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Nov 27, 2023

10 Times German Carmakers Built Cars With Horrendous Reliability Issues

In the midst of stylish, luxurious, and well-engineered German cars, these 10

In the midst of stylish, luxurious, and well-engineered German cars, these 10 stand out with awful reliability woes.

Over the years, German car manufacturers have built outstanding reputations for themselves in the automotive industry. Brands like BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche are highly coveted not only for their style and luxury but also for their exceptional build quality. Built like tanks, German cars are technologically advanced, dependable, and long-lasting. Moreover, they pack a mean punch and also offer stellar driving dynamics.

Although you can count on German car manufacturers to deliver reliable cars, they sometimes make mistakes like others. Even the models with a reputation for reliability also have that one model year that everyone would want to forget. The German automotive landscape has cars that place question marks on their manufacturers' reputations. If you are unfortunate enough to buy one of these unreliable cars, you'll end up with thousands in repair bills. That said, here are ten times German carmakers built cars with horrendous reliability issues.

The 2012 Volkswagen CC is a sleekly styled sedan that seats four passengers in a stylish and well-built cabin. It also offers an ample features list as well as an efficient and punchy turbo-4 base engine. Sadly, alongside its good qualities, it also has a long list of reliability issues.

Engine failure, excessive oil consumption, timing chain tensioner failure, and faulty PCV valve are some of its engine issues. Other severe problems with the 2012 Volkswagen CC include battery failure and hard shifting transmission.

Whether you call it the Cadillac Catera or Opel Omega, it is the same bundle of unreliabilities. Besides the attractive prices and the luxury features - this particular Caddy will frustrate you in different ways. Firstly, it runs on an engine that is notorious for stalling while driving and then refusing to start again.

Other issues with the engine include a tensioner pulley failure and a blown engine. The 1999 Opel Omega is also plagued with coolant leak and steering problems like unresponsiveness and steering lock.

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Although Volkswagen generally has an above-average reliability rating, it clearly crossed its wires with the 2010 Tiguan. Under the hood, it sports a 2-liter turbo-4 engine that churns out 200 hp and a long list of problems. Most owners complain of engine failure, leaking main oil seal, and turbocharger failure. Other engine problems include ignition coil failure, intake manifold failure, and skipped timing chain. Apart from the engine, there have also been reports of burnt fuse boxes and coolant pump failures. Unfortunately, a car with such a refined interior could be so unreliable.

The C300 accounts for ten out of 13 recalls for the 2015 C-Class lineup. It was among the vehicles recalled in March 2021 over the deterioration of the adhesive bonding that held the roof panel in place. Other recalls involved faulty emergency call system (eCall) software and faulty airbag software.

There was also a recall over an improperly attached fuel delivery module and wires. Furthermore, the 2015 C300 also has several engine problems that range from minor to major. They include knocking engines, broken pistons, misformed cylinders, and clogged Pcv valves.

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The A-Class may be small in size, but it is a Mercedes Benz nonetheless and boasts a high-end interior with plenty of high-tech features. Under the hood, an efficient 2-liter turbo-4 engine lays down 188 hp and 221 lb-ft through a dual-clutch 7-speed automatic transmission.

However, between April 2019 and May 2022, Mercedes Benz recalled the 2019 A-Class 12 times over various build quality issues. They include faulty infotainment system software and malfunctioning communication module software. Others are fuel leakage, poorly installed AC drain hoses, poorly-welded brake pedal plate, and corrosion of the front axle carrier.

When it arrived in 2016, the 2017 E-Class was the most technologically advanced Mercedes-Benz. However, with 20 NHTSA recalls to its name, it is one of the worst Mercedes Benz models of the last decade. It all began in October 2016 when Mercedes Benz recalled the 2017 E-Class over fuel system failure caused by damage to the wiring harness. Several owners have complained about unresponsive transmissions and loss of power steering assist. Other problems include poorly-attached roof-mounted spoilers, overheating starting current limiters, and faulty headlights. Furthermore, it also suffers from faulty airbag sensors and a faulty seatbelt warning system.

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Mercedes-Benz's flagship model not only carries the latest technology from the company but is also one of the world's best-selling luxury sedans. The 2018 model boasts a lavish interior, powerful engine options, and a lengthy list of high-tech driving aids. Sadly, this fantastic car also came with terrible reliability issues. Some of them are a faulty seatbelt warning system, faulty eCall software, faulty door locks, and faulty brake components. Also, there was the risk of oil leakage, the active steering assist malfunction, and the roof panel falling off.

The 2017 Audi Q7 shares a platform with the flagship Q8 and offers a plethora of luxury and advanced tech features. It also comes with 7-passenger versatility, and with the proper equipment, it is one of the quickest midsize SUVs. But it also has a trail of reliability issues that began with a recall over a faulty airbag control module. Over the years, a possible loss of power steering assist, improperly attached third-row seat, and risk of fuel leak have also led to recalls. Furthermore, the 2017 Q7 is guilty of engine failure, excessive oil consumption, and squealing from the brakes.

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Although there are many great cars that sport the 4-ring badge, Audi also has bad cars like the 2012 Q5 to its name. According to CarComplaints.com, the 2012 Q5 has a slew of engine problems ranging from excessive oil consumption to engine/timing chain failure. Apart from the oil consumption problems, a lot of owners also complained about their cars leaking oil and coolant. Over the years, Volkswagen has recalled the 2012 Q5 over the risk of injury from a ruptured air bag inflator. Considering its good qualities like sporty handling and class-leading fuel economy, it is pretty sad that the 2012 Q5 has so many build-quality issues.

Like every M3 model before, the 2008 BMW M3 is every bit the ultimate of Ultimate Driving Machines. Thanks to the high-revving 414-hp V8 under the bulging hood, this luxurious, comfortable, and practical road machine can hit 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. However, this exceptional car also has some outstanding build quality issues like engine failure and loss of power. Furthermore, M3s with DCT display transmission lag when attempting to accelerate after slowing to a near stop. In addition to the 80 owner complaints published by the NHTSA, the 2008 M3 also has five recalls to its name.

Jay Moren is a car enthusiast who loves everything with an engine. When he's not writing about cars, he plays the saxophone and keyboard. He also plays as a goalkeeper for a non-league side in his native Nigeria