Okay, so even though I absolutely love my Zeekr 001 – and I’ve made that VERY clear – it’s not perfect. There are a few things that have popped up in my ownership experience, and things I’ve seen echoed in other owner reviews, that are worth discussing. Let’s dive into some of the downsides.
First up, the phantom calls and throttle dumping. This is probably the most frustrating issue for many owners. What happens is, sometimes the car will just…dial a number on its own. Completely randomly. It’s incredibly unnerving, especially if you’re driving and suddenly your phone starts ringing, and you have no idea why. It’s not consistent, it’s not predictable, and it’s frankly terrifying. Then there’s the throttle dumping. This is where the car unexpectedly cuts power, leaving you feeling like you’ve just had the rug pulled out from under you. It’s not a gradual easing off, it’s a sudden, jarring stop in acceleration. Both of these issues seem to be software related, and hopefully, Zeekr will address them with a future update. But for now, it’s a significant drawback.
Next, let’s talk about the interior space. While the car itself is spacious, the interior feels a little… cramped. The headroom, especially in the back, is surprisingly low for a vehicle of this size. Taller passengers might find themselves feeling a little squeezed, and it definitely impacts the overall feeling of spaciousness. It’s a shame, because the rest of the interior is beautifully designed and high-quality, but this low headroom really detracts from the experience.
The steering and suspension are another area where some improvements could be made. The steering feels a little too light at low speeds, making it feel a bit vague and imprecise. At higher speeds, it firms up, but that initial lightness can be unsettling. The suspension, while comfortable enough on smoother roads, struggles a bit on rougher surfaces. You definitely feel more bumps and imperfections than you’d expect in a car of this price point. It’s not unbearable, but it’s noticeable and could be refined.
Noise isolation is another area that could use some work. While it’s not excessively noisy, there’s more road and wind noise than I’d personally expect from a premium EV. At highway speeds, the cabin can get a little loud, which detracts from the overall refined driving experience. It’s not a deal breaker, but it’s something that’s noticeable and could be improved with better soundproofing.
Finally, let’s discuss the driver-assistance systems. While the technology is generally advanced, the execution isn’t always perfect. The adaptive cruise control, for example, can be a bit jerky at times, and the lane-keeping assist isn’t always as reliable as I’d like. It’s not dangerous, but it’s not as smooth or seamless as some competing systems. These are areas where software updates could potentially make a big difference, but as it stands, they’re not quite up to the same level as some of the best systems on the market. These are all points to consider if you’re thinking about buying a Zeekr 001. Despite these drawbacks, I still love my car, but it’s important to be aware of these potential issues.
Okay, let’s dive straight into the nitty-gritty of what Zeekr 001 owners are saying about their cars. We’ve compiled a bunch of owner reviews, and some recurring themes definitely emerged regarding problems and defects.
First off, let’s talk about other defects and problems reported by owners. Beyond the big-ticket items we’ll cover later, there are a surprising number of smaller issues cropping up. Some owners have reported problems with panel gaps – not huge, but noticeable enough to be frustrating on a car at this price point. Others have mentioned squeaks and rattles from the interior, which is something you really shouldn’t be experiencing in a brand-new vehicle. There have also been reports of minor electrical glitches, things like intermittent failures of certain features or unexpected system resets. These aren’t necessarily deal-breakers, but they paint a picture of a car that perhaps isn’t as flawlessly put together as one might expect. It’s worth noting that the frequency of these smaller issues varies widely in the reviews, suggesting potential inconsistencies in manufacturing quality.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the unstable range. Many owners are reporting significantly lower real-world range than the advertised figures. We’re not talking about minor discrepancies; some owners are seeing a difference of THIRTY or even FORTY percent. This is a HUGE problem, especially for an electric vehicle where range anxiety is a major concern. Factors like driving style, weather conditions, and terrain all play a role, but the sheer number of owners reporting this significant discrepancy suggests a potential issue with the battery management system or perhaps even inconsistencies in battery production. This is something serious buyers need to consider.
Next up: problems with charging facilities. This isn’t necessarily a fault of the Zeekr 001 itself, but it’s a crucial element of the ownership experience. Several owners have reported difficulties finding compatible and reliable fast-charging stations, particularly in areas outside of major cities. Even when they do find a compatible station, some owners have experienced slow charging speeds or intermittent connection problems. This highlights the importance of thoroughly researching charging infrastructure in your area before committing to a Zeekr 001, especially if you live in a less densely populated region. The lack of widespread, reliable fast-charging is a significant hurdle for many potential buyers.
Then there’s the multimedia system, or as some owners are calling it, the «raw multimedia» or «intelligent control system.» Many reviews cite frustrations with the infotainment system’s responsiveness, its user interface, and its overall functionality. Some describe it as clunky, slow, and prone to freezing or crashing. Others have reported difficulties connecting their smartphones or using certain features. In a car that’s supposed to be technologically advanced, this is a major letdown. It’s not just about aesthetics; a poorly functioning infotainment system can significantly impact the overall driving experience and safety.
So, to sum up the minuses and defects according to owner surveys, we’ve seen a range of issues, from minor cosmetic flaws to more serious problems with range, charging, and the infotainment system. While some of these issues might be isolated incidents, the sheer volume of complaints across multiple areas suggests that there are some underlying quality control issues that Zeekr needs to address. It’s crucial for potential buyers to weigh these issues carefully before making a purchase. The Zeekr 001 offers some compelling features, but these problems shouldn’t be ignored.





