America’s electric vehicle revolution just hit a serious reality check. Consumer Reports’ 2025 reliability survey reveals 10 electric cars failing owners at alarming rates, with scores plunging as low as 5 out of 100. From luxury SUVs costing $80,000 to mainstream models, battery failures, charging faults, and software glitches dominate complaints. With vehicle problems at their worst since 2009, EV shoppers face higher stakes than ever. Let’s look into this deeper.
The Reliability Promise Is Cracking
Electric vehicles were marketed as simpler, cleaner, and more dependable. New data tells a different story. Consumer Reports found EVs are 42% more likely to experience problems than gas-powered cars. Battery degradation, charging failures, and infotainment crashes dominate complaints. Some 2025 models repeat issues from 2024, signaling unresolved design flaws. Overall vehicle dependability hit its lowest point since 2009, with EVs dragging down industry averages as concerns grow nationwide.
How Consumer Reports Scores Cars
Reliability scores come from owner-reported problems across 20 trouble areas, including batteries, electronics, drivetrains, and software. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher numbers reflecting fewer issues. Data covers the first 3 years of ownership, capturing real-world use. Vehicles scoring above 80 are considered strong performers. Scores below 30 indicate severe failure rates, based on thousands of verified owner reports nationwide.
A Battery Platform Under Scrutiny
One recurring issue links multiple failures: General Motors’ Ultium battery platform. Both the Chevrolet Blazer EV and Cadillac Lyriq scored just 5 out of 100, the lowest possible tier. Owners report battery faults, thermal issues, and unstable software. Because Ultium underpins several GM EVs, concerns extend beyond 2 models. Analysts question whether speed to market compromised testing, creating widespread reliability consequences across GM’s lineup.
Failure Spans Every Price Tier
Poor reliability is not limited to budget EVs. Affordable models like the Volkswagen ID.4 and Ford F-150 Lightning struggle alongside premium vehicles. The Audi Q8 e-tron at $75,000, Lucid Air at $70,000, and Rivian R1S at $80,000 all underperform. High prices failed to shield buyers from breakdowns, challenging assumptions about luxury quality.
Before The Countdown Begins
These 10 vehicles earned their rankings through repeated, serious owner complaints within the first 3 years of ownership. Some faced multiple recalls, others persistent design flaws. Several 2025 models appear destined to repeat earlier failures. Understanding where each went wrong helps buyers avoid costly mistakes. The list reflects patterns, not isolated incidents, and the first entry already reveals how deep the problems run.
#10 – Audi Q8 E-Tron
The Audi Q8 e-tron launched with luxury expectations and a $75,000 price. Owners report electrical faults, accelerated battery degradation, and unstable infotainment software. Unexpected power loss and charging malfunctions are common complaints. Despite refined interiors and strong range figures, reliability issues dominate ownership experiences. Audi’s engineering reputation offered little protection, hinting that premium branding cannot overcome unresolved electric platform weaknesses.
#9 – Chevrolet Blazer EV
The Chevrolet Blazer EV posted a disastrous 5 out of 100 reliability score. Priced at $55,000, it relies on GM’s Ultium platform. Owners report dead batteries, charging failures, and electrical shutdowns. Several describe being stranded without warning. Marketed as an accessible EV, the Blazer EV instead illustrates risks of rushed launches. Its failures foreshadow even deeper problems higher on this list.
#8 – Cadillac Lyriq
The Cadillac Lyriq at $60,000 matched the Blazer EV’s 5 out of 100 score. Using the same Ultium platform, it suffers battery degradation, software crashes, and electrical malfunctions. Its luxury positioning magnifies disappointment among buyers. Promised innovation turned into frequent service visits. The Lyriq shows how platform-wide flaws can undermine even premium brands, raising doubts about future model-year fixes.
#7 – Lucid Air
Lucid Air entered the market at $70,000 boasting over 500 miles of range. Owners instead report software instability, camera failures, and powertrain issues. The model faced 3 recalls shortly after launch, including crash safety concerns. One owner summarized the experience as beautiful specifications undermined by ownership stress. The gap between marketing and reality defines Lucid Air’s reliability reputation today.
#6 – Rivian R1T
The Rivian R1T priced at $75,000 scored just 18 out of 100. This electric pickup endured 6 recalls early in its lifecycle. Owners report battery management failures, electrical outages, and software crashes disabling core features. Its complex quad-motor design may have overwhelmed Rivian’s production maturity. The R1T’s ambition outpaced quality controls, setting the stage for even broader issues.
#5 – Rivian R1S
The Rivian R1S costs $80,000 and scored 29 out of 100. Seven recalls cite detection failures, lighting defects, and safety risks. Owners describe vehicles failing to start, unreliable charging, and updates creating new problems. Marketed as a premium family SUV, the R1S highlights how rapid scaling can compromise reliability. Its struggles raise questions about Rivian’s readiness for mass-market demand.
#4 – Volkswagen ID.4
At $40,000, the Volkswagen ID.4 is the most affordable model here. Its 29 out of 100 score reflects battery faults, charging failures, and electrical glitches. Designed to rival Tesla Model Y, the ID.4 fell short of expectations tied to German engineering. Persistent issues across model years suggest fixes were insufficient, eroding the cost advantage through repeated repairs.
#3 – Ford F-150 Lightning
The Ford F-150 Lightning costs $50,000 and scored 28 out of 100. Owners report battery management breakdowns, charging port failures, and cascading electrical issues. Electrifying America’s best-selling truck introduced complexity without adequate reliability safeguards. Many drivers experienced sudden shutdowns. The Lightning’s struggles show how combining EV systems with large truck platforms amplifies failure risks.
#2 – The Cadillac Lyriq 2025 Model
The 2025 Cadillac Lyriq shows little improvement over 2024. Consumer Reports predicts continued poor reliability based on early data. Battery issues, software crashes, and electrical faults persist. GM has not resolved core Ultium problems. Buying this model year means betting on fixes not yet delivered. The prediction underscores how difficult systemic platform corrections can be once vehicles reach consumers.
#1 – The Chevrolet Blazer EV 2025 Model
The 2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV remains the worst offender. Predicted to match or exceed the prior 5 out of 100 score, this $55,000 crossover continues showing battery degradation, charging failures, and unstable software. GM’s unresolved Ultium issues persist. Choosing this model means accepting known risks, placing it firmly at the bottom of the reliability rankings.
Why These Failures Matter
Battery replacements cost $5,000 to $15,000 once warranties expire. Charging failures strand drivers unexpectedly. Software faults can disable vehicles overnight. Repairs often take months due to parts shortages. These are not inconveniences but ownership crises. Such experiences undermine consumer confidence and slow EV adoption at a critical transition point.
How Automakers Are Responding
Manufacturers acknowledge the damage. Rivian reports a 71% year-over-year reliability improvement trend. GM formed task forces to address Ultium defects. Ford, Volkswagen, and Lucid issued recalls and software updates. Progress remains uneven. Some fixes introduce new issues, and recalls confirm problems were known earlier. Restoring trust requires results, not announcements, and buyers are watching closely.
The Market Context Today
Not all EVs are failing. J.D. Power’s 2025 Vehicle Dependability Study shows EV reliability improved 33% year over year. Hybrids remain most dependable overall. High performers like Tesla Model Y and Mini Electric reach 98.4% reliability. The contrast shows failures are manufacturer-specific. Whether struggling brands correct course will shape the EV market over the next 2 years.
What Smart Buyers Should Do
Avoid the 10 vehicles listed if shopping in 2025. Focus on brands with stronger records like Tesla, Mini, Hyundai, and Kia. Demand extended warranties for batteries and electronics. Join owner forums to uncover hidden issues. Delay purchases 6 months after launches. Reliability, not hype or price, should guide decisions as the EV transition continues.
Sources:
Consumer Reports Reveals the 10 Electric Cars With the Worst Reliability in 2025. BamaCooley, December 5, 2025.
2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). J.D. Power, February 12, 2025.
Ford F-150 Lightning Among CR’s Least Reliable Vehicles. Ford Authority, December 9, 2024.
VW ID.4 Reliability Sinks: CR Score 29/100, Battery Recalls. SpeedMe, 2025.
Consumer Reports Lists Rivian Dead Last in Reliability Rankings. USA Today, October 24, 2025.
Hybrids Are Still the Most Reliable Cars, CR Survey Shows. Consumer Reports, December 3, 2025.