Car problems with Lynk & Co: experiences, weak points and key issues by model

Lynk & Co impresses with its design and quiet powertrains, but if you look a little deeper you run into persistent problems with customer service, connectivity and practical details. From boots that refuse to open to missing Apple CarPlay: car problems with Lynk & Co are more than just teething troubles. Want to know what you need to look out for?

Lynk & Co as a brand: positioning and typical points to watch

Lynk & Co is a relatively young car brand that builds on technology from Geely and Volvo. The brand presents itself with modern design and plug-in hybrid models. Yet a large share of owners report structural shortcomings, especially when it comes to support from the brand.

The most frequently heard complaints are about:

• Poorly reachable customer service and long waiting times
• Inadequate technical support with software and connectivity problems
• Careless handling of warranty cases
• Missing functionality in infotainment systems

These problems are not isolated incidents. They point to structural weak spots in Lynk & Co’s organisation. Owners regularly report frustrations about the support, both from the customer service and the technical team.

Experiences with customer service and support

Lynk & Co’s customer service falls short of the expectations you may have of a modern car brand. Owners report that support queries are answered slowly or incompletely. Technical issues, especially with software and connectivity, sometimes drag on for weeks without an appropriate solution.

What can you do to avoid disappointment?

• Ask existing owners about their experiences with customer service before you buy
• Read the warranty conditions carefully and check what is and isn’t covered
• Do not expect quick help with urgent breakdowns and arrange alternative support if necessary
• Document all contact with customer service and keep a record of correspondence

The limited accessibility and slow handling of complaints make Lynk & Co less suitable for anyone who wants quick and reliable help with car problems.

Technical and practical problems with the Lynk & Co 01

The Lynk & Co 01 is the brand’s first model and shares technology with other Geely products. This brings both advantages and known weak points.

Software and connectivity

The 01 struggles with similar connectivity problems to newer models. Do not expect seamless integration with your smartphone. Apple CarPlay is missing and the alternative systems are less intuitive than you will be used to from established brands.

Software updates do not always run smoothly. Some owners report that functions actually work worse or disappear completely after updates.

Interior and ease of use

The interior of the 01 shows mixed material use. At the top of the dashboard you feel hard plastics, while lower sections are finished with softer materials. This contrast stands out and feels less premium than the exterior promises.

The infotainment system is sometimes slow to respond and the menu is not always logically structured. During a test drive you should test this thoroughly to assess whether it is acceptable for your usage.

Points to watch when buying

With the 01, pay attention to:

• The operation of the infotainment screen and how quickly it responds
• Connectivity with your smartphone and which functions do or do not work
• Interior finish, especially the transitions between different materials
• Noises in the interior on bumpy roads

Read more: Car problems Lynk & Co 01

Technical and practical problems with the Lynk & Co 02

The Lynk & Co 02 is a more compact model that shares similar technology with the 01, but with a different body and a slightly different layout.

Powertrain and hybrid components

The 02 uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain. This combination of petrol engine and electric motor offers fuel consumption benefits but also comes with risks. Hybrid systems are more complex and more sensitive to faults than conventional powertrains.

Some owners report problems with the transition between petrol and electric mode. Charging problems also occur, where the battery does not charge fully or the charging time is longer than expected.

Driving experience and usability

The 02 is designed as a compact SUV, suitable for urban use and short journeys. For longer distances or family use, the limited boot space and interior comfort may disappoint.

Take note of:

• The rear seat is less spacious than competing models in this segment
• Storage options in the interior are limited
• The infotainment system has the same limitations as the 01

What you should test before buying

Give the 02 an extensive test drive and check:

• Transitions between petrol and electric mode during acceleration and braking
• Space on the rear seat with passengers of different heights
• Boot space and how practical it is to use with shopping or suitcases
• Charging speed and whether the car actually charges fully

More: Car problems Lynk & Co 02

Known pros and cons of the Lynk & Co 08

The Lynk & Co 08 is a larger model that has come onto the market more recently. This model shows how the brand has developed, but also persistent problems that remain.

Strengths of the 08

The 08 has some striking positive characteristics:

• The 1.5L petrol engine runs remarkably quietly, despite being a four-cylinder
• Material quality is better than in earlier models, with careful finishing
• The plug-in hybrid powertrain offers flexibility for anyone who wants to drive electrically but does not want to be fully dependent on public charging points

Problem areas that remain

Despite improvements, practical problems remain:

During testing, the boot initially did not open as expected. This points to technical imperfections in relatively simple systems. Owners report similar problems with boot operation.

The seat belts have no mounting point for stowing them. This sounds like a detail, but in practice it is annoying when you want to fold down or store the rear seat. The belts are left dangling and can get caught.

The 08 is only offered as a plug-in hybrid. This limits your choice if you would prefer a fully electric version or a simpler petrol variant.

Impact on everyday use

These problems are not necessarily dealbreakers, but they add up. When you use a car every day, small ergonomic shortcomings and practical annoyances can become irritating. Explicitly test these points during a test drive.

Read more: Car problems Lynk & Co 08

Connectivity problems and infotainment

Connectivity is a weak point on all Lynk & Co models. The findings for the 06 give an indication of what you can also expect with the 01, 02 and 08.

Missing Apple CarPlay

Apple CarPlay is missing from Lynk & Co models. Instead, the brand offers alternative systems such as Huawei Highar and Carl Link. These systems do work, but the integration is less natural and intuitive than you are used to from CarPlay or Android Auto.

For iPhone users this is a serious drawback. You cannot link your phone seamlessly to the infotainment system. Apps, music and navigation via your phone work only to a limited extent or not at all.

Limitations of the instrument panel

The 10.2-inch LCD instrument panel displays basic information, but it is not the most advanced solution. Compared with competitors such as Volvo or Polestar, Lynk & Co lags behind in screen quality, user-friendliness and functionality.

What this means for 01, 02 and 08 drivers

For all Lynk & Co models, you should expect:

• No native support for Apple CarPlay
• Limited smartphone integration for navigation and music
• Less intuitive operation than with established brands
• Potentially slow response from the screen and menus

Thoroughly test these functions during a test drive. Check whether the connectivity that does work is sufficient for your daily use.

Interior quality, ergonomics and everyday use

The interiors of Lynk & Co models present a mixed picture. The 06 and 08 give an indication of what you can also expect with the 01 and 02.

Mixed material use

Lynk & Co opts for a combination of materials. Hard plastics on the upper section of the dashboard contrast with soft, leather-covered sections lower down in the interior. This choice feels inconsistent and detracts from the premium look promised by the exterior.

With competitor Volvo, you feel more consistency in material choice. Polestar goes even further in terms of high-quality finishing. Lynk & Co lags behind in this respect.

Practical details and storage space

A positive point is the attention paid to practical storage. The 06 has two phone holders under the centre console. This kind of considered detail is handy in everyday use.

The layout of the space has generally improved compared with early Geely models. There are fewer sharp edges and more space to put things. Even so, some details remain impractical, such as missing cup holders or USB ports that are difficult to reach.

Effect on comfort and overall feel

These aspects determine how you feel in the car:

• Hard plastics feel cheaper and can creak with temperature changes
• Inconsistent material quality undermines the premium feel
• Practical details such as storage space and phone holders are welcome, but do not fully compensate for the weak points

As a car enthusiast, you will notice these details immediately. They determine whether you feel at home in the car or are reminded on every journey of the compromises.

Long-term reliability and maintenance experiences

Lynk & Co is still a young brand. Long-term reliability data is limited, but the first signs do point in a certain direction.

Teething troubles and plug-in hybrid risks

New models are more likely to have teething troubles. With Lynk & Co, these relate mainly to software and connectivity problems, but also to practical issues such as boot latches and solutions for the belts.

Plug-in hybrids are technically more complex than conventional cars. The combination of combustion engine, electric motor, battery and charging systems increases the chance of faults. Maintenance is more expensive and requires more specialist knowledge.

Expectations around wear and dealer visits

Owners report mixed experiences with dealers. Some dealers offer good service, while others are difficult to reach or lack sufficient technical knowledge. This makes planning maintenance and solving problems unpredictable.

Software updates are not always offered proactively. Regularly checking whether updates are available helps, but the responsibility lies with you as the owner.

Tips to reduce problems

Bear in mind:

• Plan maintenance well in advance and check whether the dealer has sufficient knowledge of Lynk & Co
• Actively keep track of software updates and install them as soon as they are available
• Carefully document all faults and complaints for warranty claims
• Read online forums and owner experiences so you can recognise common problems in good time

Long-term reliability remains a question mark with Lynk & Co. If you are looking for certainty and peace of mind, established brands with a proven track record are a safer choice.

What to look out for when buying a Lynk & Co 01, 02 or 08

A well-considered purchase starts with a thorough test and asking the right questions.

Checklist for the test drive

During the test drive, check:

• Boot operation: open and close the boot several times, both with the key and via the button. Check whether this operates smoothly
• Seat belts: fold down the rear seat and see how the belts behave. Do you have a practical way to stow them?
• Infotainment: connect your smartphone and test all the functions you use daily. Does navigation work? Can you stream music? Does the screen respond quickly?
• Connectivity: try both Bluetooth and the connectivity systems that are available. Check whether your phone is compatible
• Hybrid mode transitions: when accelerating and braking, pay attention to the transitions between petrol and electric drive. Does this feel natural?

Comparing with competitors

Measure Lynk & Co against alternatives:

• Volvo: better customer service, proven reliability, comparable technology
• Polestar: higher-quality finish, more modern connectivity, electric or hybrid
• Other premium brands: better support and long-term value

Ask yourself: do the design and price of Lynk & Co outweigh the shortcomings in service and functionality?

Targeted questions for dealer and owners

Ask the dealer:

• How are warranty claims handled in the case of connectivity problems?
• Are there any known problems with this specific model or this production date?
• How quickly do software updates become available and who installs them?
• What is the average waiting time for an appointment in the event of technical faults?

Contact owners and ask:

• How do you rate Lynk & Co’s customer service?
• What problems have occurred and how were they resolved?
• Would you choose Lynk & Co again?

These questions give a more realistic picture than the dealer’s sales pitch.

Is Lynk & Co right for you as a car enthusiast?

Lynk & Co offers modern design, quiet powertrains and eye-catching material choices. Yet this does not always outweigh the structural problems with customer service, connectivity and practical details.

Who the 01, 02 and 08 are suitable for

Consider Lynk & Co if:

• You value modern design and are willing to accept compromises
• You are technically knowledgeable yourself and are not quickly dependent on dealer support
• You do not have an iPhone or have little need for CarPlay integration
• You want to try plug-in hybrid driving without taking the step to fully electric

Who these models are less suitable for

You are better off choosing another brand if:

• Reliable, fast customer service is important to you
• You depend on Apple CarPlay or similar connectivity on a daily basis
• You have little patience for teething troubles and technical imperfections
• You are looking for proven long-term reliability

How to reduce risks without missing out on the benefits

Do you still want to go for Lynk & Co? Minimise risks by:

• Taking an extensive test drive and testing all the problems mentioned in this article
• Reading the warranty conditions carefully and extending them if necessary
• Contacting existing owners and collecting their experiences
• Taking an independent specialist with you for a thorough pre-purchase inspection

Carnews offers up-to-date information, tips and experiences from car enthusiasts to help you make an informed choice. By being well informed, you can make the most of Lynk & Co’s advantages and better assess the risks. Stay up to date with car problems and practical solutions through Carnews and drive with more confidence.