America’s top wealth killer just got worse. What’s driving it and how to avoid the money trap in 2026

America’s love affair with cars has turned into a debt crisis.

As of the third quarter of 2025, U.S. households collectively carried $1.66 trillion in auto loan debt, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (1). That’s more than outstanding student loans combined and makes auto loans the largest source of nonhousing debt for American consumers.

But the sheer size of the debt isn’t the only problem. The burden is also growing fast.

Over the past decade, the nation’s total auto loan debt has expanded by 58% (2). That surge has made it one of America’s wealth killers in recent years.

Here’s why the auto loan crisis persists and how you can avoid this money trap in 2026.

The primary engine driving the auto loan debt crisis is the rapidly escalating cost of car ownership. Since 2020, the average price of a new car has jumped 30%, while average repair and maintenance costs have risen 47%, according to NPR’s analysis of data from Kelley Blue Book and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (3).

These costs have risen faster than inflation. In November 2025, the average new car price hit a record $49,814, according to Kelley Blue Book (4).

However, that’s only part of the problem. The other issue is the way consumers have responded to this rapid escalation in car prices. Instead of cutting back on their budget, many consumers have plugged the gap with borrowed money.

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According to Experian, in the third quarter of 2025, the typical new car was financed with an auto loan of $42,332, an average monthly payment of $748 and an average loan term of 69 months. (5)

Unlike mortgages or student loans, the assets backing auto loans depreciate and are often replaced every few years. Nearly 28.1% of all trade-ins completed between July and September 2025 had negative equity, according to Edmunds (6). That’s the highest ratio in four years.

Financing an expensive vehicle in 2026 can create a long-term drag on your personal finances. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid this expanding debt trap.

Avoiding the auto loan crisis isn’t easy, but it’s achievable if you’re willing to make some sacrifices.

One of the best ways to avoid a massive debt burden is to buy a used car with cash. At the beginning of December 2025, the average listing price for a used car was $25,730, according to Kelley Blue Book (7).

Focusing on brands known for quality and reliability can also help limit repair and maintenance costs over time.

If you still plan to finance your purchase, a few cautious steps can reduce your long-term risk. Look beyond the dealership for a fairly priced auto loan. Ask your bank or a fintech lender if they can offer lower rates and better terms.

If you can handle higher monthly payments, aim for a shorter loan term than average. Paying off the loan sooner reduces the risk of being underwater as the car depreciates and lowers total interest costs.

Downsizing is another way to cut your transportation costs. If your household has two or more cars, consider selling one if you or your partner can rely on ridesharing, car pools or public transit.

Check with your employer to see whether they offer commuter benefits, such as vehicle subsidies or carpooling credits. In cities like New York and Washington, D.C., employers above a certain size are required to provide specific commuter benefits. (8,9)

Finally, many states offer electric vehicle tax credits that can lower the cost of your next vehicle. Saving even a few thousand dollars can significantly reduce the risk of being weighed down by an expensive auto loan.

We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.

New York Fed (1, 2); NPR (3); Kelley Blue Book (4, 7); Experian (5); Edmunds (6); NYC Consumer and Worker Protection (8); Government of the District Columbia (9).

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.