Apr 11, 2026

Mechanic Names 4 American Cars Prone To High Repair Costs

Written by Lydia Kibet
|
Edited by Cory Dudak
Discover the front grill of a black Jeep vehicle with the logo of that specific brand of car across the front in silver or white

When you buy a car made in the United States, you're likely expecting reliability, performance and value. However, not all American-made vehicles live up to that promise, especially when it comes to long-term maintenance.

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GOBankingRates spoke to Alan Gelfand, mechanic and owner of German Car Depot, who shared four American-made cars that can cost people thousands in repairs.

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The Cadillac CTS is a luxury car on the outside, but under the hood, it's a different story. The "CTS model experiences three main issues that raise its repair costs: timing chain problems, electrical system failures and transmission system issues," Gelfand said

Most of these repairs could cost anywhere between $1,200 and $3,500 (or more) depending on the nature of the problem. Since Cadillac is a luxury brand, replacement parts and labor can be on the pricier side.

The 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee is another high-maintenance American-made car Gelfand has flagged.

"The Jeeps are notorious in the automotive repair world for having a plethora of issues," Gelfand said. "These Grand Cherokees in particular experience transmission failures together with electrical problems that affect the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) to trigger various electronic system breakdowns."

The Ford Explorer's most expensive problem often comes from the water pump, located within the engine's timing cover. "Since the pump is located inside the timing cover, it can cause severe engine damage," Gelfand said.

The water pump issue, alongside transmission issues and power steering problems, can lead to pricey repairs between $1,500 and $5,000 in some cases.

High-performance vehicles like the Chevrolet Camaro SS and ZL1 trims deliver thrilling driving experiences, but this comes with a cost. These high-performance cars can experience accelerated wear due to the extreme stresses of a high-horsepower operation, even during normal driving conditions.

Frequent repairs include "suspension overhauls, clutch replacements and cooling system issues," with average repair bills ranging between $1,000 and $4,500 (or beyond), Gelfand said.

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.

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Written by
Lydia Kibet
Edited by
Cory Dudak