4 Electric Cars With Terrible Reliability Ratings
Today’s electric vehicles have vastly improved over those original, introductory models years ago. The EV market continues to improve at everything from battery power and vehicle performance to in-cabin technology and safety. EVs are in higher demand these days, and the automotive market seems to embrace them. That’s not to say EVs don’t still have their fair share of problems. Electric car reliability is still a pain point for EV automakers; recent reliability studies only confirm it.
Before you buy a new EV, there are four models to consider avoiding.
Are electric cars reliable?
Whenever there’s a new model of any kind, it’s almost expected there will be a few hiccups with design, materials, or operations. However, when it comes to EVs, these types of vehicles are experiencing all those traditional new-model pains and more. Consumer Reports is warning car buyers that other concerns are showing up in many of the latest EVs related to the electrification components in their designs.
The Consumer Reports ownership surveys collect feedback from vehicle owners across 17 potential problem areas in a 12-month lookback period. And those driving EVs had plenty to report, from engine and transmission performance to electrical systems, noises, and tech. With more people owning EVs, more data about repairs, failures, and issues is coming in.
Now that EV sales numbers are surging, Consumer Reports and other aggregate sites are getting feedback from more respondents than ever. The preliminary studies suggest that those who spend considerable time with their EVs are also experiencing some frustrating headaches. The top reported EV-related concerns include battery pack issues, charging system malfunctions, and even drive motor repairs.
Four electric cars with terrible reliability ratings
The Ford Mustang Mach-E was one of only seven models and the only EV to lose its previous Consumer Reports recommendation status due to declining reliability ratings. While it’s still a new vehicle, this might have you considering Mach-E alternatives.
As for other EV models to be wary of, there is the Chevy Bolt. While an affordable option, its status has been significantly tarnished due to reported fires and the numerous following GM-issued recalls.
Additionally, the Hyundai Kona Electric and Volkswagen ID.4 failed to achieve Consumer Reports recommendations due to poor user data and documented reliability issues, according to InsideEVs.
EV and hybrid alternatives with much better reliability
It’s not all gloom and doom in the EV market. There are still plenty of worthy electrified contenders to test drive. Some models are earning better scores, as reported by actual vehicle owners, including the popular and reliable Kia Niro EV and the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Additionally, hybrid models are more reliable than ever. Among those with improved Consumer Reports reliability ratings for 2023 include the Ford Escape Hybrid, Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, and the Kia Sorento Hybrid.
