By: Derrick Morrow
Posted On: 12/29/2010 9:45AM
Shmak1982
As a general rule, vehicles are built better now than ever before: longer-lasting, more reliable, better fuel economy, and far superior safety features. But from time to time a vehicle model slips into production and turns out to be a nightmare. Continue reading...
For me, the quintessential nightmare vehicle is the GMC Acadia and its sister models, the Traverse, Outlook, and the Enclave. The problems started off simple at first, with early models experiencing repeated sunroof leaks which then became a recall. Then came a recall on the rear seat seatbelt buckles being improperly assembled, a much more dangerous problem. After that came "SES" lights due to stretched timing chains, which led to the replacement of the timing chains of many Acadias, sometimes with as few as 15K miles. Then came head problems, power steering pump failures, more seatbelt recalls for the second row seating this time, and power steering racks coming loose from the cradle due to failed bushings, allowing them to rock side to side. I've seen numerous "SRS" warning lights due to failed airbag modules and airbag wiring harnesses. Most recently, there was a recall to replace the airbag wiring connectors with new ones due to connection problems.
Sure, these are very nice looking comfortable vehicles, they drive well, and they have ample power (288HP from a 3.6 V-6). But none of this is worth anything if the vehicle is a glitchy heap that has to be in the shop for warranty work every other week. I feel at this point that they should just recall them all to the crusher and start over, before inevitable futher problems have a chance to raise their heads.
What newer vehicles have you found to be total junk? Is there any new car or truck that makes you feel they should throw out the design and start from scratch?
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