Expensive Repair Cost for owner's $69,000 Lucid Air Electric Vehicle, with Lucid Motor Company requesting an additional $7,000 for the fix.
Lucid Motors Faces Software Issues, but Promises Improvements
In the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs), Lucid Motors is making a name for itself with high-performance luxury models. The Lucid Air Sapphire, a tri-motor all-wheel-drive electric sedan, delivers an impressive 1,234 horsepower, while the Lucid Gravity SUV, an upcoming three-row luxury hauler, boasts dual electric motors offering up to 828 horsepower.
However, recent reports suggest that Lucid Air vehicles, including the 2025 Lucid Air Touring, have been experiencing software-related reliability issues. These problems primarily concern access and startup systems, with users questioning the 100% reliability of entry and starting methods. Key fob malfunctions, lock/unlock/start issues, and other software bugs have been reported by owners and discussed in forums.
Despite these challenges, Kelley Blue Book rates the 1st-generation Lucid Air's reliability above average with a 4 out of 5 rating, reflecting that many owners find it generally reliable for driving, even if some bugs require software fixes.
Recent production issues at Lucid have primarily revolved around supply-chain issues and tariffs affecting profit margins, but they do not specifically cite reliability or vehicle bricking problems.
A notable incident involved a Lucid Air Touring that experienced a complete shutdown after 392 miles of driving. The manufacturer initially suggested that the aftermarket window tint might be responsible for the failure, despite the tint being installed by a reputable shop. This suggestion has sparked outrage among owners, as electronic failures are not typically associated with window tints.
Lucid is working to address these issues and rebuild trust in the market. The company's CEO, Peter Rawlinson, stepped down in February and was replaced by COO Marc Winterhoff. The Lucid Air, with its sleek and modern design and aerodynamic profile, achieves a drag coefficient as low as 0.197 Cd. It is also equipped with a 900V+ electrical architecture, supporting rapid charging capabilities.
The Gravity SUV, built on a 900V electrical architecture, offers rapid DC fast charging capabilities and incorporates advanced regenerative braking systems and a heat pump to optimize energy efficiency. It features a modern design with a length of 198.2 inches, a width of 78.7 inches, and a height of 65.2 inches, and offers flexible seating configurations, accommodating up to seven adults across three rows. The Gravity Grand Touring model offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 450 miles on a single charge and a spacious front trunk (frunk) for additional cargo space.
As Lucid continues to improve its vehicles and address software-related reliability issues, it faces stiff competition from EV titans like Tesla, Rivian, and legacy automakers. A $7,000 repair estimate, caused by the Lucid Air Touring's failure, has led one customer to consult legal counsel. However, Lucid still has time to correct course and rebuild trust in the market.
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