Ford Fiesta
It's a favorite of city commuters, but the Ford Fiesta's reliability hinges on whether or not it has faulty electronics. Battery drain, malfunctioning alternators, and a “smart charge” system that doesn't want to work are all common and expensive issues to fix.
Dodge Journey
The Dodge Journey looks like the ideal practical vehicle, but its electrical issues make it more of a giant headache. From keyless entry problems to malfunctioning lights to catastrophic battery drain, it's plagued by electronic parasites and faulty wiring that ruin the ownership experience.
Volkswagen Golf
If we know anything about the Volkswagen Golf, it's that electrical issues are practically guaranteed. The most common issue is a faulty body control module, which can cause a myriad of dashboard glitches. Additionally, dead batteries resulting from faulty charging are a significant problem.
Fisker Karma
The Fisker Karma was the world's first luxury plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, but even trailblazers can falter. In the Karma's case, battery coolant leaks are a serious concern, as are irritating software and infotainment glitches that hamper the overall driving experience.
Audi A3
Audi makes some of the most beautiful cars on the market, but how do its electronics match up? In the A3's case, not that well. The alternator and battery both have issues, as does the transmission control module and parking brake. A3 owners do a lot of troubleshooting.
Hyundai ILoad
On paper, the Hyundai iLoad is the ideal workhorse van, but its electrical problems keep it from performing to its full potential. Many models have been recalled due to fire risk caused by exposed fuse box wiring, and less dangerous faults, like defective sensors, are also common.
BYD Tang
The BYD Tang is a beautiful disaster in every way. What should have been a phenomenal battery electric vehicle is fundamentally flawed with battery leaks, power sources short-circuiting, and design flaws that increase the chance of an electrical fire. In fact, many models were recalled due to the danger.
Opel Corsa-E
Turning the practical Opel Corsa into an electric car was a great idea, but it came with some annoying electrical gremlins. The electric traction system is pretty flawed, with regular updates required, and the infotainment system is also plagued with bugs.
Alfa Romeo MiTo
One of the biggest complaints about the Alfa Romeo MiTo is its irritating electrical symptoms that impact the driving experience. From flawed electric power steering to alternator power surges to malfunctioning infotainment systems, the MiTo often requires extensive electrical repairs.
Seat Ibiza
The Seat Ibiza’s electrical problems are more annoying than dangerous, but we'll still complain about them! Little things like faulty door locks, stuck electric windows, and intermittent starting are forgettable in isolation, but tiresome when they happen over and over again.
Skoda Octavia
Even widely-loved cars have their issues, and for the Skoda Octavia, they're primarily electrical. Some just suffer simple dashboard glitches, but others experience persistent fuse faults and battery charging problems. Whatever the fault, electrical flaws have become a firm part of the Octavia's reputation.
Volvo V50
The Volvo V50 has a mixed reputation when it comes to reliability, with the most common issues affecting its electrical components. The power steering is often problematic, and degraded alternators and corroded batteries lead to poor performance on the road.
Renault Megane
When it's charged up and running, the Renault Megane is great! But what about when it's not? Owners frequently complain about battery and charging failures, which often leave drivers stranded. Additionally, issues have been reported with the electric handbrake and convertible roof.
Dodge Dart
The Dodge Dart has evolved since the 1960s, but even its most recent iterations have issues. Namely, intermittent power loss and faulty ignition caused by flawed electrical systems, premature battery drain, and blown fuses. The Totally Integrated Power Module, which is expected to function flawlessly, is also known to malfunction.
Tesla Model S
It's no secret that Teslas have electrical flaws, but the Model S is often overlooked compared to other models. The LED headlight strips often need to be completely replaced, the wired door hinges are fragile, and high-voltage battery insulation makes charging a nightmare.
Jeep Renegade
The Jeep Renegade is an impressive car, and that makes its electrical gremlins all the more irritating! From stuck power windows to non-functional USB ports to jammed sunroofs, little problems like these can ruin an otherwise great ride in a Renegade.
BMW X6
There are entire chat rooms dedicated to the BMW X6's electrical faults, so they can't be ignored. Many models experience problems with charging and battery life, which can really affect the vehicle's longevity, and the electronic control unit is also likely to malfunction.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
Mercedes-Benz has greatly improved the B-Class line over the years, but many electrical issues still persist. Battery drainage is a huge problem, as are problems with wiring becoming corroded. Some drivers have reported their cars going into sleep mode by themselves because of electrical glitches.
Nissan Juke
This amazing family SUV is now known more for its electrical problems, and we can't say we disagree. The batteries can't sustain enough power, and it's common for fuses to blow and alternators to fail. Smaller problems with the Nissan Juke, like faulty infotainment systems, also persist.
Volvo C70
Volvos may be known for their advanced engineering, but the C70 is more known for its faults! Drivers complain that their cars won't start at all, which is due to battery drain, and the central electric module is a massive let-down. Many components are simply too weak to maintain power.
Renault Clio
The problem with many economical, commuter cars is the upkeep. Take the Renault Clio, for example, which is known for having issues with the central locking system, electric windows, and dashboard displays. These small problems build up and require more consistent (and expensive!) maintenance.
Chrysler Sebring
The Chrysler Sebring has a few issues, and most of them are electrical. Frequent sensor failures can cause engines to stall or not start at all, and the lights and AC often lose voltage due to corroded battery cables. These issues are primarily why the Sebring has a bad reputation.
Alfa Romeo Tonale
It’s the epitome of Italian luxury, but the Alfa Romeo Tonale is chock full of little gremlins and serious electrical faults alike. Many driver-assist systems, like the emergency braking and lane cameras, become non-functional due to errors, and the 12V batteries often die prematurely, requiring jumpstarts.
Dodge Hornet
The Dodge Hornet has a very mixed reputation, and most of the complaints are about its dodgy electrical systems. From worn-out batteries that sometimes die soon after purchase to malfunctioning hybrid charging, the Hornet may put drivers at risk if its problems aren’t swiftly repaired.
Lancia Beta
The Lancia Beta has been around since 1972, and so have its electrical issues! Much of the wiring is old and corroded, the voltage regulators need replacing, and the alternators and fuse box aren’t properly connected. Betas have great retro looks, but they show their ages.
Land Rover Velar
You probably expected to see a Land Rover on this list, but perhaps not the Velar. This Land Rover often flies under the radar, but it shares the same faulty alternators that cause charging issues, frayed wires disrupting vital component connections, and persistent software glitches.
Rivian R1T
It’s a glamorous pickup truck, but the Rivian R1T often ranks very low when it comes to electrical malfunctions. The high-voltage distribution box often cuts out, causing the vehicle to abruptly lose power, and many inverters are “dead on arrival”. As a result, many drivers avoid Rivian.
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is notorious for its poor battery life, which is linked to the data communication module failing to access the retired 3G network. This has even been the subject of lawsuits in the past. Other electrical faults include the charging system, fuses, and driver-assist system.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
An all-electric version of the Ford Mustang felt like a natural next step, but the Mach-E is riddled with issues. Its biggest fault is the high-voltage battery junction box, which overheats, causing the engine to lose power. A depowered battery can also cause the doors to lock the driver out!
Jeep Wrangler
We love the Jeep Wrangler, but even the classics aren’t immune to electrical faults! Some problems, such as incorrect dashboard warnings, are minor, whereas others, like intermittent starting issues and loose ground connections, lead to more complex and costly repairs. Older Wranglers tend to be less predictable.
Fiat 500X
The Fiat 500X is a stylish city car, but it’s often more hassle to own than it’s worth. In 2016, many models were recalled due to faulty wires causing the transmission to slip into neutral, and even less dangerous faults, like random warning lights, make it an electrical nightmare.
Aston Martin DBX
James Bond never mentioned the Aston Martin DBX’s electrical faults, but we will! Some of the latest models have loose electrical cables in the battery fuse box, which can cause them to stall and cut out entirely. The electric camera and infotainment system are also faulty.
Chevrolet Silverado
If you know the Chevrolet Silverado, you’ve probably heard about its electrical issues. The battery has poor ground connections, which cause starting problems and total power loss. Drivers often find themselves troubleshooting issues and paying for repairs to keep their Silverados running.
Fisker Ocean
The Fisker Ocean owes its notoriety to Fisker’s disastrous bankruptcy, which left many owners scrambling for help with electrical issues. The brakes, engine, and battery are all faulty, and many drivers find themselves locked out of their cars due to broken key fobs. Fisker’s warranty claims are worryingly uncertain.
Mercedes-Benz GL450
Mercedes-Benz is still making the beautiful GL450, electrical issues included, unfortunately. Parasitic draws regularly steal power from the battery, and some drivers also experience problems with the ignition system and alternators. The GL450 is high-maintenance and requires regular troubleshooting.
