Some engines are known for their performance, while others earn a reputation for being costly to maintain. In this list, we’ll take a look at 15 infamous engines that left owners frustrated and their wallets lighter. These engines may have delivered power, but the high cost of keeping them running made them hard to love in the long run.
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Mazda 13B Rotary Engine
The Mazda 13B rotary engine was unique for its Wankel design, which offered smooth power delivery in cars like the RX-7. However, it was notorious for high maintenance costs due to frequent apex seal wear, oil consumption, and overheating issues. Its compact size and high revs led to short lifespans, requiring costly rebuilds and constant monitoring to keep it running reliably.
Jaguar V12
Jaguar’s V12 engines were synonymous with luxury and power, but they also required a lot of upkeep. Common problems included overheating, oil leaks, and electrical issues, all of which were difficult and expensive to repair. The engine’s sheer size and complexity made it prone to frequent breakdowns, often resulting in sky-high repair bills.
Chrysler 2.7L V6
The Chrysler 2.7L V6, used in cars like the Dodge Intrepid, was plagued by severe oil sludge problems. This led to premature engine failure, requiring complete overhauls. Cooling system issues and poor water pump design added to the expensive maintenance demands, making this engine a financial burden for many owners.
Ferrari F136 V8
While Ferrari’s F136 V8 delivered thrilling performance, maintaining it was another story. The engine’s high-revving nature and exotic materials demanded frequent maintenance, from timing belt replacements to valve adjustments. Even routine servicing on a Ferrari is notoriously expensive, making this engine a costly one to own.
Subaru EJ25 Boxer Engine
Subaru’s EJ25 boxer engine, found in the WRX and other models, was infamous for head gasket failures. Repairing these gaskets required significant labor due to the engine’s horizontally opposed layout. Additionally, oil consumption and turbocharger failures further contributed to the high maintenance costs.
Audi 4.2L V8 (from early 2000s)
The Audi 4.2L V8 delivered impressive power but came with notorious timing chain issues. The chain was located at the rear of the engine, making repairs extremely labor-intensive and costly. Carbon buildup and valve problems were also common, making this engine an expensive one to maintain.
Alfa Romeo Twin Spark Engine
The Alfa Romeo Twin Spark engine was innovative with its dual-spark technology, but the complexity of the system made it expensive to maintain. Issues with timing belts, oil leaks, and electrical problems plagued this engine, requiring specialized knowledge to repair, which often meant high labor costs.
Mercedes-Benz M156 6.2L V8
The Mercedes M156 V8 was a powerful engine, but it suffered from excessive wear in its cylinder head bolts and camshaft lifters. Fixing these problems required major engine work, which came with a hefty price tag. Its high-performance design also demanded regular, expensive servicing.
Lamborghini V12 (early models)
Lamborghini’s early V12 engines, used in cars like the Miura and Countach, were legendary for their performance but equally notorious for their maintenance costs. Frequent overheating, oil leaks, and timing chain failures were common. Keeping these engines running required frequent rebuilds, costing owners a fortune.
Cadillac Northstar V8
Cadillac’s Northstar V8 was plagued by head gasket failures and oil consumption problems. The engine’s aluminum construction made these issues difficult and expensive to repair. Even routine maintenance like replacing the starter motor required removing the intake manifold, adding to the cost.
Nissan VQ35DE V6
While the Nissan VQ35DE V6 was praised for its performance, it also had a reputation for oil consumption and timing chain problems. Repairs were costly due to the engine’s complex design, and frequent maintenance was required to keep it running smoothly. Valve and gasket issues added to the expense.
Aston Martin V12
Aston Martin’s V12 engine, known for its incredible sound and performance, came with significant maintenance challenges. Timing chain failures, oil leaks, and cooling system problems were common. The exotic nature of the engine meant high labor costs and expensive parts, making maintenance a costly affair.
Volkswagen VR6 Engine
The Volkswagen VR6 engine was beloved for its smooth power delivery, but it was notorious for timing chain and cooling system issues. Fixing these problems often required engine-out services, which were costly and labor-intensive. The complexity of the engine design added to its high maintenance costs.
Renault F4R Turbo Engine
Renault’s F4R turbo engine, used in performance models like the Clio RS, was known for its high running costs. Turbocharger failures, timing belt issues, and oil leaks were common. Repairing these problems often required specialist knowledge and expensive parts, making maintenance costly.
Ford 3.5L EcoBoost V6
Ford’s 3.5L EcoBoost V6 offered impressive power and fuel efficiency, but it was prone to timing chain stretch, turbocharger failures, and carbon buildup. These issues required expensive repairs, and even routine maintenance like spark plug replacements was labor-intensive due to the engine’s complex design.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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