Avoid at All Costs
If you’ve been thinking about buying a truck, you’ll have noticed there are many options to consider. However, there are some trucks you should steer clear of, especially if you’re buying used. With that in mind, here are 20 trucks to avoid at all costs.
1. Ford F-150 (2006)
Fans of Ford should know that the brand has never been known for its reliability. The 2006 model, in particular, had been recalled 14 times for issues ranging from brake warnings to airbags to wiper motor malfunctions.
2. Nissan Frontier (2008)
Buying a pickup truck from a company that rarely does pickup trucks may not be the best bet. Regardless, the Frontier struggles with fuel tank issues and serious airbag concerns that have led to recalls.
3. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2014)
Despite its initial high safety ratings, this model has received thousands of consumer complaints and over 20 safety recalls. The biggest issues appear in defects in seatbelts, over-braking, and steering loss.
order_242 from Chile on Wikimedia
4. Toyota Tacoma (2016)
Toyota is considered one of the most reliable brands in the world, consistently ranking at the #1 and #2 spot. However, their 2016 Tacomas did little to this credit. The model was hit with numerous recalls due to design flaws in the hood scoop and loose nuts and bolts.
5. Dodge Ram 1500 (2006)
It seems 2006 was a bad year for plenty of trucks, and the Dodge Ram struggled just as much. With over 1,000 complaints, the 2006 Ram has been called out for AC, heating, and engine issues. Apparently, it also shakes while braking.
6. Ford F-150 (2021)
Unfortunately for Ford, their bad luck was not a one-off. The recent 2021 model of the F-150 also underwent recalls. Here’s a fun fact: Ford F-150 trucks have actually received the most manufacturer recalls ever. The issue with the 2021 model, in particular, was its axle breaking.
7. Toyota Tundra (2022)
Similarly, Toyota stumbled more than once as well. The 2022 Tundra model led to numerous unhappy consumers as build quality concerns became apparent. Also, it turns out the infotainment system is also experiencing glitches.
8. Honda Ridgeline (2006)
Maybe it’s time to steer clear of any truck built in 2006. Either way, the Ridgeline suffers from hundreds of complaints and numerous recalls. The biggest issues are the electrical system and the airbag, which was the cause of many of the recalls.
U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Wikimedia
9. Jeep Gladiator (2020)
Jeep has been pretty consistent with putting out truck after truck, and they’re well known for their unique design and style. However, the issue with the Gladiator ranges from its steering to its engine cooling to its audio equipment.
10. Chevrolet Colorado (2008)
While its yearly maintenance costs are lower than other models out there, it’s worth noting that the 2008 Colorado has undergone two recalls for major engine issues and cooling system problems.
11. Dodge Ram 2500 (2012)
Unfortunately, Dodge Ram did not learn from its mistakes and missed once more with their 2012 2500 model. Apparently, the engine caught on fire during test crashes, and it was also recalled due to fire risks. Yikes!
order_242 from Chile on Wikimedia
12. Dodge Ram 2500 (2006)
Remember how 2006 was a terrible year for many trucks? Well, the Dodge Ram 2500 also struggled through 2006, experiencing 11 total recalls for transmission and drivetrain components.
13. Chevrolet Silverado (2005)
You’ve probably noticed this is the second time the Silverado appears on this list. With a very low reliability score, it makes sense that this vehicle got recalled 14 times for brake problems.
14. GMC Sierra 1500 (2017)
Whether you love or hate GMC, the 2017 Sierra is one you want to steer clear of. Due to brake inefficiencies and issues with airbag deployment, this model has undergone numerous recalls.
15. Mazda B-Series (2003)
There’s a reason Mazda doesn’t make many trucks, probably because people very rarely look to them for such vehicles. Also, their 2003 model received a whopping 19 out of 100 for reliability in Consumer Reports.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
16. Dodge Ram 1500 (2014)
If you’ve been paying attention, you’ve probably noticed that the Dodge Ram 1500 is making another appearance. The issue with the 2014 model is concerns with transmission, steering, engine, airbags, and powertrain. Essentially, it’s a whole mess.
order_242 from Chile on Wikimedia
17. Ford F-350 (2019)
You might feel like this list is picking on Ford, but it’s hard to argue with their 4 out of 100 for reliability in Consumer Reports. That might be as low as a score can get, and the 2019 model has also suffered from high maintenance costs and 15 recalls for everything from engine to transmission.
RL GNZLZ from Chile on Wikimedia
18. Dodge Ram SRT-10 (2004)
The issue with the 2004 SRT-10 is its cheap drivetrain parts. While it certainly brought down maintenance costs, it also had major effects on hydraulics, oil coolers, and power steering.
19. Nissan Titan (2004)
Similarly, in 2004, the Nissan Titan also suffered due to issues with its rear axle seals. This, in addition to fluid leakages, led to costly repairs that are better off avoided.
20. Ford F-150 (2015)
Even up to a decade ago, Ford has struggled, as the 2015 model received a list of Technical Service Bulletins. The biggest issues involve transmission problems, as well as fuel economy concerns and liner warping.
