By RAY MASSEY
Nissan's Leaf is the most reliable electric car, a study of EV garage repairs by Warranty Solutions Group has revealed.
It topped the rankings with an 'impressively low' claim rate of just 3.06 per cent – with an average repair price of £300.10 – and comes as Nissan prepares to launch a new generation of its battery hatchback.
The report said: 'This result reinforces the Leaf's reputation for dependable performance.'
Reliable: Nissan's Leaf topped the rankings with an 'impressively low' claim rate of just 3.06 per cent
Second was Chinese-owned MG ZS EV with a claim rate of 4.76 per cent and the lowest average repair cost in the study at just £225.90 which cemented the car's reputation as 'a smart, budget-friendly option for families and first-time EV owners', according to the report.
In third place was the Audi E-Tron with a warranty claim rate of 5.56 per and an average repair cost remains below £310 making it 'it a strong contender for drivers seeking a high-end yet dependable EV experience'.
The Warranty Solutions Group report said of the Nissan Leaf's top place reliability ranking: 'This result reinforces the Leaf's reputation for robust engineering and dependable performance, making it an attractive choice for EV buyers seeking peace of mind. Its simplicity of design, proven electric drivetrain, and strong track record for durability have all contributed to its standout reliability.'
But the data, based on real-world warranty claims, also highlights 'significant differences in both fault rates and repair costs across popular models - offering valuable insights for drivers and dealers alike'.
The report adds: 'At the top of the unreliability table sits the Tesla Model S, with an alarming 50 per cent warranty claim rate and an average claim cost of £703.50. It's followed by the Volkswagen E-Golf (33.33 per cent) and Kia E-Niro (25 per cent), which also show higher-than-average claim rates, though their repair costs are more modest. The Jaguar I-Pace poses a double concern with a claim rate of 21.43 per cent and one of the highest average repair costs at £1,353.69.'
It also notes: 'Premium models like the Porsche Taycan (£1,750.16) and Tesla Model 3 (£470.89) also reflect the financial risk that comes with high-end EV tech, despite slightly lower fault rates.'
And it highlighted some 'unexpected' results: 'The Vauxhall Corsa Electric, despite a middling claim rate of 9.68 per cent, recorded the highest average claim cost at a surprising £2,261.88, suggesting parts scarcity or complex repairs may be to blame.'
Charger ports are the most frequent cause of warranty claims though repairs are 'relatively affordable' at an average of £119.96.
Other recurring faults include issues with the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) costing an average £132.67, and 12v batteries (£193.90), repairs for on-board chargers and air conditioning compressors average more than £1,000 per repair.
The data also reveals the most expensive EV repairs paid by WSG over the last 12 months, with costs exceeding £6,000 in some cases. Topping the list is the Vauxhall Corsa SRI Nav Premium, with a claim of £6,219.90 for an electric drive fault.
Close behind is the Mini Countryman Cooper S E All4 Classic, which required a £5,495.51 repair for a combined inverter and DC/DC converter issue.
Vauxhall appears again in third place with a £4,658.78 claim for a drive shaft fault on the Grandland X Elite Nav.
Jaguar's I-PACE SE incurred a £4,595.11 repair for its battery charging control module and Porsche's Taycan 4S saw a £3,835.97 claim for a mains charger converter.
'These figures highlight how major powertrain and electrical component failures can result in significant costs, posing a challenge for both owners and the warranty sector, said the report.
Martin Binnee, operations director of Warranty Solutions Group, said: 'These findings are a wake-up call for both EV buyers and dealers.
'On the surface, EVs may promise lower running costs thanks to fewer moving parts, but the reality is more nuanced. While EVs and ICE vehicles currently show similar claim rates - 13.21 per cent versus 13.74 per cent - the average EV repair bill of £858.50 is substantially higher than the £668.45 for ICE vehicles.
'This reflects the complexity of EV repairs, the cost of specialist components, and the limited number of repairers with the right expertise. For owners, this means factoring higher potential repair bills into the total cost of ownership, not just fuel savings.'
He added: 'As EV adoption accelerates, managing customer expectations around reliability and repair costs will be key to maintaining confidence in the market.
'This isn't just about selling warranties; it's about safeguarding the long-term EV ownership experience.'
