Are Hybrids More Reliable Than ICE Vehicles?

by TTAC Staff

Published: January 31st, 2024

Photo credit: otomobil / Shutterstock.com

The popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) is on the rise, yet they face challenges regarding reliability. Consumer Reports' 2023 Annual Auto Reliability Survey reveals that, on average, new EVs present 79 percent more problems than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Electric pickups are particularly less reliable, marking the least reliable vehicle category.

Comparative Performance: Hybrids, PHEVs, and ICE Vehicles

Hybrids emerge as more reliable options, experiencing 26 percent fewer problems than ICE vehicles. Conversely, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) show an average of 146 percent more problems compared to ICE vehicles. This variance highlights the diverse performance of electrified vehicles.

Insights from Consumer Reports' Auto Testing Director

Jake Fisher, Senior Director of Auto Testing at Consumer Reports, notes that EVs are relatively new in the mainstream market. He observes some positive trends in EV reliability but advises consumers to consider models beyond their first year of release for better reliability.

Asian Brands Lead in Reliability, Challenges for Domestic Manufacturers

Asian auto brands, particularly Lexus and Toyota, dominate Consumer Reports' 2023 brand reliability rankings. In contrast, U.S. manufacturers face challenges, with Buick being the highest-ranked domestic brand at 12th place, and Chrysler ranking last.

Tesla's Performance in Battery and Charging

Tesla models, specifically the Model Y and Model 3, show comparatively fewer issues in battery and charging, diverging from the general trend of EV problems in these areas.

Consumer Reports' Comprehensive Data Analysis

The 2023 survey encompasses feedback on over 330,000 vehicles, covering 20 potential problem areas including engine, electric motors, and in-car electronics. This data forms the basis for predicting new car reliability.

Evolving Auto Market Demands

Consumer Reports' President and CEO, Marta L. Tellado, emphasizes the unchanging consumer need for safe and reliable cars, despite shifts in the auto market. The organization's annual report aims to guide buyers towards dependable vehicle choices.

New Trouble Areas for Electrified Vehicles

With the growing presence of hybrids and EVs, Consumer Reports has added specific trouble areas to its survey, such as Electric Motor, EV/Hybrid Battery, and EV Charging, to better assess these vehicles' unique challenges.

Changes in Overall Score Calculations for Safety

Starting with 2024 models, Consumer Reports is adjusting its Overall Score system. Vehicles lacking standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection will see a deduction in points. Similarly, active driver assistance systems without effective direct driver monitoring systems will lead to a score reduction.

Electric Vehicles: Varied Problems Across Brands

EVs, including electric SUVs and pickups, continue to be less reliable. While Tesla faces challenges with body hardware and climate systems, other brands struggle more with powertrain, battery, and charging issues.

Hybrids Outshine PHEVs in Reliability

Hybrids are proving more reliable than both EVs and ICE vehicles. In contrast, PHEVs, due to their complexity, exhibit greater reliability issues.

Overview of Brand Performances

The survey provides a detailed analysis of various brands, highlighting their specific strengths and weaknesses across different models and categories.

This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.

TTAC Staff

More by TTAC Staff

Comments

Join the conversation

1 comment

Fred on Jan 31, 2024
The problem I have with hybrids and EVs is that you pay a premium to save gas. So do the math, how much gasoline can I but for the extra money. Frankly I don't use that much gas being retired, so getting 31 in my little Honda isn't fantastic, it's good enough.

1 Reply

Recent Comments

Redapple2 Modern faux retro styling? I m beginning to HATE it. Was the PT Cruiser the first - 20 some years ago. Next, my new Land Rover in 2006 was in the shop 3x in the first year. Almost came to blows with the service manager when they wouldnt admit to a defect and wanted me to pay $1200 on something. (an 8 month old car mind you). 3- what s with the smaller square tail lights next to the bigger square tail lights? Cheap gimmicky styling flair? I truly cant stand Land Rovers any more. I ll buy a Yukon Denali from evil gm Vampire before I buy one of these.
2ACL If you're going to put $13k into a tired Astro van, either finish restoring it, drive it back into the ground, or take a bath to part ways. As is, this looks like a crusher fugitive and sounds as if itdrives like one, too.
Tassos go for it, Tim.. what an effing MASOCHIST....
Tassos I love the styling of all LAND ROVERS, which include both this "defender" and the "range Rovers", and I could care less if they are separate subbrands or whatever, they are all LAND ROVERS.Their styling is so iconic, even the half a million bucks Rolls Royce Cullinan looks bad by comparison. they are the ONLY really GOOD LOOKING SUVS IMHO.The above makes it a MONUMENTAL PITY that these beautiful vehicles have SUCH ATROCIOUS, not just VW ATROCIOUS, but Maserati and Alfa ATROCIOUS, Reliability.Pity!
Tassos All of VW's EVS have been DISMAL FAILURES. They utterly lack the awesome performance and range of same priced Teslas, and now they prove to be a worthless POS like EVERY OTHER VW, reliability-wise.In the Competitive US market, the ALMIGHTY CONSUMER has PUNISHED VW AGAIN AND AGAIN for their WORTHLESS, SHODDY PRODUCTS. As with ICEs, same with EVs.