Auto experts had a lot to say when it came to which German car models to avoid. Electrical issues, oil leaks and brake malfunctions are just a few of the problems that came up when budget-conscious experts discussed German cars. Next time you’re looking for a new vehicle, here are the German car brands to avoid, according to top auto experts.
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BMW
The sleek and luxe BMW brand has been a status symbol for years, but some car experts say, no matter how good these cars look, you’re better off without them. “The most common issues on BMWs are oil leaks, cooling system failures and failures on the turbocharger,” said Alex Black, chief marketing officer and auto expert at EpicVIN.
Black said the electronics are another frequent issue with BMW, particularly drive failures and digital gauge faults. Black said that BMW’s with N20 and N55 engines (which are commonly seen on the 3 Series and X3) usually start to break down within the 70,000 to 100,000 mile range. “They are sport vehicles, but to stay reliable, they need to have strict maintenance. Skimping on a couple of services can mean very expensive repairs later on,” Black added.
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Audi
Like BMWs, Audi’s are frequently driven by the upper crust, but Black said to not let that persuade you. “Audi cars have issues with electrical and sensor faults as they age, especially cars from 2010 to 2018. A lot of the faults occur once the warranty runs out, which comes as a shock to most owners,” Black explained.
Black said that he sees a lot of claims for Audi’s with faulty infotainment, frozen power windows and sensor faults. Because it’s a luxury car that’s made overseas, these repairs can be very pricey. Customers are often paying a lot of out of pocket costs to keep Audi’s running as they get older.
Mercedes-Benz
Melanie Musson is an auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.org and called out Mercedes-Benz vehicles for consistently breaking down after five to seven years. “New Mercedes-Benz cars are generally reliable, but after exceeding 50,000 miles, they tend to experience issues with their electrical systems failing,” Musson said. “Since many of the mechanical parts run based on electrical information, the problems can very from the infotainment system glitching to the car not starting.”
Volkswagen
Musson said VW’s are practically known for their failing electrical systems, but that’s not where the issues end. “The transmissions also have a reputation for being prone to problems. They are hard to repair. Dealership shops may be the most able to fix problems, but they’re also the most expensive,” she added.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 German Car Brands Named the Least Reliable of 2025
