TECH NEWS – European mobility habits are undergoing a deep transformation: the number of hybrid and electric models on the roads is steadily increasing, as highlighted by the 2025 Mobility Barometer prepared by Europ Assistance and Ipsos2025 Mobility Barometer. However, modern cars—precisely because of their complex electronics and sensitive components—can generate failures that require vehicle assistance. According to the J.D. Power 2025 study, the number of software-related issues has also risen. The latest ADAC failure statistics point out that for years the most common problem has been the starter battery: in 2024, 44.9 percent of breakdowns were due to a discharged battery.

According to the 2025 Mobility Barometer, passenger cars still play a central role in daily use, with 86 percent of Europeans owning at least one car. While in 2023 just 10 percent of vehicles relied on electric and other alternative powertrains, by 2025 that share has risen to 13 percent.

Combustion-engine vehicles still dominate, accounting for 86 percent of passenger cars, but in countries such as Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, ownership of hybrid and electric models is growing. Moreover, one in four Europeans still considers buying an electric vehicle.

The problem of software dependency

Modern cars on the market today are increasingly dependent on software, which can introduce bugs when updates are applied. Most vehicles feature touchscreens and digital controls, which can, in many cases, slow down, freeze, or lose touch sensitivity. Various driver-assistance systems—lane-change monitoring, emergency braking assist, adaptive cruise control—as well as sensors like cameras and radar can also fail.

Because of sensitive parts, issues can arise that render a car inoperable. The most common cases include a dead or faulty battery. A frozen onboard system can prevent basic functions from working. A dead key fob battery can also cause trouble if the car won’t unlock or start. An automatic transmission may fail to engage, or an electronic parking brake seizes. In electric and hybrid cars, problems with charging or the charging connector can occur.

American and German surveys have also examined car reliability

The J.D. Power 2025 study reports a decline in the reliability of new cars. The research examined 2022 model-year vehicles on the U.S. market and surveyed failures experienced within three years of purchase across nearly 35,000 vehicles. The study highlighted that while the 2021 report recorded an average of 121 problems per 100 cars, the 2025 study saw that figure rise to 202 problems. It also noted an increase in software-related issues and unsatisfactory personal-device integration.

According to the 2025 ADAC failure statistics, as the number of electric cars on the roads increases, so do their breakdowns. In 2024, the “Yellow Angels” were called out 43,678 times in Germany—an increase of 46 percent compared to 2023. Overall, for years the starter battery has caused the most problems: in the latest 2024 data, 44.9 percent of failures were due to a discharged battery.

“It is clear that alongside the rapid technological development, users are increasingly open to modern cars. Despite their advanced equipment, new cars can still encounter problems, and repairs often require expensive, specialized tools and expertise. In these unexpected situations, vehicle assistance services provide fast and effective help. Whether it’s a mechanical failure, accident, or user-caused immobilization, our wide partner network allows us to assist every day, both domestically and abroad. In emergency situations in Hungary, motorists can even call for immediate assistance via a dedicated online link,” said Gábor Timár, Head of Operations at Europ Assistance.

The vehicle assistance service, in addition to on-site repairs, towing to a workshop, or vehicle storage, offers 24/7 customer support, information, and, if necessary, a replacement car or accommodation for those affected.