The future is supposed to set us free. With every flip of the calendar page, our lives are due to become better and easier to manage, with technological advancements and new trains of thought liberating the common man from the cages of analog times. Yet occasionally, the future also makes promises that it can’t keep.

If you asked someone from half a century ago what the automobile landscape would look like in 2023, they would probably mention something along the lines of flying cars. Alas, we are still on the ground, but the advent of extensive environmental damage from carbon dioxide emissions did propel the evolution of cars into the hybrid/electric era, where we are now witnessing a major shift in the automotive landscape towards battery-powered vehicles.

Unfortunately, as is the case with many new technological directions, it can often take some advanced calibration before a given product functions without flaw. This seems to also be the case with electric cars. While they were designed to release us from the teat of the fossil fuel pump and save us some money in the process, some of them seem to have the opposite effect. So, based on the predictions of Consumer Reports, let’s take a look at some of 2023’s most unreliable electric cars that might need to go back to the future.

10 2023 Rivian R1T – Consumer Report Rating 2/5

Rivian R1T desert drive
Rivian

Pickup trucks and off-roaders should be synonymous with reliability — for when you find yourself in the middle of nowhere on your weekend safari, the last thing that you need to worry about is whether your trusty machine will be able to get you home. On paper, the Rivian R1T is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream pickup, with its batteries built to withstand temperatures from 130 °F to -25 °F, and the range varying between 260 and 400 miles, depending on the pack that you select. Its capabilities are impressive too, as it boasts the handling and speed of a sports car on the road, all the while being able to trudge the three feet of water and climb 100% grade hills off-road; in addition to having a maximum towing capacity of 11,000lbs.

Unfortunately, the young brand has yet to prove itself in the reliability sector. According to Consumer Reports, the Rivian R1T had an overall score of 63/100 and a predicted reliability rating of 2/5, with the company even having to recall some vehicles in 2022 due to faults with airbags, which will be something to take into account before ordering a Rivian R1T.

9 2023 Audi E-Tron – Consumer Report Rating 2/5

Miami blue Audi E-Tron parked
Audi

Audi hasn’t always been known for reliability — especially in recent years — and it appears that their electric vehicles are also following the same pattern. Since making its debut in 2018, the Audi e-Tron has experienced a number of problems that have included loss of ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) and ESC (Electronic Stability Control), leakages that could cause short circuits, and wiring issues. It is no wonder then that Consumer Reports have given it a score of 2/5 with a predicted rating of 63/100. Which is a shame because from what we know about the Audi e-Tron, this 402 hp, Quattro all-wheel drive electric machine has a lot of potential to be unlike any electric SUV today.

Related: 15 Reasons Why You Should Pick The Audi E-Tron Over A Tesla

8 2023 Tesla Model S – Consumer Report Rating 2/5

Tesla-Model_S-2021-Blue
Tesla

In eighth place, we have the biggest name in the electrical vehicle manufacturing game today. Tesla needs no introduction, for it is probably single-handedly responsible for how the electric car market has grown over the past decade. Founded by billionaire extraordinaire Elon Musk, Tesla has become one of the world’s most valuable automakers, and has been the go-to electric car for many who are looking to make the change.

As Tesla’s flagship model, the Tesla Model S changed the automotive industry forever, with its power and range being just a few of the reasons why it is so popular. But the Model S has also seen some struggles along the way. In the past, common problems with the Tesla Model S included everything from malfunctioning climate control and suspension issues, to steering and electric motor problems. These are just some of the reasons why the Model S gets a 2/5 score, with an overall predicted rating of 62/100.

Related: Here’s Why You Should Buy A Lucid Air Over A Tesla Model S

7 2023 Porsche Taycan – Consumer Report Rating 2/5

Porsche Taycan Turbo S Rolling Action Shot
Porsche

Speaking of big names. Porsche has dabbled within the hybridized market for a while now, but has only recently debuted its first fully electric vehicle with the Porsche Taycan. With great charging time and incredible power — not to mention that name on the badge — it quickly became one of the greatest EVs money can buy, but the road hasn't all been smooth.

While the Porsche Taycan may be perfect for driving enthusiasts, it has had its share of trouble in getting out of the gate. Owners of the vehicle often reported issues with the powertrain, where the car would shift into Park or Neutral without warning, and issues with the electrical system that would result in loss of power. In light of this, Consumer Reports gave the Taycan a score of 2/5, with an overall predicted rating of 61/100. Nevertheless, considering the success that the Taycan has become, you can probably count on Porsche to fix these inconsistencies and redeem its prime EV in the near future.

6 2023 Jaguar I-Pace – Consumer Report Rating 2/5

The Jaguar I-Pace on the road.
Jaguar 

The cat is out of the bag. It is no secret that the Jaguar I-Pace has been struggling within the EV market for a few years now. With the lack of unique selling-points and abundance of fierce competition, the I-Pace has been an underdog for the majority of its existence, and its questionable reliability couldn’t have been of help.

The Jaguar I-Pace was revealed as a Tesla alternative with serious range. Unfortunately, even though its 394 hp motor with 512 lb-ft of torque could leave the standard Tesla Model 3 in the dust, and its opulent interior could satisfy even the most fastidious of customers, sales of the I-Pace proved to be disappointing, and its reliability even more so. Charging problems, electrical issues, and faults with its regenerative braking system have earned the 2023 model a 2/5 score from Consumer Reports, with an overall predicted rating of 58/100; which means that the I-Pace may still have some struggles to overcome.

5 2023 Polestar 2 – Consumer Report Rating 2/5

2024 Polestar 2
Polestar

In fifth place, we have one of the winners of Business Insider’s 2020 Car Of The Year Awardthe other being its sister, the Polestar 1. The Polestar 2 is the product of Swedish carmaker Volvo’s subdivision Polestar, which was once considered to give Tesla some competition, and with good reason.

The Polestar’s competitive pricing, neat features, and fine-tuned performance were all key factors of its appeal, but much like a few of the Tesla models (a couple of which you find on this list) its reliability also didn’t go unnoticed. Polestar 2 owners often mentioned connectivity instabilities due to issues with the TCAM (Telematics and Connectivity Antenna Module), a malfunctioning propulsion system that made the car jerky and at times slow, and an overly sensitive auto-braking system. This is perhaps why Consumer Reports awarded the Polestar 2 a 2/5 and an overall predicted rating of 53/100.

Related: 5 Reasons Why We'd Buy The Polestar 2 Over The Tesla Model 3 (5 Why Tesla Is Superior)

4 2023 Tesla Model X – Consumer Report Rating 2/5

Grey Tesla Model X Gullwing Doors
Tesla

It is indeed disheartening to have the paragon of electric vehicle manufacturers occupy two spots on this list, but it is what it is. The Tesla Model X’s 670 hp motor, blistering acceleration, and cool Falcon-wing doors were supposed to make it a phenom amid performance SUVs, but instead it became the most unreliable Tesla on sale today.

Some of the things that were supposed to be its highlights, unfortunately became the biggest problems with owning a Tesla Model X. In addition to issues with its suspension (much akin to the Model S), and glitches with the MCU (Media Control Unit), the car’s lamentable, inferior build quality resulted in the poor function of the aforementioned Falcon-wing doors. As a result, Consumer Reports gave it a score of 2/5, with an overall predicted rating of 52/100. Let’s hope the new iteration of the Model X proves these scores wrong.

3 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV – Consumer Report Rating 1/5

2022Chevrolet_Bolt_EV
Chevrolet

Moving on to more affordable representatives of the EV world, we have the Chevrolet Bolt EV. While some see it as an unparalleled electric car bargain (with prices starting at $27,495), others would rather stay away from it due to claims of its unreliability and its publicized recall.

Its pros are indeed enticing, especially considering the price tag. Featuring a smart interior, a solid 200 hp powertrain, and a very generous range — along with impressive standard features — it makes for an appealing vehicle, but unfortunately, its risks outweigh the rewards. The faulty battery was known to catch fire during charging (resulting in recalls), while the propulsion system was prone to losing power. In addition to that, there were also notable issues with the airbags, which is never a good indicator. Due to these factors, Consumer Reports elected to slap the Chevrolet Bolt with a 1/5 and an overall predicted rating of 49/100.

Related: Everything You Should Know About The Chevy Bolt Recall

2 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV - Consumer Report Rating 2/5

Chevroelt Bolt EUV - Front
Chevrolet

Sadly, things didn’t seem to go well for the Chevrolet Bolt’s big brother, the Chevrolet Bolt EUV either. What was supposed to be the cheapest electric crossover on sale today, also ended up being one of the most unreliable.

While the Chevrolet Bolt EUV could potentially be the most underrated EV under $40,000, it suffers from most of the same safety and reliability concerns as the Bolt EV. There is the faulty battery that requires recall and replacement, and a particular seat belt component used in production that may cause the car to catch fire when crashed. Ironically, the Chevrolet Bolt EUV is loaded with great safety tech and driver-assist features, which make its inadequacies a real disappointment. Consumer Reports gave the Bolt EUV a 2/5 and an overall predicted rating of 45/100. Let's hope it’s the last time this happens.

Related: $1.8-Billion Bolt EV And EUV Recalls Foreshadow A Difficult 2021 For Both GM And Chevrolet

1 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric – Consumer Report Rating 2/5

Kona Electric
Hyundai

With a starting price of $34,000, the Hyundai Kona Electric should be an electric SUV force to be reckoned with. Featuring great range, incredible tech with lane-keeping, collision warning, and auto-braking safety systems, and a best-in-class 10-year warranty, the Kona Electric looks like the perfect budget EV — and its gorgeous looks won’t be lost on you either.

Unfortunately, it turns out that you will indeed require that extensive warranty, for the Hyundai Kona’s reliability might just prove to be its downfall. With undetectable battery problems that could cause short circuits, coolant leak issues, and other electrical shortcomings, Consumer Reports gave the Hyundai Kona Electric a 2/5 with an overall predicted rating of 41/100, making it the worst ranked EV in terms of the reliability so far this year.