Study Ranks the Least Reliable Electric SUVs Based on Owner Breakdowns

The Volkswagen ID.4, in production since 2021, has been named the most unreliable electric SUV in 2025, according to a study conducted by UK publication What Car in collaboration with insurance experts at MotorEasy.

The survey found that the ID.4 has a reliability rating of just 79.6%, with 36% of owners experiencing a breakdown. In 67% of cases, repairs took more than a week.

The most common issues involved the electric motor and traction battery. Owners also reported problems with the suspension, 12-volt battery, electronics, navigation and infotainment systems, steering, and body components. All repairs were covered by the manufacturer.

Taking second place is the Nissan Ariya, produced since 2022. Reliability was rated at 80.9%, with 39% of owners reporting problems that rendered the vehicle inoperable in 56% of cases.

The average repair time was just one day, although 28% of owners waited more than a week. Around 17% of issues were related to the electric motor, with additional problems reported with the body, brakes, and electrical system. As with the ID.4, all repairs were handled by the manufacturer.

Rounding out the top three is the premium BMW iX, which scored 81% for reliability. However, 62% of owners reported issues, most commonly with navigation and infotainment systems, the electric motor, and the battery.

The Most Unreliable Electric SUVs:

• Volkswagen ID.4 (2021–present) — 79.6% reliability
• Nissan Ariya (2022–present) — 80.9% reliability
• BMW iX (2021–present) — 81% reliability
• MG ZS EV (2019–present) — 81.8% reliability
• Audi e-tron (2010–2022) — 84.4% reliability