Josh Barrett
Vehicle History Writer
About
After 13+ years of hustling in the exciting world of car sales, Josh Barrett took off to travel the world with his dog Teemo.
He's since been an automotive journalist and editor for Vehicle History as an original member of the content team. His works can also be found on automotive sites AutoChimps and CashCarBuyers, including in-depth transmission troubleshooting guides and car-care advice.
About
After 13+ years of hustling in the exciting world of car sales, Josh Barrett took off to travel the world with his dog Teemo.
He's since been an automotive journalist and editor for Vehicle History as an original member of the content team. His works can also be found on automotive sites AutoChimps and CashCarBuyers, including in-depth transmission troubleshooting guides and car-care advice.
Articles
The 2013 Dodge Avenger is a solid compact sedan offering average reliability. The car’s biggest problems are handled by recalls, like the motor’s likelihood to stall. Yet, a number of smaller issues...
May 16, 2022
For 2019, Ram pickups were available with either 8.4- or 12-inch Uconnect infotainment screens. Unfortunately, a number of problems have been reported by owners, like the display going blank, showing...
May 11, 2022
The 2007 Jeep Liberty is an affordable, capable compact SUV. However, being 15 years old, the vehicle has run into several problems, and some are pretty serious. The most concerning issue is a poorly...
May 4, 2022
For the Malibu’s ninth generation, Chevrolet updated the sedan’s base engine offering to a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder. While smooth and quick to accelerate, owners have also reported a few...
May 3, 2022
The 2011 Cadillac SRX is not one of the model’s best. From headlights that seep-in water and short, to engine components that commonly fail before 100,000 miles. Worse still, the NHTSA currently warns...
May 2, 2022
Lincoln’s Sync entertainment system adds several nice features to the MKZ sedan, but it also comes with a few quirks. Sluggish performance has been reported by owners, as well as frozen touchscreens....
Apr 26, 2022
While compact, aggressively styled, and budget-friendly, the Dodge Caliber hatchback has some serious transmission problems. The manual tranny is fine, but the optional CVT is troublesome at best....
Apr 25, 2022
Hyundai’s full-size Palisade SUV has all the makings of a vehicle likely to reach 200,000 miles or more. Much of this is due to the model’s tried-and-true powertrain combination. Problems are...
Apr 22, 2022
GMC’s Sierra 1500 is one of the toughest pickups there is, offering a plethora of powertrain options to suit buyers’ needs. However, owners report transmission problems in models from 2009 to...
Apr 22, 2022
Ford’s midsize Edge SUV offers decent longevity, much thanks to its reliable standard powertrain. But be cautious of models from 2007 and 2008 and 2011-2013, which are more likely to need costly...
Apr 20, 2022
Transmission problems are not a serious concern for the 2012 Buick Enclave. However, a number of owners report having to rebuild or replace the gearbox at around 100,000 miles, always at their own...
Apr 19, 2022
Few luxury crossovers compare to the Lexus RX in comfort and reliability. Most years are solid options. But those from 2010, 2016, and 2017 are among the worst, with major oil leaks and bad fuel...
Apr 14, 2022
Mazda’s compact CX-5 SUV is a true contender in its class, sporting many exclusive features typically reserved for higher-end models. Unfortunately though, for some owners, the premium Bose...
Apr 7, 2022
On paper, the 2016 Chevy Cruze looks to be reliable, with just a handful of recalls and few registered complaints. However, a closer look reveals the sole engine option may stall at highway speeds,...
Apr 6, 2022
Owner discussions on automotive repair forums show Honda CR-Vs from 2017 to 2021 may have hill start assist problems. Numerous pages of registered NHTSA owner complaints confirm that a bad battery,...
Mar 21, 2022
The Kia Telluride hasn’t been out long, but early reports suggest solid longevity. While first-hand examples are limited, the SUV’s reliable powertrain should see the odometer crossing...
Mar 10, 2022
Back by popular demand, the fifth-generation Jeep Cherokee returned for 2014. Unfortunately, the compact SUV stumbled out of the gate with costly powertrain problems, making earlier years some of the...
Mar 10, 2022
Hyundai’s first-ever SUV enjoyed early success as a budget-friendly, reliable vehicle with limited problems and an expected lifespan of 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more. But in later years, the...
Mar 9, 2022
Few midsize SUVs are as reliable as the Toyota 4Runner. However, models from 2010 to 2017 have serious airbag problems that can leave passengers at risk. Compared to rivals, though, the 4Runner looks...
Mar 9, 2022
The midsize Santa Fe is one of Hyundai’s best-selling models, much thanks to the SUV’s reliable track record. However, late second-generation Santa Fes struggle with engine failure, and...
Mar 8, 2022
While newer Chevy Traverse models are mostly reliable, early first-generation units have engines known to fail at an average of just 100,000 miles. Even more common, steering complaints make owning...
Mar 4, 2022
Despite the SUV’s small stature, foreign origins, and low price tag, the compact Kia Sportage offers excellent dependability. While you might not see a quarter of a million miles, 150,000 to...
Mar 1, 2022
While some years have fared better than others, Kia’s subcompact Forte has built a reliable reputation. Provided you follow the suggested service schedule, a Forte from any model year should...
Feb 28, 2022
Chevy’s full-size Tahoe SUV is known for its spacious interior, rugged capability, and how likely it is of reaching 200,000 miles. Some years fare better than others, but the average Tahoe...
Feb 28, 2022
For an SUV that only debuted in 2009, the Chevrolet Traverse has already built an extremely reliable name for itself. Provided it’s maintained, there’s no reason a Chevy Traverse...
Feb 25, 2022