When the summer heatwaves hit, some cars just can’t take the pressure. A few Japanese models are especially prone to overheating — and worse, may even catch fire under high temperatures.
Whether you're shopping for a budget ride or maintaining an old-school favorite, these 6 cars come with serious summer safety warnings.
🔥 1. Mazda RX-8 – Cool Look, Hot Disaster
Mazda RX-8 might look sleek, but its rotary engine is notorious for overheating, especially in older models.
✅ Issue: Fuel leakage from worn-out seals
🔥 Risk: Fire hazard due to evaporated fuel in heat
📉 Recall: Nearly 70,000 units affected
🔥 2. Mitsubishi Eclipse – Under the Hood Mayhem
The Eclipse's cooling system isn’t made for extreme heat. Older models suffer head gasket failures and warped engine components.
✅ Issue: Weak radiator performance
🔥 Risk: Engine overheating during long drives
🔧 Common Fix: Costly gasket replacement
🔥 3. Honda CRX Del Sol – Summer Traffic Nightmare
Loved for its sporty vibe, the CRX Del Sol becomes a liability when stuck in hot traffic.
✅ Issue: Fan failure, radiator blockage
🔥 Risk: Instant overheating in idle mode
🛠️ Owner Reports: Frequent coolant flushes needed
🔥 4. Toyota Paseo – Old But Risky
Even with Toyota’s reliability badge, the Paseo from the '90s isn't safe in today’s heatwaves.
✅ Issue: Aging radiator and poor heat dissipation
🔥 Risk: Silent overheating that damages engine internals
🔥 5. Suzuki Samurai – Compact But Volatile
Don’t let its size fool you. The Samurai’s engine bay struggles with airflow, making it a fire magnet in extreme heat.
✅ Issue: Engine ventilation problems
🔥 Risk: Fire in idle or slow-moving traffic
Common Overheating Warning Signs
Temp gauge climbing red
Steam or smoke under hood
Burning smell inside cabin
Power loss while driving
Coolant leakage or puddle under car
🛡️ Safety Tips for Summer Driving
Check coolant levels regularly
Service your radiator and fans
Avoid long drives in peak sun
Pull over if your engine overheats
NEVER open a hot radiator cap
Stay Away from These Cars in Summer!
These cars might be tempting due to price or nostalgia, but hot weather can turn them into ticking time bombs.
If you're in the market for a reliable ride this summer, steer clear of these six Japanese models.