Electric vehicles have surged in popularity, but with that rise has come growing pains. While EVs promise lower running costs and futuristic technology, not every owner has been thrilled with their purchase. Complaints have piled up over issues ranging from build quality to range loss, charging infrastructure frustrations, and software glitches. Some models have drawn far more criticism than others, often for reasons that reveal just how challenging the transition from gasoline to electric power can be. Here are the electric cars that have generated the most complaints from drivers and reviewers alike.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is the best selling EV in North America, which naturally means it has a larger pool of owners reporting issues. The most common complaints revolve around inconsistent build quality, rattling interiors, misaligned panels, and paint that seems thin compared to rivals. On the technical side, sudden range loss in cold weather and phantom braking from the driver assistance system are frequent frustrations. Owners love the speed and technology, but they often point out that reliability is not on par with traditional automakers.
Nissan Leaf
As one of the earliest affordable electric cars, the Nissan Leaf has had plenty of time to accumulate feedback. Older models in particular are criticized for poor battery durability, with many owners reporting significant range loss within a few years. In hot climates, some Leafs from the early 2010s dropped to half their original range far sooner than expected. Even newer models still receive complaints about limited driving range compared to competitors, making them less practical for long commutes or road trips.
Chevrolet Bolt EV
The Chevy Bolt made headlines for the wrong reasons when widespread battery fire risks led to a massive recall. Beyond that crisis, owners have logged complaints about uncomfortable seating, sudden power loss, and infotainment glitches. The recall was so severe that Chevrolet replaced entire battery packs in many cars, shaking consumer confidence. While later models have improved, the reputation damage from those early complaints continues to follow the Bolt.
Tesla Model S
Tesla’s flagship sedan has long been praised for its performance and long range, but it has also been plagued by complaints. Owners frequently report expensive failures in the air suspension system, touchscreen glitches, and premature wear in the drive units. In colder regions, door handles that fail to extend have been a recurring gripe. While the Model S is impressive to drive, long term owners often warn that it is not as trouble free as its high price might suggest.
Ford Mustang Mach E
The Mustang Mach E has been a strong seller for Ford, but the transition to EVs has not been entirely smooth. Complaints include software issues that cause screens to freeze, charging problems at public stations, and occasional powertrain glitches. Some early adopters reported vehicles refusing to start due to electronic faults. While Ford has issued numerous updates, the Mach E’s reliability scores remain lower than Ford’s traditional gasoline models.
Volkswagen ID.4
Volkswagen’s ID.4 was designed to take on mainstream crossovers, but owners have reported teething issues. Complaints include slow and unresponsive infotainment, problems with driver assistance features, and charging malfunctions at certain stations. Some drivers also criticize its real world range, which often falls short of official estimates. For a brand with a long history of quality ups and downs, the ID.4 continues that mixed reputation.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is one of the most popular EVs in the world, but it shares many of the Model 3’s issues while adding some of its own. Owners have documented water leaks in the cabin, noisy wind sealing at high speeds, and panel alignment problems. Mechanical complaints are fewer than electronic ones, but drivers consistently express frustration with Tesla’s variable build quality. Despite the issues, the Model Y remains a huge seller, showing that for many buyers the pros outweigh the cons.
Rivian R1T
The Rivian R1T is one of the most exciting electric trucks on the market, but it has not been without criticism. Being a newer company, Rivian has faced challenges with software stability, panel fit, and service availability. Some owners report frustrating bugs that require over the air updates to fix, while others note long wait times for parts and repairs. The truck is beloved for its capability and design, but growing pains have been clear in the complaint logs.
Hyundai Kona Electric
The Hyundai Kona Electric gained a loyal following for its efficiency and practicality, but it has also faced major recalls for battery fire risks similar to the Bolt EV. Owners have complained about limited charging speeds compared to newer rivals and sudden range drops in cold weather. While it remains one of the more affordable EVs, the lingering concern over safety recalls has dented its appeal.
Tesla Cybertruck
Although deliveries only recently started, the Tesla Cybertruck has already seen a wave of early complaints. Some owners point to inconsistent panel finishes, software glitches, and surprisingly poor visibility due to its unusual design. Charging reliability and unexpected software lockups have also been noted. As with other Teslas, the Cybertruck inspires plenty of excitement but has drawn just as much criticism for execution.
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