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Most Reliable Used Electric Vehicles

Many used electric cars and SUVs are available at bargain prices. If you're considering one, these are the most reliable EVs, according to Consumer Reports' exclusive data.

Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y has proven reliable for certain model years.
Photo: Tesla

High gas prices are driving interest in electric vehicles. It makes sense. Besides being mostly protected against volatile petroleum prices, EVs tend to depreciate precipitously, making them attractive used-car buys. 

Of course, there are many other reasons to buy an electric car: the convenience of home charging, quick acceleration, and a smooth, quiet driving experience. Most EVs are also naturally high-tech machines, with large screens and the latest safety features. But they are often based on all-new platforms with unproven powertrains and other fresh features, which make them a potential reliability concern. 

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Based on Consumer Reports’ exclusive member surveys, buyers should, in general, approach new and used EVs with caution. Our latest data shows that EVs and Plug-In Hybrids (PHEVs) have about 80 percent more problems on average than gas-only cars. 

The key phrase here is “on average.”

Because they haven’t had time to identify and solve manufacturing issues, new car companies and new models often struggle to match the reliability of established vehicles. And because many manufacturers share EVs among related vehicles, the impact of subpar reliability affects multiple models. For example, General Motors’ electric car platform has issues that have earned Cadillac, Chevrolet, and even Honda models a below-average reliability rating.

But if you know where to look, there are used EVs that earn at least average reliability, which can be enough to make them an enticing bargain. 

We combed our data to identify electric cars, SUVs, and luxury models to find the standouts. Each electric car listed below has at least average reliability for the years cited. (For even more security, consider buying a certified pre-owned electric car. These CPO cars have been inspected and are backed by an extended warranty. Our research also shows CPO can be a smart way to go, as they have higher reliability over time. Read: Should You Buy a New, Certified Pre-Owned, or Used Car?)

Consumer Reports members can see the Overall Score, plus road-test, reliability, and owner-satisfaction scores for the models below. We’ve also indicated which models earned a Consumer Reports recommendation. Click on any model to see complete pricing, road-test results, and more. 

Find electric cars for sale near you in Consumer Reports’ Used Car Marketplace.

Reliable Used Electric Cars

Reliable Used Electric SUVs

Reliable Used Electric Luxury Cars and SUVs


Jon Linkov

Jon Linkov is the deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2002, covering varied automotive topics including buying and leasing, maintenance and repair, ownership, reliability, used cars, and electric vehicles. He manages CR’s lineup of special interest publications, hosts CR’s “Talking Cars” podcast, and writes and edits content for CR’s online and print products. An avid cyclist, Jon also enjoys driving his ’80s-era sports car and instructing at track days.

Jeff S. Bartlett

Jeff S. Bartlett is the managing editor for the autos team at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2005. Previously, Jeff served as the online editorial director of Motor Trend for 11 years. Throughout his career, Jeff has driven thousands of cars, many on racetracks around the globe. Follow him on X: @JeffSBartlett