ADAC Confirms: Car Brand’s Unusual Poor Performance
Electric Vehicles Show Strong Reliability, But Some Models Lag, ADAC Finds
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By Julia Stanton
KASSEL, Germany – Electric vehicles generally exhibit greater reliability compared to their internal combustion engine counterparts, according to the latest breakdown statistics released by the ADAC, Germany’s largest automobile club. However,the annual report identifies specific models that deviate from this trend.
The ADAC’s 2025 breakdown analysis,which tracks the frequency of roadside assistance calls for various car models,reveals that EVs,on average,require fewer interventions than gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles. While the number of EV breakdowns has risen, this increase is largely attributed to the growing number of electric cars on German roads.
Starter Battery Issues and Electronic Complexity
The 2025 statistics compared vehicles aged two to four years. The data showed 9.4 breakdowns per 1,000 internal combustion engine cars, compared to just 3.8 for EVs in the same age group. This pattern held true for older vehicles as well: three-to-five-year-old cars showed a ratio of 10.4 to 4.2, and five-year-old vehicles, 12 to 8.5 per 1,000.
A meaningful portion of breakdowns,roughly half for both EV and combustion engine vehicles,stemmed from failures in the 12-volt starter battery. Electric cars also experienced more frequent issues with on-board electronics, likely due to the intricate nature of their electrical systems. Conversely, EVs proved less susceptible to breakdowns related to the motor or engine management, including the high-voltage system, owing to the relative simplicity of electric motor design.
Engine-related problems or motor electronics accounted for 22.1 percent of breakdowns. For combustion engines, this typically involved fuel injection or ignition issues, while for EVs, the high-voltage system was the primary culprit.
Toyota Models Show Higher Breakdown Rates
The ADAC report also pinpointed specific models with notable reliability concerns. The study encompassed 159 vehicle series from approximately 20 manufacturers.
Toyota vehicles, in particular, exhibited higher breakdown rates, attributed to instances where the battery failed to charge adequately under certain conditions, leading to starting difficulties. This issue echoes findings from the 2024 ADAC statistics, where Toyota models also showed a similar trend. The Toyota C-HR and Rav4 across all production years were affected, with the Yaris and Yaris Cross showing increased issues in more recent model years.
Toyota has responded to the ADAC’s findings, stating that it has thoroughly investigated the 12-volt battery issue and implemented measures to optimize the battery production and vehicle delivery process. The company aims to ensure that vehicles are delivered to customers with fully functional and charged batteries.
In contrast, Audi models, including the A4, A5, Q5, and Q4 e-tron, performed well in the ADAC’s reliability assessment.
The German government is promoting e-mobility through a package of incentives designed to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.
Electric Vehicle Reliability: ADAC Breakdown Analysis
this article explores the latest breakdown statistics from the ADAC (Germany’s largest automobile club), focusing on the reliability of electric vehicles (EVs) compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Are Electric Vehicles More Reliable Than Gas Cars?
Yes, according to the ADAC’s 2025 report, EVs generally require fewer roadside assistance interventions than gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles. However,there are exceptions,as some EV models have higher breakdown rates. While the number of EV breakdowns has grown, this increase accounts for the growing number of EVs on the road.
EV vs.ICE Breakdown rates: A Comparison
The data compares vehicles aged two to five years old:
2-4 year old vehicles: ICE cars experienced 9.4 breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles,while EVs had 3.8.
3-5 year old vehicles: ICE cars saw 10.4 breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles, compared to 4.2 for EVs.
5-year-old vehicles: ICE cars had 12 breakdowns per 1,000, while EVs registered 8.5.
Common Causes of Vehicle Breakdowns
The ADAC report reveals the primary causes of breakdowns in both EVs and ICE vehicles:
12-Volt starter Battery: Failures in the 12-volt starter battery account for roughly half of all breakdowns for both EV and ICE vehicles.
On-Board Electronics (evs): EVs were more prone to issues with on-board electronics due to their complex electrical systems.
Engine/Motor-Related Issues: Engine-related problems in ICE vehicles and high-voltage system issues for EVs accounted for 22.1% of breakdowns.
What Specific Car Models Have reliability Issues?
Certain car models showed notable reliability concerns in the ADAC report:
Toyota Models
Toyota vehicles exhibited higher breakdown rates, specifically due to problems with the 12-volt battery failing to charge adequately. this issue affected the toyota C-HR and Rav4 (all production years), and the Yaris and Yaris Cross saw increased issues in more recent model years.
Toyota has responded to the ADAC findings by investigating the 12-volt battery issue and implementing measures to improve battery production and vehicle delivery.
Audi Models
Audi models, including the A4, A5, Q5, and Q4 e-tron, performed well in the ADAC’s reliability assessment.
Breakdown Cause Comparison: EV vs. ICE
Here is a breakdown comparison of some of the issues faced by EVs and ICEs:
| Breakdown Category | Combustion Engine (%) | Electric Vehicle (%) |
| —————————– | ———————- | ——————– |
| 12-Volt Starter Battery | Roughly 50% | Roughly 50% |
| On-Board Electronics | Less frequent | More frequent |
| Engine/Motor Electronics | 22.1% | 22.1% |
Why Are EVs Experiencing More Electronic Issues?
Electric vehicles have more intricate electrical systems than traditional gasoline cars. These systems control various functions, from battery management to infotainment, making them more prone to electronic failures.