Avoid These 5 Engines That BLOW Up (And Leave You Stranded) 

This man have almost 200k subs and actually interacts with the audience..shoots his own videos..have sooo much knowledge..etc .. wish u nothing but success brother..keep em comin

After watching 2 of your videos, I subscribed right away. You are one of the few car youtubers that have a lot of knowledge and only speaks facts in the video, no bull, no fillers. Hats off to you sir!

The 24v VR6 was VW's best engine, by far! Not the 12v. I've had my 2003 GTI VR6 for 20 years now as my daily driver, and it has been super reliable! A failed engine cooling fan, an MAF sensor, and a replaced manifold gasket were the only issues. I have no coolant or oil leaks, and never ever have to check my engine oil level all year long! Change the full synthetic oil and filter once a year, and I still have the original timing chains. And get this... i've never ever changed the manual transmission fluid in all these years, since VW tells me the fluid is for the life of the car. TWENTY YEARS so far, and still running perfectly! I LOVE THIS CAR!

I drive a 2010 Mini JCW 6spd manual because life’s too short to drive boring cars. Love how they sound and drive. Even a spirited driver will get 600 km on a tank of gas. Repairs can be expensive for sure, but I’m still willing to pay it for the driving experience. Driving fun cars is every enthusiasts therapy. Keep the videos coming. I enjoy watching both your channels. Cheers

The 2 people I know who owned Mini's had nothing but problems with them. I had a co-worker who's GTI engine only lasted 25K miles before needing a rebuild. My work environment allows me to see many of the cars you review Mark, and I can tell you from observing these vehicles in the wild that you are spot on. Chrysler products are just terrible, the 200's & 300's owned by my co-workers are no more. We have many Jeeps in our compound and it's a running joke with the owners amongst themselves over what's going to break next.

I love how you have no filter when you talk hahaha! No BS. This was great thank you!

The EA888 Gen3 that’s in that Golf R (and the S3 in my Pfp) has very few to no major issues. The only major issue that engine had is the water pump/thermostat assembly leaking ($1200+ at the dealer). Luckily there is now a recall on this issue so that’s mostly paid for by the dealer. Coil packs are quite inexpensive; Less than $200 for an entire set as well. Carbon buildup isn’t an issue on this engines either nor is the timing chain, both which were issues with the earlier gen2 engine found in the B8 A4 (that engine is terrible). I’ve spent a lot of time around these engines and personally owned one so I thought I’d drop my $0.02

I own 2 vehicles with the EA888 Q5 and a MK7.5 GTi and I’ve never had any issues with them. I briefly owned an A5 where I had the water pump replaced but it was done as a recall. Like any car you own it’s a responsibility on the owner to maintain their vehicle but most don’t.

I've owned VWs with the engine referenced here for many years. I've had none of the issues he complains about. Happy with my Tiguan and GTI ownership. Just my experience. Thanks

I like how he said "Factory approved amount" when talking about oil consumption on the Audi TFSI 4. That's exactly where automanufacturers suck you in. They try to say that a new engine consuming oil is ok when it's NEVER ok. New engines should have ZERO, ZILCH, NADA, NO oil consumption. That's just poor engine design. Good videos man!! Great job, keep it up!!

I'm lucky, my 2016 VW Golf MK7 has a Stage one tune and I have had zero issues so far.

Almost all of that shit was built in Germany. I have always hated the low quality of German cars. Rusting panels, plastic breaking, door locks failing, check engine lights, EGR valves, DPF filters, remote keys failing, pistons falling apart, connecting rods bursting through the crank cases, timing chains rattling and jumping sprockets, electrical issues.............. The list goes on and on and on with them. AND it doesn't matter whether it's VW, Audi, BMW, Mercedes or Porsche, they all suffer the same way. AVOID THEM LIKE THE PLAGUE.

Omg I have a 2015 Mini Cooper S with the 2.0 liter BMW supercharged engine. This is my favorite car I’ve ever owned!! Just love this car. In 7 years I’ve put 45,000 miles on it; I’ve never had a single issue or problem but I dread thinking something serious might arise. I love this car so much and don’t want anything bad to happen to it

FACTS. Thanks for keeping us informed on real automobile talk and NOT being biased based on country of origin of the brands 🍻🔨

Mini fixed all the problems with the third generation Minis. The engines and transmission are extremely reliable. You should have mentioned that.

The vw engine you’re talking about is the gen2 of the e888. The r that you’re talking about has the gen3 which is more reliable and doesn’t have the timing chain issues. Water pumps leaking is still there though

I have a vw golf R 2015 model and I don't have any problems and I reached 200,000 and I don't have any problems and I live in Dubai, the weather is very hot in Dubai

I like this man saying truth and bringing up the facts well done ...thumps up.

Most vehicles nowadays are throwaway vehicle it’s not worth fixing some of them of because they cost too much money on the repair or replacement parts or even chunkier than what you put on

Ill keep my 92 VW GTI 16v. Had since 98. Pretty simple. Very fun. Joy to drive. Newer VWs are complicated. I bought a 2000 Cabrio a few years ago. Very easy to keep up. Parts plentiful. Fun.

My wife bought a 2022 Mazda CX 5 Sport, non turbo because my 2009 Mazda 3 Sport just passed 573,000 kilometres. Turbo is not needed.

The reason I only buy Honda, Mazda, or Toyota. Any car manufacturer that produces a car that has major issues is doing so intentionally. There should be no reason all car manufacturer can't make a car to go 150K without any major problems.

Why is it that Toyota can build the 5.7 V8 3UR FE so reliable and yet Competitors cannot. GM and Dodge have serious V8 issues at times. I have the 5.7 in my Tundra and it sure delivers smooth and insane power. I can tell you the Tundra goes like a rabbid rabbit. Yes, it is slightly more thirsty but i would rather pay at the pump vs the service centre. I expect my Tundra to easily make 600 000 or more kms with routine maintenance. One day some guy thought is BMW would eat my Tundra....no way. I am a Toyota fan boy. Both Toyota and Honda make some of the world's finest engines. Toyota is still the King.

These are old engines/cars and many of them are probably no longer on the road. The few that are still available? Run for the hills!! I hope people will do their research. This video should come up in a Google search. Good work you’re doing. Keep ‘em coming.

From my experience DO NOT buy german cars because they will go wrong and cost significant amounts of money to keep on the road.

I wanted a reliable 6 cylinder sedan with a manual transmission. After seeing the other options, I refurbished a 5th Generation Nissan Maxima and had a low mileage 2019 engine swap done. Over $20K all told, but better than the other choices. I just couldn't stomach paying a "market adjustment" AND settling for a 4 cylinder.

I cried out loud on the way you roasted the 300c but I can't stop thinking buying one one of these days, I love its almost caricatural shape, it's badass spirit (especially in full black), the chromés. From a European perspective, the 300 sweat America big time and got that exotic vibe we find attractive here, like you like German cars in the US.

The Chrysler 5.7 Hemi had MDS starting in 2005. It did not cause any problems. Starting in 2009, they added variable cam timing to the Eagle Hemi and that is when the lifter problems started. I bought a new 2005 Dodge Magnum with the 5.7 Hemi and it now has 121k miles on it with no issues yet. "Knock on Wood" The 05 thru 08 5.7 Hemis might drop a valve seat with high mileage. If that doesn't happen, it's a 200k or 300k engine. I love my Magnum with the Hemi! Screw those little turbo engines!

There is something to be said about owning a high end luxury German car: It lets folks think you can not only afford to purchase one, but you can also afford the costly out of warranty repairs. Just think of the envy of other motorists, like those commoners who drive Toyotas. The cars you mention have the ICEF as a standard "option". ICEF; Inevitable Catastrophic Engine Failure.

Mark, great update and review ❤ !!!

I bought a Honda civic 09 with 200k miles that was well maintained for same price I coulda got a way newer chevy Cruz with half the mileage because me getting to work matters more than trying to impress people I don't know

Thanks again.....good research.........people must open their eyes before buying any car..

Regarding the N47 engine, you are only partially right. I speak from personal experience, because I myself drive an F20, with that engine. The first versions with 177 hp were problematic, after 2012 the engine was increased to 184 hp, and the problem was largely solved. There are many used ones with more than 400,000 km for sale. And as for four-cylinder gasoline engines, they are known to be a disaster. Kind regards

It’s so frustrating bc the hemi can 300k if we’ll maintained……. But the rest of the car/truck around the hemi is such a piece of cheap shit…… from the trannys to the electrical to the cheap interiors……..

Kinda surprised that the Hyundai Theta 4 cylinder engine didn't show up on your list. I have a 2011 Hyundai Genesis Coupe but it has the 3.8 L V6 with MPI so has been reliable and doesn't use a drop of oil. Of course, I maintain it by the book using the extreme conditions factory recommendations for oil/filter changes. Alas, there are increasingly few affordable reliable and powerful sports cars. My coupe will last for quite awhile yet. But there aren't many attractive replacements. The new Supra is basically a BMW and it remains to be seen if the new Nissan Z will solve its teething problems. When I test drove the Genesis Coupe in 2010, I really did not like the 4 cylinder turbo version and although I'd always had manual transmissions, I opted to go with the automatic (a ZF product) as the manual was not as smooth as I'd have liked. Apparently, I dodged a couple of bullets.

Germans killing it here See video for specific years 3:37 BMW n20-47-63 4:20 dodge hemi 8 7:20 VW EA888 13:00 bmw n20 n47 B58 better 14:00 audi 2 tfsi

Also another solid statistic; 1 in 2 cars I see at the side of the road with the hood popped up is an Audi.

Great video

I agree 100% with the EA888 engine. I had one in a GTI and it was junk and had many issues. Unusually, the DSG was the only reliable part of the car.

The experience of driving a mini is like no other. I personally prefer European cars. I’ve owned a 05 Jetta, 06 325i and now a R56 2012 mini S. Love them all but the Mini is next level especially when correctly maintained and modified(like mine) I’ve only had it 3 years it has the REVISED N18 Prince motor which fixed a lot of issues from the previous iteration. Yes you do have HIGH COST for parts and labor but my mini has Never left me stranded. If you get a Mini get an 2011-newer for better reliability BUT the newer you go the LESS MINI they become in my opinion. BUT The “true mini” experience is best in older generation IMO R53/R56

Amazing Honest videos man ! Keep it up.. But I just started to feel that there is no good car out there 😃

Neighbor has a 2017 VW Passat parked in the driveway, it’s white and you can see the carbon on the bumper towards the trunk. He said he’s never buying a VW again.

Very informative channel subscribed !

Interesting. GTIs have a huge following and usually go high mileage …never heard that many complaints ….wanted a Golf R ….food for thought. Thanks !

Top notch video Mark. Looks like I won't be buying a used VW GTI at all. I heard that the brand new VW GTI is now being built in Germany again and not in Mexico. A new VW GTI built in Germany is the one to buy.

100% spot on again!! Thanx for another excellent video. Minis are crap and unreliable especially when older. Same goes with BMW. I owned 2 diesels who both never failed, but I know of many who did, dismally. And then the Fisher Price Chrysler....Hahahahahaaaaa!!!!!

@ 6:59 he said the LS500 had a v8, it doesn’t, it’s a twin turbo v6 albeit probably still more reliable than the Chrysler. I enjoy these videos though!

The previous owner of the Audi was curb surfing his wheels, along with the left front end damage that vehicle looks un-purchasable.

The LS500 is a twin turbo V6 if I'm not mistaken. Undoubtedly more reliable than the Chrysler 300 though.

How could anyone not love this guy? I love him almost as much as Caramel Mocha frappe and I really love my Mocha.

Hello and thank you I have a request. I'm not sure if you have reviewed the Genesis GV70...if not can you give us your thoughts ... Thanks

Have to disagree on the Mazda cars bro….. some of them have the ford duratec engines in them & those are absolutely trash, I had one explode at 80k miles bc of failed internal water pump……

You should mention the many lawsuits that have arisen from bad engines. I believe GM had a big one with the 2.4L engine having bad piston rings and thereby HUGE oil consumption!

N47 of my 3 series back in 2009 came to an unexpected fail as a matter of fact. And the cost of parts replacement was extensive

You are very knowledgeable. And very HILARIOUS.

I have the BMW F30 318d if I am not mistaken the N47 Engine. I have to say the engine is reliable but you don't want to have it for short trips. Probably more long trips. The timing chain was a problem on these cars on low mileages like 60k miles on it. They tend to wear down quicker. I have one with 125k miles on it and it runs quiet and good. Stating that every N47 is absolute horrible and garbage is a little bit misleading. Of course its more recommendable to get the B5x engines from 2015 and beyond. In other words you go for a N47 if it already has a high mileage and the previous owner already changed the timing chain. Otherwise you get yourself an LCi from 2015 or younger. Also helpful whilst owning a modern Diesel: get your Engine Oil changed before the Intervall kicks in. The System says 30k km but do like 15k km.

Great video Mark - love it! Does the Audi TT use the same engine as the VW? Thank you

I'm glad I'm not in the market for buying another car these days.

Thanks as always for keeping it real.

That's an older 300C you are showing there, that's definitely from the Daimler era. Great shape, all things considered. Buddy, you could basically lump all Chrysler and BMW motors on this list, ticking time bombs. We've talked about it before but my god, I shun to think what will happen to those modern Supra's in 5-6 years time. 💥

💘 your channel it's my favorite.

Hi Mark, great video as always. Thank you. One question please. How likely is the BMW N20 engine built in June 2015 to have timing chain issues?

I drove a Chrysler 300 as a company car. Useless in snow and a dog to drive. I could not wait to turn that boat anchor in. Had no value at 80k miles, IMO.

Mark i am intrigued to know your thoughts of why some cars today fail so early. Is it manufacturing, cheap components ,bad design, poor quality control, workforce that have no pride in their work. Might make a good video.

Cool vid ! 🌞 The weak hemi engines are a disappointment. It is hard to believe that Daimler/Chrysler designed them,I expect better from this engine.

One afternoon in 2016 or '17, I one of those Chrysler 300s on the side of a freeway burning up in flames.

Also, avoid any of the V6 engines that were used in the Chrysler 300 from 2005 to present, because those were not good either. You can plan to purchase a used, second-generation (2009 to 2013) Mazda 6 with the 2.5 L four-cylinder engine and the five-speed automatic transmission instead. Thank you very much.

I have a 18 s3 with 2.0 EA888 and I've had no issues then again I work on vehicles for a living so ik constant oil changes 5k miles high end full synthetic also change the spark plugs every 30 to 40k even if vw says it can farther same engine and water pump was supposedly redesigned in 18 so far so good

The VW GTI-R V-6 was made in Germany, and is the ony GTI I'd buy.

Hey Mark, Hope your well and thanks for your very informative vid’s. FYI I have a 2018 Golf R (made in Wolfsburg) with 162k Kms and as of now never had a single problem. But I’m trading it in for a 2023 BMW M340i obviously with the B58 inline 6 what are your thoughts? Thanks again for your time and keep ‘em coming Take it easy Bill K.

German engineering is highly touted but as an engineer who works with German engineers I can't say I have been impressed. Competence (or lack of it) is not exclusive to people of any particular country except perhaps the Japanese. One of my colleagues had an A4 with 2.0 TSFI engine that had the oil burn problem - the piston rings were replaced under warranty ($$$$).

Great job, as always. Any thoughts on the 2015 VW Jetta TDI, which I am currently driving. It has a totally redesigned diesel. I have had several TDI's, loved them all, but this is the first one that is touted to have a 'lifetime' timing belt. What does that mean? Is it my lifetime? The car's? The belt's? LOL...

Great content. thanks man

Awesome videos buddy buyer beware

MINI is owned by BMW but I still believe they are made in England. This is why it still has a MINI Badge not a BMW badge.

I have got a fsi 2.0 vw. Its a good perfomer but packing up very costly . Going is good but packing up Very shitty.

All true I had Mini and audi a4.

What do you think of the new Tundra’s since they ditched that awesome V8? Much like the Tacoma’s, I’ve heard that the new ones have engine issues. For me, I’ll always own a V8

Car companies make vehicles with defects on purpose for the customer to further clean out their pockets in favor of the car companies.

I think this guy has condemned almost every car in the world

Can you make video on body on frame suv to avoid please ??

Parts online or direct thru VWoA are cheaper and more available than for any other make Group, a little scheduled maintenance performed on the and using only high octane toptier+ fuel will prevent these troubles, however I won't buy one made after 2005, having owned the newer ones that need much more in scheduled maintenance and have lots of unnessecary

Glad I got a B58 if I watch your vids with al these POS cars. You said like a dozen problem on every car and thats probably not all issues related. All I heard so far related to the B58 is PCV diagram going out ( some cars have more problems with it than others) and drinking coolant mostly due to a loose cap.

Lovin' the details... Yep, happy to pass on those

Life is too short to drive boring cars. for a while, Ive used to drive specifically foregin Japan domestic vehicles for reliability and day-to-day. now I drive a 15 mustsng GT (my own) and 18 Durango RT (family) and both are super fun! Yea they're probably won't last as long as a common reliable vehicle but it's the fun factor that makes everything up. Take the risk and enjoy the fun, or play it safe and drive a boring vehicle, but again a car is a car can't go wrong either way imo. 😎👍

He certainly knows his stuff. 👍

I currently have a 2011 mini Cooper Clubman with 86000 miles it’s a pretty nice car!

Is it good to buy aston Martin in canada

Let's talk about tesla I'm a proud vw owner it hasn't failed me once I have 40k miles maintenance is key I'm agressive with maintenance

Its only the US VWs that have the problems with the engines. The european ones dont get the carbon problems anymore.

Like people say as long as you treat it right, it’ll treat you right. But yes, maybe people do abuse the cars…

Thanks for your Time 😛😛😛

The best plan is to stay away from any engine that has a turbo. Unless it's a full size V8.

My 20 year old Toyota 3.0 is sounding more and more like something to keep a while longer.

Great insight. Can you do something on Genesis engine reliability?

My friend just bought an Audi a12 and totally regrets it less than a year later

All the electronics mean nothing to me. I’d be happy with a carburetor and crank windows. I hate modern cars.

I have the 2016 VW Golf TSI running the 1.8L. 168K on it. Thoughts?

I disagree with the vw 2.0t ea888 they are built well

Audi and Volkswagen always been lemons as long as I’ve been alive and that’s a long time. I haven’t known anyone who has owned a Volkswagen or Audi and didn’t have a shit ton of problems with them , I just stay the hell away from them period.