10 Worst Luxury Sports Cars Ever Made

When you're looking to buy a luxury sports car, expectations may be high, but don't get fooled as some are more trouble than they're worth.

The term "luxury cars" should go hand in hand with quality. Naturally, we would assume that luxury sports cars should also be dependable. This is where you’d be wrong, as this list of the 10 worst luxury sports cars ever made proves.

While cars that have the word "luxury" attached to their name should mean that these vehicles are reliable and of high quality, the truth of the matter is, it is often the opposite. There is something to be said when the least popular car brands end up being manufacturers of high-end vehicles. And with many search engine queries along the lines of “why are luxury cars not reliable?” luxury carmakers have a stigma to shed.

These luxury sports cars may have looks and finesse to lure gearheads into opening up their wallets, but something not-so-great often lurks beneath the surface. Whether what makes these luxury sports cars unreliable is due to engine issues, costly maintenance, or something else entirely, you should most likely avoid them.

A luxury sports car that has a low price tag is tempting, but chances are, said sports car has made its way onto this list of the 10 worst. In this list, we dive into just what makes these luxury sports cars unreliable, along with what specific years and models you should run from.

10.2016 Mercedes-Benz SLC – Serious Recalls

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLC promised sporty luxury with a high-end look. However, with six recalls within the first few years, it was clear there were some glaring, overlooked issues.

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLC had problems such as brakes overheating and having the potential to catch fire. Another worrying issue is a lack of backup power from the car, so that the only way to keep the car from moving is to keep a foot on the brake.

9. 1974 Jaguar E-Type Series III – Low Quality Standards

1974 was a rough time for the British car industry. With Jaguar being a luxury brand, you would expect them to have a better handle on their quality.

Unfortunately, the Series III of the E-Type Jag had low quality control standards. This led to a lot of cars rolling off the production line with pre-existing issues. One could easily fix most of those issues today, but the Jaguar E-Type Series III will still require awareness of what to look for. This makes this sports car feel less luxurious when it is already suffering from issues straight off the lot.

8. 2004 Dodge Viper – Numerous Leaks

The Dodge Viper is a notorious car for its unwieldy speed and often dangerous inability to keep it restrained, and outside its vicious exterior are some issues leaking from the inside out.

With the 2004 Dodge Viper specifically, there have been many reports of leaks through manifolds and gaskets and water leaking inside. To top it off, there have been plenty of transmission issues which lead to audible sounds, or frustrating clutch issues on models with a manual transmission.

8. 2014 BMW I8 – Electrical Issues

The BMW i8 was an ambitious plug-in hybrid, introduced in the form of a luxury sports car. Though it received its power with help from an electric motor, it also relies on the same motor for many important functions. A dead or faulty battery in the BMW i8 could lead to lost stability with important features that may lead to a crash.

6. 2008 Audi R8 V8 Coupe – Wishbone Failure

The Audi R8 had a rough introduction within the first few years, and the 2008 V8 Coupe had some major problems.

The most notable would be wishbone failure, which can come in many forms, like suspension issues or the part failing completely. Among the more common issues were ignition coils, which were easy enough to fix, but could lead to engine damage if not treated quickly.

Car enthusiasts know Audi for producing incredible cars, but the 2008 Audi R8 happens to be one of the worst.

5. 2007 BMW Z4 – Airbag Ghosts

The 2007 BMW Z4 has some tough rivals in cars like the Mazda Miata. With stiff competition, there’s no room for issues the 2007 BMW Z4 has, like airbags deploying with no warning. Worryingly, there is no real ability to predict what specific cars have this problem. Airbag issues in the BMW Z4 are enough to make gearheads consider another luxury sports car to make theirs.

10. 2015 Jaguar F-Type – Engine Issues

In all Jaguar's attempts at making luxury sports cars, there have been many pitfalls. One such example is with the introduction of the F-Type and its engine issues before even hitting the 30,000-mile mark. Some F-Type Jags even have the possibility of engine fires.

3. 2003 Porsche Boxster – Multiple Problems

With over 42 reported problems on RepairPal, including engine failure, the 2003 Porsche Boxster is one of the worst luxury sports cars.

Issues drivers have to contend with on the 2003 Porsche Boxster include internal leaks, coolant loss, and multiple recalls. If you happen across a 2003 Porsche Boxster for sale at a reasonable price, chances are you will want to steer clear of this vehicle.

2. 2022 Maserati Ghibli – Brake Issues

Maserati plays itself up as a luxury brand, and you’d expect everything they produce to live up to that. Their sporty Ghibli, in reality, was a budget parts bin car made up from the Chrysler 300, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Dodge Dart parts. Owners have had severe issues with braking, which could render the car completely unsafe to drive.

1. 1980 Ferrari Mondial – Electrical Issues, Disappointing Performance

The Ferrari Mondial is notorious for being a luxury sports car that isn't worth the price tag. The 1980 Ferrari Mondial is a car that is best avoided by gearheads. It is one of the least powerful Ferraris, and who wants weak power in a luxury sports car? The Mondial is also a difficult car to work on, making maintenance costly and time-consuming.

Sources: Hagerty, RepairPal, Consumer Reports, Kelley Blue Book