EV Buyer Checklists

Free printable inspection lists for the 20 best-selling EVs in the U.S. — what to check on delivery day for a brand-new car, what to inspect before buying used, and the known issues for each model. Recall data refreshes nightly from NHTSA.

BMW

BMW i4 →

2022–2026

BMW's electric Gran Coupe. Shares architecture with the 4 Series. Generally trouble-free; check for any high-voltage battery recall.

Cadillac

Cadillac Lyriq →

2023–2026

First Ultium-platform Cadillac. Generally well-received. Shares some software-update history with other GM EVs.

Chevrolet

Chevrolet Equinox EV →

2024–2026

Affordable Ultium-platform EV. Early launch suffered the same software issues that grounded Blazer EV deliveries — verify all software updates are current.

Chevrolet Bolt EV →

2017–2023

Most-recalled mass-market EV in history — but ironically, post-recall Bolts have NEW battery packs with refreshed warranties. Excellent used buy if recall is verified done.

Chevrolet Blazer EV →

2024–2026

GM paused sales in late 2023 due to software issues affecting charging, infotainment, and warning systems. Post-resumption builds should be fully updated.

Ford

Ford Mustang Mach-E →

2021–2026

Ford's mainstream EV crossover. Strong dynamics; key issue history involves high-voltage contactor welding and over-the-air growing pains.

Ford F-150 Lightning →

2022–2026

Electric F-150 with class-leading payload-monitoring and Pro Power Onboard. Battery production issues in 2023 paused deliveries — check for resulting recall remedies.

Hyundai

Hyundai Ioniq 5 →

2022–2026

800V Ultra-Fast charging E-GMP platform. Awards favorite. Known ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit) failure history is the headline used-buyer concern.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 →

2023–2026

Same E-GMP platform as Ioniq 5 in an aerodynamic sedan body — best-in-class efficiency and range. Shares ICCU concerns with the 5.

Kia

Kia EV6 →

2022–2026

Sportier Kia interpretation of the E-GMP platform shared with Ioniq 5/6. Shares ICCU history.

Kia EV9 →

2024–2026

Three-row 800V family hauler. Too new for a deep used market — first owners are the test bed.

Nissan

Nissan Ariya →

2023–2026

Nissan's second-generation EV. Solid but slow DC charging (130 kW peak) and lack of NACS until later builds are the main caveats.

Polestar

Polestar 2 →

2021–2026

Volvo-built fastback. Android Automotive infotainment is the standout. Multiple recalls in 2022–2023 — verify all are complete.

Rivian

Rivian R1S →

2022–2026

Premium 3-row electric SUV. Excellent off-road, ongoing software polish. Gen 2 (mid-2024+) brings major hardware upgrades.

Rivian R1T →

2022–2026

Premium electric pickup. Shares platform, recalls, and Gen 2 split with R1S.

Tesla

Tesla Model Y →

2020–2026

The world's best-selling EV. Excellent range and Supercharger access. Build quality variability and HW3 vs HW4 differences dominate the issue list.

Tesla Model 3 →

2017–2026

America's first mass-market Tesla. Long charging history makes battery degradation patterns well understood. Highland refresh (2024+) brings stalk-less controls.

Tesla Model S →

2012–2026

Tesla's flagship sedan. Wide hardware-generation spread (Classic, AP1, AP2, Raven, Plaid) — used inspection should focus on which generation you're actually buying.

Tesla Cybertruck →

2024–2026

New platform — high recall rate as expected for a first-generation vehicle. Stainless body and 48V electrical system are unique inspection points.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen ID.4 →

2021–2026

MEB-platform crossover, US-built (Chattanooga) from 2022. Software user experience improved significantly with the 2024 ID. Software 4.0 release.

How we curate these lists

Checklists are hand-written from NHTSA recall data, manufacturer technical service bulletins, and owner-forum patterns (TeslaMotorsClub, Mach-E Forum, Ioniq Forum, Rivian Owners, MyEV). Known-issue severity reflects the prevalence and safety impact of each issue, not isolated complaints. Always verify any specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.