11 of the least reliable EVs to consider avoiding in 2026, according to Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports has put together a list of 11 of the least reliable EVs to consider avoiding in 2026, based on their surveys from owners who report more problems than with other vehicles. These electric vehicles, some plug-in hybrids too, show up with issues that make owning them a bit of a hassle sometimes, even if they promise good electric range and all that. It’s from data on hundreds of thousands of cars, and the point is that some models just end up needing more attention at the dealer. Owners mention things like batteries or electronics acting up, which can feel frustrating after buying something new. The list helps point out which ones might not be the smoothest to live with, at least according to what people are saying in the surveys. Not every EV is like this of course, but these 11 stand out for the wrong reasons.

Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid

Owning the Ford Escape plug-in hybrid, it sort of sits there in the driveway feeling like it might need something fixed soon, or maybe not, owners aren’t always sure. The electric part works for a bit, then the gas kicks in, but reports say there are problems with that switchover sometimes. It feels okay for daily drives, yet you hear about transmission or battery issues popping up, which makes you wonder if it’s reliable enough. Some days it runs fine, other days not so much, and that uncertainty hangs around. It’s a compact SUV that tries to do both worlds, electric and gas, but maybe leans too much one way without fully committing. Owners might repeat that it’s handy for short trips, but then mention the service visits again.

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid exists as this big minivan that families might pick for the plug-in feature, but it often feels like it’s got some ongoing quirks. Transmission problems come up in reports, along with engine and electronics stuff, and the EV battery cooling too. You drive it and it hauls people around, yet there’s this sense it could let you down on a longer trip or something. It’s the least reliable minivan in the survey, which repeats in a few places, making you think twice. Sometimes it charges fine, other times not, and owners deal with that. The hybrid part promises savings, but the reality of owning it includes those extra checks at the shop, maybe more than expected.

Honda Prologue

With the Honda Prologue, being an owner means it’s this EV SUV that looks solid from Honda, but scores low on reliability somehow. It feels like it should be dependable, yet Consumer Reports puts it at 25 for reliability, which is down there. Driving it around town, the range might hold up okay, but then you hear about potential issues lurking. Not sure if it’s the battery or what, but it exists in this space where it’s new and maybe not fully proven. Some might say it’s fine so far, others report early problems, leaving it uncertain. It’s part of the list without much resolution.

Kia EV6

The Kia EV6 sort of zips along as a crossover EV, feeling sporty at first, but owners find it needing fixes more often than hoped. Reliability at 25 according to the data, which means more shop time probably. It charges quick, which is nice, but then electronics or battery might act up, repeating that theme from other EVs. Existing with it day to day, it’s convenient until it’s not, and that flip happens unpredictably. Maybe it’s great for some, less for others, without a clear answer. A sentence like this adds that it’s stylish too, even if not always running smooth.

Kia EV9

Owning a Kia EV9, this three-row EV feels massive and family-ready, yet it lands on the least reliable list with a low score. Problems could be with the bigger battery or systems, making it uncertain if it’ll stay trouble-free. You load it up for trips, and it goes electric far, but reports suggest issues crop up. It’s similar to the EV6 in some ways, both Kias struggling here, which repeats the brand concern lightly. Not fully resolving, it just sits as this option that’s ambitious but maybe overreaches. Feels unnecessary to say, but the size might contribute somehow.

Rivian R1T

The Rivian R1T pickup exists out there as an adventure truck EV, but owners deal with battery and motor replacements sometimes. It’s the least reliable brand even, for the second year, which makes owning one feel risky. You take it off-road or tow, and it powers through, yet climate system or suspension issues pop up. Uncertainty about how long it’ll last without major work, and that hangs in the air. Reports mention charging needs almost daily even after battery swaps, which is odd. It’s bold, but repeats that below-average score without fixing the thought.

Rivian R1S

Similar to the R1T, the Rivian R1S SUV feels like it’s built for rugged use, but reliability stays low across the lineup. EV battery, motor, steering problems reported, making daily ownership a mix of excitement and worry. It hauls family gear electrically, yet might need frequent attention, echoing the truck’s issues. Not sure if software updates help much, or if it’s hardware, leaving it open. Owners experience body hardware glitches too, adding to the pile. This one just kind of trails off without much closure.

GMC Terrain

The GMC Terrain shows up with below-average scores, feeling like a midsize SUV that’s trying but falling short in reliability. New model reporting issues early, which makes you pause before buying. It drives comfortably maybe, but then electrical or other stuff might fail, uncertain how often. Part of GMC’s lower ranking, repeating that brand trend. Existing as an owner, it’s practical on paper, less so in practice sometimes. Adds a bit that it’s affordable, even if not always dependable.

GMC Acadia

GMC Acadia, another SUV with scores well below average, sort of looms as this larger option that’s not living up to expectations. Owners report problems similar to the Terrain, making family hauls feel tentative. The size and features appeal, but reliability drags it down, without full details on why. It might handle roads fine one week, need service the next, that mild contradiction. Repeats the below-average thing lightly. Feels like it could be better, but stays in the list.

Chrysler Voyager

Chrysler’s Voyager minivan, even the non-hybrid, scores below average like its siblings, existing as a budget hauler with potential glitches. Not as spotlighted, but part of the family’s low reliability vibe. You use it for kids and stuff, yet electronics or transmission might intrude. Uncertainty if it’s better than the Pacifica, probably not by much. Just kind of there, adding to the count without strong points.