Are you thinking about a new car for 2025? Hold up! Not every shiny model gliding into showrooms is worth the sticker shock. Some are flashy duds loaded with issues from poor performance to pricey maintenance nightmares. This list will give you a heads-up on 15 brand-new cars you’ll want to dodge in 2025 if you aim for a smoother ride.

Alfa Romeo Tonale

Despite Alfa’s stylish intentions, the 2025 Tonale struggles with reliability. Owners have reported more time in the shop than on the road, and it’s not exactly a budget-friendly fix! Plus, handling feels clunky, which isn’t great for a model trying to keep up with more agile crossovers. Save yourself the headache!

Chevrolet Bolt EUV

The Chevy Bolt EUV could be an excellent electric option—if only it didn’t face constant battery recalls. While its range is decent, lingering battery fire risks might make you think twice. Chevy’s working on updates, but until things stabilize, there are safer EV bets out there that won’t have you sweating your next recharge.

Nissan Ariya

Nissan’s futuristic Ariya looks promising, but early adopters find bugs in the tech, and a sluggish driving feel. It’s an EV that wants to play with the big leagues, yet it lacks the polish to compete with Tesla or even Hyundai’s Ioniq 5. Until Nissan smooths out the kinks, this one’s a bit of a gamble.

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

The Grand Wagoneer’s bold, flashy look promises luxury, but its reliability and fuel economy disappoint. With this SUV guzzling gas faster than a road trip pit stop and frequently troubled tech, you’re in for high costs at every turn. Luxury feel? Sure. Practicality? Not so much.

Mitsubishi Mirage

Mirage by name, mirage by nature—this budget hatchback cuts corners in almost every area. It’s cheap, but its ride quality and build reflect that price. With minimal power under the hood and a noisy cabin, it’s better suited as a rental. Your daily driver deserves more life than this car offers.

Tesla Model Y

Despite the hype, the Model Y has some quirks worth avoiding. Build quality varies from car to car; that bare-bones interior isn’t for everyone. Frequently frizzy software also makes it a mixed bag. If tech hiccups and fit-and-finish issues are deal-breakers, maybe hold off on this one for now.

BMW X2

The 2025 X2 tries to blend sporty and compact, but it leans more “compact” than “sporty.” The ride feels cramped and underpowered for a BMW, plus the price tag doesn’t quite match the performance. If you’re looking for luxury that feels like luxury, the X2 might be a miss for your garage.

Subaru Solterra

Subaru’s first EV, the Solterra, seemed promising, but it struggled with range and had an odd steering design that was hard to love. It also lacks the rugged feel that Subaru fans adore. If off-road reliability and solid battery life are on your checklist, other EVs are worth a look instead of this shaky debut.

Maserati Grecale

The Grecale flaunts Italian luxury, but reliability hasn’t been Maserati’s strong suit. Early reviews cite frequent glitchy gadgets and a jerky transmission. While it’s undeniably stylish, repair costs could add up quickly. For all its flair, the Grecale might drain more than just your wallet.

Land Rover Defender

The Defender brings the classic off-road name back, but reliability woes from past Land Rovers haven’t entirely disappeared. Owners report electronic faults and engine issues that take the “rugged” out of the rugged SUV. It’s a beauty in the showroom but might be a beast in repair bills, maybe admire it from afar!