If you're looking for a used car with zero emissions, then electric cars are the way to go. They're better for the environment and can be cheaper to maintain than regular gas-powered vehicles. However, there are still some disadvantages that you should be aware of before making your purchase. It's no secret that electric cars are generally more expensive to maintain and repair than their internal-combustion counterparts.
But it may surprise you to learn that some EVs are way more costly than others. This is because of the cost of repairs and also because ceratin EVs are more prone to breaking down. In fact, Consumer Reports recently did a very in-depth study about the reliability of EVs and the answer might shock you. Some of the cars on this list have problems that are tolerable. Some they can't fix, so they just mend them and sent back out again. To help you spot the worst one, here are 10 electric cars that will bankrupt you through maintenance and repairs:
10 2016 Tesla Model S - CR: 3 Of 5
The Tesla Model S is a high-end electric car that's fun to drive and loaded with tech, but it's not without its flaws. The Consumer Reports score for the Model S came in at just 3 out of 5 possible stars.
Typical problems include engine issues, transmission problems, and other general electrical issues. It's been recalled 6 times for various faults and the biggest fault is a faulty electric motor. The repair bills for the car can be enough to make your hair stand on end—or at least make you think twice about buying a Tesla.
9 2019 Jaguar I-Pace - Cars.com: 3.5 Of 5
The Jaguar I-Pace is another high-end electric car that gets a score of 3.5 out of 5 from Cars.com. It has a comfortable interior, great acceleration, and plenty of space for passengers and cargo.
But despite its many positive qualities, it also has some significant drawbacks. Like the Model S, the I-Pace has a ton of electrical problems. Unlike the Tesla, these are not costly and often repaired by dealerships within 2 to 3 day. However, they're more common than with the Tesla.
8 2016 Tesla Model X - CR: 3 Of 5
On the other hand, Tesla's Model X has gotten better reviews from Consumer Reports. Though it only got 3 out of 5 stars in terms of reliability, this is still higher than average for new vehicles in general.
The Model X did receive complaints about problems with its electric motor breaking down and its cooling system failing. But these issues seem to be less common than those experienced by owners of other EVs (including Chevrolet Bolts). However, when they broke down they were also way more expensive to fix.
7 2020 Jaguar I-Pace - Cars.com: 3.2 Of 5
The 2020 Jaguar I-Pace is a luxury vehicle that can cost a lot to buy and maintain. This electric car has an average score of 3.2 out of 5 on Cars.com.
Typical problems usually come from the car not charging properly, which can be costly. If you're worried about the cost of repairs, then you probably want to stick with a hybrid instead of going for an all-electric option on this one.
6 2020 Chevrolet Bolt - CR: 1 Of 5
The 2020 Chevrolet Bolt had some pretty big shoes to fill, too. The Bolt had some serious expectations on its shoulders: It was to be the new people's car, which means it had to have great specs at a reasonable price point.
And while it did have a good price point, Consumer Reports gave it 1 Of 5 stars overall. Typical problems usually come from the electric motor failing and the cooling system or the motors not working correctly. These models were also recalled a few times, so this one is one to watch out for.
5 2014 Tesla Model S - CR: 2 Of 5
According to Consumer Reports, a number of the most popular electric vehicles on the market are prone to problems and have been subject to multiple recalls. Among them are early Tesla models.
The 2014 Tesla Model S got a Consumer Report score of 2 out of 5, with typical problems usually coming from the EV's motors and cooling system. In total there have been 6 recalls.
4 2019 Chevrolet Bolt - CR: 1 Of 5
The Chevrolet Bolt, has gotten some bad reviews from Consumer Reports. The car got a score of 1 out 5 - the lowest score possible.
The Bolt is one of the newest electric cars on the market and is famous for its affordability as well as its range per charge. But it seems that these benefits have come at a cost. Many customers have complained about problems with their electric motors breaking down or cooling systems failing. This model has the most complaints, and it's one to avoid.
3 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric - CR: 1 Of 5
The 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric got a score of 1 out of 5 from Consumer Reports. This is because it has had problems with its charging system and cooling system, as well as three recalls.
In addition to these issues, there were also complaints about how expensive repairs are on this car. The newer version of the Ioniq 5 is a much more reliable model and a better choice.
2 2013 Tesla Model S - CR: 1 Of 5
The Tesla Model S is a luxury electric car that's popular for its high price tag and maintenance costs. This is the most expensive Tesla to maintain and the one with the biggest issues and the most frequent.
In fact, Consumer Reports has given the Tesla Model S a 1-of-5 score on average over the past ten years, which means it has been one of the least reliable cars in its class.
1 2017 Chevrolet Bolt - CR: 1 Of 5
So why did Consumer Reports give the 2017 Chevy Bolt an equally low score? The answer is simple: maintenance and repairs are expensive.
The Bolt got a low score because it has many of the same issues as other electric cars, including problems with its drivetrain and motor failing. They also have a lot of recalls that seem to keep happening year after year, we hope 2023 this problem will not persist.