While many motorists still fret about range anxiety when thinking about electric vehicles, more and more people are going electric over internal combustion engines.
According to Kelley Blue Book estimates, a record of nearly 1.2 million vehicle buyers in the U.S. selected EVs in 2023. The EV share of the overall vehicle segment in the country, meanwhile, was 7.6% compared to 5.9% the year prior.
But “new” isn’t the only way to go if you want to go electric rather than fossil fuel. Whether you want an EV as a daily driver or as a second or third car, the used EV marketplace is an option.
Even so, you must exercise caution when buying a used EV to avoid surprises like a degraded battery that decimates range or reliability issues that drain your wallet.
Here are 16 of the worst used EVs to buy if you want your EV experience to be pleasant.
2019 Chevrolet Bolt
The 2019 Chevrolet Bolt’s 238 miles of EPA-rated range on a full charge beats that of many similarly priced rivals. That’s a good thing. But there are some reliability issues as well.
Case in point: some owners say they sometimes have difficulty charging their Bolts at their home charging stations and some public chargers. And when they can get the Bolts to charge, sometimes they can’t get the EVs to accept a full charge. Other owners complain about faulty in-car electronics like display screens that freeze or go blank.
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E
While many owners love their Mach-Es, the EVs have their share of problems.
Ford has recalled just south of 35,000 2021 and 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E EVs to fix a battery issue that can cause the EV to lose power without warning. The recall order came on the heels of 100+ reports from owners who, while driving their EVs, experienced a sudden lost of power.
2022 Mazda MX-30
The 2022 Mazda MX-30 is a sub-compact SUV with a small battery capable of 92 miles of EPA-estimated range. Even off the dealership lot brand new, the 2022 Mazda MX-30 had insufficient range. So, unless you have a short commute, why buy one used?
2011 Nissan Leaf
According to Consumer Reports, the average retail price for a used 2011 Nissan Leaf is between $3,000 and $3,035. That’s okay if you’re looking for a second car to use as a grocery-getter. But range and storage are severely lacking in this model. Do you want an EV with an EPA-estimated 73 miles? That sounds like a tough buy.
2014 Ford Focus Electric
The 2014 Ford Focus Electric has enough issues to take it off your consideration list for used EVs. According to one source, the worst three complaints for the EV include the brakes, fuel/propulsion system, and electrical system. Next!
2014 BMW i3
One EV with below-average reliability is the 2014 BMW i3. Specifically, it has battery capacity problems and a lack of safety features. From the factory, you can expect about 100 miles of range. But that paltry amount can dip to around 70 miles as wear and tear impact the battery.
2019 Smart EQ Fortwo
The Smart family of vehicles look more like mobility scooters than roadworthy cars.
While perhaps okay for city driving, the 2019 Smart EQ Fortwo isn’t the most reliable EV available. A battery issue increased the odds of stalling and getting into an accident.
2015 Volkswagen e-Golf
Owners of the 2015 Volkswagen e-Golf have complained about battery management system failures and other electrical issues. Other issues include a deficit in acceleration and a higher price point versus other EVs in its class.
2013 Mitsubishi i-MiEV
If you’ve ever heard people describe EVs as electrified grocery carts, you can be sure that they’re referring to something like a Mitsubishi i-MiEV. From the factory, the EV had an EPA-rated range of 62 miles, which is underwelming, and some drivers say they get less than that range in real-world driving. There have also been recalls for the braking system.
2020 Mini Cooper EV
While the 2020 Mini Cooper EV has the good looks of its siblings powered by internal combustion engines, it’s not the type of car you want to buy used. Right out the gate, it has a range of a mere 110 miles.. Its 181 HP motor with 199 lb-ft of torque underwhelm.
2016 Tesla Model X
While the build quality is better in more recent model year Tesla Model X SUVs, the 2016 Tesla Model X is a masterpiece of misaligned doors, shoddy panel gaps, and so-so interior fit and finish. Owners have also complained about the vehicle’s suspension components.
2015 Kia Soul EV
2015 Kia Soul EV owners have complained about problems with the drivetrain, brakes, and engine. There have been some recalls for the vehicle — the last of which was issued last October for unintended vehicle movement that can increase the chances of a crash.
2012 Fisker Karma
If stunning aesthetics is the only thing you want in an EV, you can’t go wrong with a 2012 Fisker Karma. It was a six-figure vehicle when it first hit dealership lots, but depreciation did a number on it. But that doesn’t mean you should scoop one up.
While many owners love their Fisker Karma EVs, the vehicles suffered from some quality issues that triggered recalls.
2023 Toyota bZ4X
The 2023 Toyota bZ4X isn’t a bad car. But it’s underwhelming in some vital specs. Its 214 HP and 242 miles of range aren’t much to write home about. And some reviewers say that they were unable to get the range advertised.
There’s also a recall because faulty wheel bolts could cause the wheels to detach from the EV.
2022 Hyundai Kona Electric
Unfortunately, the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric has some reliability issues. Some owners complain that their EV battery has drain issues. That’s a shame since owners tend to enjoy the handling, range, and other things about the EV.
2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
When someone says an EV is “hot,” they often mean that the aesthetics and performance are on point. But when describing the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Electric, “hot” can mean “fire.” Literally.
One recall relates to the potential for the power relay assembly to overheat and cause a fire. Another recall pertains to fire risks due to electrical resistance at the main relay, and yet another recall addresses a clutch actuator oil leak that can cause — you guessed it — fires.
Looking for a Used EV? Shop With Caution!
Considering that EVs have nearly 80% more issues and are usually less reliable than cars powered by gas or diesel engines, you must be even more careful when seeking a used EV.
There are many options in the used EV marketplace — and some are very reliable and can make great used vehicles. Just do your homework to find the right one.
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