10 Least Reliable Electronic Vehicles in 2026

©Tesla

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

Purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) is often viewed as a way to save money. While it is possible to save up to $8 per 100 miles driven, according to the New York Times, numerous factors impact that savings, such as where you live and charging options.

Americans must also consider maintenance costs when shopping for an EV. While repair and maintenance costs can be as little as half those of a gas-powered car, according to Kelley Blue Book (KKB) — because EVs have fewer moving parts, they still can experience their share of costly maintenance woes.

Additionally, EVs are not free from reliability issues. In a recent study, eCarsTrade identified the least reliable EVs in 2026 based on the number of active recalls, the number of cars potentially affected and monthly search volume for known issues. Below are the ten least reliable EVs in 2026. 

In contrast, here are the best EVs to purchase in 2026.

Model 3

• Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
• Number of Recalls: 7
• Vehicles Potentially Affected: 429,072
• Search Volume for Issues: 8,230

Model S

• Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
• Number of Recalls: 10
• Vehicles Potentially Affected: 372,116
• Search Volume for Issues: 5,970

Leaf

• Manufacturer: Nissan North America, LLC
• Number of Recalls: 8
• Vehicles Potentially Affected: 334,844
• Search Volume for Issues: 3,680

ID.4

• Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
• Number of Recalls: 18
• Vehicles Potentially Affected: 293,961
• Search Volume for Issues: 2,050

Bolt EV

• Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
• Number of Recalls: 6
• Vehicles Potentially Affected: 177,105
• Search Volume for Issues: 1,670

Cybertruck

• Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
• Number of Recalls: 8
• Vehicles Potentially Affected: 173,244
• Search Volume for Issues: 2,400

Model X

• Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
• Number of Recalls: 11
• Vehicles Potentially Affected: 131,020
• Search Volume for Issues: 1,260

EV6

• Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
• Number of Recalls: 3
• Vehicles Potentially Affected: 120,118
• Search Volume for Issues: 680

Mustang Mach-E

• Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
• Number of Recalls: 10
• Vehicles Potentially Affected: 118,510
• Search Volume for Issues: 173,910

Taycan

• Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
• Number of Recalls: 13
• Vehicles Potentially Affected: 109,580
• Search Volume for Issues: 2,500

Purchasing an EV wisely can be a good way to save money over the long term, but it’s best to find a car without significant reliability issues; otherwise, it may not be worth the hassle.

Share This Article: