# The 10 Worst Used Cars of 2026 (Ranked by Expected Repair Cost)

*Published May 2026 · Data source: OwnerKeep reliability database*

![The 10 Worst Used Cars of 2026 (Ranked by Expected Repair Cost)](./img/hero_10-worst-used-cars-2026.jpg)

We analyzed **1877 reliability reports** spanning model years 2014–2022 — combining
owner-reported issues, NHTSA data, known failure patterns, and ownership costs — to identify
the used vehicles most likely to drain your wallet. These aren't the cheapest cars on the lot;
they're the ones whose long-term ownership costs, common failures, and risk exposure make them
the highest-regret purchases for buyers in 2026.


## The Ranking at a Glance

![Ranking chart](./img/chart_10-worst-used-cars-2026.png)



## Full Ranking Table

| Rank | Vehicle | Reliability Score | Est. Annual Cost | Biggest Risks |
|------|---------|------------------|------------------|---------------|
| 1 | [2014 Maserati Ghibli](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2014-maserati-ghibli) | **40/100** (D-) | $1,200/yr | Electrical System (moderate); Engine Drivetrain (3.0L V6) (major) |
| 2 | [2014 Land Rover Range Rover](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2014-land-rover-range-rover) | **45/100** (D) | $1,000/yr | Air Suspension System (major); Electrical and Infotainment (moderate) |
| 3 | [2017 Maserati Levante](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2017-maserati-levante) | **48/100** (D) | $1,000/yr | Electrical System (major); Air Suspension System (major) |
| 4 | [2014 Bmw M5](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2014-bmw-m5) | **55/100** (D+) | $1,000/yr | Engine Internal Components (S63Tü) (critical); 7-Speed M-DCT Transmission (major) |
| 5 | [2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2019-land-rover-range-rover-sport) | **55/100** (D+) | $1,000/yr | Air Suspension System (major); Electrical/Infotainment (moderate) |
| 6 | [2014 Land Rover Evoque](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2014-land-rover-evoque) | **55/100** (D+) | $800/yr | ZF 9HP Automatic Transmission (critical); Electrical System & Infotainment (major) |
| 7 | [2018 Dodge Journey](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2018-dodge-journey) | **55/100** (D+) | $600/yr | Transmission System (major); Electrical & Infotainment (moderate) |
| 8 | [2016 Jeep Renegade](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2016-jeep-renegade) | **55/100** (D+) | $500/yr | 9-Speed Automatic Transmission (major); 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir Engine (major) |
| 9 | [2014 Ford Focus](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2014-ford-focus) | **55/100** (D) | $400/yr | Automatic Transmission (DPS6 PowerShift) (critical); Electrical System (SYNC & TCM) (moderate) |
| 10 | [2014 Jeep Patriot](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2014-jeep-patriot) | **58/100** (D+) | $400/yr | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) (critical); Suspension Components (moderate) |

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## Methodology

We analyzed **1877 individual vehicle reliability reports** from OwnerKeep's database, restricted to model years 2014–2022. Each report combines:

- Reliability score (0–100, derived from aggregated owner issues + known failure patterns)
- Risk level (low / moderate / high)
- Estimated annual maintenance cost (midpoint of reported range)
- Top risk areas (engine, transmission, electrical, etc.) with severity
- NHTSA recall data where applicable

Rankings weigh reliability score heavily (low = bad), then tiebreak on estimated annual maintenance (high = bad).

One model year per nameplate was kept to prevent a single vehicle (e.g., the Ford F-150) from dominating the list across consecutive years.

## Full Breakdown — Each Vehicle

### 1. [2014 Maserati Ghibli](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2014-maserati-ghibli)

**Reliability Score:** **40/100** (D-) · **Risk Level:** high · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $1,200-2,500 (basic service + unexpected minor issues)

The 2014 Maserati Ghibli is a beautiful and exhilarating luxury sport sedan, but it's a financial gamble for anyone not prepared for significant and frequent expenses. As an early model year, it's notorious for quality control issues and electrical gremlins, making it a high-risk proposition for long-term ownership. If you're seeking Italian flair without the associated deep pockets, this vehicle is not for you.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- Electrical System (moderate)
- Engine Drivetrain (3.0L V6) (major)
- Interior & HVAC (minor)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2014-maserati-ghibli)

### 2. [2014 Land Rover Range Rover](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2014-land-rover-range-rover)

**Reliability Score:** **45/100** (D) · **Risk Level:** high · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $1,000-2,000 (excluding major repairs)

The 2014 Land Rover Range Rover is an undeniably luxurious and capable SUV, but beneath its opulent exterior lies a complex web of systems prone to costly failures. While it offers unparalleled comfort and off-road prowess, this model year represents a significant financial gamble for the average used car buyer, demanding a substantial reserve for inevitable repairs.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- Air Suspension System (major)
- Electrical and Infotainment (moderate)
- Engine Oil Leaks & V8 Timing Chains (major)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2014-land-rover-range-rover)

### 3. [2017 Maserati Levante](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2017-maserati-levante)

**Reliability Score:** **48/100** (D) · **Risk Level:** high · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $1,000-2,500+

The 2017 Maserati Levante is a stunning luxury SUV, but its exotic badge comes with a significant reliability penalty. Be prepared for a constant stream of electrical gremlins, expensive air suspension repairs, and rapid depreciation. This vehicle is a high-risk proposition, demanding deep pockets and an unwavering tolerance for maintenance challenges.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- Electrical System (major)
- Air Suspension System (major)
- Braking System (moderate)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2017-maserati-levante)

### 4. [2014 Bmw M5](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2014-bmw-m5)

**Reliability Score:** **55/100** (D+) · **Risk Level:** high · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $1,000-2,000

The 2014 BMW M5, while offering exhilarating performance and a luxurious driving experience, comes with significant reliability caveats. Its potent S63Tü V8 engine has well-documented, potentially catastrophic internal failures, and other high-performance components are prone to costly issues. This isn't a car for the faint of heart or light of wallet; proceed only with a substantial reserve for anticipated maintenance and potential repairs.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- Engine Internal Components (S63Tü) (critical)
- 7-Speed M-DCT Transmission (major)
- Fuel System & Emissions (moderate)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2014-bmw-m5)

### 5. [2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2019-land-rover-range-rover-sport)

**Reliability Score:** **55/100** (D+) · **Risk Level:** high · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $1,000-2,000 (excluding major repairs)

The 2019 Range Rover Sport delivers undeniable luxury and capability, but its long-term reliability profile demands significant caution and a robust budget. Expect a higher-than-average frequency of repairs, particularly with its complex electrical systems and sophisticated air suspension, making it a potentially expensive ownership proposition.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- Air Suspension System (major)
- Electrical/Infotainment (moderate)
- Engine Cooling & Fluid Leaks (V8) (major)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2019-land-rover-range-rover-sport)

### 6. [2014 Land Rover Evoque](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2014-land-rover-evoque)

**Reliability Score:** **55/100** (D+) · **Risk Level:** high · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $800-1,200

The 2014 Land Rover Evoque is a vehicle you should approach with extreme caution. While its undeniable style and luxury appeal are strong, the mechanical and electrical reliability of this early model year is a significant liability, frequently leading to expensive and unexpected repairs. This is a high-maintenance luxury SUV that demands a substantial repair budget if you choose to own it.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- ZF 9HP Automatic Transmission (critical)
- Electrical System & Infotainment (major)
- Engine (2.0L Si4 Turbo) (moderate)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2014-land-rover-evoque)

### 7. [2018 Dodge Journey](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2018-dodge-journey)

**Reliability Score:** **55/100** (D+) · **Risk Level:** high · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $600-900 (excluding major repairs)

The 2018 Dodge Journey, despite its affordability and available third-row seating, presents a significant reliability risk for prospective owners. Its aging platform and persistent issues with transmissions, electrical systems, and premature component wear make it a challenging long-term ownership proposition. I strongly advise against purchasing this vehicle unless you are prepared for frequent repairs and a potentially frustrating ownership experience.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- Transmission System (major)
- Electrical & Infotainment (moderate)
- Brakes & Suspension Components (moderate)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2018-dodge-journey)

### 8. [2016 Jeep Renegade](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2016-jeep-renegade)

**Reliability Score:** **55/100** (D+) · **Risk Level:** high · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $500-750

The 2016 Jeep Renegade offers unique styling and genuine off-road capability for its class, but it comes with a significant reliability caveat. Early model years, particularly with the 2.4L engine and 9-speed automatic transmission, are unfortunately plagued by well-documented powertrain and electrical issues that can lead to costly repairs. This vehicle demands a cautious approach and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- 9-Speed Automatic Transmission (major)
- 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir Engine (major)
- Electrical System & Uconnect (moderate)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2016-jeep-renegade)

### 9. [2014 Ford Focus](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2014-ford-focus)

**Reliability Score:** **55/100** (D) · **Risk Level:** high · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $400-600

Steer clear of the 2014 Ford Focus with the automatic transmission if long-term reliability is your priority; its notorious PowerShift gearbox is a significant financial gamble. While manual transmission models offer a vastly improved ownership experience, the automatic version is a well-documented liability, making most examples a high-risk proposition.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- Automatic Transmission (DPS6 PowerShift) (critical)
- Electrical System (SYNC & TCM) (moderate)
- Cooling System (minor)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2014-ford-focus)

### 10. [2014 Jeep Patriot](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2014-jeep-patriot)

**Reliability Score:** **58/100** (D+) · **Risk Level:** high · **Est. Annual Maintenance:** $400-600

The 2014 Jeep Patriot is a vehicle I strongly advise approaching with extreme caution, primarily due to its notoriously unreliable Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). While its initial purchase price may be attractive, the potential for catastrophic transmission failure and ongoing repair costs make it a gamble that rarely pays off for long-term ownership.

**Top Risk Areas:**
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) (critical)
- Suspension Components (moderate)
- Rust and Corrosion (major)

[See the full reliability report →](https://ownerkeep.com/vehicles/2014-jeep-patriot)

## Citations

All data in this study comes from OwnerKeep's reliability database (**1877 individual year-make-model reports, 2026**). To cite this study:

> OwnerKeep. "The 10 Worst Used Cars of 2026 (Ranked by Expected Repair Cost)". May 2026. https://ownerkeep.com/studies/10-worst-used-cars-2026

If you're already looking at one of these, run the full report before you commit — it could save you thousands.

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*Want your specific year-make-model fully analyzed? Run a free reliability check at [OwnerKeep.com](https://ownerkeep.com/).*
