- Owner data rank models launched in last five years by faults and repairs
- Audi Q2: 82.4% reliability; 24% owners report faults; repairs 1,500-10,000 RON
- Mercedes S-Class reliability 88.1%; over half have minor issues; quick warranty repairs
- BMW 5 Series (2010-2014) 39% faults; exhaust and engine issues; up to 7,500 RON
In the world of automobiles, reliability is one of the most important factors in the buying decision. While some cars run for years with only basic maintenance—oil changes, tires, and wipers—others end up spending more time in the shop than on the road.
We analyzed owner-reported reliability data to identify the most problematic models launched in the last five years. The ratings are based on real owner experiences, including fault frequency, types of issues, and repair costs.
25. Audi Q2 (2016 - Present)
photo source: motor1.com
Reliability rating: 82.4%
The Audi compact SUV shows issues for 24% of owners. The main faults reported:
- 10% electrical system or engine issues
- 7% serious defects in the transmission, gearbox, or clutch
Most repairs were completed quickly, in under a week, many under warranty. Average repair cost outside warranty: 1,500-10,000 RON.
24. BMW 5 Series (2010-2014)
photo source: vezicatface.ro
Reliability rating: 88.4%
Although the rating seems decent, over 39% of owners reported faults. Common issues include:
- 10% exhaust system faults
- 8% engine problems
25% of cars became temporarily undrivable. Repair costs reached up to 7,500 RON.
23. Mercedes S-Class (2013 - Present)
photo source: autotrader.co.uk
Reliability rating: 88.1%
The aura of German luxury is not immune to problems. More than 50% of cars suffered at least one minor issue. Positive notes:
- Most repairs performed under warranty
- All cars returned to the road in less than a week
- Average repair cost: approximately 1,500 lei
22. Mercedes C-Class (2014 - Present)
photo source: drivemag.com
Reliability rating: 87.6%
Less than a third of owners experienced problems, focusing on:
- Exhaust system
- Electrical side
- Suspension
About half were immobilized for more than a week, and 25% could not be started. Repair costs reached up to 5,000 lei for some owners.
21. BMW 1 Series diesel (2011-2014)
photo source: bmwblog.ro
Reliability rating: 87.0%
In contrast to the previous generation, the new 1 Series presents more issues. 34% of diesel variants had faults, mostly with the engine. One in five cars were immobilized for more than a week, with costs up to 3,000 lei.
20. Peugeot 208 (2012-2019)
photo source: car-recalls.eu
Reliability rating: 87.0%
A third of owners faced issues with:
- Suspension
- Engine
- Non-electric parts
The cars could still be driven, repairs taking on average one week. Costs: approximately 1,500 lei.
19. Jaguar XF (2007-2015)
photo source: supercars.net
Reliability rating: 86.8%
Although 37% of cars had problems, all could still be driven. Repairs lasted at most one day, many under warranty; others under 1,000 lei.
18. Nissan Pulsar (2014-2018)
photo source: car-recalls.eu
Reliability rating: 86.6%
More than 40% of owners reported problems, mostly battery-related. Half could not be started, but repairs were performed quickly, on the same day. 75% repaired under warranty, others: 500-1,500 lei.
17. Volkswagen T-Roc (2018 - Present)
photo source: husa-auto.ro
Reliability rating: 86.5%
25% of cars had issues:
- 13% body issues
- The rest: engine and electrical
All repairs were carried out under warranty, some taking a week.
16. Seat Ibiza (2008-2017)
photo source: olx.ro
Reliability rating: 86.0%
The old Ibiza doesn’t age gracefully. Over 25% are problematic, a third requiring more than a week for repairs. About half were repaired under warranty, the rest at an average cost of 2,500 lei.
15. Opel Insignia (2008-2017)
photo source: youtube.com
Reliability rating: 85.4%
One in four cars faced major issues:
- Braking system
- Engine
Half of cars were immobilized. Repair costs: 250-7,500 lei.
14. Mercedes C-Coupe (2016 - Present)
photo source: motor1.com
Reliability rating: 83.8%
28% had fairly rapid problems. Main faults:
- Transmission/clutch
- Non-electric side
25% repaired quickly under warranty, others: 5,000-7,500 lei.
13. Jaguar XE diesel (2015 - Present)
photo source: lloydmotorgroup.com
Reliability rating: 82.6%
The diesel model fared worse than the petrol version, with over 14 different problem types reported. 75% of cars could still be driven. Costs for the less lucky: 2,500-12,000 lei.
12. Land Rover Discovery (2004-2017)
photo source: whichcar.co.uk
Reliability rating: 82.5%
Both the old and newer models show similar levels of issues. 41% had at least one problem. Half spent over a week in service, with costs up to 4,000 lei for non-warranty repairs.
11. Renault ZOE (2013 - Present)
photo source: blog.autovit.ro
Reliability rating: 82.3%
A high percentage reported issues, mostly electrical. All repairs were under warranty, over three-quarters not immobilized for more than a week.
10. Opel Astra diesel (2015 - Present)
photo source: aproapemasini.com
Reliability rating: 82.3%
The diesel version had 10% more problems than the petrol one:
- 25% brake system issues
- 20% engine or transmission problems
30% spent two weeks in service, but all repairs were under warranty.
9. Nissan Qashqai petrol (2014 - Present)
photo source: nissan.ro
Reliability rating: 82.1%
48% of petrol variants had problems (vs. 42% diesel):
- 24% battery issues
- 6% braking system or engine and transmission
Over 70% repaired the same day, many under warranty.
8. Land Rover Discovery Sport (2014 - Present)
photo source: drivek.co.uk
Reliability rating: 81.9%
43% of owners reported problems across almost all categories, except steering. 25% spent over a week in service. Some owners paid up to 7,500 lei.
7. Renault Kadjar (2015 - Present)
photo source: masinipestoc.ro
Reliability rating: 81.3%
Many issues on the electrical side:
- 34% electrical faults
- 11% other problems
25% immobilized for a week. 75% repaired under warranty, the rest up to 7,500 lei.
6. Ford Edge (2017 - Present)
photo source: autoblog.com
Reliability rating: 80.7%
45% required service, many staying over a week:
- 15% electrical issues
- Air conditioning problems
Repairs were performed free of charge.
5. Range Rover Evoque (2011-2019)
photo source: autoexpress.co.uk
Reliability rating: 78.4%
Owners reported issues across 13 of 14 categories (only steering was spared). Over 50% were immobilized. Costs up to 7,500 lei for some owners.
4. Range Rover Velar (2017 - Present)
photo source: motorauthority.com
Reliability rating: 77.9%
48% of owners reported problems:
- Body
- Interior
- Navigation
Repairs under warranty, but cars spent more than a week in service.
3. Jeep Renegade (2015 - Present)
photo source: autoinfluence.com
Reliability rating: 77.1%
A car full of electrical glitches. Over 50% reported issues with navigation and the display freezing or shutting down. Repairs were quick, but one in three owners paid 250-7,500 lei.
2. Nissan X-Trail (2014 - Present)
photo source: nissan.ro
Reliability rating: 77.1%
39% reported problems in at least 11 of 14 categories. Half repaired the same day, others stayed off the road for more than a week. Costs up to 7,500 lei for those without warranty.
1. Range Rover (2013 - Present)
photo source: carsguide.com.au
Reliability rating: 69.3%
Most issues appeared at the battery, but major components such as the transmission or suspension also suffered. Repairs under warranty for the lucky ones; others paid up to 5,000 lei.
Conclusions
The data show that premium brands are not necessarily synonymous with high reliability. Land Rover and Jaguar dominate the top of the reliability problem list, while some German models surprise with frequent defects. Before buying a car, check the reliability history and ensure you have an extended warranty for models with low ratings.