33 Annoying Car Trends We’re Tired Of Seeing

Ever notice that one car trend that pops up everywhere and makes you roll your eyes? Like when every SUV suddenly sported fake vents, and you started wondering if we were all being pranked?

It’s like the fashion industry for cars—one minute, something’s cool, and the next, it’s slapped on everything, leaving you wondering why.

Whether it’s pointless tech gimmicks or design choices that make zero sense, certain trends make you question: who signed off on this?

Buckle up; we’re taking a look at the trends that need to stay in the past.

1. Fake Exhaust Tips

Exhaust tips that deceive! These are like those Instagram filters that make everything look better than it is. Nothing screams ‘poser’ quite like a fake exhaust.

These misleading metal bits add no power, yet manufacturers keep slapping them on cars like confetti at a parade.

Imagine revving your engine only to hear a mere whisper instead of a roar. It’s a mirage for motorheads and a disappointment for everyone else.

Consider this trend a tailpipe tell-tale sign of automotive deception.

2. Oversized Grilles

Some cars look like they’re ready to eat pedestrians with their huge grilles, designed to intimidate rather than function. The bigger, the better, right?

But all these oversized grills often serve little purpose other than making cars look like they’re auditioning for the next Transformer movie.

They might cool the engine a tad, but mostly they just block your view and create wind drag. It’s like someone tried to shove a face on your car and took it too far.

3. Gloss Black Trim Everywhere

Black is timeless, but gloss black trim everywhere on a car? It’s like dressing up in a tuxedo for a pool party.

Initially, it looked refined and modern, but now it’s overdone, catching every fingerprint and speck of dust like a magnet.

Maintenance nightmare much? And don’t get us started on the glare! This trend is shiny but not so bright.

4. Coupe-style SUVs

Here’s a head-scratcher: SUVs with coupe-like rooflines. They promise the utility of an SUV with the sexiness of a coupe, yet deliver on neither.

The sloping roof might look stunning, but it gobbles up headroom faster than a seven-footer at a kiddie table. Mixing practicality with style shouldn’t mean compromising on what makes an SUV useful.

5. Giant Touchscreen Overload

Touchscreens in cars are the tech equivalent of oversized novelty checks—they look impressive but aren’t entirely practical.

A giant glowing screen might feel futuristic, but fumbling through menus while driving is a recipe for chaos. Remember when knobs were a thing?

There’s a good reason they were. Less distraction, more interaction. Let’s dial it back, literally.

6. Fake Engine Sounds Through Speakers

Nothing screams “false advertising” quite like fake engine noises blasted through your car’s speakers.

Some manufacturers, apparently afraid that a quiet engine won’t feel “cool,” pipe in artificial growls and roars.

While you’re driving in the comfort of your car, it’s not even the real sound you’re hearing—just a fancy playlist made to trick your brain into thinking you’re driving a race car.

Newsflash: we can hear it’s fake, and we don’t like it!

7. Excessive Ambient Lighting

Driving or clubbing? With ambient lighting that rivals a disco, it’s hard to tell. While a splash of light creates ambiance, bathing your car’s interior in neon hues is like inviting a rave to your daily commute.

Mood lighting is great until it’s more mood than movement. If only all this light could guide us to better design choices.

8. Touch-sensitive Climate Controls

Gone are the tactile, satisfying clicks and dials that made adjusting your air conditioning easy.

Now, everything is a touch-sensitive surface that requires you to hover your finger for five seconds before the temperature changes.

It’s like someone decided that you don’t deserve simple controls anymore. Need to change the fan speed?

Good luck not accidentally switching the seat warmer on. And don’t even think about trying to adjust anything while driving—it’s just a recipe for frustration.

9. Rear Visibility Sacrificed for Style

Style over substance, or should we say style over sight? Design trends have led to shrinking windows and rising beltlines, turning rear visibility into more of an illusion than a feature.

Backing out of parking spots has never felt more like a trust exercise. Who needs to see what’s behind when you can look good not seeing it?

10. Overly Aggressive Styling on Economy Cars

It’s an odd trend to see a budget car, meant to save you money, looking like it belongs on the Fast & Furious set.

Manufacturers have been slapping aggressive body kits, wide fenders, and even fake hood vents onto humble economy cars.

While it might look fast, we all know your car isn’t about to race anyone, so why pretend? Instead of looking refined, it ends up looking like a low-budget cosplay of something much cooler.

11. Overuse of ‘Sport’ Badging

‘Sport’—the badge that promises adrenaline but delivers… not much. It’s become the automotive version of clickbait.

Cars that are more grandma than Grand Prix proudly wear this badge without the performance or pedigree. Slapping ‘Sport’ on everything doesn’t make it so. A gentle reminder that not all that glitters is gold, or fast.

12. Non-functional Vents

Ever notice those vents on the hood, bumpers, or sides of cars that just seem to be there for…decoration? These non-functional vents offer no real airflow, cooling, or performance benefit.

They’re just there to give your car a faux-sporty look, like a badge of automotive dishonesty.

You can’t help but feel bad for them—like a decorated cake that’s all frosting but no substance. Just stop with the fake aerodynamics and make some real improvements.

13. Overcomplicated Infotainment Systems

Infotainment systems that require a manual thicker than a phonebook. Once, car radios were straightforward; now, it’s all touchscreens, sub-menus, and confusion.

Simplicity was sacrificed at the altar of technology. Sure, it’s nice to connect to Wi-Fi, but must it feel like launching a space shuttle? Streamline the experience, streamline our lives.

14. Start-stop Systems That Can’t Be Disabled

You know that moment when you pull up to a red light, and the engine suddenly cuts off? While it’s supposed to save fuel, it just makes you wonder: why is this happening at the most inconvenient times?

Some cars have start-stop systems that can’t be disabled, leaving you helpless as the engine cuts out every time you idle.

It’s like the car’s forcing its eco-friendly agenda on you—whether you want it or not.

15. Faux Carbon Fiber Accents

If it’s not real carbon fiber, why pretend? These accents are the car world’s equivalent of costume jewelry. Sure, it looks sporty, but it’s all bark and no bite.

Faux carbon fiber might as well be the automotive mullet—business in the front, party in the back—just without the business credentials. Let’s keep things authentic.

16. Orange Turn Signals Replaced with Red

Why? Just… why? Orange turn signals have been the industry standard for safety and visibility for years, but some manufacturers have decided that red turn signals are the way to go.

It’s all about aesthetics, but they sacrifice visibility and safety in the process.

When you’re trying to signal to someone in traffic, the last thing you want is for them to confuse your turn signal for brake lights. Keep it orange—no one’s asking for a light show!

17. Rear Wipers Disappearing from SUVs

Wipers—once an essential feature, now a vanishing act on SUVs. Rain or shine, seeing clearly should never be optional, yet some SUVs have ditched the rear wiper in a bid for a sleek look.

While the front gets all the attention, the back’s left to brave the elements solo. A design choice that leaves us all wet behind the ears.

18. Useless Paddle Shifters

Paddle shifters are often marketed as a way to make you feel like a pro race car driver. But let’s face it—unless you’re driving a high-performance sports car, they’re almost always completely unnecessary.

In many modern cars, they’re there just for looks, offering no real benefit on daily drives.

You’re better off letting the automatic transmission do its job, rather than pretending you’re shifting gears in a Formula 1 car. They’re just another gimmick to sell you on “performance.”

19. Over-reliance on Driver Assist Tech

Driver assist tech has become the overbearing parent of the car world. While well-intentioned, over-reliance on these systems can breed complacency.

Alerts buzz like a concerned mom reminding you to drive safe, but too much tech can turn drivers into passengers. It’s time to embrace driving, not just delegating.

20. Massive Wheels with Rubber-band Tires

You’ve probably seen those cars with wheels so big, they look like they belong on a monster truck. Sure, they might look cool on the showroom floor, but in reality, they sacrifice comfort and practicality for style.

The rubber-band tires that come with these massive wheels have zero sidewall flex, meaning every pothole feels like a jolt to your spine.

And don’t even get us started on how expensive those tires are to replace—it’s a total money pit!

21. Cars Pretending to be Crossovers

Crossover pretenders—a trend as baffling as it sounds. These cars wear the attire of an SUV but under the hood, they’re still ordinary sedans. It’s the automotive equivalent of a wolf in sheep’s clothing, sans the bite.

This trend is more about perception than practicality. Let’s keep boundaries clear on what makes a crossover.

22. Hood Scoops on Non-performance Cars

Hood scoops are supposed to cool down high-performance engines or provide extra air intake.

So why are we seeing these aggressive scoops on family sedans or compact hatchbacks that have little to no performance upgrades?

It’s like a wannabe muscle car that’s trying way too hard. You’re not fooling anyone—just get rid of the scoops and focus on the driving experience instead.

The only thing that’s getting “cooled down” is your credibility.

23. SUV ‘Coupes’ with No Headroom

SUV ‘coupes’—a paradox in automotive form. They promise the space of an SUV with the style of a coupe, yet often deliver neither.

The compromised headroom is noticeable, especially for taller passengers. It’s form over function, and while they look sleek, practicality takes a definite backseat, often at the expense of comfort.

24. Plastic Skid Plates for ‘Off-road Look’

Nothing says “I’m an off-roader” like a plastic skid plate that serves no real purpose.

Many crossovers and SUVs are equipped with these flimsy plastic plates under the front bumper, making it look like the car is ready for a rugged adventure.

In reality, it’s just there to make it look tough—while being more likely to scrape or break on the first curb you hit. It’s the automotive equivalent of wearing hiking boots to a shopping mall.

25. No Manual Transmission Option

The joy of driving a manual is akin to playing a musical instrument. Alas, the option is disappearing faster than vinyl records in a digital world.

A manual transmission offers a tactile connection, a dance with the machine that automatic just doesn’t match. Removing this option is like taking the soul out of driving. Bring back the stick!

26. Overstyled LED Headlights

LED headlights have become the latest trend in automotive design, but sometimes it feels like manufacturers are going a little overboard.

Some cars have headlights that look like they’re auditioning for a futuristic sci-fi movie. They’re sharp, aggressive, and, let’s face it, a bit obnoxious.

Sure, they’re bright, but they also seem designed more for aesthetics than actual function.

Do you really need a light fixture that looks like it came from a laser tag arena? Keep it classy, people.

27. Drive Mode Selectors with No Real Effect

Drive mode selectors: a promise of change, an illusion of transformation. While they suggest a shift from eco to sport and beyond, in reality, the difference is as subtle as a whisper.

They’re the placebo button of the automotive world. It’s more about creating an impression than delivering an experience.

28. Too Many Trims with Confusing Names

Gone are the days of basic, simple trim levels like “LX” or “Sport.” Now, manufacturers are offering a confusing array of trims with names like “XLT Premium Plus” or “Limited Pro XT.”

It’s all about making the car seem customizable, but all it does is confuse the consumer.

You end up with a thousand different options, and none of them are clearly better than the others. Instead of making decisions easier, it just turns shopping into a headache.

29. Subscription-based Features

Want heated seats? There might be an app for that—literally. Subscription-based features in cars are like having to rent your own couch.

Once a one-time purchase, now a monthly commitment. It’s the automotive industry’s answer to microtransactions. Convenience at a cost, but how far is too far? Let’s rethink pay-per-use in our vehicles.

30. Fake Engine Covers

Under the hood of many cars, there’s a shiny, fake engine cover slapped on top, giving the illusion of a powerful engine.

In reality, these covers do nothing but hide the mess of wires and components that make up the real engine.

It’s like putting a decorative plate on top of your fridge to hide the magnets and mess you don’t want to deal with. The car’s not fooling anyone—just leave it as it is!

31. Poorly Integrated Charging Ports

Charging ports placed with the thoughtfulness of a random number generator. They’re either too far, too awkward, or impossible to use without contortionist skills.

Modern cars boast connectivity, yet these ports seem to have missed the memo. A small detail, yet it can be the difference between convenience and hassle during our journeys.

32. Minimalist Interiors with No Buttons

We get it—minimalist design is chic and modern. But when it leads to interiors devoid of any tactile buttons or knobs, it can become a frustrating nightmare.

Touchscreens are great, but you don’t need to eliminate every button in the car. Temperature controls, volume buttons, and even window switches should be simple to use while driving.

We’re not asking for an overload of switches, but let’s not turn the cabin into a glorified smartphone either.

33. Inflated Horsepower Numbers for Marketing

There’s a sneaky little trick car manufacturers love to play: inflating the horsepower numbers for marketing purposes.

They’ll list the engine’s peak horsepower, but rarely do you get that number at regular driving speeds. The result? A spec sheet that looks impressive but doesn’t translate to real-world performance.

It’s like boasting about a 10-second sprint but forgetting to mention that you can’t sustain that speed for more than 30 seconds. Marketing 101: don’t mislead your audience!