Used Hybrid Car Problems (7 Issues + Unreliable Models)

Hybrid cars are ideal for bridging the fuel economy and selling price gaps between a conventional gasoline vehicle and a fully electric one.

Still, a hybrid vehicle suffers similar issues as its gas-only counterpart, except with an additional electric motor that can cause problems.

Firstly: What Are the Types of Hybrid Cars?

As the name suggests, a hybrid car crosses a combustion engine and a battery-powered car.

It is not some weird merging process – the hybrid car has a combustion engine (typically running on petrol) and an electric motor.

Unlike a purely electric vehicle, you don’t usually need to hook your hybrid car to a power supply as the battery recharges from energy recovery – regenerative braking.

The types of hybrid cars depend on the type of battery and include:

• Mild Hybrids (MHEV)
• Full Hybrids (HEV)
• Plug-in Hybrids (PHEV)

Mild Hybrid

The standard electric car battery upgrades to a more powerful version, and a belt-driven motor replaces the typical alternator.

These modifications boost power when you need to accelerate, and you may benefit from other features.

The electric motor assists in acceleration but cannot run on its own.

Early mild hybrids were less effective in using the electric motor. The electric motor restarted the engine in these models but provided little else.

Full Hybrid

You effectively get a similar electric battery to a fully electric car but without the inconvenience of a limited range and the need for recharging via an outlet.

You might be able to run on electric-only power at low speeds or use the electric motor as a booster for the standard engine.

Some manufacturers call these models self-charging hybrids because you don’t need to top up the electrical juice in the battery.

Plug-In Hybrid

This type allows you to switch between standard combustion and electrical power for a few miles (typically 20-30 miles).

Effectively you can choose to power your daily (short) commute on electrical power rather than fossil fuel.

You need to recharge these vehicles; otherwise, they operate like an HEV (full hybrid).

What Is the Benefit of the Hybrid Car?

Automakers market the hybrid powertrain as greener than a standard combustion engine.

The battery power can remove the need to burn fossil fuels for a part of your journey and makes the combustion engine smaller and less fuel-hungry.

In some cases, the hybrid feature is about improved performance and additional features rather than being eco-friendly.

The electric motor may ensure that the car switches off and on when stuck in traffic and provide a power boost when accelerating – allowing the engine to burn less fuel for the same performance and reducing the wear on the engine.

What Are the Issues with Hybrid Cars?

The advantage of a hybrid car is the greater fuel efficiency (it uses 10% to 30% less fuel than a standard petrol car, depending on the hybrid type) and the power boost with the supporting electric motor.

But there are some downsides:

#1 Depleted Battery

The electric motor typically adds a few hundred pounds to a hybrid car compared to a similar-size gasoline model, and a plug-in-hybrid with a larger battery is heavier still.

When a hybrid’s electric motor loses efficiency, the combustion engine works harder than intended, and the car may revert to running exclusively on petrol or diesel.

You potentially face a relatively inefficient used hybrid as the battery ages.

If you drive long distances, you may be greener and better off economically if you opt for a cleaner petrol car or all-electric vehicle with a long range.

This issue isn’t exclusive to used hybrids but applies to brand-new models.

The hybrid car has a short (20-30 mile) range for plug-in hybrids, and the other types generate electrical power to help improve fuel economy.

The solution to frequently depleting the battery (plug-in hybris) is to use your hybrid car for a short commute and to recharge regularly.

#2 More Frequent Battery Replacement

Compared with a standard combustion engine battery, a hybrid battery is not as robust and requires a more regular replacement.

Replacing the battery is more costly, but fuel consumption savings should compensate.

You will spot the need for a battery replacement if you keep an eye on your fuel consumption.

If you are approaching 100,000 miles on the clock (or earlier if the battery is defective) and you notice the car burning more gas than previously, you may need to replace the battery.

The solution to this issue is to know if your battery is under warranty, potentially purchase an extended warranty, and monitor your mileage and fuel consumption statistics.

In a used hybrid, the battery has some miles on the clock, and you can expect to pay under $3,000 for a battery replacement.

Although the battery needs replacing regularly, this requirement is in comparison to other car types.

In practice, you may never need to replace the battery on your hybrid car unless you buy an old model with more than 100,000 miles of wear.

You may get another 100,000 miles out of that battery before replacing it.

#3 Failing Oxygen Sensors

The amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases monitors how efficiently your combustion engine converts fuel to power.

The filters need frequent replacement and tend to cost more for hybrid models.

If there is an issue with the oxygen sensor, you get a dashboard warning light. Ignoring the warning light means you don’t know if your engine is performing efficiently; given the increasing fuel cost, that can be a costly decision.

Other signs of failing oxygen sensors include knocking noises from the combustion engine and misfires.

Crucially, fully functioning oxygen sensors maintain the catalytic converter. Replacing oxygen sensors is expensive, but the catalytic converter’s replacement cost is a substantial repair bill.

The solution is to pay attention to your dashboard warning lights and tune in to how your engine typically sounds and behaves.

Regularly change the filters on your oxygen sensors.

#4 Temperature Sensitivity

If you live in a climate with temperature extremes – hot or cold, you get an impact on your electric battery.

You may burn more fuel if it is cold until the battery warms up and starts supplementing the power. If it is too hot, the battery degrades faster and needs more regular replacement.

If you live in an area with temperature extremes, you can consider keeping the hybrid car in a climate-controlled garage when not in use to maintain battery performance.

Alternatively, seek shade for parking in a hot climate or use coverings in a cold environment if you need to keep the car outside.

In practice, you can’t control your weather, but you can choose an optimal space to park your hybrid vehicle to minimize the impact of extreme temperatures.

#5 Evaporative Emissions System (EVAP)

This system controls the emissions from your vehicle, and it has a collection of valves and lines that can wear and fail.

Typically, your first indicator is an engine warning light; you may smell fuel even when you haven’t topped up.

The components that can fail include seals, valves, vents, O-rings, and the leak detection pump.

The wear and tear on your EVAP are not preventable. Your best option is to ensure you pay attention to your engine warning lights and service your vehicle at the appropriate times.

Computer diagnostics will pick up any need for work with your EVAP system.

#6 Catalytic Converter

Replacing the catalytic converter is a more expensive repair on a hybrid car.

Issues with the catalytic converter are not unique to hybrid vehicles, however.

The first indicator of a problem is a dashboard warning light, but you may notice:

• Sulfurous smell when the engine is warm – like rotten eggs.
• Delays in acceleration.
• Feeling underpowered in steep climbs.
• Change in fuel consumption.
• Bluing on the housing surrounding the catalytic converter.
• Misfires.
• Rattling noises.

The catalytic converter wears out with time and use. Failure to replace, when necessary, can result in your engine cutting off.

Typically, you need to replace the catalytic converter around the 100,000-mile mark.

There are products and methods of cleaning out catalytic converters which may help if your converter gets clogged.

But unless you are confident in vehicle maintenance, it is best to rely on a competent mechanic with the right equipment to check and maintain your converter during regular servicing.

The most significant issue of owning a car (hybrid or not) is the attractiveness of catalytic converters to thieves.

Depending on the positioning of the catalytic converter, it is an attractive item to remove because it has a high resale value.

Hybrid cars are a more attractive target for catalytic converter theft because the catalytic converter suffers less wear than a traditional vehicle.

You can minimize the risk of theft of the catalytic converter by:

• Careful parking – secure areas with excellent lighting.
• Fit extra protection like locks, cages, or alarms.
• Mark the catalytic converter with a security number.

#7 Two Systems to Go Wrong

A hybrid car is highly reliable, and a significant percentage will never exhibit any issues with its internal combustion engine or electric components.

However, modern hybrid vehicles are not easily maintained by an amateur mechanic with limited equipment.

There are routine tasks that you can (and should) carry out to keep your hybrid car running smoothly:

• Scheduled oil changes.
• Replacing the timing belt.
• Frequent cooling checks.
• Two batteries to monitor.

Unless you have specialist training, allowing a garage with a maintenance contract to service and maintain your car is best.

If you enthusiastically poke around your hybrid engine, you face a significant risk of electric shock (potentially fatal).

Your best solutions are to understand the optimum maintenance and service schedule, pay attention to warning lights and changes in performance and pay a specialist garage to maintain your hybrid.

You can smooth the cost by getting a maintenance contract.

What are the Pros of a Hybrid Car?

The reasons why people like hybrid cars include:

Green Credentials

A hybrid car produces less harmful emissions and consumes less fuel than an exclusive fossil fuel-powered car.

People buy them to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and lower their carbon footprint.

A plug-in hybrid allows you to drive some miles using electricity and no fossil fuels.

Similar Maintenance Costs to a Petrol Car

Hybrid cars use regenerative braking and are highly reliable.

If you need to replace faulty parts, the costs can mount up, but generally, your hybrid vehicle won’t cost much more than a gasoline one in regular maintenance.

Energy Capture

Your hybrid car scoops up the free energy typically wasted in braking.

Effectively you get less wear on your brakes and more miles per gallon.

Plus, you get the satisfaction of using something otherwise wasted.

Better Driving

A hybrid car teaches you to drive in a more environmentally friendly way.

The display encourages you how to accelerate and brake in the most energy-efficient way.

The more effective driving styles are gentle acceleration and strategic braking with plenty of time.

Excellent Commuting

Hybrid cars are ideal for busy city commutes with a stop and start motion, and the car performs well in conditions that put excess wear and tear on traditional car engines.

Plus, cleaner, greener driving improves city life for everyone.

Hold Its Value

The future is hybrid (a hybrid is a form of an electric vehicle), and the durability of the hybrid car makes it desirable in the used car market.

You can expect a better trade-in price when you want to switch vehicles because the hybrid car is the preferred choice for many drivers before transitioning to fully-electric ones with even fewer issues than conventional gasoline vehicles.

Power Boost

Some manufacturers promote their hybrid cars as higher-performance cars because of the electric assistance with acceleration.

Some people prefer hybrid vehicles because they perform better than traditional combustion engines.

What Are the Cons of a Hybrid Car?

There are reasons why some people dislike hybrid cars, and these include:

Higher Purchase Cost

You can expect to pay more for a hybrid car, but that cost gradually decreases as economies of scale and familiarity with the technology kick in.

Even in the used car market, the hybrid car attracts a premium unless you opt for a considerably older model.

Parts Cost More

Hybrid cars are reliable and durable, but if you need to replace a battery or a catalytic converter, you will pay more for the parts and labor.

Again, the costs are coming down as these cars become more popular, and you save on general running costs to offset the high cost of potential repairs.

Less Efficient When the Juice Runs Out

A hybrid car is efficient when you have a combination of electrical power and a combustion engine.

You get less efficiency and power on long journeys or when you drain the battery.

Hybrid cars are best for frequent short trips.

Quirky Features

Some hybrid cars have interesting quirks, like switching off the air conditioning pack when traffic stops.

It doesn’t seem like that big an issue but being trapped in a traffic jam in a heat wave means this quirk is more annoying.

It is worth checking out your models’ little quirks before buying.

Higher Insurance Premiums

The higher purchase price and potentially higher repair costs mean your insurance premiums are proportionally higher.

Insurance companies like to minimize their exposure to risk and costs.

Smaller Cars

The market is changing, but current hybrid cars don’t cater to a crowd.

If you need a big family car with plenty of cargo space, you will struggle to find a hybrid vehicle that fits your needs as the larger vehicle segments have fewer hybrid models.

Not as Green as You Think

A hybrid car still burns fossil fuels and has harmful emissions.

On cold days you may lose the benefit of the electrical system and operate a less efficient petrol car. Then there is the energy cost of manufacturing, running, and recycling a hybrid car versus traditional models.

Currently, manufacturing a hybrid car may not have a lower carbon footprint than a conventional model – but manufacturers are refining their supply chains to lower their impact.

Most Reliable Hybrid Cars

Although people have severe issues with an individual hybrid car, most hybrid car models are consistently reliable.

Reliability has three key elements:

• Durability – plentiful miles before it falls apart.
• Good value retention – you don’t lose too much when you move on.
• Minimal repair needs.

Public opinion changes as models get upgrades, but the following score well in opinion polls for reliability:

Toyota Prius & Prius Prime

The first Prius model in 1997 means plenty of used cars are available for purchase – the Prius Prime plug-in-hybrid is considerably newer, debuting in 2017.

The hybrid systems have an impressive warranty, so buying a nearly new model will give you some cover and peace of mind.

When buying used, decide on your generation preference:

• First generation (up to 2003) is the oldest and slowest model.
• Second generation (2004 – 2009) is available and popular.
• Third generation (2010 – 2015) strikes the best balance between affordability and fuel economy.
• Newer generation Priuses will suit for greater mileage if the budget fits.

The 2010 year generated many complaints about engine problems involving speed control and thirst for fuel. But compared with the vast number of Toyota Prius on the roads, these complaints are low.

Regardless, used Prius models are the perfect hybrid cars with excellent reliability records – Consumer Reports ranked both Prius versions as some of the most durable hybrid vehicles.

They are Toyotas, after all.

Kia Niro Hybrid

The Kia Niro scores well for safety; the earliest model appeared in 2016.

For a reasonable price, you get plenty of clever technology which is only helpful if you take the time to understand and use it:

• Use the switch to select the most appropriate engine braking mode.
• Use driver only to stop cooling or heating an empty passenger seat.
• Adapt your driving to keep the EV light on.

Hybrid cars are smart, but you must work with them to increase efficiency.

Lexus RX Hybrid

It arrived on the scene in 2014 and is a luxury SUV with a sporty performance. You get better fuel economy and sufficient power to compare favorably with the full combustion engine model.

You get a choice of luxury trims and some excellent standard features.

The parts that cause the most dissatisfaction are the remote touch interface and the cramped third-row seating.

Third-row seating is desirable but is restrictive for adults in this model. Cargo space is limited (six cubic feet), and it is not an ideal configuration.

Nevertheless, opting for a Lexus means you benefit from the marque’s rock-solid reliability.

Honda CR-V Hybrid

Any cars on the used car market are relatively young, as the first model debuted in 2020, so you will pay a little more but benefit from an excellent warranty.

The Honda CR-V Hybrid gives superior fuel economy for city driving – up to 40 mpg, and it is not bad on the highway at 35 mpg.

It is all-wheel drive which means it is easy to drive through winter weather, but the hybrid is not a towing vehicle. If you want a car to take a camping trailer, the hybrid is not your best option.

The CR-V Hybrid is one of the most reliable models in the compact SUV class.

Least Reliable Hybrid Cars

Remember that this list comes from the minority of people who have had a bad experience with their hybrid car.

The numbers of complaints are low, but the hybrid cars that top the list of least reliable are:

BMW X5 – From 2018

Most of the issues were with new models and fixed under warranty. Typical complaints include bodywork, brakes, and a few engine and battery problems.

Manufacturers experimented with some hybrid cars and then dropped them because of popularity issues or not getting the technology right.

2014 was a bad year for new hybrid vehicles; if you find one of these on sale, you may want to walk away.

Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid (2011 – 2015)

An all-wheel drive with low sales in the US and worldwide.

Because the numbers are low, you will face issues getting parts and servicing.

The car drives well but failed to gain market traction.

2014 Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid

This mild hybrid was on sale for a year and is a mild hybrid with little to recommend it.

The underpowered electric battery adds no acceleration boost and functions only to restart the engine.

You may come across one, but it has nothing to recommend to the discerning buyer.

2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid

Almost identical in structure to the Pathfinder but aims at providing a more luxurious ride.

It vanished after its debut year, and unless you collect cars for their rarity, this model won’t be your best buy.

2012 BMW Active Hybrid 7

Another mild hybrid where the battery does minimal work to improve performance. All the power comes from the petrol engine, and the performance is poor.

BMW has an excellent reputation for producing quality cars among German brands, but this model isn’t one of them.

Conclusion

Most hybrid cars are highly reliable and have few issues. There were some models when the technology was new, and the vehicles failed to perform.

Newer hybrid cars perform well and, in some cases, better than the equivalent traditional gas model.

Hybrid vehicles are best for city driving and are not the best option for epic treks with a trailer. But the hybrid car will give you fuel economy and low running costs.