10 Car Features That Mechanics Secretly Hate
Car manufacturers love rolling out flashy new features to attract buyers, but not all of them are winning over the folks who have to fix them. While these bells and whistles may impress on the lot, many mechanics groan when they see them under the hood. From overcomplicated electronics to features that make simple repairs a nightmare, some designs seem built to frustrate the very people keeping your car on the road. Just because a feature looks good doesn’t mean it’s good for long-term maintenance. Here are 10 car features that mechanics secretly hate (and probably wish never existed).
1. Start-Stop Engine Systems
Designed to improve fuel economy, start-stop systems shut off the engine when the car is idle. But mechanics say this feature leads to increased wear on batteries, starters, and other components. Diagnosing issues related to this system can be a headache, and parts tend to wear out faster than in cars without it. Drivers may save a little gas, but they could pay more in repairs over time. It’s one of those ideas that looks great on paper but creates more problems than it solves.
2. Run-Flat Tires
Run-flat tires let you keep driving after a puncture, which sounds great—until it’s time for a replacement. They’re more expensive, offer a stiffer ride, and often require special equipment to mount or dismount. Some cars with run-flats don’t even come with a spare, leaving you with fewer options in an emergency. Mechanics also note that not all shops are equipped to deal with them, making roadside issues worse. They’re convenient for drivers, but a hassle in the shop.
3. Electronic Parking Brakes
Gone are the days of the simple handbrake—now many cars have electronic versions. While they can be convenient and space-saving, electronic parking brakes can fail in ways that make simple repairs expensive and time-consuming. If a battery dies or a sensor malfunctions, mechanics have to jump through hoops just to disengage them. They also make brake service trickier, sometimes requiring special tools or software. A traditional lever is far less drama.
4. Overly Complicated Infotainment Systems
Touchscreens that control everything from air conditioning to seat warmers may look modern, but mechanics often hate them. When these systems glitch—and they do—it can take hours to diagnose software problems that used to be solved with a button replacement. These tech-heavy setups can become outdated quickly and cost a fortune to replace. Mechanics aren’t tech support, but they’re being forced into that role more and more. A simple knob and switch would save time and money for everyone.
5. Engine Covers and Plastic Cladding
Pop the hood of a modern car and you’ll often be greeted by layers of plastic covers. While they may look clean and sleek, they hide vital components and make basic tasks, like checking spark plugs or fluid levels, more annoying. Mechanics often have to remove several unnecessary panels just to access simple parts. These covers can also break easily and aren’t cheap to replace. They’re style over substance, and mechanics know it.
6. CVT Transmissions
Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) offer smooth driving and better fuel efficiency, but mechanics are not fans. They’re harder to service, costlier to replace, and notoriously tricky to diagnose. Unlike traditional transmissions, CVTs often require specialized knowledge and tools, limiting who can fix them. They also don’t last as long in some models. Many mechanics say if your CVT fails, you’re better off replacing the whole thing—if you can afford it.
7. Active Grille Shutters
These small flaps open and close to improve aerodynamics and fuel economy, but they often become another repair issue. If they stick or break, they can cause overheating or trigger check engine lights. Replacing them usually means removing parts of the front bumper and reprogramming the system. It’s a lot of hassle for a feature most drivers didn’t even know existed. Mechanics prefer simplicity, and active shutters are anything but.
8. Battery Placement Under Seats or in Trunks
In some newer vehicles, manufacturers tuck the battery away in hidden places like the trunk or under a seat. This might help with weight distribution, but it turns a 10-minute job into an hour-long project. Mechanics have to pull apart the interior trim or dig through the cargo space just to get to it. It’s one of those design choices that prioritizes form over function. When you need to jump or replace your battery fast, this setup is a nightmare.
9. Turbochargers on Economy Cars
Turbochargers are no longer limited to performance models—they’re showing up in everyday sedans and compact cars. While they improve power and efficiency, they add complexity and stress to the engine. Mechanics often see premature wear and expensive failures on turbocharged engines that weren’t built to race. The added power comes with added risk, and for mechanics, that means more breakdowns and complaints. Not every car needs a boost.
10. Keyless Entry and Push-Button Start Systems
They’re convenient for drivers, but they introduce a slew of issues for mechanics. From dead fobs and faulty sensors to complicated anti-theft systems, these features add another layer of electronics that can fail. Diagnosing problems often means scanning the car with expensive tools and checking multiple systems. Reprogramming keys can cost hundreds of dollars. Mechanics miss the days of a simple metal key that never glitched.
What’s Cool for Drivers Can Be a Curse for Mechanics
Drivers may love high-tech gadgets and futuristic features, but mechanics often see the dark side. These additions frequently make simple tasks more difficult, boost repair costs, and introduce more points of failure. What seems like innovation is sometimes just complication. When buying a car, it’s worth considering how repair-friendly it is, not just how cool it looks. After all, your mechanic might be the one dealing with it long after the novelty wears off.
Have you had a feature on your car that drove your mechanic (or you) crazy? Share your experience in the comments—we’d love to hear what made your list!
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.