8. Chrysler
Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
- parent/owner: Stellantis North America
- established: 1925 (Chrysler); 2021 (Stellantis)
- average annual maintenance: $608.00
Down to One
Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
Chrysler has been around just shy of a century, so they know a thing or two about the car biz. However, as of 2024, the brand produces only one consumer model, the Pacifica. The Chrysler Pacifica is a stylish, upscale minivan offering a range of amenities, including advanced infotainment systems. The days of counting cows and looking for out-of-state plates are long gone.
Generation Alpha watches the latest releases on their way to Grandma’s. So, while infotainment issues don’t affect the performance of your stylish minivan, they do affect the performance of your toddler. Beyond the inconsequential infotainment malfunctions, the Pacifica suffers from transmission problems that affect the powertrain, and electrical problems with the cruise control. And as of January 2024, a lawsuit has been filed against the brand citing that their voluntary recall was not sufficient in that their hybrid plug-in Pacifica continues to be prone to burst into flames spontaneously.
7. Volkswagen
Wikimedia Commons
- parent/owner: Volkswagen Group
- established: 1937
- average annual maintenance: $676.00
Pardon Me, Is that the Chattanooga VW Production Plant?
Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
Though Volkswagen is a German automaker, since 2011 VW has had an assembly facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee that assembles the VW Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and the ID.4. Volkswagen has spent the last few years outrunning the Dieselgate (2015) in which it was revealed that VW had installed software in its diesel vehicles designed to cheat emissions tests. The scandal resulted in widespread legal action, fines, and reputational damage for the brand. Let’s hope they learned from their debacle. The Atlas is plagued by electrical issues and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) failure, along with shattering sunroofs. With average annual maintenance costs hovering around the national average, the VW Atlas is reasonable.
6. Volvo
Scott Olson / Getty Images
- parent/owner: Volvo/Geely
- established: 1927 (Volvo); 1986 ( Geely)
- average annual maintenance: $746.00
Volvo has Found a Home in South Carolina
Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
A Swedish car company on a list of American-made cars? Well, Volvo operates 12 manufacturing facilities in seven U.S. states, with over 17k employees. The first and principal U.S. Volvo plant, located in Ridgeville, South Carolina, broke ground in 2015 and began production (assemblage) in 2017. The plant is focused on the S60, and as of 2023, the EX90, a fully electric SUV. ABS and strut mount failures are among the S60’s most common concerns, along with false warning lights and power-steering fluid leakage. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates the Volvo S60 as good overall, but higher-than-average maintenance costs drag the Volvo down.
5. Ford
Wikimedia Commons
- parent/owner: Ford Motor Company/Ford Family
- established: 1903
- average annual maintenance: $775.00
Escape to the Edge
Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
Ford Motor Company is about as American as you can get. ord Motor Founded in 1903 by Henry Ford, the automaker has had a profound effect on the global automotive industry. Popularizing assembly line manufacturing, Ford played a pivotal role in making automobiles accessible to the mass market. Ford continues to evolve with advancements in technology and a commitment to sustainability. Issues with the transmission, including engine failure in the Ford Ecoboost engines, which is the result of a faulty valve. Those in the know suggest Ford’s mid-size SUVs, including the Escape and the Edge are their most reliable models.
4. Tesla
jetcityimage / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons
- parent/owner: Elon Musk
- established: 2003 (Tesla Motors, Inc.); 2008 (Elon Musk)
- average annual maintenance: $832.00
What’s that Musky Odor?
greggjerdingen / Flickr
Tesla, Tesla, Tesla… The Tesla brand has generated one of the more polarizing responses to a car in recent history. While many Tesla owners praise the company for its innovation, performance, and commitment to sustainable transportation, others express criticism and skepticism on various fronts, including concerns about the safety and reliability of Tesla’s Autopilot feature. Many of these concerns result from misconceptions regarding the actual abilities and limits of the system. Other problems include premature failure of suspension and steering columns, range inflation, and issues with the battery. Higher-than-average maintenance costs, coupled with these common issues make the Tesla one of the 8 worst American-made car brands.
