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Buyer’s remorse might not have set in immediately, but somewhere down the line, these five full-size American SUVs caused feelings of regret. Some of these regrettable behemoths are extremely popular, and others are trusted models, but all gave owners headaches they didn’t sign up for.

2015 Cadillac Escalade

Black 2015 Cadillac Escalade posed and parked
2015 Cadillac Escalade | Cadillac

The Escalade’s look, style, and luxurious reputation were present in the 2015 model, but something wasn’t quite right. This fourth-generation version of GM’s full-size luxury SUV became a nightmare for owners. In five years, the NHTSA recalled the 2015 Cadillac Escalade seven times. These recalls were due to:

  • Engines overheating
  • Failing airbags
  • Faulty seatbelts
  • Loss of electric power steering
  • Braking power loss

Imagine the problems that led to the recalls. The 2015 Escalade was a regrettable full-size American SUV that many owners wish they had never bought.

2007 Chrysler Aspen

Red 2007 Chrysler Aspen posed
2007 Chrysler Aspen | Chrysler

You might not remember the Chrysler Aspen. In true form, this SUV was the upscale version of the Dodge Durango, offering a premium position over its mainstream counterpart. The Aspen hit all the right large SUV notes but also brought several faults to the market. The Chrysler Aspen only lasted three years, from 2007-2009, but during that time, it was subject to three major recalls, including rupturing airbag inflators and loss of steering control.

2020 Ford Expedition

Red 2020 Ford Expedition Parked at a Farm
2020 Ford Expedition | Ford

One of the most regrettable full-size SUVs is a recent model of the Ford Expedition. Since it arrives in the market, the Expedition has been a massive family hauler with a strong track record of dependability. Unfortunately, the 2020 version is the exception. This big SUV received eight NHTSA recall orders in its first three years. These recalls include:

  • Dangerous transmission problems
  • Engine fires caused by shorted circuit boards
  • Faulty seat mechanisms
  • Sub-par seatbelt quality
  • Pre-collision system issues
  • Poor rearward visibility

It may be nothing more than a one-off, but the 2020 Ford Expedition is the SUV owners regret choosing.

2003 Hummer H2

Black 2003 Hummer H2 Parked
2003 Hummer H2 | Wikimedia Commons

The Hummer H2 was a terrible derivative of the popular Hummer H1. The H1 did more to mimic the true nature of the military Humvee, while the H2 was more of a watered-down version. Still, the Hummer H2 became a popular American full-size SUV, and it was produced from 2002-2009. HotCars tells us this SUV gave many owners fits with the underpowered engine, unreliable transmission, and awful body construction. The Hummer H2 was so bad it often makes the list of worst SUVs right alongside the Pontiac Aztek.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Black 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee posed in front of a home
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Jeep

Although most of us consider the Grand Cherokee a midsize SUV, Jeep advertised it as the full-size SUV in its lineup. Of course, this classification was prior to the Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Grand Cherokee L models. Regardless of where it’s classified, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a regrettable American full-size SUV. This version of the venerable Jeep had several reliability issues, with the 2012 model receiving 11 recall notices for:

  • Stalling engines
  • Faulty brake installation
  • Alternator failure
  • Connecting rod failure

This version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee was less than desirable for many who owned it.

Can you think of any full-size American SUVs that owners regret buying?

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