What is the biggest problem with hybrid cars

Hybrid Cars Problems: 9 Known Issues (Explained)

Hybrid vehicles have been around for over two decades and they are definitely more convenient than EVs, in terms of pricing and range, but is that all we should look for in a sustainable vehicle?

Here are 9 common problems with hybrid vehicles that you should know about.

You should first familiarize yourself with the many types of hybrid car technologies.

Weve previously looked at problems with electric cars now lets turn to PHEVs.

1. Battery Problems

Every battery has a predetermined lifespan, whether it may be of a device or a vehicle.

Most hybrid vehicles come with an 8-year battery warranty, but theres a catch.

Hybrid vehicles are designed for regular use. Driving them once a week would affect their battery.

Most hybrid vehicle users live in urban areas.

Urban areas are jam-packed with traffic on a regular basis, so people often prefer using public transportation. Hence, maintaining the battery of a hybrid vehicle without putting it into daily use will ultimately result in battery problems before the vehicle even completes its warranty.

As you might know, hybrid vehicles come with two powering systems, meaning the battery installed in a hybrid vehicle would be relatively smaller than that of an EV.

Many hybrid owners tend to use the electrical component of the vehicle rather than its internal combustion engine due to high fuel prices.

That puts an excessive load on the hybrids battery and makes it wear out easily.

In conclusion, the battery life of hybrid vehicles is less than that of electric vehicles.

As a hybrid owner, youd have to replace the battery often. Electrical vehicles and hybrids may have recently been ruling the market, but that doesnt make their components any less expensive.

Check also: Understand the demographics of hybrid car owners

2. Exhaust System and Emissions

While hybrids offer double powering systems, they are not exactly the cleanest vehicles in terms of emissions.

Due to the internal combustion engine component in hybrids, people a decade from now would prefer cleaner options such as EVs or PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) that have zero emissions.

Also, EVAP (Evaporation Emissions Control) system failure is one of the biggest problems in hybrid vehicles.

Similar to gasoline-powered vehicles, after the hybrid is driven a couple of miles, the gas fumes stored in the canister are leaked due to worn-out valves impacting the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

Hybrid vehicles are equipped with numerous systems to limit their carbon footprint.

But the EVAP system failure affects the efficiency of the vehicle and increases its emissions.

So you really have to ask yourself, if youre looking for a zero-emissions vehicle, are hybrids really the better option?

3. Faulty Oxygen Sensors

As compared to gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrids are a relatively better option for good fuel economy.

But what if the main component of fuel efficiency, the oxygen sensor, is faulty?

Many potential buyers are reluctant to purchase hybrid vehicles due to the prospect of the oxygen sensor failing.

An O2 sensor malfunction really defeats the purpose of owning a hybrid.

Many times, the exhaust system failure in the hybrid impacts the O2 sensor because the sensor can only work under an optimum temperature.

This usually happens when the driver uses the electrical driving system of the hybrid.

Problems with the combustion process impact the hybrid vehicles mileage. ICE vehicles have the same problem, but in hybrids, this issue surfaces early and more frequently.

4. Poor Highway Fuel Efficiency

If youre comparing the fuel efficiency of a hybrid and an ICE vehicle, then owning a hybrid may sound like the better option.

But in terms of highway fuel efficiency, hybrids dont perform as well as gasoline-powered vehicles.

If you plan on driving at a higher speed for longer intervals, hybrids are not the vehicle to go for.

The reason behind that is, hybrid vehicles recharge their electric motors when being driven on internal combustion engines, giving you a relatively lower mileage than that of a gas-powered vehicle.

Hybrid vehicles perform better in city areas than on highways due to their low emissions design. That is why, on highways, their fuel efficiency matches that of a gasoline-powered vehicle.

Hence, if you live in areas where you have to do a lot of regular highway driving, diesel-powered vehicles will be the better option.

5. Catalytic Converter Issues

In standard combustion vehicles, catalytic converters serve the purpose of reducing toxic emissions from the exhaust system.

Since hybrids have an internal combustion engine as well, they also have catalytic converters.

But are they just as functional as catalytic converters in gas-powered vehicles?

Unfortunately, multiple users report that the catalytic converters in hybrids are more prone to failure and the repair or replacement costs are nowhere near to that of standard vehicles, but double!

The main reason behind catalytic converter failure is the absence of the petrol engine which allows the converter to cool before it heats up again.

If a hybrid vehicle does not have low fuel consumption and has emissions similar to that of a gas-powered vehicle, is it really worth the money?

6. Powertrain Maintenance Costs

Advanced technology does not mean hybrids arent prone to malfunction.

Hybrids have a dual powertrain, which means they have combined problems of EVs and combustion vehicles.

In addition, two motors mean just as many maintenance costs.

Hybrids might offer you the flexibility of switching between driving modes as per your needs, but when it comes to routine maintenance, hybrids are more expensive than electric vehicles and ICE vehicles.

As mentioned earlier, hybrids have complex systems which can sometimes interfere with their capability or properly utilize either of the powertrains. Moreover, only driving on one motor severely impacts the other system thats kept idle and the vehicles efficiency.

7. They Are Expensive

Comparing the initial costs of hybrids to their equivalents really helps you build a perspective, because hybrids cost way more than conventional vehicles.

The low emissions technology found in hybrids is the reason behind the high initial costs. If youre thinking that the extra costs are recouped by the money you save, then thats not the case.

For instance, a Ford Fusion hybrid costs around $27,555, whereas its conventional version costs $22,840.

If you consider the malfunctions hybrids are prone to, it really contradicts the objective of preferring hybrids or ICE vehicles.

Potential buyers argue whether the gas savings that result from purchasing a hybrid vehicle would ever make up for its initial cost.

If you keep the maintenance costs of hybrids in view, it wont happen anytime soon.

If you consider the high gas prices, hybrid vehicles seem like the solution.

But since automakers around the world are planning to switch to electric vehicles in a decade or so, hybrids dont seem like a profitable investment in the long run.

8. Range Is An Issue

We already know that hybrid vehicles underperform on highways, but what about the range? Most of the hybrids in the market offer a certain amount of range before they need a recharge.

If you consider the number of available charging stations in your area, does owning a hybrid still seem like a good option?

Many countries are creating policies regarding charging stations to promote the use of electric vehicles for environmental purposes.

Even now, in the U.S, many shopping malls, supermarkets, and public areas have charging stations, but are they installed in enough areas within the range of hybrids?

For instance, a Toyota Prius Hybrid can drive about 500 miles on a full recharge.

This means it might be good for covering short distances, but you cant take hybrids on longer journeys. Besides, there are multiple EVs in the market that offer a better range.

9. Inefficient Regenerative Braking System

The regenerative system in hybrids is similar to that in EVs.

Its main purpose is to convert all extra energy to repower the battery.

However, in hybrids, users complain that the system is inefficient because it doesnt convert all of the excess energy into kinetic energy.

Due to the insufficient amount of energy captured, the battery of the hybrid vehicle doesnt charge as much.

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Most Common Hybrid Car Problems and What to Do About Them

The technological advancement that introduced hybrids is something to ponder about. No one ever imagined a car with a dual powering system until the hybrid showed up. It was indeed a new dawn for better fuel economy.

Hybrid car owners get overwhelmed by the fantastic automobiles advantageous fuel consumption and other top-notch features. Whereas the hybrid car problemsmay start almost when you least expect.

Understanding how to minimize or fix the common problems with hybrid cars will help you overcome the burden of owning such a technical automobile.

Most Common hybrid car problems

Although every car may not be completely free from one issue or the other at least once in its lifespan, some faults are more complex and costly to fix than others. So, relative to a standard gasoline engine car, the following are some common Toyota hybrid problems. These issues are also common in other hybrid truck brands.

Battery issues

The battery is a significant component that is common with standard gasoline-only vehicles, electric vehicles, and hybrid cars. But unfortunately, these hybrid batteries dont last forever.

Since the car runs on battery power as an alternative source to the fuel that powers its internal combustion engine, the battery is subject to more loads than the exact component on its gasoline-only vehicle counterpart.

Therefore, due to the stress on the battery, the component is susceptible to quick wear and tear. As a matter of fact, the component may die off faster than you ever expect. In any case, replacing a hybrid car battery can be very costly.

Catalytic converter failure

Replacing a cat converter can be pretty expensive, irrespective of the vehicle make or model. This is not an exception for hybrid cars. Replacing the catalytic converter of these cars is more expensive than getting the exact part for a standard car.

For instance, a Toyota Prius catalytic converter replacement cost is estimated to be around $2,145 $3,000. This is much more than the cost of replacing a Ford F-150s catalytic converter, which is estimated to be below $1,500.

O2 sensor fault

Although hybrids are known for better fuel economy, a faulty oxygen sensor can simply mean bad news for fuel efficiency. Just like the oxygen sensor is subject to failure in normal vehicles, hybrid cars are not exempted from the same issue.

However, the cost of replacing a hybrids oxygen sensor is way more than getting the same component for a normal car.

EVAP system failure

Evaporative emission system failure or leakage in one or more parts of the EVAP system is another common issue that can confront a hybrid car. The same is true for regular gasoline vehicles.

This issue can be a challenge for hybrids if it is not rectified as soon as possible. However, the cost of fixing an EVAP system stands around $200 $400, while a Toyota Camry Hybrids EVAP system repair costs about $200 $560.

How do we minimize the hybrid car problems?

Regular maintenance is the way to go in order to minimize the problems associated with hybrids. Of course, the same solution applies to fuel-only vehicles. Therefore, it would be helpful if you scheduled a specific time frame to service your hybrid car and replace one or more components that are due.

However, you must ensure to consult an expert auto mechanic that specializes in fixing hybrid cars. As the old maxim goes, A stitch in time saves nine. So, if you spot any fault in your car, dont hesitate to see your mechanic as soon as possible.

Some hybrid vehicle issues can be very costly due to their complex technology. Nevertheless, disciplined routine maintenance will help you avoid or minimize them as much as possible. You may want to consult an expert auto technician for more information about hybrid problem maintenance.

FAQs

Q: Do hybrid cars have a lot of problems?

If youre asking, Do hybrid cars have more problems?Relative to gasoline engine vehicles, hybrid cars have more problems. The complexity of the cars comes with some side effects in the long run. While it is quite easy and cheap to maintain a regular gasoline-powered car, hybrid cars maintenance consumes more resources.

Some of the common challenges with hybrid cars include battery problems, evaporative emission system leakage or failure, oxygen sensor problem, catalytic converter problem, etc.

Almost all these issues are very expensive to fix in the car compared to its fuel-powered engine vehicle counterparts.

Q: What is the biggest problem with hybrid cars?

The battery issue seems to be the biggest problem with hybrid cars. Like electric cars, they are partly powered by battery systems, which are fitted into the cars powertrain. This mechanism enables the car to run on battery power at a particular level on the road.

Of course, thats an advantage to enjoy a better fuel economy in the car. However, the battery system rarely attains its expected lifespan since they mostly die off too early. The problems with Toyota hybrid batteries are a major reason some people are skeptical about the car.

Replacing the battery system will cost around $3,000 $8,000. This can be burdensome, especially if you experience a battery failure when you least expect it.

Q: Are hybrids expensive to fix?

Hybrids can be both cheap and expensive to fix, depending on the components in question. For instance, routine maintenance on a hybrid car may not be relatively more expensive than on a regular gasoline engine vehicle.

However, replacing some components like the battery, catalytic converter, etc., in a hybrid car may cost twice as much as that of a gasoline car or more. For example, a normal cars battery replacement costs around $45 $250.

Conversely, a hybrid car battery cost between $2,000 and $8,000. Truth is, replacing a regular car battery is nowhere compared to the cost of replacing a hybrid car battery. Thats some huge financial commitment right there.

Q: Are hybrids worth it in 2022?

If youre contemplating, Are hybrid cars worth it? Depending on your priorities, a hybrid car may be a blessing to one person and a burden to another. If you drive a lot, especially embarking on long journeys, a hybrid car can save you lots of money that fuel purchase would have consumed.

However, the car can be a pain in the ass when you need to fix a major faulty component, especially the battery replacement. So, it would be best to carefully analyze the advantage and disadvantages of a hybrid car before opting for one.

Q: Are hybrids lower maintenance?

Again, hybrids maintenance costs can be lower than that of a regular gasoline car, depending on the scope of the job. In the same vein, maintenance can impact your financial budget if youre confronted by a complex electrical issue.

Nevertheless, since they operate on a dual power system, hybrid cars have lesser stress on the engines compared to gasoline cars. Therefore, you can be sure of having minimal engine problems in the car.

Q: What kind of maintenance do hybrid cars need?

Like cars that run solely on gasoline, hybrids also need regular maintenance to keep them strong and healthy. Oil change, belt replacement, tire rotation, wheel alignment, fluid top-off, etc., are some of the routine maintenance services all hybrid cars need.

Also, just like the battery in a gasoline car does not last forever, your hybrid car would need a battery replacement someday. Sometimes, the replacement may be needed earlier than expected. However, this is an occasional maintenance service for all cars.

Q: Is it worth buying a used hybrid car?

Vehicle enthusiasts are skeptical about buying a used hybrid car due to unforeseen underlying electrical problems. The hybrid car battery problems seem to be a common issue in this case. However, hybrids offer better fuel consumption than gasoline engine vehicles due to their shared power supply systems.

Nevertheless, ensure to critically screen any used hybrid car before making a final buying decision in order to avoid buying a lemon. You may want to consult a professional auto technician to help in the inspection process for easy identification of a used hybrid car problem before paying for your dream hybrid car.

Final Words

Althoughhybrid car problemsare inevitable, especially in the long run, it is possible to minimize or avoid them from occurring in the first place.

It is essential to first understand that even though the car delivers fantastic fuel efficiency and engine performance, there are issues you must guard against. Battery failure is the chiefest among the various hybrid car issues that you may experience at least once in the cars entire lifespan.

So, ensure to engage in regular maintenance for your powerful hybrid car and get a replacement for worn-out or faulty components as early as possible. It will save you from incurring more costs on further damages.