The Nissan Leaf has been crowned the UK’s most reliable electric car in a new warranty study.

The data, based on a sample of 1,000 real-world repair claims paid by Warranty Solutions Group (WSG) on warranties issued between January and December 2025, saw the popular electric family car top the reliability rankings with a low claim rate of 1.52%. The average repair cost was £818, with the top three issues being lane assist cameras (£1,600), shock absorbers (£443) and steering wheel control switches (£415).

The Leaf’s long-established electric drivetrain, straightforward engineering and proven track record for durability were credited as key factors in its “standout” reliability.

The Audi E-Tron came in second with a claim rate of 3.23%. The E-Tron stands out for affordability, recording one of the lowest average repair costs in the study at £570. The most common faults were central locking solenoids (£625), wheel bearings (£267) and anti-roll bar links (£135).

Rounding out the top five models were the Vauxhall Corsa Electric with a claim rate of 4.76% and average repair cost of £702, Ford Mustang Mach-E (5.26% / £2,242) and Tesla Model 3 (6% / £625).

At the opposite end of the scale, models such as the Tesla Model S (38.46%), Mercedes EQB (33.33%) and Tesla Model X (23.53%) recorded significantly higher claim rates, underlining the importance of understanding ownership risk beyond headline range and performance figures.

WSG said the findings reinforce that reliability in the EV market is “highly model-specific rather than brand-wide”.

It also said the data serves to highlight significant differences in both fault rates and repair costs across popular models – and gives a useful evidence-based view of how used electric cars are performing once they are on the road, rather than in the showroom.

Most common EV warranty claims uncovered

While electric vehicles are often perceived as mechanically simpler, WSG’s latest claims data shows that many of the most common EV faults are linked to suspension, thermal management and auxiliary systems, rather than batteries alone.

Across all models analysed, anti-roll bar link failures were the most common single fault, accounting for 9.52% of all claims at an average repair cost of £276.

WSG attributed the high failure rate to the heavier kerb weight of EVs, which places higher, constant loads on the suspension components and often results in premature wear on the ball joints and bushings.

Lower arm faults were the second most common with a claim rate of 5.67% and average cost of £388. The main cause of failure is again due to increased vehicle weight resulting in excessive wear, but this time combined with pothole damage and corrosion caused by road salt.

In third place was air conditioning compressor faults, representing 4.76% of claims but carrying a much higher average repair cost of £1,232. These repairs can be particularly costly due to the integration of air conditioning systems within EV thermal management architectures.

Electrical charging components also feature prominently. High-voltage battery charge port faults account for 4.23% of claims with average repair costs of £320, reflecting the specialist nature of EV charging hardware and diagnostic requirements.

Rounding out the top five was tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), making up 4.12% of claims, though with comparatively modest repair costs averaging £107.

Martin Binnee, operations director of Warranty Solutions Group, said: “Electric vehicles are often positioned as cheaper to maintain because they have fewer moving parts, but our claims data shows the reality is more complex. While some EVs are proving extremely reliable, when faults do occur the cost of repair can be significant – particularly for premium models and vehicles with advanced electrical and thermal systems.”

Binnee said the data shows why fleets should factor repair severity into the total cost of ownership.

“Ultimately, EV ownership brings a combination of traditional wear-and-tear repairs alongside high-value electrical faults. Setting realistic expectations around maintenance and repair costs will be key to supporting long-term confidence in the electric vehicle market.”

The latest WSG data also shows how the electric vehicle sector is entering a “more mature phase, where reliability, repair severity and ownership risk are becoming just as important as range and charging infrastructure”.

Binnee summed up: “Clear differences between makes and models show that electric vehicles cannot be viewed as a single category, and that informed conversations around maintenance, protection and long-term costs have become more crucial than ever.”

“At the same time, the data reinforces the importance of looking beyond headline running cost savings when assessing electric vehicle ownership. While many EVs are proving dependable, the cost of repairs can be significant when faults do occur, particularly on vehicles with advanced systems or premium positioning. Understanding these risks, setting realistic expectations and ensuring the right level of protection is in place will play a key role in supporting sustainable, long-term adoption.”