it couldn't get worse, reports of fuel leaks add a dash of danger to the mix. Number 5 Alfa Romeo Tonale If you thought the Alfa Romeo Stelvio was a handful, the 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale takes compact SUV headaches to a whole new level. One of the most alarming problems with the 2024 Tonale is a recall involving faulty brake pedal assemblies, which can collapse during use. This defect affects not only the Tonale, but also its Stellantis sibling, the Dodge Hornet, creating serious safety risks due to the potential loss of braking function. Beyond the brake recall, the Tonale has been plagued by teething issues. Owners have reported a laundry list of problems, including check engine warnings and over-revving engines. Even its advanced safety features aren't immune, with adaptive cruise control disengaging unexpectedly and anti-collision errors adding to the growing list of safety concerns. Good luck getting these issues fixed. Owners say dealing with Alfa Romeo's customer service is like pulling teeth, with denied warranty claims and endless delays making the experience even more frustrating. Number 4 Lincoln Navigator It's been eight months of owning this car, and quick spoiler alert, I've already decided to get rid of this car. The Lincoln Navigator, once synonymous with luxury, now finds itself among the SUVs idling on dealer lots. Consumer reports gave the 2024 Navigator a predicted reliability score of just 27 out of 100, and it's not hard to see why buyers are hesitant. A recall for its 3.5 GTDI engine revealed a misaligned engine cup plug, which can cause rapid oil leaks, a serious problem for a vehicle in this price range. On top of that, the Navigator struggles with frequent electrical glitches, particularly the SYNC infotainment system. Owners have reported blank screens, malfunctioning navigation, and unreliable Bluetooth, making daily drives more frustrating than luxurious. Number 3 Cadillac XT4 The XT4 is essentially unchanged mechanically since its 2018 debut. The same turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder resides under the hood, and power is delivered via the same 9-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately, this setup has been plagued by reliability issues since the launch of this crossover. Consumer reports gave the XT4 a predicted reliability score of just 27 out of 100, cementing its place among the least dependable SUVs. A key problem lies with its transmission, as owners reported delayed shifting, rough gear changes, slipping, and even overheating. These issues make for a frustrating driving experience and hint at costly repairs lurking in the future. If you are a potential buyer, save yourself the trouble and your wallet and steer clear of this one. Number 2 Lincoln Nautilus The Nautilus is redesigned for 2024, featuring an optional hybrid powertrain and an impressive wide display screen that wraps around the front of the cabin. While these updates bring a modern touch to Lincoln's two-row mid-sized SUV, they don't address its underlying reliability concerns. CR gave the Nautilus a predicted reliability score of just 24 out of 100, highlighting its ongoing struggles with dependability. The Nautilus's most frequent issues stem from its electrical system. Owners report glitches in the infotainment system, including freezing screens, malfunctioning rear-view cameras, alongside other intermittent electrical faults. Transmission troubles are another common complaint, with reports of rough shifting, slipping gears, and error codes pointing to deeper problems. To top it off, some drivers have experienced engine-related issues such as knocking noises or unusual vibrations. If you're looking for a stress-free ownership experience, it's best to leave this one on the lot. Number 1 Lincoln Aviator Yes, another Lincoln. The mid-sized, luxury SUV Aviator received the lowest predicted reliability score of just 22 out of 100 from Consumer Reports, and it earns that title the hard way. Much like its smaller sibling, the Aviator is plagued by transmission troubles. Owners report delayed shifts, rough gear changes, and even slipping transmissions that make driving this luxury SUV feel anything but smooth. And just like the Nautilus, electrical glitches are everywhere, from frozen infotainment screens to advanced safety features that fail at the worst times. Adding insult to injury, the Aviator brings its own unique problems to the table, including reports of excessive oil consumption and occasional stalling, further cementing its reputation as a reliability nightmare. And that wraps up our list of SUVs to avoid in 2025. Don't let their flashy looks and upscale brand names fool you. These models are better left on the dealer lot. Save your hard-earned money for something truly dependable. Let us know in the comments what's the biggest money pit SUV or car you've ever owned. We'd love to hear your stories.