Six Vehicles with Fatal Engines or Transmissions to Avoid

Don't Walk---RUN from These Vehicles Listed

Here is some need-to-know info in a "Do Not Buy" video on specific models with engines and transmissions recently posted on the Car Wizard YouTube channel that the host advises potential buyers not to just walk away…but run away from any model carrying his list of fatal engines and transmissions.

Relates article: Used Car Transmission Problem Options You Need To Know

Here is a summary of the makes and models carrying the engines and transmissions the Car Wizard highly recommends car buyers to avoid based on his years of experience that are the ones new and used car shoppers should stay away from.

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1. Any of the Ford F-150, F-250, E-150, E-250 Expedition or Excursion models with the 5.4L 3-valve Triton motor: blocked oil passages and cam phase problems that the host says "...if there 10 on a lot---3-4 of them will have at least one of these problems that will run you $7,000 to fix"---but only temporarily. There's no true fix for these motors.

2. Any year Nissan Q, Maxima, Altima, Rogue, Sentra models from 2006-2010 that came with the CVT transmission. "These transmissions are absolutely 100% intolerant of any skipped maintenance" says the host adding that the oil and filter MUST be changed regularly every 30-40K miles or they are guaranteed to fail…even though they are advertised as "sealed for life" transmissions never needing any maintenance! One fun fact from the Car Wizard is that "No one rebuilds these transmissions." Instead, it's a $7,000-8,000 replacement in your vehicle.

Related article: The Sealed Transmission White Lie

3. Any cars that have the 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged engine such as the Buick Encore, Chevy Sonic, Chevy Trax, and Chevy Cruise. According to the host, these engines fail so often that there are no replacement engines to be expected available until 2024. That's how backlogged repairs are on vehicles with this problematic engine with turbo issues, oil burning rings and other internal engine issues. "They are so cheaply made, they will fall apart very fast," says the Car Wizard.

4. Any GM vehicle with the 3.6L V6-cylinder engine such as the larger GM vehicles: the Buick Enclave, the GM Arcadia, the Chevrolet Traverse, the Cadillac ATS, CTS, and CT6--- that the Car Wizard states "These engines are trash. They have timing chain problems, timing guide problems…." If you see a check engine light come on indicating that there is a timing related problem, you have to have the engine serviced immediately for repair or will have the experience of your engine grenading on you as the timing chain breaks and the pistons slam against the valves.

Related article: The First Thing to Check with a Check Engine Light Warning

Related article: Timing Chain and Timing Belt Problems and Repair Demonstrated by Mechanics

5. Fiat-made 3.6L engines that are notorious for cracked cylinder heads found in the Dodge Caravan, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Journey, Chrysler Town and Country, and the Jeep Wrangler. They are typically diagnosed with blown head gasket and engine overheating problems…among sundry problems too numerous to mention.

Related article: Consumer Reports Mechanics Advise Avoiding These Models Known for Blowing a Gasket

6. Nissan Titan, Nissan Armada, Infinity QX56 or the QX80 with the 5.6L V8 engine. Oddly enough, the engine problems these vehicles have is not the engine itself, but the catalytic converters falling apart inside and the debris getting sucked into the engine resulting in a horrible sound as your engine grenades on you into total destruction. The problem too, has to do with owners who get a catalytic converter warning and/or some exhaust rattling noise and fail to take immediate action and wait until it is too late.

In addition, these engines are gas guzzlers that get only 10-12 miles per gallon at best and have a significant number of other system problems with failing components. "They are scrap metal on four wheels," says the Car Wizard.

The Must-Watch Video That Will Save You Money and Headaches

For more detailed information on just why these engines and transmissions have proven themselves to be the worst, here is the video in its entirety that is sure to make you rethink any of the listed vehicles before buying one that looks like a great deal on the lot or in an ad. Caveat Emptor and all that!

Never, EVER buy these Engines/Transmissions according to 20+ years CAR WIZARD mechanic experience!

And finally…

For additional articles about the Car Wizard, here are two popular ones posted in the past:

The Best Used Car Deals Mechanics Recommend Against Buying

Engine Swapping Expert Reveals the Realities About Engine Replacement

COMING UP NEXT: Good Morning Monday, Car Repair Humor

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

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