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Numerous mechanical issues can plague an SUV. One of the most unfortunate is premature engine failure. Often, this arises at no fault of the owners, and certain SUVs are more susceptible to this issue than others. Here are four SUVs that suffer from premature engine failure. 

The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe has engine problems

The Hyundai Santa Fe is now a reasonably well-regarded SUV. However, like many vehicles from the automaker, this good reputation wasn’t always the case. Unfortunately, according to Consumer Reports, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV has often been plagued with premature engine failure. In the case of the Santa Fe, premature engine failure is the result of debris accumulated during the factory’s machining process. 

As far as impacted engines are concerned, the 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter Theta II engines have the complaints. The engine problems primarily presented themselves around the 95,000-mile mark on the odometer. This issue of Hyundai Santa Fe SUV engine problems ended up costing the automaker millions of dollars. As many know, it took a while for people to begin to trust Hyundai again. 

Beware the 2012 Subaru Forester 

White 2013 Subaru Forester needs excessive car oil changes and leads to premature engine failure
2012 Subaru Forester | Visual China Group via Getty Images

The Subaru Forester is one of the most popular SUVs in its class. Nowadays, it even competes with popular options like the Toyota RAV4. However, this has not always been the case, as the 2012 Forester is one SUV that experiences premature engine failure and various other engine problems. In fact, it has been called the No. 5 most likely vehicle to need an engine rebuild. 

For the most part, owners noticed problems with the 2012 Forester engine due to excessive oil consumption. They noticed that the low oil pressure light illuminated sooner than it should have. Significant issues with the engine typically presented themselves around 81,000 miles and 129,000 miles on the odometer, and car oil changes didn’t help.

The Chevrolet Equinox 2011 has engine problems

Gray 2011 Chevrolet Equinox needs excessive car oil changes
2011 Chevrolet Equinox | Chevrolet

People generally like the Chevrolet Equinox nowadays. Not only because it’s decently affordable but because it has a better reputation than it once possessed. However, people should think twice about the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox model. Its engine problems aren’t as bad as others, but owners realized that their engines consumed a large amount of oil. Most increased the frequency of car oil changes but to no avail. 

Of course, having to buy more oil is a hassle. Because of this, some people’s low oil pressure light came on and went ignored with the Chevrolet Equinox 2011. As most know, running an engine without the proper oil pressure is a direct cause of engine failure. The engine needs adequate lubrication to function without serious damage.

People today should know that the excessive oil consumption issue was not present in the V6 Chevrolet Equinox. However, perhaps potential used SUV buyers could skip the Chevrolet Equinox 2011 altogether out of caution. 

The 2013 BMW X3 experiences premature engine failure

Gray 2013 BMW X3 premature engine problems
2013 BMW X3 | National Motor Museum/Heritage Images via Getty Images

Luxury SUVs are not exempt from premature engine failure. One example is the 2013 BMW X3. According to reports, owners began to experience engine failure in their BMW SUV at around 91,000 miles on the odometer. As of 2020, the cost to fix this issue in the X3 was around $6,500 because the engine needed to be replaced or rebuilt. 

Premature engine failure can strike vehicles of all price points. Unfortunately, many vehicles impacted by it had excellent reliability ratings upon release, so it’s often difficult to predict. However, there are normal things SUV owners can do to help prevent premature engine failure, such as getting car oil changes and monitoring the low oil pressure light. This doesn’t always stop impending issues but is still a great preventative measure.

Related The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Just Outranked the Honda Passport

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Just Outranked the Honda Passport