Auto Expert Says Stop Buying These 4 Electric Vehicles Immediately

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Are you in the market for an electric vehicle? Whether you are looking at the new models or hoping to save money by purchasing used, there are some vehicles that you want to avoid.

Here are four electric vehicles that one auto expert says to stop buying immediately. 

Hyundai Kona EV

The Hyundai Kona EV has numerous known issues, especially in model years 2018 through 2023. For one, many 2019 through 2021 Kona EV batteries were recalled due to a manufacturing defect that caused fires.

Even if the battery wasn’t impacted by this recall, many users report frequent issues, such as driving strain from poor charging. Similarly, Kona EV users also report motor noise and failure due to faulty gear reducers and electric motor bearings. The bottom line is that the Hyundai Kona EV should be avoided. 

“The Kona EV has a history of problems,” said Melanie Musson, auto industry expert at AutoInsurance.org. “There was a massive recall for 2018 through 2020 models because of the risk of battery fires. The interior quality is subpar, and the ride is noisy, especially at highway speeds.”

Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf is another electric vehicle that has experienced reliability and durability issues. First, users report a fragile battery design. Users claim that the battery is unable to control heat, resulting in overwork on longer trips. This can lead to a shorter range than anticipated. 

Additionally, users commonly flag passenger sensors as faulty. This can be a major safety concern since this sensor deploys airbags during an accident. Unfortunately, the passenger sensor failure is often a silent failure, meaning you might not even know it’s gone out. If you’re looking for a reliable electric vehicle, steer clear of the Nissan Leaf. 

“If you purchase the 40 kWh Leaf, your range is less than 150 miles,” said Musson. “That makes the vehicle high maintenance. You really can’t take long trips with that short of a range, and you have to think about where you can charge it, even if you’re having to run a few extra errands in town.”

Kia EV6

Like the Hyundai Kona EV, the Kia EV6 has known battery issues. Users report battery failures, especially in early models. Many of these battery issues stem from charging problems, like the Integrated Charging Control Unit failing.

In addition, owners also report functionality issues, such as poor headlights, limited visibility and unreliable vehicle software. If you live in a colder climate, also be aware that the energy efficiency can drop significantly. While newer models of the Kia EV6 may not experience this laundry list of problems, be cautious when buying an older version. 

“The EV6 has a history of issues with its 12V battery, which can result in the inability to start the car,” said Musson. “It’s poorly built, and the interior can feel cheap and sound rattly. Smartphone connectivity isn’t available on all trim levels, and that’s annoying, especially if you’re used to a seamless driving experience with your phone connected to your car.”

Chevrolet Bolt

The Chevrolet Bolt is another electric vehicle model to avoid. The batteries in the Chevrolet Bolt pose a major fire risk. Chevy has issued a massive recall due to widespread battery fires on the Bolt.

On top of these problems, users report poor cold weather ranges, slow infotainment systems and slow charging speeds. Users also find that replacing batteries in the Chevrolet Bolt is expensive and may not be justifiable based on the expected lifespan of the vehicle.

If you have been considering purchasing the Chevrolet Bolt, look for a newer model or find a more reliable brand.

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