Most Reliable Used Electric SUVs — Ranked by Data
13 electric suvs ranked on complaint severity, repair costs, recall impact, and issue diversity — each one normalized by sales volume. The 2023 Nissan Ariya tops our rankings with a score of 76/100.
Last updated: 2026-07-26
Most Reliable Used Electric SUVs Rankings
| # | Vehicle | Best Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints / 10k | Maint. Rating | Est. Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nissan Ariya | 2023 | 76/100 | Good | 4 | — | 4 | |
| 2 | Toyota bZ4X | 2023 | 73/100 | Good | 1 | 16.1 | 4 | |
| 3 | Tesla Model X | 2022 | 72/100 | Good | 0 | 0.0 | 2 | |
| 4 | Cadillac Lyriq | 2023 | 67/100 | Good | 7 | 26.2 | 3.5 | |
| 5 | Ford Mustang Mach-E | 2023 | 66/100 | Good | 3 | 30.1 | 3.5 | |
| 6 | Chevrolet Bolt | 2023 | 64/100 | Good | 3 | 23.5 | 3 | |
| 7 | Audi E-Tron | 2020 | 62/100 | Good | 4 | 1.4 | 2 | |
| 8 | Rivian R1s | 2023 | 57/100 | Mixed | 9 | 25.6 | 2 | |
| 9 | BMW IX | 2023 | 56/100 | Mixed | 12 | 20.2 | 2 | |
| 10 | Tesla Model Y | 2023 | 53/100 | Mixed | 15 | 25.8 | 2 | |
| 11 | KIA EV6 | 2023 | 52/100 | Mixed | 3 | 51.9 | 1.5 | |
| 12 | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 2023 | 50/100 | Mixed | 3 | 91.7 | 2 | |
| 13 | Volkswagen ID-4 | 2022 | 49/100 | Mixed | 7 | — | 2 |
Score Comparison
Visual comparison of reliability scores. Longer bars indicate higher reliability.
Model Highlights
1. 2023 Nissan Ariya — 76/100
The Nissan Ariya, covering model years 2023 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 85/100, indicating an excellent reliability rating overall. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system failures, particularly in the 2023 model, which had 19 complaints and 4 recalls, while later models show improvement with fewer complaints and no recalls. With an estimated annual repair cost of $500 and a medium reliability rating of 4/5, the Ariya may appeal to those seeking a reliable electric vehicle, though potential buyers should be aware of historical electrical system concerns.
Best year: 2023 (score: 76/100, 4 recalls, 39 complaints). Average score across all years: 76/100.
2. 2023 Toyota bZ4X — 73/100
The Toyota Bz4x, covering model years 2023 to 2025, holds an average reliability score of 75/100, categorized as "Good" on the Auto Reliability Index. Data indicates common issues with the electrical system and structural components, particularly in the 2023 and 2024 models, with complaints decreasing significantly by 2025. The vehicle maintains a 5-star NHTSA safety rating throughout these years, and repair costs are rated at 4/5, suggesting moderate expenses for owners.
Best year: 2023 (score: 73/100, 1 recalls, 15 complaints). Average score across all years: 73/100.
3. 2022 Tesla Model X — 72/100
The Tesla Model X, covering model years 2018 to 2025, has an average reliability score of 64 out of 100, indicating a generally good reliability reputation with notable fluctuations across years. Common issues reported include suspension failures, electrical system malfunctions, and steering problems, with significant safety implications noted in certain years, particularly 2018, 2019, and 2023. Potential buyers should consider these aspects, alongside repair costs and complaint rates, which peaked at 74.1 complaints per 10,000 sold in 2023, when evaluating the Model X for long-term ownership.
Best year: 2022 (score: 72/100, 0 recalls, 0 complaints). Average score across all years: 54/100.
4. 2023 Cadillac Lyriq — 67/100
The Cadillac Lyriq, covering model years 2023 to 2025, holds an average reliability score of 68 out of 100, indicating a good reliability rating within its class. Owners frequently report issues with the electrical system and exterior lighting, particularly in earlier models, with the 2024 model experiencing the highest complaint rate of 37.3 per 10,000 sold. Repair costs are rated at 3.5 out of 5, suggesting moderate expenses for maintenance and repairs, making it suitable for those prioritizing advanced features with awareness of potential electronic and lighting challenges.
Best year: 2023 (score: 67/100, 7 recalls, 24 complaints). Average score across all years: 67/100.
5. 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E — 66/100
The Ford Mustang Mach-E shows a mixed reliability reputation from 2023 to 2026, with scores ranging from 78/100 to 98/100. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system malfunctions and powertrain problems, particularly in earlier years, while the 2026 model sees a significant improvement with a score of 98/100 and no complaints. This data suggests prospective buyers should consider the model year when evaluating reliability, as the 2026 model demonstrates a strong safety record and reduced issues.
Best year: 2023 (score: 66/100, 3 recalls, 104 complaints). Average score across all years: 66/100.
Found Your Next Car? Check Its History
Before you buy, a VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most reliable used electric suvs?
- Based on our data, the 2023 Nissan Ariya is the most reliable with a score of 76/100 ("Good"). It has 4 recalls and 39 owner complaints.
- How many electric suvs did we analyze?
- We analyzed 13 models in this category. The average reliability score is 61/100.
- How are reliability scores calculated?
- Every 0–100 score blends complaint severity (35%), repair costs (30%), recall impact (20%), and issue diversity (15%). Complaints are weighted by component type — powertrain and safety issues count more than cosmetic ones — and normalized by sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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