Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
4 min of reading 
9 comments 
Best-Selling SUVs Also Lead in Complaints: Meet the 7 Used Models That Most Frequently Appear in Workshops in Brazil in 2025, According to Mechanics and Consumer Records.
The SUV market has exploded in Brazil over the past decade. Today, almost all automakers offer options in this segment, which combines interior space, a robust appearance, and a sense of security. But not everything is rosy: when SUVs come out of warranty and start driving on Brazilian streets, many models end up becoming “loyal customers” of auto repair shops.
A survey based on data from independent workshops, reports from repair associations, Procon records, and frequent consumer reports indicates the 7 used SUVs that show the most recurring defects in Brazil in 2025. The list serves as a warning for those considering buying a second-hand car and not wanting to fall into an expensive maintenance trap.
1. Jeep Renegade
One of the best-selling SUVs in Brazil over the past decade, the Jeep Renegade also ranks as a champion in records of recurring maintenance in workshops.
-
The car stored for 38 years: when opening the barn door, what appears is breathtaking and looks like a scene from a movie!
-
Fiat works miracles in the Brazilian market, lowers the price of its 0 km hatch to R$ 69,990, reestablishes the model as the cheapest car in the country, and reignites the battle against Kwid and C3.
-
Chevette with cooking gas: How the gas cylinder ends up being used in cars clandestinely and why this makeshift solution can result in leaks, explosions, damaged engines, and seized vehicles.
-
Fiat launches the new 2027 Toro hybrid with 48V, 176 hp, an electric motor of 15.5 hp, a 0.85 kWh battery, up to 7% fuel savings, 8% fewer emissions, and possible exemption from IPVA.
Main reported problems:
- 9-speed automatic transmission with failures, vibrations, and high repair costs;
- Complaints of high fuel consumption, especially in 1.8 flex engines;
- Fragile front suspension, requiring frequent replacements of bushings and shock absorbers.
Independent mechanics report that diesel versions have greater durability, but flex options tend to return for maintenance more frequently.
2. Ford EcoSport
The pioneer among compact SUVs in Brazil also makes the list, particularly in used versions over 5 years old.
Main problems:
- Powershift transmission, subject to recall and numerous complaints at Procon;
- Expensive parts compared to the resale value of the car;
- Electrical failures in older models, including the air conditioning system.
Despite Ford’s exit from domestic production, the EcoSport is still common on the streets and attracts buyers due to its low price. However, experts warn that cheap can end up being costly.
3. Renault Duster
The Renault Duster is known for its interior space and robustness, but workshop data shows that it also accumulates complaints about durability.
Main reported failures:
- CVT automatic transmission issues, which require costly maintenance on older versions;
- Rear suspension with accelerated wear in urban use;
- Complaints about leaks and fragile interior finish.
Independent workshops state that, in app fleets, the Duster frequently appears for suspension and transmission repairs.
4. Nissan Kicks
One of the best-selling compact SUVs in recent years, the Nissan Kicks also does not escape the complaint list.
Most frequent defects:
- CVT transmission, considered the Achilles’ heel of the brand, with high repair costs;
- Reports of fuel pump failures;
- Complaints about internal noise and finish in used models.
Despite its good reputation for comfort and features, the Kicks has maintenance costs considered high for a compact car, which generates frustration among second-hand owners.
5. Hyundai ix35
The Hyundai ix35, which was very popular last decade, now appears as one of the most problematic used SUVs in Brazil.
Main failures pointed out by workshops:
- 2.0 flex engine with high consumption and carbonization issues;
- Automatic transmission subject to jerks at higher mileages;
- Imported replacement parts, with high maintenance costs.
With the arrival of more modern Hyundai SUVs, like the Creta, the ix35 has lost space in the market but still circulates significantly. However, its maintenance costs are a constant headache.
6. Chevrolet Tracker (Previous Generation)
The previous generation of the Chevrolet Tracker, sold until 2019, appears among the used SUVs with the highest rate of recurring problems.
Main points of complaint:
- 1.4 turbo engine with frequent failures in the turbocharger and fuel pump;
- Automatic transmission with reports of overheating;
- Complaints about high costs of original parts.
Independent workshops highlight that preventive maintenance can reduce failures, but many owners report shocks from sudden defects.
7. Honda HR-V (2015-2021 Generation)
Despite Honda’s good reputation for reliability, the previous generation HR-V appears on the list due to recurring problems related to the transmission.
Main reported failures:
- CVT transmission with jerks and high maintenance costs;
- Complaints about premature suspension wear;
- Consumer complaints about urban consumption above expectations.
According to authorized workshops, the HR-V is not a bad car, but its transmission requires specialized maintenance, making it more expensive than many imagine.
What This List Shows to Consumers
The presence of these 7 used SUVs in Brazilian workshops reveals a clear trend: the best-selling and most popular models are also the ones that most frequently appear in defect records.
This does not mean they are necessarily bad cars, but rather that the combination of sales volume and some design weaknesses results in a high rate of complaints.
Another crucial point is the importance of preventive maintenance. Many of the reported problems could be minimized with timely inspections and the use of quality parts. However, in the used car market, the maintenance history is not always clear, increasing risks for new owners.
How to Avoid Headaches When Buying a Used SUV
Before buying, experts recommend:
- Check the vehicle history on verification platforms;
- Ensure that all recalls have been addressed;
- Request inspection at a trusted workshop;
- Compare the average maintenance cost before closing the deal.
This research can prevent an apparently cheap car from turning into a financial nightmare.
Filho, olha, quando fazemos uma pesquisa temos que usar cálculo, o número de veículos de cada marca vendido por manutenção e quantidade de oficinas usadas no cálculo, não adianta só citar o procon ou qualquer órgão se não der números x carros produzidos, tia pesquisa não tem qualquer validade, infelizmente é lixo para qualquer estatística, volta para o banco da universidade e aprende.
Ta de brincadeira né o da matéria. Então nenhuma presta. Vamos andar a pé.
Sou mecânico e não acredito nesta matéria , acho que o autor se ateve em falsos relatos de pessoas que não intende de manutenção de carros os modelos citados eu só tenho elogios , todos dão defeitos mas estes são muitos bons .