Common Car Problems by Make & Model

Honest buyer's guides to what goes wrong with popular used cars in Australia — and exactly what to check before you buy.

Toyota Hilux common problems guide

Toyota Hilux

Diesel injector failure (1KD-FTV), DPF blockages, EGR carbon build-up and chassis rust on hard-worked utes.

UteDiesel2005–now
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Ford Ranger common problems guide

Ford Ranger

What we found on 14 used Rangers: weak batteries, stored codes, leaks, steering wear and rust, plus the 3.2L EGR cooler and 10-speed recall.

UteDieselPX2–Next-Gen
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Mazda CX-5 common problems guide

Mazda CX-5

KE vs KF vs 2022 facelift: oil leaks, front suspension wear and recalls, plus the 2.2L diesel's oil dilution and carbon problems. Data from 20 CX-5s we inspected.

SUVPetrolDiesel2012–2025
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VW Golf and Tiguan common problems guide

VW Golf & Tiguan

DSG gearbox recalls and failures, timing chains, oil and water pump leaks, and the cracked engine mounts we found on 13 of 23 VWs.

HatchSUVDSG2009–now
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Honda CR-V common problems guide

Honda CR-V

Takata airbag recall on 2007–2011 cars, 1.5 turbo oil dilution, and the suspension, power steering and oil leaks we found on 21 CR-Vs.

SUVPetrol2001–2023
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Mazda3 common problems guide

Mazda3

Fuel pump and 2019 BP recalls, early SkyActiv gearbox faults, and the oil leaks, suspension and rear brake wear we found on 32 Mazda3s.

HatchSedan2004–2025
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Mazda2 common problems guide

Mazda2

Takata airbags on the DE, fuel pump, fuel tank and handbrake recalls on the DJ, plus suspension, oil leak and clutch checks.

HatchPetrol2007–2025
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Tesla Model 3 and Model Y common problems guide

Tesla Model 3 & Y

Heat pump / air-con faults, front control arm clunk, seat foam wear, tyre wear and battery degradation (SOH).

EVSedanSUV
Read the guide EV check
Used Toyota and Lexus hybrid problems and battery check guide

Toyota & Lexus Hybrids

How we read every hybrid battery block, why the 12V battery failed more often on the 32 hybrids we inspected, plus brake booster, inverter and import checks.

HybridToyotaLexus
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Private Sale

Buying a Used Car Privately in Sydney

What to check before paying a private seller — PPSR, rego and odometer, meeting the seller, and when to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Private sale Sydney All makes
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Coming soon
Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla

Guide in progress — common faults and what to check before buying.

HatchSedan
Guide coming soon

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Why a model's common problems matter

Every car model has its own set of weak points. A turbo-diesel ute is prone to injector and diesel particulate filter (DPF) issues; a small petrol hatch is more likely to suffer timing-chain rattle or excess oil consumption; an older European car often hides expensive electrical and cooling faults. Knowing what a particular model tends to develop tells you exactly where to look — and what a fault is likely to cost — before you commit.

These guides are written for buyers, not mechanics. Each one breaks the faults down by generation and engine, explains the symptoms in plain language, and lists the practical checks to run during a viewing or a pre-purchase car inspection in Sydney.

A good model doesn't guarantee a good car

Reputation describes the average across thousands of vehicles — it says nothing about the specific car in front of you. A neglected example of a "bulletproof" model can be in far worse shape than a well-maintained example of a problematic one. How the car was driven, serviced and repaired matters more than the badge on the bonnet.

How to use these guides

Read the guide for the model you're considering, note the faults that apply to its generation and engine, then verify them on the actual vehicle. A test drive and a quick look rarely surface injector wear, DPF condition, structural rust or prior accident repair — that's where a professional inspection earns its keep. You can also start with our free VIN & odometer check to screen for obvious red flags.

Buying from a private seller? Read our guide to buying a used car privately in Sydney first. Looking at a hybrid? See how we run a block-by-block hybrid battery check.

Frequently asked questions

Why do common problems differ between car models?

Each model uses different engines, transmissions and components, each with its own known weak points. A diesel ute is prone to injector and DPF issues, while a small petrol hatch is more likely to have timing-chain or oil-consumption faults. Knowing a model's typical problems tells you exactly what to inspect.

Does a known-reliable model mean the specific car is fine?

No. A model's reputation is just the average. A neglected example of a reliable model can be worse than a well-kept example of a problematic one. Only an inspection of that exact vehicle confirms its real condition.

How much does a pre-purchase car inspection cost in Sydney?

JPI mobile pre-purchase inspections start from $280. We come to the seller anywhere in Sydney, complete a 200+ point check with a free PPSR and odometer check, and email you a full report about 30 minutes after the inspection.

Found the car you want?

Don't rely on a guide alone. We come to the seller anywhere in Sydney, run a 200+ point check with a FREE PPSR and odometer check, and email you a full report about 30 minutes after we finish.

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From $280 · Mobile across Sydney · 60-second booking
Book a Pre-Purchase Inspection — from $280