These Cars Break Down the Most: What's Wrong With Them?

Some cars become a headache for their owners from the moment they are brand new. This is why insurance and roadside assistance agents recommend avoiding them.

There are horror stories of motorists repeatedly calling roadside assistance for vehicle breakdowns. What's surprising is that many of these cases involve the same car models, suggesting that some cars are more prone to issues than others.

For example, in the 1990s and early 2000s, the Citroën Xantia was notorious in the car insurance industry because its hydraulic undercarriage had a tendency to slip. When that happened, the car became virtually undriveable.

But there are cars that are even worse, at least according to the car specialist website Drive.com.au. The media recently interviewed Rob, who has been working as a roadside assistant for over 20 years and wishes to remain anonymous.

In the interview, he reveals that, in his experience, the cars that break down the most are Chevrolets, especially the Cruze and Captiva models. The Captiva was an SUV that became a big hit in several European countries when the brand was still sold there, while the Cruze, based on the Opel Astra J, sold better in other regions.

"Everything is wrong with them. Cables break, batteries collapse, alternators fail. Wheel bearings, drive shafts, gearboxes—you name it—it all breaks," he says in the interview.

However, Chevrolet isn't the only brand falling short, according to roadside assistance expert Rob. He points out that Ford, particularly models from around 2010 like the then-current Focus, also suffers from significant reliability issues. These vehicles, he notes, are plagued by a range of problems, from malfunctioning electronics to plastic engine components that tend to crack over time. These issues can lead to frequent and costly repairs, leaving owners frustrated and out of pocket.

According to him, these cars have so many technical and electronic problems that they aren't worth the money.

If you do decide to purchase a second-hand car, Rob strongly recommends securing an additional warranty with the purchase. This extra layer of protection can help cover the cost of unexpected repairs and provide some peace of mind, especially when dealing with vehicles known for their reliability issues.