The electric revolution is about to become a reality, but the crown jewel of the electric car - the promise of impeccable reliability due to fewer moving parts - often bursts like a soap bubble. While leaders like the Tesla Model Y dictate the market in terms of sales, the shady side of electrification reveals hidden ailments - from capricious software systems to expensive suspension problems.
Based on the latest shocking data from large-scale European studies (TÜV Report 2025, What Car? Reliability Survey), which analyze the percentage of significant defects and the frequency of accidents within the first few years of operation, we present the black list of models that most often “fold the fins“ and require a visit to the service center.
Although the Tesla Model 3 is one of the best-selling electric vehicles, it is expectedly or not at the top of the list of the most unreliable in the TÜV (Germany) report among cars aged 2-3 years. Significant defects were found in 14.2% of the inspected units - a figure that alarmingly exceeds the average for the class.
And the curious thing is that it is not the battery, but components of the chassis and braking system that are the cause of the model's unreliability - a paradox that is due to the high mass and power of the electric vehicle.
Of course, reliability is not only about mechanics. Software bugs and infotainment systems continue to be the Achilles heel of many manufacturers, turning a routine journey into a nerve-wracking adventure.
It is significant that this list includes both new and more established models, highlighting the difficulty of implementing complex electrical architecture.
Here are the top 10 most unreliable electric vehicles in Europe, with data from the TÜV Report 2025 (Germany), What Car? Reliability Survey 2024 (UK) and current consumer reports from European forums and specialized publications published until September 2025.