The excitement surrounding the purchase of a new car is often palpable, especially when making the leap to an electric vehicle. The promise of instant torque, zero emissions, and cutting-edge technology drives many consumers to showrooms, eager to embrace the future of transportation. However, beneath the shiny exteriors and futuristic dashboards lies a reality that every potential buyer needs to consider. While the technology is revolutionary, it is not immune to growing pains, and recent data suggests that some models are struggling significantly more than others. Making an informed decision is critical when investing in a vehicle that costs tens of thousands of dollars. Consumer Reports recently released their findings on the least reliable electric vehicles for 2024 and 2025, shedding light on the models that have left owners frustrated with frequent trips to the service center. These rankings are based on extensive feedback from hundreds of thousands of members, covering everything from nuisance glitches to major mechanical failures. If you are in the market for a battery-powered car, understanding which models made this list could save you from years of headaches and unexpected downtime.
Why Reliability is Different for Electric Vehicles
When traditional combustion engine drivers switch to electric, they often operate under a common misconception. The logic goes that because electric vehicles (EVs) have significantly fewer moving parts than gas cars—no transmission gears, no spark plugs, no timing belts—they should theoretically be perfectly reliable. While it is true that the drivetrain of an EV is simpler, the complexity has shifted elsewhere. The modern electric car is essentially a rolling computer, and that is where the trouble often begins. The reliability issues plaguing the EV segment today rarely involve the electric motor itself. Instead, the problems are concentrated in the intricate electronics, the battery management systems, and the advanced power equipment. Automakers are racing to pack these vehicles with the latest software and infotainment features, often rushing products to market to compete in a crowded space. This speed can lead to software bugs, screen freezing, and charging integration errors that render a car frustrating or even unusable. Furthermore, build quality remains a significant hurdle. Many of the least reliable electric vehicles come from both legacy manufacturers trying to adapt old assembly lines to new architecture and startup companies that are learning how to mass-produce automobiles from scratch. This unique combination of brand-new proprietary technology and manufacturing learning curves creates a perfect storm for reliability dips.
The Truck Segment Struggles: Ford and Rivian
Electric pickup trucks have generated massive hype, promising the utility of a workhorse with the efficiency of an EV. However, this category has proven difficult to perfect. According to consumer data, the electric truck segment includes some of the most problematic vehicles on the road today.
Ford F-150 Lightning
The Ford F-150 Lightning was hailed as a game-changer, bringing the best-selling vehicle in America into the electric age. Despite its popularity and impressive performance capabilities, owners have reported a variety of issues that have landed it on the list of less dependable models. The complaints often center on the battery system and the electrical accessories. Owners have cited issues with charging behaviors and range accuracy, which are critical for a vehicle designed for utility. Additionally, there have been reports regarding the in-car electronics and display screens. When a truck is reliant on a touchscreen for critical functions, a glitchy interface becomes more than just an annoyance; it becomes a usability issue. While Ford is a veteran manufacturer, adapting their flagship truck to an entirely new propulsion system has clearly introduced significant teething issues.
Rivian R1T
Rivian burst onto the scene as a luxury adventure brand, and their R1T truck is undeniably capable off-road. However, as a newer automotive company, Rivian faces the classic struggles of scaling up production while maintaining consistency. The R1T has faced scrutiny for build quality issues, such as panel gaps and interior trim durability. More concerning for long-term ownership are the reports regarding the drive system and climate controls. Some owners have experienced “drive system error” messages that require dealer intervention. The complex software that controls the air suspension and the infotainment system has also been a source of frustration. While the R1T is a marvel of engineering, its placement among the least reliable electric vehicles highlights the risk of buying from a newer manufacturer that is still refining its manufacturing processes.
SUV Struggles: Volkswagen and Hyundai
The electric SUV market is the most competitive sector, with nearly every automaker offering a contender. This saturation means buyers have plenty of choices, but it also means there are significant variances in quality. Several popular models have found themselves ranked poorly due to persistent glitches.
Volkswagen ID.4
Volkswagen has invested heavily in its ID lineup, but the ID.4 has struggled to shake off a reputation for frustrating user experiences. The primary culprit for the ID.4 is not usually the way it drives, but how the driver interacts with it. The infotainment system has been widely criticized for being slow to respond, prone to freezing, and difficult to navigate. Beyond the screens, owners have reported issues with charging port door mechanisms and electrical connectivity during charging sessions. When you cannot rely on your vehicle to initiate a charge smoothly, ownership becomes stressful. These electronic gremlins contribute heavily to its lower reliability score. While software updates have improved the situation, the hardware limitations of earlier models continue to affect the ownership experience.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is often praised for its retro-futuristic design and fast charging capabilities. It is a critical darling in terms of driving dynamics, yet it has not escaped the reliability dragnet. Reports indicate that the Ioniq 5 has suffered from issues related to the integrated charging control unit (ICCU). When this component fails, the 12-volt battery can drain, leaving the car stranded and unable to start. This specific issue highlights a common theme in modern EVs: the interaction between the high-voltage battery and the standard 12-volt system. If the software or hardware managing this handoff fails, the car becomes a brick, regardless of how much range is left in the main pack. While Hyundai has issued recalls and software patches, these problems have significantly impacted owner satisfaction and reliability ratings.
Luxury Sedans and Performance Cars
One might assume that paying a premium price guarantees a trouble-free experience, but the data suggests otherwise. High-end electric sedans often feature the most complex technology, which introduces more points of failure.
Polestar 2
Polestar, the electric offshoot of Volvo and Geely, positions itself as a design-forward brand. The Polestar 2 is a sleek sedan, but it has faced hurdles regarding its propulsion system and in-car electronics. Owners have noted instances where the vehicle loses propulsion power unexpectedly, a terrifying prospect for any driver. Additionally, the Google-based infotainment system, while innovative, has been known to crash or disconnect from the internet, disabling navigation and voice commands. Since the car relies heavily on internet connectivity for its functionality, these glitches significantly degrade the user experience. The build quality is generally high, but the software stability has lagged behind, earning it a spot on the list of least reliable electric vehicles.
Common Points of Failure to Watch For
Understanding the specific models is helpful, but knowing what actually breaks helps you inspect any used or new EV before purchase. The data from Consumer Reports highlights consistent patterns across the industry.
In-Car Electronics
This is the number one complaint area for EV owners. As dashboards are replaced by massive touchscreens, the reliability of the screen becomes the reliability of the car. Issues range from screens going black, touch inputs not registering, or phone pairing failing repeatedly. Unlike a broken radio knob in an old car, a frozen screen in a modern EV might prevent you from adjusting the climate control, checking your speed, or even shifting gears.
Charging Systems
Charging problems are distinct from battery range. This category covers the physical port on the car, the onboard charger that converts AC power to DC, and the communication software that talks to the charging station. A failure here means you cannot refuel your vehicle. It is one of the most frustrating reliability issues because it directly impacts the vehicle’s primary utility.
Fit and Finish
While less critical to safety, fit and finish issues are surprisingly common in expensive EVs. This includes misaligned body panels, rattling interior trim, and paint defects. These problems are symptomatic of rushed assembly lines. While a squeaky door panel won’t leave you stranded, it erodes confidence in the vehicle’s long-term durability and lowers resale value.
The Role of Legacy vs. Startup Manufacturers
When analyzing the least reliable electric vehicles, an interesting dynamic emerges between established automakers and new startups. Each camp faces unique challenges that lead to reliability dips. Legacy automakers like Ford, Chevrolet, and Volkswagen have decades of experience bending metal and assembling interiors. Their body hardware is usually sound. However, their struggle lies in the software integration. Transforming from a mechanical engineering culture to a software-first culture is difficult. Their EVs often suffer from clunky user interfaces and inefficient battery management software because they are trying to retrofit new tech into old paradigms. Conversely, startups like Rivian and Tesla (though Tesla is maturing) excel at software. Their interfaces are snappy, and their over-the-air updates are seamless. Their weakness is typically the physical car. They struggle with manufacturing consistency, water leaks, wind noise, and suspension durability. They are learning how to build a car while simultaneously selling it.
How to Interpret Reliability Ratings
Seeing a car you like on a “least reliable” list can be discouraging, but it is important to interpret this data correctly. A poor reliability score does not necessarily mean every single unit will fail catastrophically. It is a probability metric. It means that, statistically, owners of these models report more problems per 100 vehicles than the average. It is also vital to distinguish between critical failures and nuisance issues. A model might be ranked low because the infotainment system requires a reboot once a week. This is annoying, but it is fundamentally different from a model ranked low because the drive motor fails on the highway. When reading reports, look for the “trouble spots” breakdown to see if the issues are mechanical, electrical, or cosmetic. Furthermore, electric vehicle reliability is a moving target. Automakers are constantly releasing over-the-air (OTA) updates. A car that was buggy in 2024 might be perfectly stable in 2025 after a major software patch. Unlike gas cars, where a bad transmission is bad forever, an EV can improve while sitting in your driveway. However, you should never buy a car on the promise of future updates; buy it for what it is today.
Strategies for Smart EV Buying
If you are in the market for an electric vehicle, you can take steps to minimize your risk, even if you are interested in a model with a spotty track record.
Avoid the First Model Year
The “early adopter tax” is real. The first year of production for any new vehicle, especially an EV, is when the most problems occur. Manufacturers use the first year to identify defects in real-world scenarios. By waiting for the second or third year of production, you allow the manufacturer to iron out the bugs, update the hardware, and refine the assembly process.
Research Specific Forums
Consumer Reports provides excellent aggregate data, but enthusiast forums provide real-time narratives. If you are interested in a specific model, visit an owner’s forum or Reddit community. Look for sticky threads regarding “common issues” or “recalls.” This will give you a clear idea of what owners are currently dealing with and how the manufacturer is handling warranty claims.
Consider Leasing Instead of Buying
Given the rapid pace of technological change and the reliability questions surrounding some of these 10 electric vehicles, leasing can be a defensive strategy. A three-year lease limits your exposure. You get to drive the latest technology, but if the car turns out to be a reliability nightmare, you can hand the keys back at the end of the term without worrying about long-term repair costs or plummeting resale value.
The Path Forward for EV Reliability
The current state of EV reliability is a snapshot of a transition period in automotive history. We are witnessing the growing pains of a massive industrial shift. The models identified as the least reliable are often the most ambitious, pushing boundaries in range, power, and connectivity. As the industry matures, we can expect these rankings to shift. Legacy automakers will get better at software, and startups will get better at manufacturing. The supply chains for components will stabilize, and quality control will tighten. For now, however, the burden falls on the consumer to be vigilant.
Navigating Your Purchase
Buying a car is a significant emotional and financial commitment. While the allure of new technology is strong, the practical aspect of daily reliability cannot be ignored. The vehicles highlighted by Consumer Reports as the least reliable electric vehicles serve as a warning, but also as a guide. They remind us that innovation comes with risks. By understanding which models are struggling and why, you can adjust your expectations and your buying strategy. Whether you decide to wait for the next model year, choose a more established competitor, or lease to mitigate risk, the power lies in having the right information. Do your homework, test drive extensively, and look past the flashy advertisements to ensure that the car you drive off the lot will be a joy to own, not a burden to maintain.
