The Most Frequent Problems with Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles have been on the market for a considerable time, resulting in a significant supply in the used market. Currently, there is a greater variety of options available, and buyer confidence is on the rise. However, it's important to keep in mind that each vehicle has unique characteristics, making it difficult to determine its precise condition. To pinpoint the causes of these problems, a thorough analysis of each case is necessary. Nevertheless, a recent study has compiled data to provide a general overview of the most common issues these vehicles experience.
The report was prepared by Warrantywise, a warranty specialist, which analyzed data from repair requests registered across its portfolio of vehicles, identifying the most frequent problems under real-world driving conditions.
Common breakdowns are not typical of electric cars.
The battery is one of the main concerns for users; however, data shows that repairs related to this component are relatively infrequent. Nevertheless, some of the most common breakdowns in these vehicles do involve significant repair costs, especially those related to the vehicle's onboard charger or certain suspension components.
According to Warrantywise's experience, the five most common issues are related, firstly, to the electrical system's sensors. The average repair cost for these incidents is estimated at approximately €957, with a maximum recorded cost of nearly €3,866. In second place is the central locking mechanism, also part of the electrical system, with an average cost of €1,063, while the most expensive repair reached €4,799.
Third place is occupied by the onboard charger, being the only component specific to electric vehicles present among the five most frequent breakdowns. The average repair cost is estimated at €2,552, although in some cases the bill has reached €12,362. As has been shown, while these types of issues are not common, they can be particularly expensive.
Fourth on the list are the suspension arms, whose average cost is €1,454, with a maximum of €4,872. The list is completed by the 12-volt auxiliary battery, whose repair has an estimated average cost of €630, with a maximum of €1,166.
Regarding the main battery of the electric vehicle, Warrantywise indicates that, while issues are infrequent, when they do occur they carry an average repair cost of €7,607, which explains why it continues to be a major concern for many buyers.
Repairs are becoming increasingly expensive.
Analysis reveals that the average cost of electric vehicle repair requests has increased by 10.7% between 2024 and 2025, a trend attributed to various factors, including inflation, rising spare parts costs, and increased labor rates at repair shops. While many repairs are relatively inexpensive, the difference between average costs and the most costly repairs clearly demonstrates how expensive certain breakdowns can become.
Antony Diggins, CEO of Warrantywise, explains: “For many used electric vehicle buyers, the battery remains the biggest perceived concern; however, our repair request data paints a much more balanced picture. The most frequently observed breakdowns are associated with common components found in any used vehicle, such as sensors, central locking systems, suspension, and auxiliary batteries, rather than the electric vehicle battery itself.”
