The most common repairs needed for reliable SUVs mainly involve minor electrical issues, bodywork, exhaust systems, and infotainment systems, with typical repair costs being relatively low.
Common Repairs for Reliable SUVs
- Electrical System Issues
Non-engine-related electrical faults are among the most reported problems, often involving 12-volt batteries, hybrid battery packs, or infotainment systems. For example, in family SUVs like the Kia Sportage, sat-nav and infotainment system faults accounted for about 7% of problems, and non-engine electrical issues around 3%. Large SUVs similarly report electrics issues at about 4%. - Bodywork and Exhaust Systems
Minor bodywork repairs and exhaust system faults are also common, with roughly 4-5% incidence in large and family SUVs. These issues tend to be less severe and more affordable to fix. - Battery-Related Repairs
For hybrid or plug-in hybrid SUVs, hybrid battery packs occasionally require repair, though these faults are less frequent (around 1%). - Engine and Major Systems
Engine faults in reliable SUVs are relatively rare (approximately 4% in large SUVs) but can be more costly and time-consuming to repair, especially in diesel variants.
Repair Costs and Downtime
- Most repairs for these reliable SUVs cost between $100 and $200, with 77-83% of faults costing owners nothing out-of-pocket because of warranties or manufacturer coverage.
- Repairs that do require payment rarely exceed $500-$1000, and severe costly repairs are uncommon in reliable models.
- About half of repairs can be completed in a day or less, although some issues can leave vehicles off-road for over a week.
Summary
Reliable SUVs are generally associated with low-cost, minor repairs, primarily related to electrical components, infotainment, bodywork, and exhaust systems. Serious faults such as engine problems are infrequent but tend to be more expensive and time-consuming to fix. Hybrid SUV owners may occasionally face battery pack issues, though these remain a smaller proportion of total repairs. The overall maintenance and repair costs for reliable SUVs stay modest, reinforcing their reputation for dependability.
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