4 Cars With Engines That Could Fail
4 Cars With Engines That Could Fail
Terence LooseSun, February 22, 2026 at 9:00 PM UTC
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Whether you're buying a new or used car, it's no small decision. Cars are expensive. In fact, the average annual cost to own a car is roughly $12,000. That includes, car loan payments, fuel, maintenance, repairs, tires, registration, insurance and depreciation. The point is, with that kind of investment, you definitely want to keep your unexpected repair costs low and the number of years your car will last high.
With that in mind, we reached out to Todd Bialaszewski, a certified mechanic and founder of Junk Car Medics, which buys used and junk cars from private sellers around the nation. His company did an analysis of the average lifespan of more than 50,000 junk cars to identify the vehicles with the longest and shortest lives. Their data found that the average lifespan for a car in the U.S. is 16.58 years -- not bad. But to get there, he said, you'll need to do regular maintenance and drive safely. It also helps to choose the right car.
Here are his thoughts on what cars he would steer clear of.
Kia Optima -
Average Lifespan: 11.41 years
"The Kia Optima may look appealing, but our data shows it doesn't last as long as many other vehicles," said Bialaszewski. "Common issues include engine failures and transmission problems, which can lead to costly repairs. The trend suggests underlying reliability concerns."
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Nissan Rogue -
Average Lifespan: 12.11 years
"The Nissan Rogue, despite its popularity, often finds its way to the junkyard sooner than expected," said Bialaszewski. He said that expensive electrical issues as well as frequent failures with the CVT transmission often make this a frustrating and costly car to own.
Dodge Journey -
Average Lifespan: 11.15 years
"The Dodge Journey is another model that doesn't hold up well over time. Our data shows a shorter lifespan, and it's notorious for poor reliability," said Bialaszewski. He said that the Journey is often plagued with costly transmission and electrical problems. "It's best to avoid this model if you're looking for a dependable used car for years to come."
Chevrolet Cruze -
Average Lifespan: 9.84 years
"The Chevrolet Cruze has a reputation for engine and electrical problems, which aligns with our data showing a shorter lifespan," said Bialaszewski. "Turbocharged models, in particular, seem to have more frequent and severe issues. Potential buyers
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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Source: “AOL Money”
