Let’s be real — no one wants a car that’s a ticking time bomb under the hood. We all dream of vehicles that just run without a fuss, that don’t leave us stranded on the highway or at the mercy of a tow truck.
But the car world? It’s hit or miss. Some models become legends for their long-lasting engines, while others gain a bad rap for costly recalls and headaches.
It’s known to cross 200,000 miles with basic maintenance, while others fail due to poor engineering, design flaws, or manufacturing shortcuts. And let’s not forget recalls — those dreaded letters car owners get saying, “Hey, we messed up, bring it in before it breaks.”
In this article, we’ll break down five cars with engines that rarely fail — vehicles that have earned respect for durability — and five cars with a track record of costly recalls that might make you think twice.
This isn’t about bashing or praising; it’s about helping you stay informed. You want a ride that’s worth your money? You’d better know what you’re getting into.
ALSO READ: 5 Cars That Don’t Crack in Ice and 5 That Break From Frost
5 Cars That Run Quiet in Rain
These cars are solidly built, with engines that hum smoothly even when the weather turns rough. They don’t sputter or cough when rain pours, and their parts stay sealed tight, resisting water intrusion. It’s why they’ve earned a rep for being calm, reliable performers no matter the conditions.
1. Toyota Camry
Ah, the Toyota Camry — the poster child for reliability. This car’s engine, especially the 2.5L 4-cylinder, is legendary for going 200,000+ miles with minimal fuss. What’s the secret? Toyota’s obsession with quality control and proven engineering. You don’t hear about Camry engines blowing up unexpectedly.
Oil changes, timing belt replacements, maybe the occasional spark plug swap — that’s pretty much all you need. Even better, the Camry’s engine handles harsh driving conditions, rain, snow, or heat without throwing tantrums. Its components are overengineered, meaning they last longer than you’d expect.
Sure, the Camry isn’t flashy or heart-racing. It’s not a car that screams excitement, but if you’re after dependability, it’s hard to beat. Mechanics often joke they “never see Camrys for engine repairs,” and they’re not lying.
That said, no car is perfect. Some older models had transmission quirks or minor electronic issues, but the engine block itself? Solid.
This is why the Camry consistently ranks high on reliability surveys, and owners keep coming back for more. You want a car that just works? The Camry is it.
2. Honda Accord
The Honda Accord has built a reputation over the decades as a rock-solid performer, especially when it comes to engine reliability. The 1.5L turbocharged and 2.0L engines found in recent models are known for smooth power delivery and impressive longevity.
Honda’s engineering focuses on precision — their engines are tightly built, and when properly maintained, they’re known to last past 250,000 miles. One big reason? Honda designs its engines to balance power and efficiency without overstraining components. You don’t hear about premature failures, cracked blocks, or catastrophic breakdowns like you might with less-tested brands.
Older Accords — especially from the early 2000s — are still roaming the streets, proving just how sturdy these engines are. Also, Honda avoids overcomplicating things, reducing the risk of failures from complex, unnecessary tech.
What helps even more is the massive global parts supply for Honda. If something does go wrong, repairs aren’t a nightmare to source or pay for.
Owners love the Accord not just for its reliability but because they know they’re driving something designed to keep running, year after year, without draining their savings.
3. Lexus RX
Lexus, Toyota’s luxury arm, brings the same durability but wraps it in a fancier package. The Lexus RX, especially with its 3.5L V6 engine, is built to last — and last quietly. You won’t hear rattles or clunks from under the hood, even after years on the road.
This engine is practically bulletproof when maintained. Lexus focuses on refinement, sure, but they don’t sacrifice reliability for luxury. The RX’s powertrain shares many parts with Toyota models, so you’re getting a high-end ride without the risk of exotic-car repair bills.
It’s also known for smooth driving in bad weather, thanks to its well-sealed components. Water intrusion, which kills engines over time, isn’t a problem here. Even older RX models can handle harsh climates without flinching.
Of course, some RX models have had minor electronic issues, but the engine block itself? Solid gold. Owners report 200,000 miles or more without major repairs, and many say the engine still purrs like new. You pay a premium for Lexus, sure — but you also get peace of mind.
4. Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is a favorite among adventure lovers, and a big part of that is its hardy Boxer engine. This unique flat-engine design not only keeps the center of gravity low but also runs reliably across tough terrains and weather.
Subaru engines, particularly the 2.5L versions, are known for durability when properly maintained. And yes, that’s the key — you’ve got to stay on top of oil changes, timing belt replacements, and routine checks. When you do, the Outback will reward you with consistent, dependable performance.
Another plus is Subaru’s focus on all-wheel-drive systems, which are designed alongside the engine to create a reliable, cohesive setup. Rain? Snow? Mud? The Outback powers through like it’s no big deal.
5. Mazda MX-5 Miata
Yeah, it’s a sporty little roadster, but the Mazda MX-5 Miata has one of the most reliable engines in the game. The 2.0L inline-4 engine in recent models is simple, robust, and designed to handle years of spirited driving without falling apart.
Mazda didn’t overcomplicate things here. They kept the engine design straightforward, which limits the points of failure. Owners regularly push these cars hard, yet the engines just keep going. Plus, the Miata community is full of enthusiasts who swear by its long-term durability — some early models have crossed 300,000 miles!
Another reason the Miata shines is its lightweight build. The engine isn’t under constant stress to move a heavy car, which helps extend its lifespan. Also, because Mazda focused on driver engagement over flash, they didn’t load it with unnecessary tech that could fail.
Sure, the Miata is a niche car — not everyone’s idea of a daily driver. But if you want a fun ride that doesn’t empty your wallet with engine repairs, it’s hard to beat. Light, simple, and shockingly durable — that’s the Miata magic.
5 Cars That Squeak, Rattle, and Leak
These models might look good at first, but when the rain hits, they squeak, rattle, or worse — leak. Some have poorly sealed engines or flawed parts that just don’t handle moisture well, leading to performance drops, odd noises, and long-term damage that hits owners square in the wallet.
ALSO READ: 5 Cars That Stay Dry in Flood Zones and 5 That Let Water In
6. Ford Escape
Now, let’s switch gears. The Ford Escape has had a rocky reputation, especially when it comes to recalls. Owners of the 2013-2019 models know this pain all too well.
One major issue? The engine fires. Ford had to recall thousands of Escapes due to coolant leaks that led to overheating and, in some cases, engine fires.
That’s not a small problem — that’s a safety crisis. Repairs weren’t cheap either, and even after fixes, some owners reported lingering issues.
To be fair, not every Escape is doomed, but the frequency and severity of these recalls hit hard. It’s a shame because the Escape is otherwise a decent compact SUV, but when you’re worried about your car catching fire, it’s hard to feel confident behind the wheel.
Add to that some transmission complaints, power loss problems, and turbocharger issues in certain models, and you’ve got a car that’s left more than a few owners frustrated. Ford has worked to address these concerns, but the stain of past recalls sticks around.
If you’re eyeing a used Escape, do your homework and make sure all recall work has been done. Otherwise, you might end up paying dearly.
7. Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee, especially the 2014-2016 models, has a pretty rough track record when it comes to recalls and engine problems.
One notorious issue? The transmission software problems caused the vehicle to slip into neutral without warning. Drivers reported sudden loss of power — on the highway, no less — which led to several recalls. That’s scary, not just annoying.
On top of that, some Cherokee models faced engine stalling, electrical failures, and oil consumption issues. Jeep tried to patch things up with updates and service bulletins, but many owners were stuck paying out-of-pocket for repairs that came after warranty expiration.
The Cherokee’s design as a rugged, off-road-friendly SUV is appealing, but reliability has not been its strong suit. Owners frequently report frustration over repeat visits to the dealership and inconsistent fixes.
Sure, newer models are improving, but the damage to the Cherokee’s reputation is done. Anyone looking at a used one should double-check recall records and service history before buying. Without that, you’re rolling the dice on a car that might cost more in repairs than you bargained for.
8. Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox, especially the 2010-2017 models, faced several engine-related headaches that led to costly recalls.
A big issue? Excessive oil consumption. Some owners found themselves adding quarts of oil between changes, and if they didn’t stay on top of it, the engine risked severe damage. Chevrolet issued fixes, but many say the repairs didn’t fully solve the underlying design problem.
Then there were timing chain failures and engine stalling problems, particularly in the 2.4L Ecotec engines. Owners reported frustration at the high costs of repairs, sometimes just outside the warranty window. Imagine paying thousands to fix an issue you didn’t cause — yeah, it stings.
The Equinox is marketed as a family-friendly SUV, but its history of engine troubles has made it a risky bet for some buyers. Chevrolet has made improvements in later models, but if you’re shopping for a used Equinox, check the engine history carefully.
Some mechanics even warn: “Watch the oil like a hawk, or you’re asking for trouble.” That’s not the kind of confidence you want when buying a car, is it?
9. Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue has been a popular crossover, but certain model years — particularly 2013-2016 — have faced tough recalls and complaints.
A major sore spot? Transmission issues. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) used in these Rogues has been prone to overheating and failure, leading to multiple recalls and class-action lawsuits. Replacing a CVT isn’t cheap — we’re talking thousands — and for many owners, it’s happened just outside warranty.
Engine-wise, some Rogues have struggled with excessive oil consumption and sensor failures, causing unexpected stalling or loss of power. Nissan worked on software updates and extended warranties for some affected models, but the damage to trust was already done.
It’s frustrating because the Rogue is otherwise a solid, comfortable crossover. However, transmission and engine troubles make it a risky choice, especially in the used market.
If you’re looking at a Rogue, make sure you know exactly which year and which engine you’re getting, because that could mean the difference between a happy ownership experience and a nightmare of repeated repairs.
10. Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata, especially the 2011-2014 models, got hit with some brutal engine recalls. The main culprit? Defects in the engine manufacturing process that could cause premature wear, knocking, and — worst of all — engine failure.
Hyundai ended up recalling hundreds of thousands of vehicles due to these problems, offering extended warranties and free engine replacements. Sounds good, right? Well, not if you were one of the unlucky owners stuck with a blown engine on the highway before the recall notice arrived.
On top of that, there were reports of oil sludge buildup, stalling, and excessive oil consumption in certain engines. Hyundai worked hard to improve quality control after this fiasco, and newer Sonatas are much better — but the sting of those costly failures still lingers.
If you’re considering a used Sonata from these years, double-check if the recall work has been done and ask for proof. Otherwise, you could inherit someone else’s mechanical mess.
It’s a shame because the Sonata offers great value and features for the price, but that’s only true if the engine under the hood is solid.
At the end of the day, buying a car isn’t just about looks or tech features — it’s about reliability. You want a machine that works when you need it, without surprise breakdowns or hidden repair bills. The five cars we highlighted as durable champs have earned their reputations through years of solid engineering and careful design.
On the flip side, the five models we called out for costly recalls serve as a warning. Even well-known brands can stumble, and even popular cars can have major design flaws. Recalls happen, sure, but when they’re tied to critical issues like engine failures or fire risks, that’s a serious red flag.
The takeaway here? Always do your homework before buying. Look up recall histories, check owner reviews, and talk to trusted mechanics. Don’t assume that just because a car is new or popular, it’s automatically reliable.
At the end of the day, your car is more than just transportation — it’s a partner in your daily life. Pick the right one, and it’ll serve you well for years. Pick the wrong one, and you’ll be stuck in the repair shop wondering why you didn’t listen to the warnings.
