Top 5 Car Brands with the most Electrical Issues
Valerie Raskovic
Sep 24, 2024
Electrical issues can be hard to diagnose
As many of us know first-hand, electrical car problems can be especially frustrating because they often require extensive diagnostic time to pinpoint the exact fault. Unlike mechanical problems, which may show obvious signs of wear or malfunction, electrical issues can be hidden within a complex network of wires, sensors, and multiple control modules. Modern vehicles rely heavily on a vast number of electrical systems and modules which communicate with each other and are responsible for everything from starting the engine to operating safety features, so a failure in even a small component can affect multiple systems. Diagnosing some electrical faults often requires specialized equipment and knowledge, and because these issues are sometimes intermittent, they can take longer to identify, leading to higher labor costs and potential part replacements that may not immediately resolve the problem.
As more and more vehicles are equipped with highly advanced and complex electrical systems vehicle electrical problems are becoming the number one reason why people bring their cars for repair. Weather you see a check engine light on the dash or an intermittent electrical issue effecting the vehicles safe use and functionality, it is important to have the vehicle repaired by a trained technician specializing in your specific make and model of vehicle.
If you're in the market for a vehicle manufactured within the last few years, we believe it's important to highlight the car brands that are commonly known for electrical issues. To get accurate real-life insights, we consulted several mechanics to find out which car models they encounter most often for electrical problems and which ones tend to have recurring issues. After interviewing four mechanics and averaging their feedback, we've compiled a list of the vehicles with the most frequently reported electrical issues below.
Fisker Automotive
Fisker has experienced many issues since its inspection date in 2007. We were rooting for this car to succeed as we loved the innovative and sexy vehicle design and the American underdog story as it relates to the brand. However, the reality of the situation currently is that the brand is bankrupt. Currently it is very hard to get any type of support or warranty work done on these vehicles. In fact, Fisker Ocean which was once selling for around $60,000 can be purchased new for just a fraction of that price. New models are selling for as low as 25,000 and may continue their decline as owners of these vehicles are stuck in no man’s land when these vehicles go bad.
Fisker owners report a variety of failures, the most serious of them has to do with sudden power loss, causing the driver to lose direct control of the vehicle. As documented by a popular YouTuber “Rich Rebuilds” on his YouTube channel a basic charging port issue can disable a vehicle. In this case, the dealership lacked the resources to diagnose the issue, leading them to sell the nearly new vehicle at the astonishingly low price of $10,000.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz vehicles are renowned for their luxury, performance, and advanced technology. However, as with many modern cars, these vehicles are packed with complex electrical systems that sometimes can cause some issues.
Most common issue is a slow battery drain which can be caused by various faults such as failing alternator and parasitic drains. This happens when certain electrical components, such as interior lights or infotainment systems, may continue to draw power even after the vehicle is turned off, causing the battery to drain overnight. Some of these vehicles suffer from wiring issues. Corroded or damaged wiring can prevent the battery from charging properly.
Vehicle computer module failure or communication faults can also be a common cause of various electrical issues as they control everything from the vehicle’s headlights to drivetrain operations. Malfunctioning ignition switch can also be the cause of intermittent starting problems and other electrical failures. Mercedes vehicles equipped with the AIRMATIC suspension systems sometimes face electrical issues. This problem is often easy to detect, as the vehicle may ride noticeably low on one side or be completely lowered to the ground.
Chrysler
To those of us that remember Chrysler in its hay day it is sad to see the direction this auto manufacturer has taken. It currently only produced just one vehicle which is the Chrysler Pacifica minivan. This vehicle frequently ranks at the top of many lists of the least reliable vehicles in America. It is plagued with a slew of electrical issues along with various mechanical issues effecting the transmission, steering and vital engine components. According to atogo.ca the “2017 Chrysler Pacifica” should be avoided.
Rivian
Rivian is fairly a newcomer to the automotive world and they have produced some very eye catching and innovative fully electric vehicles such as the R1T and R1S. The brand has generated significant buzz in the EV market. However, like many electric automakers, Rivian vehicles have faced some common electrical issues, as reported by both owners and technicians.
Owners have reported various software glitches causing the instrument display and gauge clusters to freeze malfunction and cause various other issues. In addition, owners report various charging malfunctions which range from the charge port not opening to the vehicle not accepting charge or even discharging. Owners have also reported issues with basic vehicle functions such as the key fobs and various other fantom electrical faults.
Land Rover
Land Rover vehicles are renowned for their luxurious interiors, good looks and off-road capabilities but they have been reported to experience a variety of electrical issues. Owners report everything from battery charging issues to faulty sensors and complete electrical computer/module failures. Other reported electrical faults have been known to affect lighting, infotainment operation and display, climate control and keyless entry systems.
We decided to add Fiat as a bonus feature to this list:
Fiat
Having discontinued most of their vehicle models in the U.S. the Fiat 500X is the last remaining model still available for purchase new in United States. Fiat has been struggling for a long time and as much as we love the peppy pickup and fun handling of the Fiat 500 Abarth we acknowledge the numerous repairability complaints that have surfaced since Fiat's return to the U.S. market. The fact that a simple alternator replacement can run over 5 billable labor hours is a bit ridiculous. The issue as reported by many mechanics has to do with cost cutting engineering with parts being inaccessible within a tight engine bay and overall quality issue effecting engine performance and overall vehicle reliability.
No matter what you choose to buy, it's crucial to research the specific year, make and model of the vehicle you're considering. Read owner reviews, analyze long-term reliability, and assess average repair costs to gain a clear understanding of the realistic long-term ownership expenses.
The information provided in this article does not reflect the views or opinions of the company. All details have been collected from independent vehicle technicians based on their experiences with various modern vehicle makes.
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