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Even With a History of Heavy Criticism, Some Manufacturers Insist on Technologies That May Jeopardize Consumer Confidence. Recurring Mechanical Failures, Such as Those Caused by Problematic Transmissions and Oil-Soaked Timing Belts, Continue to Appear in Recent Models. These Choices in Automotive Engineering Have Been a Cause for Alarm for Attentive Drivers.
Dr. Mauro Costa’s Instagram profile, known for uncovering curiosities and alerting about automotive traps, has raised the red flag once again. Among the highlights of the analysis are vehicles that run the risk of becoming true headaches for their owners. Check out some examples of cars with chronic problems.
Hyundai Creta Ultimate 1.6 Turbo with DCT Transmission
The Hyundai Creta Ultimate 1.6 Turbo, one of the cars with chronic problems, equipped with a dry dual-clutch transmission, ranks among the brand’s risky bets. Despite Promising Improvements, this technology has a notoriously unreliable history in Brazil, with frequent jolts and overheating in models from other brands, like Ford and Volkswagen.
Especially in large cities, where traffic requires constant gear changes, the transmission may suffer premature wear, harming durability and increasing maintenance costs. Even with assurances of enhancement from Hyundai, the DCT transmission still raises doubts.
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A brand new car starts at around R$ 75,000 in Brazil, but what stands out the most is seeing streets filled with SUVs and expensive sedans in a country where millions remain in debt.
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For R$ 32,000, a brand new Hyundai car is a rival to the Kwid with a 1.2 engine producing 82 hp, 6 airbags as standard, multimedia with wireless Android Auto, up to 391 liters in the trunk, and a refreshed look for 2026 in India.
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He bought a new car in 1983, locked it in the barn in 1988, and no one opened the door for 38 years until the family discovered what was stored inside and realized it looked like something out of a movie.
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A 250cc motorcycle that can reach 560 km with a 14-liter tank, features disc brakes on both wheels and is among the most well-known in Brazil.
Chevrolet Onix and Onix Plus 1.0 Three Cylinders
The Chevrolet Onix and Onix Plus models, with a three-cylinder engine, use the controversial oil-soaked timing belt. While it offers benefits like lower noise and greater durability, it requires extra attention. If the oil is not in good condition, the belt may deteriorate quickly, causing serious engine damage.
Reports of engine failures due to belt issues have surfaced, making cars with chronic problems a growing concern among drivers. Chevrolet emphasizes the need to strictly follow the manual’s guidelines to avoid losses.
Caoa Chery Tiggo 5X Until 2022
Until 2022, the Tiggo 5X from Caoa Chery came equipped with a dry dual-clutch transmission, similar to Ford’s infamous Powershift. Problems such as overheating and jolts led many consumers to frustration.
Starting in 2022, the manufacturer switched to a CVT transmission in search of greater reliability. However, those with earlier models need to stay alert, as transmission issues remain a real risk.
Ford Ranger 2.0 Turbodiesel
The 2.0 turbodiesel engine of the Ford Ranger uses the same oil-soaked timing belt found in other problematic models. When not properly maintained, this part can wear out quickly, accumulating debris and compromising the engine.
For those relying on the Ranger for long trips or heavy work, the cost of inadequate maintenance can be high. This makes the Ranger, one of the cars with chronic problems, another example of engineering that still needs to prove its robustness.
Chevrolet Montana Three Cylinders
Following the same line, the Chevrolet Montana with a three-cylinder engine adopts the oil-soaked timing belt. Although modern and quiet, the durability of the part under adverse conditions leaves much to be desired. For drivers who use the car intensively, the risk of wear is a reality that cannot be ignored.
Alert for Drivers
The choice of a vehicle goes beyond design and price. Mechanical reliability and the engineering behind the design are determining factors to avoid frustration and unexpected costs. Stay alert to expert recommendations and, whenever possible, research the models before investing.
With cars with chronic problems increasingly in the spotlight, consumers need to be informed and ready to make safer decisions when buying. After all, no one wants a “bomb” parked in the garage.
Só engenheiro nos comentários, é por isso que meu avó dizia, Gente **** e Estrada de chão não acabam nunca.
Sempre fui fã da Chevrolet.tive 1 classic ,1corsa sedan, e 1 Corsa ret.mas depois dessas bombas correia banhada no óleo, tô fora da marca.nao confio mais.
Banhado a óleo só Coxinhas de frango…. Essa correia é uma tremenda ****…E conversa fiada e usar o óleo específico que não dá problema…Tem gente que SEMPRE trocou o óleo na CCS e se lascou mesmo assim.