Brands like Toyota, Honda, and Subaru built their reputations on cars that run for decades with minimal fuss. But not every model hits a home run. Some have frustrating mechanical issues, expensive repairs, or just don’t hold up over time. If you’re shopping for a used vehicle, knowing which ones to avoid can save you a lot of headaches. Let’s take a look at some used Japanese cars that haven’t exactly lived up to the hype.

Mazda RX-8

Mazda gave the RX-8 a unique rotary engine, but that innovation came with serious problems. Faulty apex seals caused compression loss, often before 150,000 miles. Many owners faced expensive engine rebuilds or replacements.

Mitsubishi Eclipse

The Mitsubishi Eclipse turned heads with its design but frustrated owners with constant problems. Brake system failures, faulty fuel tank brackets, and multiple recalls hurt its reliability. These issues became more common in later models.

Nissan 350Z

The Nissan 350Z delivered performance but at a cost. Excessive oil consumption and premature suspension wear led to expensive repairs. Over time, these recurring issues made it one of the least dependable sports cars in its class.

Subaru Ascent

Subaru aimed to compete in the three-row SUV market with the Ascent but missed the mark on reliability. Transmission failures, persistent recalls, and electrical issues frustrated owners. Consumer Reports consistently ranks it among the least reliable SUVs.

Nissan Juke

The first-generation Nissan Juke stood out visually but failed mechanically. Common problems included botched CVT transmissions, turbocharger breakdowns, and stretched timing chains. These issues led to costly repairs and disappointed owners.

Mitsubishi Mirage

The Mitsubishi Mirage prioritizes affordability over quality. Its weak three-cylinder engine struggles under daily use, and its transmission wears out faster than expected. Poor handling and minimal comfort add to the disappointment.

Toyota Celica GTS (1999-2006)

The seventh-generation Toyota Celica GTS failed to meet the reliability standards of its predecessors. Faulty oil pumps and clogged filters led to sudden power loss. Many owners faced expensive repairs or complete engine failure.

Isuzu Rodeo

The Isuzu Rodeo, also sold as the Honda Passport, developed a reputation for burning oil and struggling with safety. Poor crash-test ratings and frequent engine failures made it a risky choice for long-term ownership.

Nissan Altima (2013-2016)

Nissan’s CVT troubles hit the 2013-2016 Altima especially hard. Transmissions overheated, shuddered, and failed prematurely, often before reaching 100,000 miles. Nissan extended warranties for some models, but many owners still paid out of pocket for replacements.

These automakers produce many dependable cars, but the used Japanese cars listed above might come with serious drawbacks. Researching specific years and common problems helps avoid costly mistakes.