Get Hotcars Premium. Start your free trial today

While some Japanese trucks can easily challenge the best America has built, they're not all as great as everyone thinks.

In principle, people buy pickup trucks to be dependable workhorses. Some pickup trucks can last a lifetime and remain sturdy and reliable, giving maximum returns on investment to the owner.

Related: 10 Most Reliable Diesel Pickup Trucks You Can Buy Used

But then, some pickup trucks from various manufacturers develop reliability issues barely a few years into use. Some of them can hardly haul as they're supposed to, while others will throw all sorts of mechanical tantrums before getting to their destination. Although used pickup trucks can have good bargain deals when shopping on a budget, you are better off staying away from these ten used Japanese trucks.

The 2002 Nissan Frontier has a long-standing bad reputation for reliability. Months into production, this truck was recalled from the manufacturer owing to problems with the throttle supercharger.

Suppose you hit full throttle in low gears with the engine not warmed up. The air intake might suddenly exceed the preset limit value. This issue would happen and leave the engine stuck below 2400 rpm. Buying such a truck today would leave you bankrupt and in debt trying to maintain it.

The front suspension lower ball joint only 2004 to 2006 Toyota Tundra is one of the major concerns that leads to its unreliability. As noted by the NHTSA, a possible fault in the finishing of the ball joints would lead to several problems in the ownership of this truck.

The result is a ball joint that wears and loosens prematurely. Consequently, the vehicle will also suffer from increased steering effort, incorrect self-centering, and noisy suspension in the front. If the track is used ignoring this issue, you risk a ball joint that might separate from the knuckle leading to loss of vehicle control and expensive repairs.

Related: Here's Why We Would Buy The New Toyota Tundra TRD Pro Over The 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor

Only the brave would want to take this truck for a spin. Honda issued a recall after the 2006 Ridgeline developed issues with its fuel pump relay.

The main cause of concern was a coil wire in the relay that was subject to breaking, leading to a sudden power loss in the fuel pump. If this happens, the faulty fuel pump will stop working and cause an engine stall.

Owners of the 2010 Suzuki Equator were unfortunate as the track developed serious issues that prompted three recalls. A suspension issue was one of the major causes for a recall after the lower control link bushing collars were found faulty.

This problem arose from improper welding, whereby the collars didn't meet strength requirements. This weak welding can separate and have the collar slip over the mounting bolt and bushing. You would end up with a truck with incorrect wheel camber and poor handling.

Related: This Is What Makes The Suzuki Equator The Quirkiest Used Small Truck On The Market

Over the years, the 2013 Toyota Tacoma got three recalls and one investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The brake actuator assembly faced a serious issue following a faulty electrical terminal.

The two-terminal components could experience reduced contact force and increased resistance in the oxide film. This issue posed a serious safety concern as the truck would lose control over the ABS and Vehicle Stability Control.

The Subaru BRAT (Bi-drive Recreational All-Terrain Transporter) had cool four-wheel-drive mechanics for, you guessed it, all terrains. Farmers also loved these small trucks because of the impressive powertrain.

However, buying a used one today is asking for a load of rust problems. Rust will be common in areas such as the wheel wells, the underbelly, and the fenders. A used BRAT without rust is rare today, and if you do, chances are high that it will be quite pricey.

Mazda made the first and the last rotary engine truck, which might sound like a great car to own, but in practice, it is anything but. For starters, the rotary engine is a bit of a fuel guzzler for use in a truck, making it uneconomical.

On top of that, unreliability issues plagued the rotary truck. It requires frequent and costly maintenance to keep it running. Given that many reliable and affordable trucks are available, it just isn't worth the trouble of getting the rotary truck.

Toyotas aren't known for their unreliability, but no one's perfect, and some model years do not go without their problems. The 2000 Tundra, with its optional V8 engine, was loved for its good handling and a four-wheel drive system that offered exceptional traction on the roads. It also had high safety scores outperforming its American counterparts.

Related: 10 Things We Now Know About The 2023 Toyota Tundra

Notwithstanding these cool features, major rust issues developed for the Tundra as time passed. The truck has been reported to have severe corrosion issues that even prompted a recall of the 2000 - 2003 models.

The 2004 Nissan Titan was a host of many serious problems. One of the most notable was fluid leaks in the differential, which called for a costly rear axle replacement. Buyers of used trucks today should be wary of the '04 Titan as it is subject to other build quality issues that require plenty of repairs.

Unless you are considering the more recent 2020 update of the Second Generation Nissan Titan, you should stay away from this truck.

For a newer truck, the 2019 Nissan Frontier is a letdown due to its choice in using an outdated five-speed automatic transmission where counterparts offer eight-speed. Although the car is relatively quick and agile, its design is boring and dated.

Its cruise control also reportedly might stop functioning. The truck isn't practically economical on fuel, although some owners will trade economy for its smooth revving. The worst problem though is the limited interior room. It might be a cheaper truck than others from 2019, but the cramped interior doesn't offer any value for money.

Everything in life is somewhere else, and you get there in a car. Some people take good care of their cars, I like to see cars as part of the family. I'm all about creating great content about cars.