The most common used EV faults have been revealed – and drivers shouldn't worry too much about batteries going wrong.

Most repair requests for used EVs are related to non-powertrain components, with battery-related repairs remaining relatively uncommon, research has found.

Electrical system troubles are the main issues reported for second-hand EVs, the latest data from used car warranty provider, Warrantywise, has found.

EV battery-related issues didn't feature in the top five reported repair requests in the firm's latest used EV Reliability dataset.

This suggests that repair concerns are not limited to EV-specific parts.

It comes as second-hand EV sales continue to soar, with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reporting a 32 per cent rise in used EV transactions annually in the first three months of the year.

What are the most common faults with used EVs?

Warrantywise has analysed its own used EV repair request data to identify the most common repair categories reported across its warranty plans.

Based on EV repair requests assessed between January 2023 and January 2026, Warrantywise found electrical system troubles, such as sensor and central locking issues, topped the repair request list.

Sensors came first and cost on average £809.59 to repair, with the most expensive repair cost coming in at £3,270.

In second place was electrical system central locking mechanism failures, costing £899.44 on average to repair. The maximum repair recorded was £4,056.82.

An EV's on-board charger system was the third most commonly reported fault and cost a lot on average to repair – £2,158.75. 

The most expensive EV charger repair was a staggering £10,454.98 which shows that you don't want the on-board charging system to go wrong on your EV.

The fourth most expensive EV failure area was suspension, with wishbones – the failure part – costing on average £1,229.64. 

The most expensive repair cost was £4,118.65.

In fifth place was another electrical system problem, the auxiliary battery (12V battery), which cost £532.94 on average and £986.15 on the costliest occasion to repair.

Warrantywise's data confirms the fact that EV ownership concerns focused around high-voltage battery repairs are not needed, as these battery issues are not commonly reported under its warranty plans.

Antony Diggins, managing director at Warrantywise, 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. 

'For used EV buyers, a warranty plan can help manage the cost of unexpected, potentially expensive repairs.'

Is getting a used EV warranty a good idea?

Drivers wanting greater certainty when buying a second-hand EV, and keen to manage unexpected repair costs, should consider taking out a warranty.

It can be an important part of the ownership proposition.

EV owners are opting for this peace of mind increasingly, with Warrantywise seeing an increase of EV warranty sales of 68.2 per cent from 2024 to 2025.

With the rising cost of living, many drivers choose an extended warranty to help manage the cost of unexpected repairs.

Warranties on used EVs can cover everything from the auxiliary battery and on-board charger through to braking components and even key fobs.

They can also throw in extras such as roadside assistance and are made to support drivers when unexpected repairs arise.

They are based on vehicle age and mileage, with a range of extended warranty options available for used EVs from providers such as Warrantywise.