Buying used: the models and years to avoid (and how to protect yourself)

Nissan CVTs, recalled Hyundai and Kia engines, Ford's PowerShift: the known problems that separate a good deal from a money pit.

A model can be excellent… except for a few specific years. A badly designed gearbox or a recalled engine can turn a bargain into a repair bill worth thousands. Here are the best-known cases among vehicles from 2010 to today.

The problems to know

ModelsYearsProblem
Nissan Rogue, Altima, Sentra, Pathfinder, Versa, Jukeabout 2013–2018Fragile CVT
Hyundai Sonata, Santa Fe Sport; Kia Optima, Sorento, Sportage2011–2019 depending on modelRecalled 2.0 T and 2.4 L (Theta II) engines
Ford Fiesta and Focus2011–2016PowerShift dual-clutch gearbox
Honda CR-V 1.5 turbo2017–2018Fuel-in-oil dilution in cold weather
Jeep Cherokee2014–2016Troublesome 9-speed automatic
Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain 2.4 L2010–2017Excessive oil consumption
Subaru Impreza, Forester, Legacy, Outbackabout 2011–2015Oil consumption
BMW turbo four (N20)2012–2015Timing chain
Toyota Tundra (non-hybrid twin-turbo V6)2022–2023Engine replaced under recall

Nissan and CVTs

Much of Nissan's 2010s lineup used a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that failed often. In Quebec, the Superior Court authorized a class action over these gearboxes in 2021. Improvements made around 2020 appear to have fixed most of the problem. If you want a used Nissan, aim for a newer one, ideally still under the original warranty.

Hyundai and Kia: Theta II engines

Millions of vehicles were covered by recalls and settlements over engine failures. In return, Hyundai and Kia installed knock-detection software and extended the engine warranty on affected vehicles. A car from this period isn't automatically a no, but ask for proof the recalls were done.

Ford PowerShift

The dual-clutch gearbox in the Fiesta and Focus caused shudder, hesitation and repeated clutch failures. Manual-transmission versions don't have this problem.

The Tundra case

On 2022 and 2023 Tundras with the non-hybrid twin-turbo V6, Toyota chose to replace the whole engine because of machining debris. Almost 10,000 trucks were affected in Canada. Once the new engine is in, the truck is a good buy again: ask for proof of the work.

How to protect yourself

  1. Check recalls using the VIN in Transport Canada's database or on the manufacturer's site.
  2. Ask for maintenance records. Regular oil changes greatly reduce oil- and timing-chain-related risks.
  3. Get a vehicle history report (accidents, liens, mileage).
  4. Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic. About $100–200, well spent.
  5. Test drive it cold if you can: start-up noises, gearbox hesitation and smoke are easier to spot.

Our quiz accounts for these years: when you shop used, it suggests the best year within your budget while skipping known problem years, and flags them clearly on each result.