Consumer Reports gathered data from multiple surveys to see which electric vehicles were the most reliable, car brands Tesla and Nissan stood out, according to Teslarati.
According to Consumers Reports, the Tesla Model 3 and the second-gen Nissan Leaf were the second and third-most reliable EVs, respectively. The 2022 Kia EV6 was the only vehicle to beat the Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf. However, the EV6 still has a way to go before it can match Tesla Model 3’s reliability track record.
Electric vehicles and internal combustion engine’s reliability
Consumer Reports noted that electric vehicles don’t yield strong reliability scores in comparison to gasoline engines.
In theory, it said electric vehicles must be more reliable than gasoline engines. After all, EVs have fewer parts due to the absence of ignition and fuel systems, transmissions, valvetrains, and other elements seen in fossil-fueled cars. In addition, they don’t need spark plugs, oil, or transmission fluid.
The difference in reliability comes down to more than a century of work legacy automakers have given into refining and tuning the design of fossil-fuel vehicles. In contrast, electric vehicles conceptualized the idea of a car.
EV makers are still fine-tuning and refining the design and technology of electric vehicles. Particularly, legacy automakers struggle with adapting to the new car form since electric vehicles use new platforms and technology. The EV cabin alone is much more advanced than the ICE car cabins. Typically, electric vehicles have advanced infotainment systems that control many of the car’s functions while also acting as an entertainment source.
Electric vehicle owners commonly report issues with their cars’ batteries, charging, and electric motors. Some who own a variety of EVs from various brands have shared complaints about service, suspension, and infotainment systems.
Tesla Model 3 and Nissan Leaf Advantage
Experience, hard work, and patience built up in the strong reliability of the Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model 3. Unlike other EVs on the market, users report lesser problems with the two electric vehicle models. They experience fewer issues with electric motors, charging, and batteries.
Notably, the Model 3’s reliability surpasses that of the Tesla models. The automaker has improved the Model 3 quite a bit since sales started. It plans to revamp the Model 3 once more soon.
Tesla Model S/X/Y below average in reliability
Furthermore, Consumer Reports said that the Tesla models S, X, and Y are still below average in terms of reliability. Although the company made significant improvements to the Model Y in recent years, that might help improve its reliability score in the future.
However, Model Y owners still report suspension and body hardware problems related to the hatch. Additionally, they pointed out issues with the Model Y’s paint and trim. Meanwhile, Tesla consumers who own Model X and Model S units bring up air suspension issues.
