Expensive transmission problems occur more often for these models, based on Consumer Reports’ survey data
Drivers naturally become concerned about reliability as a car ages, since the risk of inconvenience and unexpected expenses rises while the miles rack up. Most modern cars can make it to 200,000 miles with little more than routine maintenance and minor repairs for worn components. But Consumer Reports surveys show that some models carry a significantly greater failure rate than their peers.
To understand how often such problems occur, we analyzed data on older models from our Annual Auto Surveys to see which major systems can lead to expensive repairs and identify the models that have a significant risk.
Three problems areas stood out: Engines, head gaskets, and transmissions. With some models, these problems occur with surprising frequency at a certain age and mileage.
“Transmission problems can lead to a range of issues such as overheating, slipping gears, and holding on to a gear for too long,” says John Ibbotson, Consumer Reports’ chief mechanic. “Ultimately, minor concerns can lead to catastrophic failure, leaving the car undrivable. A transmission rebuild or replacement is an expensive project that takes time and not every repair shop will be experienced to tackle this job, adding to the inconvenience.”
Several Nissans stood out for the frequency that their continuously variable transmission needed to be replaced. Some members reported that the work was covered under warranty or that the transmission was replaced under a special Nissan extended warranty program, the type of customer service support that manufacturers sometimes extend to address common problems. Numerous Nissan cars and SUVs were caught up with transmission problems from the 2012-2015 model years. One owner who didn’t experience a problem until 177,000 miles reported that the work cost him $4,000.
GMC Acadia owners told us about a range of symptoms experienced with their SUV, such as fluid leaks, lurching and hesitation, and holding gears (rather than shifting). The repair experiences varied, depending on when the problem occurred, but it was universally frustrating and the repairs proved costly for most owners.
To help warn both current owners and used-car shoppers, we have collected 10 models that stood out as having the most severe problems, as determined by frequency and cost. We focused on models from the last decade. Looking just a bit further, there are several vehicles that have a disproportionate frequency of transmission issues, including, in rank order: 2001 Honda Odyssey, 2003 Acura TL, 2002 Acura MDX, 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser, 2002 Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute, and 2004 Ford Focus.
The 10 highlighted models are presented below in rank order, starting with the one with the greatest problem rate among T8Auto members.
We spotlight the model year with the greatest problems (and when applicable, list a range of years affected by this problem), the typical mileage range when the problem occurs, and then recommend similar alternative cars without this concern. In cases where there are no alternatives presented, it means there are no similar cars that weren’t found to have the same issue or another significant problem.
The journey to 200,000 miles can be a bumpy one, but it can be smoother if you have a good, reliable car and properly maintain it, per the directions in the owner’s manual.
消费者报告（Consumer Reports）始终建议购物者根据我们的大规模会员调查来咨询我们的可靠性等级，以预测那些没有故障的机率更高的模型。可以在汽车型号页面上找到该详细数据。
2013 Nissan Sentra
2013 Nissan Sentra
Model years affected: 2013-2014
Typical mileage when problem occurs: 67,500-102,000
Alternatives without this problem: 2012-2015 Toyota Corolla
2014 Nissan Versa Note
2014 Nissan Versa Note
Typical mileage: 55,500-64,500
Alternatives without this problem: 2015 Kia Soul
2008 GMC Acadia
2008 GMC Acadia
Model years affected: 2008-2010
Typical mileage: 97,000-146,000
Alternatives without this problem: 2006-2010 Lexus RX
2014 Nissan Pathfinder
2014 Nissan Pathfinder
Model years affected: 2013-2015
Typical mileage: 50,000-75,000
Alternatives without this problem: 2014-2015 Honda Pilot
2010 Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain
2010 Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain
Typical mileage: 84,000-119,000
Alternatives without this problem: 2008-2010 Toyota RAV4
2014 Ford Focus
2014 Ford Focus
Model years affected: 2012-2015
Typical mileage: 30,000-81,000
Alternatives without this problem: 2012-2015 Toyota Corolla
2010 Jeep Wrangler
2010 Jeep Wrangler
Typical mileage: 97,500-139,000
Alternatives without this problem: 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser
2014 Infiniti QX60
2014 Infiniti QX60
Typical mileage: 56,000-82,000
Alternatives without this problem: 2013-2015 Lexus RX
2012 Nissan Maxima
2012 Nissan Maxima
Model years affected: 2012-2013
Typical mileage: 66,000-93,500
Alternatives without this problem: 2011-2013 Toyota Avalon
2012 Nissan Rogue
2012 Nissan Rogue
Typical mileage: 94,000-115,500
Alternatives without this problem: 2011-2014 Honda CR-V