Which used 7-seater car is the most reliable?

Which faults should you know about on each model?

For each model, the most serious faults in the model page (up to three; the others and the sources are in the page):

• SsangYong Rodius I (5.0/5): “Electrical and electronic faults”

• Mercedes-Benz Citan I (4.5/5): “Brake pipe corrosion” ; “Recall: faulty side airbag”

• Toyota Prius+ I (4.5/5): “2015 recall: hybrid inverter software bug” ; “Head gasket failure under hard driving”

• Dacia Jogger I (4.5/5): “Recall: rear axle mountings (2024)” ; “Clutch and flywheel of the 1.0 TCe 110” ; “Electrical faults and engine stalls of the 1.6 hybrid”

• Lancia Voyager I (4.5/5): “Automatic gearbox: jerks and reported replacements”

• Kia Carens III (4.0/5): “Engine failure of the 1.7 CRDi 136” ; “Recall: brake fluid leak and ABS/ESC circuit” ; “Clutch and flywheel of the 1.7 CRDi”

• Volkswagen Touran II (4.0/5): “Recall: airbag and seatbelt pretensioner” ; “DSG7 gearbox: clutches and mechatronic unit” ; “TDI emissions system: EGR, particulate filter, AdBlue”

• Toyota Verso R20 (3.5/5): “Timing chain of the 1.6 D-4D 112” ; “EGR and particulate filter clogging on D-4D diesels”

• Ford S-Max II (3.5/5): “"Wet" timing belt of the 2.0 EcoBlue: degradation and debris” ; “12 V battery leak: overheating and fire risk” ; “Corrosion of the rear suspension arm bolts”

• Ford Galaxy III (3.5/5): “"Wet" timing belt of the 2.0 EcoBlue” ; “12 V battery leak: overheating and fire risk” ; “Corrosion of the rear suspension arm bolts”

• Ford S-Max I (2.5/5): “Powershift dual-clutch gearbox” ; “Hard brake pedal on the 2008-2009 2.0 TDCi” ; “Recall: coolant and cylinder head (2010-2014)”

• SsangYong Rexton III (5.0/5): “Recall: cooling fan fuse” ; “Electronic faults (cameras, air conditioning)”

• Nissan Qashqai+2 I (JJ10) (4.5/5): “2.0 dCi particulate filter: poor regeneration” ; “Recall of the particulate filter fuel connector (1.5 dCi, 2008)” ; “Jerks and flat spots under acceleration on the 1.5 dCi”

• Chevrolet Captiva I (4.5/5): “Gearbox of the 2.2 VCDi” ; “Clogged particulate filter (diesel)”

• Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace I (4.5/5): “Rear suspension spring breakage (recall)” ; “DSG7 gearbox: lag and mechatronic unit” ; “EGR valve of the 2.0 TDI”

• Kia EV9 I (4.5/5): “ICCU and 12 V battery” ; “Software bugs in the screens and driver aids”

• Škoda Kodiaq I (4.0/5): “Recall: driver airbag with degraded gas (Takata)” ; “Recall: badly welded brake pedal bracket (2020 cars)” ; “DSG gearbox jerks and failure”

• Audi Q7 II (4.0/5): “Steering: manufacturer recall” ; “Diesel common rail: manufacturer recall” ; “Front suspension: manufacturer recall”

• Land Rover Discovery IV (L319) (3.5/5): “Crankshaft failure (main bearings) on V6 diesels” ; “Faulty crankshaft position sensor (2016 recall)” ; “Air suspension compressor and springs”

• Mitsubishi Pajero IV (3.5/5): “Timing chain and guides of the 3.2 DI-D” ; “Injection faults (common rail, injectors)” ; “EGR valve clogging and fault”

• Land Rover Discovery V (3.5/5): “Engine failure on diesels” ; “Failing air suspension” ; “Electronic and infotainment bugs”

• Audi Q7 I (4L) (3.0/5): “Timing chain of the V6 TDI” ; “Recall: diesel common rail leak (2013-2015)” ; “Recall: engine oil in the brake booster (2012)”

• Peugeot 5008 II (2.0/5): “Degradation of the "wet" timing belt (1.2 PureTech)” ; “Premature timing chain wear (1.5 BlueHDi)” ; “Excess oil consumption (1.2 PureTech)”

Should you avoid the lowest-rated 7-seaters?

The rating summarises documented faults, not a personal opinion. In this list, the lowest is the Peugeot 5008 II (2.0/5, 4 documented faults): its page cites in particular “Degradation of the "wet" timing belt (1.2 PureTech)” ; “Premature timing chain wear (1.5 BlueHDi)” ; “Excess oil consumption (1.2 PureTech)”. The Ford S-Max I (2.5/5) and the Audi Q7 I (4L) (3.0/5) follow. These faults often concern a specific engine: read the model page to find out which one, and compare with the comparison tool.

Five or seven seats: what to check in the listing?

• The number of seats sometimes depends on the version: the Dacia Jogger page, for example, says "5 to 7 seats" (in French, « 5 à 7 places »). Check the exact configuration of the car.
• Check the listing's engine against the faults cited above: many are specific to one engine or gearbox.
• Ask for the service invoices and proof of completed recalls.

Going further

See the ranking of MPVs and the one for SUVs, or start from your needs with Find my car. Before buying, go back over the list of documents to demand, read the roadworthiness test report and prepare your negotiation. For specific budgets: €15,000 and €20,000.

Sources

• Our method: reliability, monthly cost and verdicts — Quelle Occasion
• Model guides: pages, sourced faults and indicative prices — Quelle Occasion