When it comes to innovation, car manufacturers are always looking for the next big thing to set their vehicles apart. Sometimes, though, these attempts at standing out result in strange car features that leave drivers scratching their heads—or worse, regretting their purchase. From odd design choices to tech that just didn’t catch on, automakers have rolled out some truly bizarre ideas over the years. Why does this matter to you? Knowing which features flopped can help you avoid frustration and wasted money when shopping for your next ride. Let’s take a look at nine strange car features that car brands tried—and drivers absolutely hated.
1. The Yoke Steering Wheel (Tesla, Toyota, Lexus)
Tesla made headlines when it introduced the yoke steering wheel in the Model S Plaid, ditching the traditional round wheel for a rectangular, aircraft-style yoke. While it looked futuristic, drivers quickly found it awkward, especially during tight turns and parking maneuvers. The lack of a top section made hand-over-hand steering nearly impossible, leading to widespread complaints. Even Toyota and Lexus tried similar designs, but the feedback was so negative that some brands offered to retrofit traditional wheels. If you value comfort and safety, stick with the classic round wheel for now.
2. Touch-Sensitive Controls (Cadillac, Volkswagen, Ford)
Touch-sensitive buttons seemed like a high-tech upgrade, but they were a nightmare in practice. Cadillac’s CUE system, for example, replaced physical buttons with glossy touch panels that were hard to use without taking your eyes off the road. Volkswagen and Ford also experimented with these controls, only to face backlash from drivers who missed the tactile feedback of real buttons. The lesson? Sometimes, old-school knobs and switches are simply better for safety and usability.
3. Pop-Up Headlights (Mazda, Corvette, Lotus)
Pop-up headlights were once the epitome of cool, but they came with a host of problems. These strange car features were prone to mechanical failure, often getting stuck in the up or down position. They also added unnecessary complexity and weight; modern safety regulations eventually made them obsolete. While they have a nostalgic charm, most drivers were happy to see them go in favor of more reliable lighting solutions.
4. Centrally Mounted Instrument Clusters (Toyota Echo, Mini Cooper, Saturn Ion)
Some car brands thought moving the speedometer and gauges to the dashboard’s center would be a game-changer. Instead, it just confused drivers. The Toyota Echo, Mini Cooper, and Saturn Ion all tried this layout, but most people found it distracting and unintuitive. Glancing sideways to check your speed isn’t just annoying—it can be unsafe. If you’re shopping for a used car, ensure the instrument cluster is where you expect it to be.
5. Electronic Gear Selectors (Chrysler, Lincoln, Jaguar)
Traditional gear shifters are easy to use and intuitive, but some brands have replaced them with buttons, dials, or touchscreens. Chrysler’s rotary dial, Lincoln’s push-button system, and Jaguar’s rising gear selector all aimed for a futuristic vibe. Unfortunately, these strange car features often led to confusion and even rollaway accidents, as drivers struggled to know which gear they were in.
6. Fake Engine Noise (BMW, Ford, Lexus)
Some manufacturers piped artificial engine noise into the cabin through speakers to make their cars sound sportier. BMW’s “Active Sound Design,” Ford’s “Sound Symposer,” and Lexus’s “Active Sound Control” all tried to fool drivers into thinking their cars were more powerful than they really were. Most drivers found this gimmick annoying and inauthentic, preferring the real sound of the engine or just some peace and quiet.
7. Rear-Hinged “Suicide” Doors (Mazda RX-8, Rolls-Royce Phantom, Saturn Ion)
Rear-hinged doors, also known as “suicide doors,” made a comeback in a few modern cars. While they look cool and offer easier access to the back seat, they’re called “suicide” doors for a reason: they can be dangerous if not properly latched and awkward to use in tight parking spaces. Most drivers found them more trouble than they were worth, and today, they’re mostly reserved for luxury showpieces.
8. Built-In Vacuum Cleaners (Honda Odyssey)
Honda thought it solved a problem by adding a built-in vacuum cleaner to the Odyssey minivan. While it sounded convenient, most drivers found it underpowered and rarely used it. The vacuum took up valuable cargo space and was difficult to maintain. A portable handheld vacuum is usually a better, more flexible solution for keeping your car clean.
9. Automated Seatbelts (Ford, Toyota, GM)
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, some cars had motorized seatbelts that automatically slid into place when the door was closed. These strange car features were meant to improve safety, but often malfunctioned, pinched passengers, or failed to provide adequate protection. Thankfully, airbags and better seatbelt designs made these relics a thing of the past.
What We Can Learn from These Automotive Oddities
The world of strange car features reminds us that not every innovation is a step forward. While car brands will always experiment with new ideas, drivers should prioritize practicality, safety, and comfort over flashy gimmicks. Before buying your next car, take the time to test out its features and read reviews from real drivers. You’ll be glad you did!
What’s the weirdest car feature you’ve ever encountered? Share your stories in the comments below!
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