New study ranks Tesla as the least reliable EV brand
According to a dataset gathered by eCarsTrade, Tesla ranks first and second on the list of unreliable EVs, outperforming competitors only in how often issues occur.
According to a dataset gathered by eCarsTrade, Tesla ranks first and second on the list of unreliable EVs, outperforming competitors only in how often issues occur. The spreadsheet aggregates reliability indicators across multiple models, painting a familiar picture: flashy tech, ambitious promises, and an ownership experience held together by software updates and unfulfilled promises.
The auto expert from eCarsTrade commented on the study:
“The recall data shows electric vehicles are breaking down in specific ways that gas cars rarely experience. Looking at the numbers:
Suspension and axle failures usually cause most recalls (123), which happens because EVs weigh 30-40% more than gas cars, and that weight destroys components designed for lighter vehicles.
Electrical wiring and short circuits are another problem and have impacted 1.2 million vehicles. This is because EV’s have high-voltage systems running throughout the car, and that often creates fire risks.
Camera and visibility systems are also among the most common issues. EV automakers often replace mechanical mirrors with digital screens and sensors, and while these are cool features, they can easily fail when software crashes or moisture gets inside.
These problems stem from intense competition pushing manufacturers to launch EVs quickly, sometimes before fully testing new systems. But as the industry matures and manufacturers learn from these early mistakes, recall rates should decline. EVs have fewer moving parts than gas cars, which means that in the long term, they should be less problematic and easier to maintain.”
What makes these results interesting is not merely Tesla’s position on the list, but the consistency with prior surveys and owner reports. The company has spent years arguing that traditional reliability metrics are outdated, insisting that OTA updates change the rules, for them. But software cannot fix misaligned or glued-on panels, failing suspension components, or waiting weeks for a service appointment.
Sure, Tesla helped mainstream EVs. They have also tried to normalize the idea that customers should tolerate unfinished products, like “Full Self Driving.” Studies like this suggest that the rest of the industry has moved on, while Tesla stayed exactly what it is.
/inserts fry shocked not shocked gif