Japanese cars earned a strong reputation for lasting long and running well. However, not all models today meet this standard. Major brands like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan continue to rank high overall, but certain models within these brands stand out as problematic.
These vehicles have complex engines, parts that fail early, and expensive repairs. They include cars with problematic transmissions and faulty hybrid systems. These seven Japanese cars pose serious financial risks for American buyers seeking dependable vehicles.
1. Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima tops experts’ lists of cars to avoid due to chronic transmission failures. Mechanic Alan Gelfand warns that the Altima’s transmission often develops serious problems, including shuddering and power loss, before reaching 100,000 miles.
The faulty Jatco CVT has troubled Nissan vehicles for over twenty years. Failures start at 40,000 miles and commonly occur between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. Watch for rough acceleration, whining sounds, high engine speeds with poor movement, and growing vibrations.
Why Altima Ownership Becomes Financially Devastating
Altima owners face transmission replacement costs ranging from $3,500 to $8,000, depending on whether they choose a dealer or independent service. Even extended warranties leave owners stranded when transmissions fail shortly after coverage ends.
Experts recommend the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord instead. Their standard automatic transmissions last longer and are less expensive to maintain over the vehicle’s lifetime.
2. Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue, Nissan’s top-selling vehicle in the U.S., faces criticism for its problematic VC-Turbo engine. This compact model uses a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine with variable compression and turbocharging.
While impressive in theory, this combination fails badly in practice. In June 2025, Nissan recalled 443,899 vehicles, including 348,554 Rogue models, due to faulty engine bearings that could cause catastrophic failure. Problems include engine damage, power loss, stalling, and complete engine failure.
Rogue Buyers Face Engine Failure and Transmission Misery Combined
The Rogue also suffers from the same faulty Jatco CVT transmission found in other Nissan vehicles. Owners report rough idle, stalling, and complete engine failure. One plaintiff reported major engine problems starting at just 157 miles on a new vehicle.
While Nissan extended the powertrain warranty to ten years and 120,000 miles for recalled vehicles, the complex engine and unreliable transmission make the Rogue a risky long-term investment. Experts recommend the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V instead.
3. Toyota RAV4 Prime
The Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid shows Toyota’s rare reliability problems. Expert Lauren Fix notes the hybrid’s added complexity causes battery cooling and electric/gas drivetrain failures.
Consumer Reports documented system faults, electronic failures, and lengthy repair times, resulting in multiple recalls.
The vehicle has recalls for cold-weather stalling, DC-DC converter fire risks, and hybrid control system failures that can cause sudden power loss at highway speeds.
RAV4 Prime’s Cold Weather Stalling and Fire Risk Recalls
The hybrid system shuts down during rapid acceleration in EV mode, particularly in cold weather, creating hazardous situations at high speeds. Another recall involved 43,442 vehicles with faulty DC-DC converters that could short-circuit and cause fires.
Toyota advised owners not to charge vehicles when temperatures drop below 41°F. Owners also report screen freezes, failed charging sessions, and battery warnings. Standard RAV4 hybrid models maintain strong reliability; however, the Prime’s added complexity introduces some problems.
4. Honda Passport
The Honda Passport, reintroduced in 2019, has disappointed owners with persistent drivetrain problems that have hurt Honda’s reputation for reliability. Consumer Reports found drivetrain vibrations, rear differential leaks, and issues with the electronic system.
Some owners reported repeated repairs before reaching 50,000 miles. Mechanic Alan Gelfand warns that the high repair costs after the warranty expires make this SUV a risky purchase. Warning signs include unusual noises, hard shifting, delayed all-wheel-drive engagement, and warning lights.
Passport Owners Battle Unresolved Drivetrain and Electronics Issues
Owners report multiple unresolved issues despite repeated service visits. One owner reported that the vehicle pulled to the right on all road surfaces from day two of ownership, requiring four dealer visits, two paid alignments, and multiple tire rotations without resolving the issue.
The same owner experienced dashboard error messages, radio failures, inconsistent Android Auto functionality, and quality issues that Honda dealerships were unable to resolve. Experts recommend the Toyota 4Runner and Subaru Outback as more dependable alternatives.
5. Infiniti QX60
The Infiniti QX60 combines the worst aspects: Nissan’s faulty CVT transmission with luxury-level repair costs and electrical problems. As Nissan’s luxury division, Infiniti shares manufacturing and parts with its parent brand, inheriting the same chronic issues.
Edmunds owners reported sudden transmission failure and electrical faults, causing expensive repairs and poor resale value. The QX60 uses a troubled 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that feels undersized for this large three-row SUV.
QX60 Electrical Gremlins and Expensive Repair Nightmare
Electrical problems go beyond minor inconveniences, affecting critical safety systems. Owners report issues with broken infotainment screens, unresponsive controls, excessive battery drain, flickering lights, failed tire pressure monitors, and key fob problems.
One owner spent over $70,000 on a 2023 QX60 Autograph, but then faced engine problems that required a fuel pump replacement. This owner also required extensive wiring repairs and repeated sensor replacements, which dealers initially overlooked.
Repair bills often exceed the car’s value as it ages due to premium service rates.
6. Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander suffers from unreliable electronics, drivetrain vibrations, and poor build quality, reflecting the company’s financial struggles and market decline. Expert Lauren Fix noted infotainment glitches, charging port failures, and service departments unable to resolve repeated faults.
Consumer Reports predicts only average reliability, concerning for an established manufacturer. The Outlander’s faulty CVT transmission, supplied by Jatco, fails prematurely and costs significantly to replace.
Outlander Owners Report Multiple Unresolved Defects and Quality Issues
Owners describe serious quality control failures. Multiple owners report that their LED screens randomly go black and reboot while driving, require rack-and-pinion steering replacements within the first month, fail driver mirrors, and experience repeated service visits without resolving the issues.
Strong gasoline odors entering cabins through air vents add to frustration. Mitsubishi’s 26% profit drop and aging technology contributed to quality lapses. Limited dealer networks and parts availability create additional problems for owners needing repairs.
7. Mazda CX-90 and CX-70
The Mazda CX-90 and two-row CX-70 damaged Mazda’s reputation for build quality and reliability with persistent cabin rattles, powertrain issues, and problematic plug-in hybrid systems.
Consumer Reports gave both poor reliability predictions, shocking for a typically top-ranked brand. Problems include hybrid powertrain communication issues, software glitches affecting safety cameras and defrost systems, and recalls for the start-stop system.
Car and Driver’s test vehicle experienced premature tire wear needing replacement before 25,000 miles, transmission hesitation, and facial recognition failures.
CX-90 and CX-70 Owners Plagued by Rattles and Hybrid System Failures
Interior quality often disappoints owners who pay premium prices. Motor Trend’s test CX-70 developed persistent rattles and squeaks from various cabin areas, especially over broken pavement.
Online forums reveal that owners are struggling with hybrid powertrain quirks and rattles that dealerships are unable to resolve. The plug-in hybrid system recalls involve powertrain software issues that cause malfunctions, improper cooling, and unexpected electrical component failures.
Higher speeds exacerbate rattles, undermining the premium experience expected from vehicles priced between $40,000 and $50,000. Experts recommend avoiding until Mazda resolves these serious issues.
Sources:
GoBankingRates – “Auto Experts: Japanese Cars To Stop Buying Immediately” – December 7, 2025
Car and Driver – “Nissan Recalls 444K Models for Potential VC-Turbo Engine Failure” – July 20, 2025
CarExamer – “Nissan Altima Problems Common Issues and Repair Costs” – October 10, 2025
Cars.com – “Toyota RAV4 Prime Recalls” – July 10, 2023
Edmunds – “2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Consumer Reviews” – November 6, 2025
Motor Trend – “Rattles and Squeaks Have Permeated Our Mazda CX-70” – December 14, 2025