14 Cars That Are Notorious Rust Buckets (And 15 That Never Rust) (2024)

Rust is the bane of every long-term car owner, body shop mechanic and classic collector’s existence. It is one of the biggest causes of depreciation on older cars, not just classics. While the primer and paint job at the manufacturer does a good job of providing coverage from rust, if the coating gets damaged it will allow moisture to seep into bare metal and wreck all sorts of nastiness.

In many cases, that moisture will get through via dents and chips but even light scratches have been known to cause problems. With that said, moisture isn’t the only thing to worry about. One common substance is sales. Unlike plain old water, salt water carries can at as a fare more potent electrolyte so if you live near a salt-heavy body of water you are far more susceptible. Some manufacturers use higher quality paint and primer to coat their vehicles when they make it to dealerships. For those who are concerned, one good way to protect your car, short of avoiding scratches and other accidents is to wash your car regularly. Many argue that applying wax every couple of months helps further coat the paint. Others will opt for protective lubricants or anti-rust spray, which could get pricey but has been shown to help.

Here is a list of 15 cars that have a history of poor rust protection, and 15 that have been known to have very low chances of picking up the bronze-colored infection.

29 Will rust: Chevrolet Vega

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You’ll need to turn back the clock for this Chevrolet Vega, a subcompact from back in 1970. Initially, the Vega won several awards that included the 1971 Car of the Year by Motor Trend and Best Economy Sedan awards from 1971-1973 from Car and Driver. There were, however, problems brewing under the surface, literally. Rust, rust and more rust.

While GM touted extensive anti-rust improvements to the body in 1976, earlier models were notorious for being one of the biggest rust-magnets in the vehicle industry. Fixes included a six-stage zinc phosphate rustproofing process, which includes submerging the car in a 65,000-gallon electro-coating paint job.

28 Won't rust: Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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Mercedes-Benz launched the fourth generation C-class, the W205 in 2015, everyone was blown away with the more elegant design. It is arguably the most luxurious-looking C-class to date, so much so that it is easily mistaken for an E or S-class based on the front, or rear-end design.

Unlike the sportier design of the third generation, Mercedes-Benz went for opulence and class this time around.

One thing they did not change is their excellent paint priming and coating process from previous generations, all of which have stood the test of time, avoiding rust for the most part. Mercedes-Benz is famous for repairing rust issues for free in many cases.

27 Will rust: Range Rover Sport

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One of the most iconic British SUVs has got to be Land Rover Range Rover Sport. It is the vehicle of choice for the rich and famous, over other Land Rover variants purchased by the less fortunate. Here in North America however, the Range Rover Sport faces significant chassis corrosion especially in States and Provinces where significant salt and liquid snow melters are used.

According to a popular blog called Rob Is On Service, areas to check on older Sport HSE models are the brake and fuel pipes and lower control arms, all of which tend to rust out before the rest of the frame.

26 Won't rust: BMW 3-Series

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BMW’s 3-series has been the brand’s most important car for over 40 years. Now in its seventh generation, it has the difficult task of reinventing itself to stave off competition not only from rivals but from within. With SUVs easily outselling sedans, it will be interesting to see whether the all-new 2019 3-Series can earn itself a spot on driveways across the globe.

According to Autonet.ca, the 3-Series has, for the most part, offered its customers great rust protection before even hitting the dealership.

In fact, BMW even offers a comprehensive corrosion protection treatment that culminates in a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. That is among the very best of assurances among manufacturers.

25 Will rust: Jeep Wrangler

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Another victim of The Sun’s published study sees the Jeep Wrangler as another car that is highly susceptible to rust. The U.K.-based tabloid quotes the used vehicle database Cazanza.com, which analyzed information on second-hand cars around the U.K. to find out which models show up with the most warnings for rust and corrosions during their Ministry of Transportation checks.

That is unfortunate for a brand whose history spans over 30 years. My only hope is that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has fixed these problems in the current generation, which launched earlier this year. The Wrangler has seen a real resurgence in sales since 2012, now averaging over 200,000 units annually. That makes it well over twice the average in the early-to-mid 2000’s.

24 Won't rust: Audi A3

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Audis have been rated very highly by several car websites as being virtually rust-free. This applies more so to the A3 and A4 sedans, which share the same platform so, it really is no surprise. The A3 continues to evolve and the latest generation is great, all be it much larger than older models.

That, however, seems to be the way with all sedans though, with the A4 also growing in size over the years.

US News’ Car subsite rates the A3 consistently in the 8 out of 10 bracket, citing excellent performance options even from the base engine, solid fuel economy, a high-quality cabin that keeps getting better and an IIHS top safety pick year over year.

23 Will rust: Mini Cooper

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The Mini Cooper, or simply the Mini has been around since 2000. It was a very well-received car, even earning the coveted North American Car of the Year award back in 2003. There was little to argue about, with the Mini winning hearts thanks to BMW maintaining many elements of its original iconic design, peppy 4-cylinder engine, zippy handling, and above-average fuel economy.

If you are the owner of an older model, take note that rust issues are quite common among legacy models as reported by a host of owners on North American Motoring and enthusiast website, Mini Mania. Most plaintiffs argue that rust is mostly visible on door panels so it shouldn’t be too hard to spot.

22 Won't rust: Acura TL

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The Acura TL is an excellent car, end to end. For a car that was to replace the Acura Vigor, it absolutely had to live up to the nameplate. For the first three generations, the TL was considered a compact luxury sedan but was re-categorized to a midsize sedan in 2009.

It was eventually rebranded under as the TLX in 2014, slotting in between the likes of the Lexus IS and ES/GS series of cars.

There are very few registered complaints with respect to rust and corrosion for the TL, and this is in part due to Acura’s Appearance Protection, which features excellent full body panel, undercarriage, surface, and complete paint-finish protection.

21 Will rust: Toyota Rav4

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There is little argument about the successes of the Toyota RAV4. It has consistently ranked among the top-selling SUVs on the planet for several years. For 2017 the RAV4 not only replaced the Toyota Camry sedan as the top-selling Toyota, but it also overtook everyone else to become the top-seller vehicle in the country (excluding trucks).

With that said, according to Consumer Affairs there have been several complaints by owners of older Toyota RAV4’s about peeling or bubbling paint. Many have gone on to say their cars have shown signs of early rust wear compared to newer models or competitor cars, like the Honda CR-V.

20 Won't rust: Toyota Camry

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The Toyota Camry is the ultimate mid-size family sedan packing immense value, an age-old history of reliability, and really enjoyable battle with what is its only real competitor, the Honda Accord. Despite losing some ground to the Accord in early years, it has gone on to consistently outsell its fiercest rival across the continent since 2001.

More recently, like the Accord, Toyota has reshaped what was has been a historically conservative style to attract a younger audience.

It seems to have paid off given the widening gap between the two competitors. Unlike the RAV4 and some Corollas, the Camry offers great rust protection from the factory and has been noted among the best rust-resistant cars according to Autonet.ca.

19 Will rust: Nissan Altima

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It has been widely reported in the media that the Nissan Altima has a dangerous problem bubbling right under their feet. Third generation sedan floorboards are very susceptible to corrosion. While floorboard rust can occur in any vehicle, the Altima’s concave floorboard allows more moisture to accumulate, and without proper drainage causes gaping holes under the carpet.

Fortunately, Nissan recognized this issue and rectified the problem in the following generation, which means Altima and Maxima owners with models produced after 2007 are mostly in the clear. For the rest, if you haven’t already, do take a peek under that carpet.

18 Won't rust: Volkswagen Passat

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Volkswagen’s Passat has been around since 1972 and is now in its eight-generation in Europe. They launched in North America just 2 years later before having a generation designed specifically for the market in 2011. Still, the original Passats were excellent cars with a comfortable interior, fun to drive and excellent safety ratings.

Where it lost out was in pricing, easily more expensive than other non-luxury competitors, all of whom maintained far superior resale value and overall reliability.

Where the Volkswagen shone was in the Germany-based manufacturer’s ability to keep the car rust free thanks to a great job in priming and paint coating. There are 100s upon 100s of Passats available in the market since the 2000 model which appear in great condition, and coupled with the low resale value are priced to sell.

17 Will rust: Pontiac G5

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The Pontiac G5 was a relatively successful compact car, despite its short 4-year history. However given the significant overlap with the Chevrolet Cobalt, things eventually went downhill for the G5, and the Pontiac brand overall. It was eventually replaced by the Chevrolet Cruze.

According to the G5 Club website, many Pontiac G5 owners report metal corrosion mostly in the fuel lines, doors, and rocker panels. There are even several tutorials on how to self-repair damage on the website, Fix My Rust. This isn’t the only Pontiac notorious for rust, and that would make sense considering most of their sedans shared the same platform.

16 Won't rust: Honda Civic

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The Civic has done extremely well, repeatedly ranked among the most sold cars across the globe. The Civic even enjoyed more success than the Corolla throughout the 1990s before waning but has again surged since in 2012. The latest Civic is a work of real technological mastery and design brilliance, showing the world that Honda still has a heck of a lot more to offer.

Virtually all Civic generations have seen little to no signs of rust over the years when compared against others in the segment.

While the current Civic generation is the technology-packed compact car of the future, even the earlier generations offered plenty from terrific fuel economy and a smooth-shifting transmission to quality materials and adequate power.

15 Will rust: Suzuki XL7

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The Suzuki XL7 never really had a good time in the market, despite its 9-year history spanning two generations. Not only did it have a low-reliability rating from most car review websites, but it also offers very low safety scores and sub-par interior quality. Perhaps the only things going for the SUV was the introduction of a standard third row in 2009, its last year of production and a revised six-speed transmission.

While early rust was never the XL7’s biggest-reported issue, it was enough to garner interest from several forums and blogs. Some of the bigger problems were with the ignition, with many complaining about starting problems in the second generation.

14 Won't rust: Hyundai Sonata

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Back in 1985, Hyundai introduced the Sonata, as an alternative to the industry leaders, the Accord and Camry. The Sonata has averaged over 200,000 units in sales per year since 2010 and even the Altima, which joined the party 7 years later in 1992, has oversold it by 100,000 units.

In spite of this, the Sonata holds its ground with terrific safety scores, competitive fuel economy, and an upscale interior.

Many have said it was a far superior car overall compared to the Altima over the last decade, despite the Altima’s bolder and sleeker exterior. Unlike the Altima though, the Sonata seems to record fewer rust issues than its older brother, the Hyundai Azera which was plagued with issues in the early 2010’s.

13 Will rust: Saturn VUE

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Another Saturn with a short history was the VUE, a compact SUV that actually had a good sales record in North America; it was Saturn's top-seller. Sales state-side averaged 85,000 units per year and for that reason, the VUE made it into its second generation in 2008. Unfortunately, the Pontiac brand folded just 2 years later.

While key issues with the VUE were mostly related to the transmission, steering and door latch issues were also quite common. Similar to other Saturns, rust issues around the rear gate were also widely reported. Just take a gander at Edmunds and Saturn Fans’ forums for details.

12 Won't rust: Volkswagen Golf

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Another Germany-based brand with a near-equally long history is the Volkswagen Golf. It has consistently ranked as a top brand, earning awards from the European Car of the Year but even state-side with Kelley Blue Book and Motor Trend, giving it Car of the Year awards.

It is also one of Car and Driver’s 10Best Cars, yet again for 2018, reaching 12 consecutive years on that list.

Despite such a long history, there are very few problems with VW Golf. Even after extensive research across forums and blogs, most customers are thoroughly satisfied with their cars and this is further underpinned by an excellent warranty. The brand offers a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty for its customers.

11 Will rust: Buick Rendez-vous

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It was the early 2000's and the mid-size SUV segment had absolutely lit up. Buick didn't do itself any favors by releasing the Rendez-vous in 2001. Despite needing this car to be successful, in a bid to win over a younger customer demographic, they did not deliver at all. Not only was the exterior styling flat, but sales figures were also far from impressive given the wide-scale interest in SUVs from the overall population.

Some of the biggest issues plaguing the Rendez-vous were leaking intake manifolds, but it was no stranger to corrosive unibody chassis and hood. Heck, even the spare tire hanger was known to pick up rust.

10 Won't rust: Volvo S60

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Volvos have always been known for their high safety scores and build structure. Lately, though, they’ve stepped up and showcased some of the best-designed cars you will find anywhere on the planet. Their latest design language is a huge step into a more modern car. Even their newer wagons make you rethink what it’s like to own one.

One thing they have not strayed from is their impeccable quality rating.

You will find several used Volvo S60s in the market in pristine condition, paint-job wise. Provided the car hasn’t been involved in any collisions, it retains its paint job even a decade later, and this has resulted in fewer rust issues for the model, and brand as a whole.

14 Cars That Are Notorious Rust Buckets (And 15 That Never Rust) (2024)

FAQs

What is the most rust-proof car? ›

Top 10 most rustproof cars Page 1 of 1
  • Audi A3, A4, S4;
  • Volkswagen Golf, GTI, Jetta, Beetle, Rabbit, Passat, Passat CC;
  • Volvo S40, V50, V70, CX70, S60;
  • BMW 3 Series;
  • MINI Cooper, Countryman;
  • Honda Civic, Accord, Fit, CR-V, Odyssey, as well as Acura CSX and TL;

What cars never rust? ›

Cars that never rust
  • Kia Forte: Great to hear excellent rustproofing doesn't need to cost the world!
  • Volvo S60: For once, reliability and rust protection do go hand in hand.
  • Volkswagen Golf: Not just one of the greatest cars ever built – also one of the most rust-free ever.
Mar 12, 2020

What cars rust out the fastest? ›

Cars Most Susceptible to Rust Damage
  • Ford Fiesta.
  • Vauxhall Corsa.
  • Land Rover Range Rover Sport.
  • Ford StreetKa.
  • Toyota Rav-4.
  • Jeep Wrangler.
  • Volkswagen Polo Hatch.
  • MINI Hatchback.
Nov 19, 2021

Are newer cars more rust resistant? ›

Modern lubricants provide added protection against rust.

It was not just the body panels of older vehicles that suffered from corrosion. Modern motor oils perform better than older lubricants, offering superior protection against a chemical attack by oxygen and other corrosive elements in the air.

Will rust proofing stop existing rust? ›

Therefore, stopping any further rust developing and slowly pushing off the existing rust. Yes. Once rust begins, it contines to perpetuate. A coating may slow it down, due to diminished oxygen, but it will still continue to rust.

What stops rust from spreading on a car? ›

Rust converters are products that can be applied to rusted metal surfaces to stop rust from spreading. They work by converting the rust into a stable compound that can be painted over. Rust converters are an effective way to stop rust from spreading on your car.

What kills car rust? ›

You may know that WD-40® Multi-Use Product is a lubricant, but its innovative formulas' properties actually makes it a great rust remover for cars. The unique product treats rust by loosening the bonds between rust and metal, by penetrating the porous layer and then lubricating the surface so that it can be removed.

Why don t cars rust in Florida? ›

Some might be surprised to hear that, yes, cars do rust in Florida. While the process might not be as fast as in Northern states where there's salt on the roads during the winter months, Florida still has a lot of salinity in the air, especially at popular coastal cities.

Why don't California cars rust? ›

A generally low amount of snow and ice means no salt on the roads. Coastal mountains prevent salty ocean air from reaching inland. However, even cars found by the coast would require consistent contact with ocean water to develop rust.

Why don't BMWs rust? ›

Although BMW vehicles undergo corrosion protection treatments which are usually comprehensive to fight against rust, it may still form as your car gets older, especially if you don't properly maintain your BMW. The best way to prevent rust problems is proper maintenance.

Where do cars rust most? ›

Rust begins on the inside. To be precise, it occurs on the seams and in the lower six inches of the panel. The rust occurs in these areas because of the road brine. As the salty water splashes the vehicle undercarriage and tires, it seeps into the tiny crevices and cracks of the seams and gets trapped.

Are Toyota cars prone to rust? ›

The underbody of your Toyota car is exposed to a variety of elements that can cause rust and corrosion, such as salt, water, and dirt. These elements can cause damage to the metal components of your car's underbody, leading to costly repairs and even total failure of the system.

Which car brand does not rust? ›

Cars that rust the least are often made from thick, Swedish steel or galvanized steel, according to experts and market observations of used cars. Models like Audi A6 C5 or C6, the immortal Audi 80, Vauxhall (Opel) Insignia, or BMW 5 Series E60 are considered the most resistant to corrosion.

At what point is a car too rusty? ›

Rust becomes a more serious problem when it affects the underbody or the frame. These are structural elements that keep you and your passengers safe in the event of an accident. Rust weakens metal, so a rocker panel with Swiss cheese-like holes obviously isn't as strong as one that's rust-free.

What year did cars stop rusting? ›

Revised cathodic automotive electrocoat primer systems were introduced in the 1970s that markedly reduced the problem of corrosion that had been experienced by a vast number of automobiles in the first seven decades of automobile manufacturing.

Is it possible to rust proof a car? ›

There are several ways to rustproof your car, including electronic modules, tar-based sprays, drip oil sprays, and dripless (or drip-free) sprays. Our experts recommend a clear-coat, drip-free application because it hardens after being sprayed, creating a seal to keep out moisture.

Is rust proofing your car worth it? ›

It can also protect from paint chips, scratches and dirt. As an added bonus, because the dirt is stuck to the wax barrier rather than the body of the car, it makes the next car wash even easier. Rustproofing is an essential treatment for anyone who wishes to keep their car on the road long after the warranty expires.

What is the most rust resistant coating? ›

Inorganic zinc coatings are extremely good for preventing rust on steel. They are also excellent for providing protection from environmental factors like saltwater and harsh weather conditions. As a result, chemical plants and refineries often use such coatings to shield their equipment from deterioration.

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