11 Worst Small SUVs to Buy if You Hate Spending Money on Maintenance
11 Worst Small SUVs to Buy if You Hate Spending Money on Maintenance
Josh KoebertMon, May 4, 2026 at 4:05 PM UTC
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Small SUVs are in high demand right now, but consumers choosing the popular compact SUV segment, whether they are looking at a regular or a luxury model, should carefully consider their annual maintenance and repair costs.
Frequent maintenance issues could easily make these compact SUVs a nightmare for owners. Some compact SUV repairs are outrageously expensive, and frequent mechanic visits could even make it harder to save on car insurance.
According to RepairPal reports, annual repair costs for compact SUVs are $521, with luxury models costing $859. The following compact SUVs either surpass those totals, have staggering replacement costs, or are frequently hampered by maintenance issues.
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1. Mitsubishi Outlander
mitsubishi outlander
art_zzz/Adobe
Annual Repair Cost: $519
RepairPal reports that the Mitsubishi Outlander's annual repair costs are in line with those of the average compact SUV. But consumers should know that some of the Outlander's pricier repairs could easily drain their wallets.
Replacing this compact SUV's suspension shock or strut could cost up to $1,354, with its power steering control module costing as much as $1,995 to replace. Its rack and pinion replacement could cost as much as $2,140.
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2. Jeep Cherokee
jeep cherokee
art_zzz/Adobe
Annual Repair Cost: $520
The Jeep Cherokee's annual repair costs are almost exactly in line with its segment average, according to RepairPal.
However, owners have reported extensive, frequent issues with this compact SUV. These problems range from cracks in the Cherokee's exhaust manifold to ignition wire failure and engine oil leaks from valve covers, timing cover gaskets, and the oil pan. They have also reported the Cherokee facing emissions recalls due to catalytic converter failures.
3. Mazda Tribute
mazda tribute
nitinut380/Adobe
Annual Repair Cost: $523
The Mazda Tribute's annual repair costs are average for its segment. However, Tribute owners have reported frequent issues with its engine misfiring and the vehicle stalling after a cold start.
Additionally, some of this small SUV's costly repairs could easily break the bank. Replacing the Tribute's control arm could cost as much as $1,336. A fuel tank replacement could set drivers back as much as $1,306.
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4. Jeep Compass
black jeep compass
Levon/Adobe
Annual Repair Cost: $526
The Jeep Compass has annual repair costs that are typical for its vehicle segment, according to RepairPal. Sadly, owners have reported frequent issues with this compact SUV. They have reported problems with the engine failing to start, water leaks, unusual brake noise, and the engine overheating.
5. Nissan Juke
nissan juke
artographer34/Adobe
Annual Repair Cost: $548
Although the Nissan Juke's annual repair costs are only $27 more expensive than the average compact SUV's, some of its repairs are outrageously expensive.
Replacing the Juke's fuel pump could cost drivers up to $1,802. Replacing this compact SUV's head gasket is even more expensive, costing owners up to $3,233.
6. Ford Escape
ford escape awd display
jetcityimage/Adobe
Annual Repair Cost: $600
According to RepairPal, the Ford Escape's annual repair costs are $79 more expensive than the average compact SUV's.
Ford Escape owners have reported alternator failure issues, causing the vehicle to lose power, inconsistencies with its heating and air conditioning system, and frequent ignition misfires.
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Replacing this SUV's air conditioning proponents could cost owners up to $607, while replacing its starter to deal with those pesky ignition misfires could cost owners as much as $696.
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7. Volkswagen Tiguan
volkswagen tiguan iii suv
vivoo/Adobe
Annual Repair Cost: $730
The Volkswagen Tiguan has annual repair costs that are $209 more expensive than those of the average compact SUV, according to RepairPal.
Consumers have reported frequent issues with carbon buildup in the Tiguan's TSI direct injection engine, which causes the vehicle to lose power.
Tiguan owners have also experienced "VW Subframe Clunk." A problem that results from stretched bolts in the vehicle's subframe. This causes the Tiguan to "clunk" while accelerating from a stop and could lead to problems with the vehicle's alignment.
8. Lincoln MKC
lincoln mkc concept
Zoran Karapancev/Adobe
Annual Repair Cost: $853
The Lincoln MKC's annual repair costs are right in line with its segment average, according to RepairPal.
However, owners have reported issues with the MKC's throttle body causing power issues, persistent infotainment screen freezing issues, and severe jerking while driving that led to the SUV's transmission needing to be replaced.
Plus, MKC owners in need of a fuel pump replacement could spend up to $1,238 fixing that issue.
9. BMW X1
metallic blue bmw x1-u11
luca piccini basile/Adobe
Annual Repair Cost: $915
The BMW X1's annual repair costs eclipse its segment average by $56, according to RepairPal. But the cost of fixing issues with this luxury compact SUV's AC system easily obliterates that total.
Replacing the X1's AC condenser could cost as much as $1,332, while a new AC evaporator could have owners spending up to $2,800.
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10. BMW X3
bmw x3 year 2015
RoClickMag/Adobe
Annual Repair Cost: $1,034
According to RepairPal, the BMW X3's annual repair costs surpassed the luxury compact SUV segment average by a staggering $175.
The X3's most costly repair is an engine front cover gasket replacement that could drain up to $5,224 from owners' bank accounts. Replacing the X3's radiator is much less expensive, but could still cost owners a whopping $1,891.
11. Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
land rover range rover
teracreonte/Adobe
Annual Repair Cost: $1,102
The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque's annual repair costs surpassed its segment average by a whopping $243, according to RepairPal,
Unsurprisingly, many of this luxury compact SUV's repair costs are outrageously expensive. Replacing its hybrid high-voltage battery costs up to $2,326. A CV joint replacement for the Evoque could cost owners as much as $1,492, while a new windshield wiper motor could set them back as much as $1,264.
Bottom line
Compact SUVs typically cost their owners around $521 per year in maintenance and repairs, which is significantly cheaper than the overall vehicle average of $652 a year, according to RepairPal.
But as the 11 vehicles on this list demonstrate, some of them could also be maintenance nightmares due to pesky, frequent issues and exorbitant replacement costs.
Drivers who are stuck with a compact SUV that's frequently hampered by maintenance problems could also have a hard time finding a cheaper auto insurance policy, costing them more money long-term.
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