Electric vehicles may be the future, but they’re still struggling with the present. According to new data from Consumer Reports, EVs continue to fall short in reliability compared to gas-powered and hybrid cars. The report, which analyzed data from hundreds of thousands of vehicle owners over the past three years, found that EVs had 42% more problems than traditional gas vehicles. That’s an improvement from last year’s 79%, but still a notable gap. Plug-in hybrids performed even worse, showing 70% more issues than gas or standard hybrid models.
The most common trouble spot? The electric powertrain. This includes the motor, battery system, and transmission—components that are under constant strain, especially in EVs with heavier batteries designed for longer range. These batteries not only add weight but also accelerate wear on tires and suspension systems. EV-specific tires, which are often required to handle the extra load, tend to wear out faster and cost more to replace.
Brand rankings show a clear divide. Rivian and Tesla landed at the bottom of the reliability list, plagued by issues ranging from software glitches to build quality inconsistencies. On the other end, Subaru, Lexus, Toyota, and Honda topped the charts, with standard hybrids emerging as the most reliable category overall. Hybrids benefit from a balanced use of electric and combustion systems, reducing strain on any single component and offering a more mature technology stack.
Despite these challenges, EVs still offer advantages: fewer moving parts, lower long-term maintenance, and advanced cabin tech. Tesla, for instance, provides an eight-year or 150,000-mile warranty on its battery and powertrain, which helps offset concerns about long-term durability. But the report makes it clear that reliability remains a hurdle for widespread EV adoption. As manufacturers race to electrify their fleets, they’ll need to address these persistent issues to win over consumers who still trust the dependability of gas-powered cars.
