European crossovers are often practical, well-thought-out and very well-tuned vehicles. But, alas, they also have technical problems, and some models have a whole collection of them. We have compiled a list of the 5 most unreliable SUVs from the EU, produced from 2000 to the mid-2010s.
Renault Koleos
Main problems: the vagaries of the CVT gearbox, the oil consumption of the gasoline engine, the weak suspension
This crossover combines French design with Japanese technical elements from the Nissan X-Trail, but this union has its own peculiarities. The main potential problem for the owner of Koleos is the Jatco JF011E CVT continuously variable transmission, especially when combined with a gasoline engine. Yes, it is more reliable than the younger JF015E, but you should not relax: even with careful use, a belt rarely lasts more than 150,000 kilometers and often requires replacement after a hundred thousand kilometers. Delaying maintenance can lead to big problems - a worn belt can damage the surfaces of the rollers, which is already a call for serious repairs.
And after a run of 150,000 kilometers, many owners are faced with another unpleasant nuance. The 2.5-liter 2TR gasoline engine begins to consume oil due to stuck oil seals. Everything is the same as in the related Nissan X-Trail, where the same engine has the QR25DE index. You can choose the diesel M9R, but it has an unpredictable timing chain life and there is a risk of bearing failure.
The suspension, also inherited from Nissan, generally behaves well, but it also has its weak points. Wheel bearings can remind you of themselves already at 80 thousand. Silent blocks of front wishbones sometimes do not last up to 100,000 kilometers, and rear shock absorbers often lose their effectiveness after only 120,000 kilometers.
But Renault copes quite well with the body. Serious problems with corrosion are usually not encountered. Inside, Koleos pleases with French coziness, thoughtful ergonomics and wear-resistant materials. Electrical systems, with a simple design, behave decently.