They turn heads in commercials and shine under showroom lights, but these luxury rides can hide some expensive secrets. Beneath the sleek finishes and premium badges, owners have uncovered frustrating flaws. Let’s take a look at the high-end cars that don’t always deliver where it counts.

Range Rover

It commands attention with its regal presence, though Range Rover often struggles behind the scenes. Owners report recurring air suspension troubles and repair bills that sting. Beneath the luxury, the brand’s reputation for breakdowns tends to overshadow its upscale design.

Tesla Cybertruck

Panel gaps and rust aren’t what buyers expected from Tesla’s boldest design. Throw in a mushy accelerator and a recall or two, and you have a vehicle rewriting its hype. Sure, it looks futuristic, but the shine fades fast when reality kicks in.

Porsche Taycan

Speed? Unmatched. Range? Meh. The Taycan is a thrill until long trips or software glitches enter the chat. Premium price tags don’t always guarantee perfect reliability, especially if you like your infotainment system to work on the first try.

Land Rover Defender

Leaks and gearbox issues plague the Defender despite its off-road prowess. Staying on top of these quirks can turn everyday drives into uphill battles. Sure, it’s rugged and refined, but sometimes, it feels more like you’re maintaining a tank than driving a luxury SUV.

Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV

The MBUX system’s quirks and charging hiccups make this SUV feel more beta than breakthrough. Add some build quality complaints, and it’s clear: not all that glitters is gold. Mercedes packed it with tech, but the execution still feels a few updates behind.

Audi Q8

Laggy controls and questionable interior materials aren’t what you’d expect in something this flashy. Although people will stare, the tech can frustrate behind the wheel. Random warning lights, sound problems, and steep maintenance bills leave some owners feeling let down sooner than they thought.

BMW X5

The X5 flaunts the BMW badge with pride, but reliability can vanish when you need it most. Electronic bugs and oil leaks sneak in once the honeymoon’s over. Leasing? Fine. Buying? You’ll want to think twice before signing the dotted line.

Jaguar X-Type

Jaguar tried to widen its reach but instead served as a disappointment in a fancy wrapper. While the X-Type looked refined, mechanical issues like stalling and rust left owners unimpressed. The charm was there, but the performance was not so much.

Cadillac Catera

The Catera rolled in with Cadillac badges and a promise of upscale performance, but reality didn’t keep up. Electric hiccups and engine issues made it a frustrating ride. Buyers expecting refinement got a letdown, and that zigging slogan? It fizzled just as fast.

Maserati Biturbo

The Maserati Biturbo aimed to bring luxury performance to a wider market but suffered from poor reliability and build quality. Owners reported turbocharger failures, electrical issues, and interior deterioration. Despite its twin-turbo V6, frequent breakdowns tarnished its reputation.

Pontiac Fiero

Its mid-engine design was bold, too bold for GM’s budget. Early Fieros tended to catch fire, which tended to kill resale value. Later versions improved, but the damage (and a few engine bays) was done. It was a scorcher in more ways than one.

DeLorean DMC-12

A story stranger than fiction, a powertrain that wheezed, and construction that barely held together, that was the DeLorean. Its gull-wing doors and stainless steel skin gave it instant fame. But driving one? That was more a costume party than a grand tour.

Lincoln Blackwood

Truck buyers were confused initially; rear-wheel drive and just one color didn’t scream utility. Disinterest quickly followed. The Blackwood may have looked luxurious, but its lack of function sealed its fate and left Lincoln quietly pulling the plug.

Renault Fuego

The Fuego sold fast but faded even quicker. Rust took hold early, and wiring problems cropped up next. Also,  the body didn’t hold up well over time. It had flair, but performance and longevity were rarely in the same conversation.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Older Grand Cherokees often delivered plenty of adventure, but reliability didn’t always ride along. Owners faced failing suspensions and transmission issues, turning daily drives into mild gambles. Despite its capability off the beaten path, this Jeep often demanded attention under the hood.

Kia EV6

Kia’s EV6 brings sleek looks to the electric scene, and the design turned heads right away. The early models, though, faced hiccups like charging issues and rattling interiors that chipped away at the premium feel. These problems showed up before the excitement had time to settle

Mercedes S-Class (W220)

The W220 promised peak luxury on paper. It delivered a sublime driving experience, but only until the suspension sagged and rust crept in. It was loaded with features, sure, but ownership came with caveats. That dreamlike glide didn’t last nearly long enough.

VinFast VF8

Rough software and clunky performance overshadowed VinFast’s VF8 debut, and complaints about uneven build quality didn’t help. It made many headlines, but the substance didn’t match the sparkle. Glitz alone doesn’t win over critics, especially when the ride feels like a prototype.

Nissan Altima (2013)

Slipping gears crept in, and transmission complaints piled up as the 2013 Altima aged. It started strong with a smooth ride and a stylish edge. But that CVT failure quickly flipped the script; what looked like a smart buy turned into a mechanical headache.

Chevrolet Camaro (2010)

Early transmission complaints and tight cabin space took the fun out of Chevy’s retro comeback. While it looked terrific, poor visibility made daily driving a chore. It had style for days, but performance hiccups gave this muscle car a habit of tripping over itself.