The latest Warrantywise research found that drive battery issues weren’t among the five most common electric vehicle repair requests, while a OnePoll survey revealed that 68% of surveyed used-car owners felt anxious about visiting garages at least some of the time.
In this repair round-up, we look at what the findings mean for motorists and share some practical steps drivers can take to prepare for unexpected repairs.
Key facts at a glance:
- Drive battery issues were not among the five most common EV repair requests.
- Sensor issues were the most frequently requested EV repair category.
- EV repairs aren’t limited to electric-specific components, with several parts also found in petrol and diesel cars.
- 68% of surveyed UK used-car owners felt anxious about visiting garages at least some of the time.
- 80% of respondents who experienced garage anxiety were concerned about unexpected repair costs.
EV reliability: more than the drive battery
Our EV reliability data shows that drive battery issues were not among the five most common repair requests for electric vehicles.
The five most frequently requested EV repair areas were:
- Sensors
- Central locking mechanism
- On-board charger
- Wishbones
- Auxiliary battery 12V/48V
Of the five most common EV repair categories, on-board chargers had the highest average repair request value at £2,158.75.
Several components in the top five are also found in petrol and diesel cars, showing that EV repair requests aren’t limited to electric drivetrain components.
| Position | Failure area | Failure part | Average repair request | Highest repair request |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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/48V | £532.94 | £986.15 |
Although drive battery repairs fell outside the five most-requested repair categories, they had a high average repair request value of £6,435.38. This highlights that battery health is an important consideration when buying a used electric car.
Alongside battery health, checking the charging performance, service history and overall condition of the vehicle can help buyers build a clearer picture of a used EV.
For more information, you can explore our EV reliability findings.
Why do motorists feel anxious about visiting garages?
In July 2026, OnePoll research commissioned by Warrantywise surveyed 2,000 UK used-car owners, and found that 68% feel anxious about taking their car to a garage at least some of the time.
Among the 1,350 respondents who felt anxious very often, often or sometimes, the main concerns included:
- 80% worried about unexpected repair costs
- 49% feared being overcharged
- 36% felt they didn’t know enough about cars to discuss repairs
These results suggest that concerns about garage visits go beyond the cost of repairs. Understanding what work is needed, asking for a clear breakdown of costs and checking the quote before agreeing to repairs can help motorists feel more in control.
Planning for the unexpected
This quarter’s repair round-up highlights the importance of preparing for unexpected repairs. Both our EV repair data and consumer research show why understanding potential repair costs is a key part of vehicle ownership.
Regular servicing plays an important role in maintaining your car, and understanding common vehicle issues can help you know what to look out for. However, even a well-maintained vehicle can need repairs, so it’s worth considering how you would prepare for an unexpected bill. An extended car warranty plan is one option that could help you manage the cost of eligible repairs.
For a quick summary of the key findings, download our repairs round-up PDF below:
If you’d like to explore your options, you can get a quote online or speak to our friendly warranty experts who can help you explore the plans available for your car.
Refer to the plan book for full details.
Methodology and important information:
EV repair data: Findings are based on electric vehicle repair requests assessed by Warrantywise between January 2023 and January 2026, using internal Reliability Index data. Average repair request values reflect the period analysed. As EV volumes remain lower than petrol and diesel volumes, the results are more sensitive to model mix and individual high-value repairs and should be treated as directional. Some repair request values may include multiple related components.
Consumer research: OnePoll conducted an online survey for Warrantywise between 9 and 15 July 2026 among 2,000 UK used-car owners aged 18 and over who held a full driving licence and owned or leased a pre-owned car. Reasons for garage anxiety are based on the 1,350 respondents who felt anxious very often, often or sometimes. Multiple responses were permitted.
The findings reflect the datasets and survey responses analysed and should not be interpreted as predictions of individual vehicle reliability or future repair costs.