Porsche Macan Electric tops list of problem-prone luxury EVs in US
A December 2025 study of luxury electric vehicles in the United States revealed that the Porsche Macan Electric is the most problem-prone model on the market. Conducted by B2B auto research company eCarsTrade, the study examined owner concerns and online search behavior to determine which high-end EVs cause the most headaches.
With only 1,739 units sold in 2024, Macan owners searched for repairs and fixes nearly 5,000 times per month, making them 25 times more likely to face issues than other EV drivers. Headlight calibration problems that dazzle oncoming traffic and early rear-view camera visibility complaints were cited as the most frequent concerns.
Other luxury EVs struggle with reliability
The Jaguar I-Pace came second, with 3,304 vehicles sold last year and 8,200 monthly searches for issues. Most of the concerns were related to high-voltage battery overheating, prompting pack inspections, replacements, and software updates to reduce risk. Owners often checked online multiple times per month, highlighting the severity of the reliability problems.
Tesla Model S ranks third, with 12,426 units sold and more than 27,000 monthly issue searches. Suspension, steering, display, and airbag module recalls were the main causes of frustration. Many fixes were delivered via over-the-air software updates, though owners continued to search online for guidance and repair tips.
The Audi e-tron SUV followed closely, showing similar concerns among German-made EVs. Battery cooling, brake system software, and other recalls drove nearly every owner online at least once per month. Volvo XC40 Recharge completed the top five, with around half of all owners searching for power-loss and braking fixes.
Luxury EVs face engineering challenges
According to the eCarsTrade expert, these reliability issues are not unexpected. “When you spend $80K or $100K on a luxury car, you’re not expecting constant repairs and safety recalls. But with electric vehicles, those problems show up more often than people think,” the analyst said.
Most manufacturers are still refining EV engineering to match the reliability standards of gas-powered luxury cars. With ongoing improvements, the situation is expected to gradually improve, but for now, owners must remain vigilant and frequently seek solutions online.
