9 EVs With Battery Problems Buyers Need to Avoid in 2025
Not all EVs age the same. Some models have developed recurring battery issues that buyers should be aware of especially when considering used or older electric cars. This list highlights 9 EVs reported to have charging problems, battery degradation, or reliability concerns, helping you make a smarter and safer choice.
Chevrolet Bolt EV
Man, the Chevy Bolt… not gonna lie, this was the budget EV king around $27K used now, fun zippy drive, decent 250-mile range, but uhm, those battery fires? LG cells went bad in 2019-2022 models, like thousands recalled ’cause they overheated randomly. Experts say check for replacements, but honestly, even fixed ones make me nervous parking overnight. Compared to a Leaf, cheaper but scarier history you know, great if battery’s warrantied, but why risk it?
Hyundai Kona Electric
Okay, Kona EV around $25-30K used, compact crossover vibes, peppy accel, roomy enough for errands, but same LG nightmare as Bolt, fires popping up in 2019-2020 batches. Massive recall, battery swaps free, but degradation hits hard if you fast-charge a lot. Like, I thought it was fixed, but reports still trickle in side thought, why’d Hyundai skimp? Feels good driving till you second-guess the pack.
Tesla Model 3 (Early)
Tesla Model 3, dude starts used at $25K for 2018-2021, autopilot magic, quick as hell, minimalist cool, but battery contactors failing in some 2025s too, losing power mid-drive. Not gonna lie, degradation’s okay like 10% after miles, but recalls for packs overheating? Random observation, supercharging kills ’em faster. Sometimes changes my mind—love the drive, hate the surprise shop visits.
Nissan Leaf (Gen 1)
Leaf, yeah the OG affordable EV, $15K used easy, practical hatch, home charger friendly, but no cooling means battery cooks in heat, losing 20-30% range quick. Like, first-gen 2011-2017? Avoid unless low miles cold garage. Compared to new EVs, feels dated anyway honestly, great lesson in why cooling matters, but skip for family.
BYD Qin PLUS DM-i
Whoa, BYD’s plug-in hybrid, but battery woes hit hard $20-25K equivalent used-ish, efficient Chinese import, but 88K recalled lately for power pack inconsistencies, stalling in EV mode. Recent 2021-2023 models, regulator flagged it. Uhm, cheap upfront, but safety hazard? Tiny joke: don’t get stuck in traffic. Question is, worth the gamble abroad?
Tesla Model Y (2021)
Model Y, similar to 3 $35-45K used, SUV space family love, falcon doors fun, but same contactor fails and degradation spikes if you DCFC nonstop. Reports of 12% drop early, recalls piling. You know, looks premium parked, drives thrill, but battery stress from fast charging? Makes me think twice for long owns.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 (Early)
Ioniq 5, man gorgeous retro $40K used, ultra-fast 800V charging, spacious lounge seats, but short-circuit risks flagged recently on packs. Degradation not worst, but fires in Konas make you wonder. Like, honestly premium feel beats Tesla inside, but check build date—peace of mind pricey here.
Chevrolet Bolt EUV
Bolt EUV, bigger Bolt sibling $28K range used, extra cargo, same great price-per-mile, but identical LG fire recall nightmare. Fixed now supposedly, but trust issues linger, plus faster degredation in heat. Random thought, like why GM repeat Bolt sins? Solid if warrantied, sketchy otherwise.
Kia Niro EV
Niro EV last crossover hybrid roots, $25-32K used, efficient quiet, good warranty, but early packs shared Kona woes, recalls for cells. Degradation mild but fast-charging accelerates it. Compared to hybrids, EV version riskier long-term. So yeah, cute daily, but battery roulette?
