Purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) is often viewed as a way to save money. While it is possible to save up to $8 per 100 miles driven, according to the New York Times, numerous factors impact that savings, such as where you live and charging options.
Americans must also consider maintenance costs when shopping for an EV. While repair and maintenance costs can be as little as half those of a gas-powered car, according to Kelley Blue Book (KKB) — because EVs have fewer moving parts, they still can experience their share of costly maintenance woes.
Additionally, EVs are not free from reliability issues. In a recent study, eCarsTrade identified the least reliable EVs in 2026 based on the number of active recalls, the number of cars potentially affected and monthly search volume for known issues. Below are the ten least reliable EVs in 2026.
In contrast, here are the best EVs to purchase in 2026.
Model 3
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Number of Recalls: 7
- Vehicles Potentially Affected: 429,072
- Search Volume for Issues: 8,230
Trending Now: I’m a Mechanic: 5 Electric Cars That Are Actually Worth Buying in Spring 2026
For You: 6 Safe Accounts Proven To Grow Your Money Up To 13x Faster
Model S
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Number of Recalls: 10
- Vehicles Potentially Affected: 372,116
- Search Volume for Issues: 5,970
Leaf
- Manufacturer: Nissan North America, LLC
- Number of Recalls: 8
- Vehicles Potentially Affected: 334,844
- Search Volume for Issues: 3,680
ID.4
- Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- Number of Recalls: 18
- Vehicles Potentially Affected: 293,961
- Search Volume for Issues: 2,050
Bolt EV
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Number of Recalls: 6
- Vehicles Potentially Affected: 177,105
- Search Volume for Issues: 1,670
Cybertruck
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Number of Recalls: 8
- Vehicles Potentially Affected: 173,244
- Search Volume for Issues: 2,400
Model X
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Number of Recalls: 11
- Vehicles Potentially Affected: 131,020
- Search Volume for Issues: 1,260
EV6
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Number of Recalls: 3
- Vehicles Potentially Affected: 120,118
- Search Volume for Issues: 680
Mustang Mach-E
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Number of Recalls: 10
- Vehicles Potentially Affected: 118,510
- Search Volume for Issues: 173,910
Taycan
- Manufacturer: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
- Number of Recalls: 13
- Vehicles Potentially Affected: 109,580
- Search Volume for Issues: 2,500
Purchasing an EV wisely can be a good way to save money over the long term, but it’s best to find a car without significant reliability issues; otherwise, it may not be worth the hassle.
More From GOBankingRates
- Trump's $2K Dividend: Who Qualifies and How You'll Get It
- 6 Groceries Frugal Retirees Buy at Costco Ahead of Spring 2026
- How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires -- and How You Can, Too
- 5 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 10 Least Reliable Electronic Vehicles in 2026
