These Electric Cars Are Complaint Machines
Thinking about buying an electric car? Hold up! Some of them aren’t as perfect as they seem. And the 35 electric cars on our list are the ones drivers complain about the most. Read on to find out all you need to know before you plug in and drive off.
Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Chevrolet Bolt EV had one job - don’t catch fire! Unfortunately, that’s exactly what many owners worried about after a massive battery recall in November 2020. Add in charging issues and random stalling, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
BYD Atto 3
BYD is popular down under, but it’s not without drama. The Atto 3 had a steering controller recall thanks to - you guessed it - fire risk. Some owners also say the car forgets how to connect to their phone. Not a major problem, but pretty annoying.
Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X looks like a spaceship, is priced like a mansion, and is built like a puzzle missing a few pieces. The falcon doors might look cool… until they stop opening. And let’s not forget the occasionally moody steering.
Porsche Taycan
Porsche’s EV, the Taycan, zooms like a rocket and hugs corners like an absolute pro. But inside? The AC fails, screens freeze, and charging is one big guessing game that you find yourself playing at the worst time possible. Talk about Murphy’s Law!
GWM Ora 03
The GWM Ora 03 is one cute car, and looks like a cartoon bubble on wheels. But the fun stops when the software lags and the dashboard lights up like a disco. It’s an accident just waiting to happen! Sure, it’s adorable, but it’s chaotic, too.
Rivian R1/T
Rivian’s rugged EV is built for off-road trails but struggles with basic assembly. Doors misalign, interior panels pop off, and parts go missing. It’s the adventure truck that needs a lesson in good old quality control. Better luck next time, Rivian.
Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S is fast, sleek, and full of mysterious errors that have owners pulling out their hair in frustration. Phantom braking and ghostly touchscreen failures are among the top complaints. Some say it drives like a dream. Others call it a nightmare.
VinFast VF8
VinFast is new to the EV market and already in hot water. The VF8 suffers from flaky software and cheap-feeling build quality. One driver even called it a “beta test with wheels.” We think that description is pretty spot on.
MG4 EV
Sure, it’s budget-friendly, but the MG4 EV comes with dashboard gremlins, charging port issues, and warning lights that just won’t quit. And though we haven’t seen any recalls for this EV, we’re sure we can expect one pretty soon.
Volvo XC60 PHEV
The Volvo XC60 PHEV wants to be classy, but just ends up a bit clumsy. From brake issues and battery weirdness to glitchy charging, issues follow the Volvo wherever it goes. It tries its best, but it’s definitely no overachiever.
Ford Chang’an EV - Mondeo
Ford collaborated with China to bring us the Chang’an EV. And it didn’t exactly sparkle. Drivers complain about surprise stalling and digital displays that give up the ghost mid-drive. All it really does is cause drama, even though it’s cute.
Hyundai Kona Electric
The Hyundai Kona Electric was supposed to be the everyday man’s EV - until the battery recall circus started in October 2020. The reason, you ask? Fire risk! Throw in stalling and occasional charging issues, and you’ve got the hot mess that is the Kona.
Opel Corsa Electric
The Corsa Electric might be zippy and compact, but it’s not the car you want to be in when the temps dip and the aircon and battery stop working. One day it’s cruising along, and the next it’s begging for a prayer to just keep going.
Tesla Cybertruck
We’ve featured the Model S and the Model X, and now we bring you the Tesla Cybertruck - yet another Tesla with complaints. Wipers quit, trims fall off, and the pedals misbehave. It looks like a beast, but runs more like a nightmare.
BYD Seal
The Seal looks oh-so sleek, but its brain needs some serious work. The infotainment system has a flair for freezing mid-journey. And the build quality is somewhat questionable, too. Let’s just say the seal on the Seal could be a bit tighter.
Tesla Model 3
Another Tesla? Yup! The Model 3 is the people’s Tesla that comes with people’s problems. It has trim that rattles, brakes that don’t work properly, and updates that cause more issues than anything else. Cheap? Yes. A hazard? Also, yes.
Volkswagen ID. 4
Volkswagen’s ID.4 has a slick design and roomy interior, but that’s about all it has going for it. The infotainment system is super slow, the screens freeze, and electrical gremlins keep popping in for a visit. Who wants to drive a car with a moody computer for a brain?
VinFast Lux A2.0 EV
Imagine buying a car that’s already confused. That’s what you get when you buy the VinFast Lux. The EV comes with a few, um, added extras like faulty sensors, blank screens, and unhelpful support. No, thanks!
Audi E-Tron
A luxury badge? Tick. A quiet drive? Tick. Reliable? Not quite. Owners of Audi’s EV, the e-Tron, complain about the car's electrical quirks, dodgy motors, and software updates that solve absolutely nothing. It’s posh, until it stops working as it should.
Lynk & Co. EV
Lynk & Co. are relatively new on the EV block, but still find themselves trying to walk straight. Common issues include temperamental electronics and questionable build quality that has people wondering why they spent money on it in the first place.
BYD Song Plus
The BYD Song Plus has plenty of features, but not all of them work. The software has a mind of its own, and the after-sales service is basically non-existent. Trying to get hold of someone to report issues to and get technical advice is a nightmare.
Geely Zeekr EV
Geely’s Zeekr EVs have small quirks galore. From squeaky brakes and sleepy sensors to screens that feel like they’re running Windows 95, there’s not much to say about Geely’s EVs that’s positive. Sure, it’s manageable - if you like living with a few surprises.
Porsche Cayenne EV/PHEV
You’d expect absolute perfection from a Porsche, right? Well, the Porsche Cayenne EV is anything but, and has an AC that gives up in summer and a hybrid system that gives up the ghost when it feels like it. Talk about luxury with mood swings.
Hongqi E101
The Hongqi E101 is rare in the western parts of the world, but famous in China. Famous for being problematic, that is. The most common complaint? Tech that forgets how to tech. Owning one of these will have you doing more rebooting than driving.
Dongfeng Fengshen EVs
It’s safe to say that all of Dongfeng Fengshen’s EVs come with surprise warnings and motors that sometimes throw tantrums. From the Aeolus E70 to the Dongfeng Box, almost all the EVs from this carmaker have suffered a recall at one point or another.
Skoda VISION IV
Skoda has a pretty solid name around the world, but the Chinese EVs didn’t seem to get the memo. The top complaints include loose trims, inexplicable rattles, and electronics that act like they’re haunted. This is one company's EVs that need a recall and an overhaul.
Tesla Model Y
Is there actually a Tesla EV that doesn’t have any issues? Like all the others, the Tesla Model Y is not immune to complaints like trim issues, phantom braking, and a love/hate relationship with its touchscreen. At least the brand is consistent.
Porsche Macan EV/PHEV
Porsche’s Macan EV is super fancy, super fast, and super flaky. Drivers report weird hybrid alerts and electrical confusion that make them wonder why they bought one. It’s the kind of Porsche that says “vroom” and “system error” in one breath.
GAC Honda EV
The GAC Honda EV has a big name and big problems, too. It’s had its fair share of battery issues and electrical gremlins over the years. Most owners find the problems too many to deal with, and would rather not have to babysit their tech.
Mercedes-Benz EV
Mercedes-Benz EVs are shockingly moody - not something you’d expect from such a fancy car. Complaints about these EVs include freezing screens and charging issues. For a premium badge, you’d expect a car with no issues at all.
Volvo XC90 PHEV
The XC90 PHEV is a comfy ride - until the tech stops playing nice and you find yourself having to call a technician. So many drivers report motor issues and an infotainment system that freezes more than their actual freezers at home. It’s safe, but not exactly stress-free.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf was one of the original EVs to hit the market in 2009/2010. But, it’s showing its age as the complaints just don’t stop coming. Owners complain about everything from range loss to battery wear and poor dealer support.
Volkswagen Q5 PHEV
VW’s Q5 PHEV is not the worst one on our list, but also not the best. And the most common complaints have to do with its weird charging behavior and climate control that’s anything but controlled. Let’s hope they can get it sorted out!
Chery EV
Chery’s EVs are cheap and cheerful until they’re just… cheap. Complaints pour in by the thousands about the rattling interiors and motors that whine louder than your lawn mower. We wouldn’t waste a dime on a Chery EV.
Chevrolet Menlo
Chevrolet China’s range of EVs, like the Menlo, come with an abundance of issues - like overheating and wobbly trim. Some owners think the car skipped the final quality check altogether and just ran out the door. There haven’t been any recalls, though, so at least that’s something.
