New data has identified the most common used EV faults and revealed that almost none of them are specific to electric cars.
Analysis of three years of warranty claims from specialist Warrantywise has shown that four of the five most frequent issues are connected to standard vehicle components rather than any EV-specific systems.
And concerns around the drive battery’s reliability and longevity appear unfounded, with the data showing such issues rarely arise.
Sales of used EVs are growing rapidly as more and more buyers become convinced of the benefits of going electric. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), used EV transactions rose 45.7% in 2025 to a record 274,815 units, increasing their share of the UK used car market from 2.5% in 2024 to 3.5%.
Warrantywise, which saw a 68% jump in warranty sales in 2025, says that the market is now big enough to allow clear assessment of ownership and repair trends. And its figures show most EV faults are the same issues that plague petrol and diesel cars.
Based on claims data from 2023 to 2026, the most common used EV faults are related to electrical sensors and central locking systems. Also in the top 5 of most frequent claims are suspension component failure and 12V auxiliary battery problems.
The only EV-specific fault on the list relates to the on-board charger, which is the third most common problem. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most expensive to put right, with an average repair bill of £2,158.
Top 5 used EV repair requests based on Warrantywise claims
| Position | Failure area | Failure part | Average repair request cost | Most expensive repair request cost |
| 1 | Electrical system | Sensors | £809.59 | £3,270.00 |
| 2 | Electrical system | Central locking mechanism | £899.44 | £4,056.82 |
| 3 | EV | On-board charger | £2,158.75 | £10,454.98 |
| 4 | Suspension | Wishbones | £1,229.64 | £4,118.65 |
| 5 | Electrical system | Auxiliary battery (12V battery) | £532.94 | £986.15 |
Data: Warrantywise
The figures also revealed that in one extreme case, fixing the on-board charger cost more than £10,000. However, Warrantywise points out that because EVs are still a relatively small portion of claims, the results are more sensitive to model mix and said individual high-value repairs and should be treated as “directional”.
Antony Diggins, managing director at Warrantywise, said the findings showed that buying a used EV was much the same as buying any other second-hand car.
He said: “The main battery on an EV is understandably the first thing many used EV buyers think about, but our data shows that the everyday components still matter.
“A good used EV purchase should include the same checks you would make on any used car, plus a closer look at charging systems. As confidence in the used EV market continues to grow, more drivers are recognising the value of an extended warranty.”
