Tesla Model s problems
The Tesla Model S is a battery electric executive car with a liftback body style built by Tesla, Inc. since 2012. The Model S features a battery-powered dual-motor, all-wheel drive layout, although earlier versions featured a rear-motor and rear-wheel drive layout.
Development of the Model S began prior to 2007, under the codename "WhiteStar". The Model S was officially announced on June 30, 2008, and a prototype vehicle was unveiled in March 2009. The Model S debuted on June 22, 2012. A revised, dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version, known as the 60D, debuted on October 9, 2014. The 60D was followed by the 70D, which made dual-motor and all-wheel drive the standard, followed by the 85D, P85D, and P90D. Along with these updates, Tesla offered the Autopilot driving assistance system. The first major design refresh came in April 2016 when the Model S was updated with a new front hood design. In October of the same year, hardware became standard that supports Tesla's Full Self Driving (FSD) capability. As part of the update, integrated standard cameras around the car were added. In February 2017 the Tesla Model S P100D debuted, which included a revised motor and was the first electric vehicle to have an EPA estimated range exceeding 300 miles (483 km). The second major design refresh, codenamed "Palladium", was introduced in June 2021, offering a new "Plaid" performance model, along with a revised interior, powertrain, and suspension.
The Model S became the first electric car to top the monthly new-car-sales ranking in any country, leading twice in Norway, in September and December 2013 and in Denmark in December 2015. Sales passed 250,000 units in September 2018. The Model S was the top-selling plug-in electric car worldwide in 2015 and 2016, although it was later surpassed by the Model 3. Upon its release, the Model S received positive reviews, with praise for its acceleration and range, although initial models received criticism for their high cost and braking issues.
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Tesla Model s model years
Common Tesla Model s problems
Common Problems with Tesla Model S Cars
Based on complaints from owners, the Tesla Model S has faced several issues that have affected its reliability and performance. Some of the most common problems include:
- Exterior accessories problems: The 2013 Tesla Model S faced several complaints related to exterior accessories, such as sensor and door issues. These problems were commonly between $1,000 and $2,000 to repair.
- Interior accessories problems: The 2014 Tesla Model S had issues with interior accessories, including problems with the charging port, which faced a significant recall.
- Electrical problems: Electrical issues have been reported in various Tesla Model S years, including problems with the vehicle display screen and other electrical components.
- Suspension problems: Suspension failure has been reported in the 2013 Tesla Model S around 50,000 miles, as well as other suspension-related issues in various model years.
- Transmission problems: Transmission issues have been reported in the 2013 and 2014 Tesla Model S, with some cars requiring replacement of the transmission.
- Battery problems: Battery failure has been reported in the 2013 Tesla Model S due to coolant and heater malfunctioning.
- Door problems: Door knobs, door handles, and door latch/lock issues have been reported in various Tesla Model S years, causing inconvenience and requiring repairs.
- Seat problems: Seat incline and seat heater issues have been reported in the 2016 Tesla Model S, requiring seat replacement and costing thousands of dollars.
- Sunroof problems: Leaking sunroofs have been reported in various Tesla Model S years, causing inconvenience and requiring repairs.
- Touchscreen malfunctions: Touchscreen malfunctions have been reported in various Tesla Model S years, affecting the car's infotainment system and other functions.
While these issues have affected the Tesla Model S's reliability, many of them are covered by the regular 4-year/50,000-mile warranty. However, they can be costly to repair once the warranty term has expired. Despite these concerns, overall owner satisfaction with the brand is quite high, and the Model S is still a popular choice among electric vehicle enthusiasts.
How reliable is Tesla Model S?
The 2024 Tesla Model S has a predicted reliability score of 75 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
What's the most common problem with Tesla?
Battery and Charging Related Issues
One of the key components in any Tesla vehicle is its high-capacity battery pack. While Tesla's battery technology has come a long way, issues related to charging and battery life can still arise.
What year is the Tesla Model S most reliable?
Overall, the Tesla Model S is not a very reliable selection if you care about dependability. If you get the car, we recommend the 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 options for the best results.
What is the lifespan of a Tesla Model S?
You can get 300,000-500,000 miles out of the Tesla Model S. However, to reach this number, it's critical to care for your electric vehicle. Even small items like not overcharging your battery will make a big difference in the long run. With excellent care, your Model S will provide thousands of miles with ease.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Tesla Model s years
We have researched Tesla problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Tesla Model s cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Tesla Model s model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Tesla Model s model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Tesla Model s years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Tesla Model s car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Tesla Model s , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Suspension problems
- Steering problems
- Forward collision avoidance problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Tesla Model s vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Model s model years
A total of 108 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Model s model years
There were a total of 31 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Model s model years
There were a total of 50 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Model s model years
There were a total of 20 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 1092 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Tesla Model s . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Tesla Model s vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Tesla Model s 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- VIN: 5YJSA1H18EF
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The rotor seal on the Large Drive Units on Tesla Model S and X fail, causing coolant to leak into the drive unit, flooding it and damaging the inverter. This leads to a replacement cost from Tesla for approximately $7 - $8,000. As this is a design failure this should be a recall and Tesla should at least repair all units prior to their failure or replace them with an updated motor.
Tesla Model s 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- VIN: 5YJSA1E50MF
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Due to the yoke not having a traditional horn button it is hard to remember to push the tiny capacative touch button... very dangerous. Also the yoke feels more dangerous than a normal wheel.
Tesla Model s 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-17
- VIN: 5YJSA1E5XMF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: See attached document for complaint.
Tesla Model s 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-07
- VIN: 5YJSA1E52MF
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I received recall notice for 24V-554 on 9/22/2024. The recall notice informs that Tesla will resolve the recall safety defect by over-the-air update via the car's WIFI capabilities. I have informed Tesla that my car's WIFI capabilities are broken and I scheduled service for October 3rd. Tesla informed that parts for my vehicle are not yet ready and rescheduled my service for October 24th. I informed Tesla that I am missing a required safety recall update, and asked if they able to push the update to me via the car's internet or otherwise remedy the issue of my car not having capability to resolve the safety defect. Tesla responded "Due to contraints at the service center we unfortunately had to reschedule you" for October 24th. The Safety Recall notice informed that if the manufacter is unable to remedy the safety defect within a reasonable time, I may notify the NHTSA.
Tesla Model s 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-04
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-07
- VIN: 5YJSA1CP5DF
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: When parked and opening the drivers door or rear passenger doors, the front passenger door will unlatch. Something is setting off the relay to open the front door when other doors open. Does not happen 100% of the time, but 50%+
Tesla Model s 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-19
- VIN: 5YJSA1E62MF
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: There is a repeated issue with my vehicle and I looked it up online and it seems all Tesla Model S vehicles have this issue. This is the 2nd time I've had this same issue. As I go over any bumps, accelerate, or decelerate there's a clicking sound coming from the front wheels. While driving there's a whistling sound. Based on websites and videos I've seen all over the internet, it's the result of a loose nut and bolt. It apparently continually occurs because of the very high amount of torque these cars have and the quality of the parts used for this torque doesn't suffice. Tesla needs to fix this on all their Model S vehicles. Instead apparently all they do at service center is apply grease to the affected area to temporarily make the noise go away but that grease melts away annually.
Tesla Model s 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-18
- VIN: 5YJSA1E51MF
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Front suspension has a popping and creaking sound when driving and turning steering wheel. Safety issue as sounds something is loose but Tesla says no issue it’s the body flexing which is even scarier to hear the panels rattling if this is in fact true. Tesla will not do anything about it. Additionally the brakes and rotors squeal when pressed at slow speeds coming to full hard stop. Both front and back. Both brakes and rotors have 90% life and according to Tesla shouldn’t need replacing until 90k miles due to the regen braking. The braking system does not engage as it should or how it is designed and car has 40k miles. Tesla uses the excuse that that they don’t cover this as it’s a wear and tear component. Which another issue because they don’t know the reason of why it’s doing this. They want customers to pay and replace the brakes and rotors. Many owners with same car experience this issue and is a design defect that can pose safety issues
Tesla Model s 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-10
- VIN: 5YJSA1H18EF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Overnight while plugged in and after the battery showed it was fully charged, the battery suddenly lost charge, and the car sent repeated alerts to immediately pull over and stop driving. A notice on the car showed mileage was reduced and to immediately schedule a service call. After returning home, I downloaded to the car a recent software update that cleared the error. However, after the software upgrade, Tesla messaged that they did removed tests and the high voltage battery must be replaced.
Tesla Model s 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-26
- VIN: 5YJSA1E5XNF
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The yoke steering is not intuitive and makes it really hard to instinctively press the horn or use the directionals, without taking your eyes off the road. This presents a serious safety hazard especially in the case of an emergency, where milliseconds count to avert an accident. At a minimum the horn button should be placed on the center of the steering or be replaced with a traditional wheel. In fact, if the car were to spin out of control, the rectangular shape of the yoke would likely prevent me from regaining control of the car. When I purchased the car in 2022 a regular steering wheel was not option. Tesla is now allowing retro fits but at a significant cost to the owner. There have been several instances in the two years where i pressed the center of the yoke with no effect, which could have led to an accident. I am surprised this kind of serious hazard is still permitted to exist and I kindly ask for your immediate attention.
Tesla Model s 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-17
- VIN: 5YJSA1E65MF
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: Tires wear less than 1k miles. Deflate, side wall wear, separation, tread wear etc. Have purchased around 8 tires from January 2022 - Present FRONT - 265/35/ZR21 101Y Extra Load REAR - 295/30/ZR21 102Y Extra Load Michelin honored tire failure for side wall separation then denied all other claims. And this is the only tire Tesla has on hand since there is no spare.
Tesla Model s 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-28
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-30
- VIN: 5YJSA1E68MF
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: To avoid collision on the highway with a deer crossing in front of me, I braked very hard. The left rear brake caliper mount broke as a result. I did not lose brake fluid pressure, thankfully but this could’ve been a catastrophic failure. I contacted Tesla who seemed indifferent and blaming the incident on my driving and the mileage of the car ( 48,000 ). I have never in my life heard of a caliper mount breaking on any car with any number of miles. I’m sure it happens, but it should not happen on a car with 1000 hp.
Tesla Model s 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-24
- VIN: 5YJSA1CNXDF
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Without warning, vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating while driving on freeway. Driver had to manouver to avoid a potentially fatal situation. Manufacturer's service center noted this malfunction was due to a failed Drive Unit (electric motor.) Only during incident was there any warning to driver - dashboard indicated "PRND" in red. No prior symptoms at any point were noted by driver in advance. This specific Drive Unit was a replacement unit that lasted only around 40,000 miles (stated by vendor records - installed at approx. 131,000 miles three years ago.) Drive Units on these vehicles can fail at similar mileage due to a known manufacturing defect. This vehicle and early model S vehicles are impacted. This defect is due to a flawed design of a rubber seal that causes coolant fluid to leak into the Drive Unit and results in sudden catastrophic failure. Manufacturer has been aware of failing Drive Units for years. Manufacturer does not notify drivers about this potentially deadly design flaw. Drivers are unaware about this issue so vehicles can be checked for proactive maintenance. Also, vehicle does not show any advance indication of sudden lack of acceleration. This major safety issue has been noted by other drivers in online forums: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] / [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Tesla Model s 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-10
- VIN: 5YJSA1S19EF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Vehicle failed to charge at a tesla charging point. 60 miles from home , raining, had to have vehicle towed to house. Failed to charge at home charging point. Cost to have tesla fix, too expensive. Took 4 months to find another charge port for vehicle Vehicle continues to have issues
Tesla Model s 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-10
- VIN: 5YJSA1S19EF
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The steering assist failed while driving. Causing near collision and very difficult to drive.
Tesla Model s 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-07-05
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5YJSA1E59NF
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: I was driving on the highway utilizing the full self-driving mode. There was traffic and I was behind an 18-wheeler. The 18-wheeler turned into the right lane, but because of the traffic, it couldn't completely clear the lane so the rear was slightly sticking. The Tesla stopped because it couldn't clear the lane while the 18-wheeler was sticking out. I didn't intervene because it had stopped. Then all of a sudden, it surged forward causing the Tesla's right side mirror to be hit by the 18-wheeler's back. The right side mirror's paint job was completely taken off. I didn't have time to intervene because of the sudden surge.
Latest 5 recalls Tesla Model s
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 136 recalls for different components of the Tesla Model s.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Tesla Model s 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-07-24
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
- Consequence: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.
- Model: Tesla Model s 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-07-24
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
- Consequence: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.
- Model: Tesla Model s 2021
- Report Received Date: 2024-07-24
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
- Consequence: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.
- Model: Tesla Model s 2019
- Report Received Date: 2024-05-28
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
- Model: Tesla Model s 2013
- Report Received Date: 2024-05-28
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Latest negative Tesla Model s car reviews
Latest positive Tesla Model s car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2022
Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with the Tesla Model S. My family and I have been proud owners of 3 Model S's since 2013, and we absolutely love them! We've taken these cars on long road trips many times, and have driven over 100k miles combined without any problems. The car is incredibly fast, fun to drive, and has a spacious interior that can fit more gear than our Cayenne. Plus, it only costs about $10 to go 300 miles, making it one of the most cost-effective and safest cars on the market. While the interior could use some improvement, we still believe that it's the best car ever made. Please don't be discouraged by the negative reviews from people who don't know what they're talking about. Thanks for reading!
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Vehicle year: 2018
I absolutely love my Tesla! It's actually my second one. The technology is simply amazing, especially the self-driving capabilities which make driving so much safer and less stressful. The giant touch screen is also a great feature, making everything so convenient. And let's not forget the best part - no more dealing with gas stations! I just pull into my garage and plug it in. Plus, unlike other electric cars in the past, the Tesla is both sporty and beautiful. I've never had to take it in for service, no oil changes or engine dips required. It's been a hassle-free experience so far.
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Vehicle year: 2013
I have a 2013 Model 85 with 17k miles on it. The drivetrain, power, and handling are great. While the interior is good, it may not be on par with German cars in terms of quality of materials and assembly, perhaps more like a Volvo. However, Tesla has been addressing issues such as squeaks, creaks, and leaks, which is reassuring. I did experience a whine in the drive unit, but it was promptly replaced, as were the sunroof seals when needed. The software can be hit and miss, feeling like a perpetual beta, but I have found that reading forums and blog comments can be helpful. While the service center may not be as helpful with software issues, version 4.x was okay and the next version fixed my garage opener issue. Although version 5.11 randomly rebooted, 5.12 seemed stable. The addition of a calendar in version 6.0 was a nice touch, but unfortunately, it doesn't sync with my iPhone 6. I ultimately decided to sell my Tesla at 30K and wait until the software stabilizes before considering another purchase. I don't feel like paying $100K to be a tester.
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Vehicle year: 2018
I've read some of the other reviews on Edmunds and it seems like some people are missing the point. Comparing a Tesla S100D to a Mercedes or BMW is like comparing a horse to a bicycle. It just doesn't make sense to me. I've owned expensive cars from all those companies, but since driving off in my Tesla, I hope I never have to listen to a turbo, dual clutch, 9 speed, piston-driven ANYTHING ever again. Period. To me, that would be like going back to a '52 Edsel. Electric is simply better than any of that. There is no ICE that is as smooth. Spare me the That's why I love my Tesla! I don't think it can be compared to other $100k luxury sedans. I might consider them in the future if they offer me something without the archaic pistons.
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Vehicle year: 2021
I have a Model S Long Range Plus (non-performance) built in October 2020. I've been driving it for about 9 months and have put 10k miles on it. Most of my driving has been weekly commutes to work, which is about an hour away, and back on a single charge. I've also taken a couple of multi-state road trips that required Supercharging. If you're new to electric cars like me, this is a complete re-think in how you drive. Negative reviews you might read are often from people who didn't quite know what they were getting into or didn't do enough research. This review is for those who, like me, have never owned an electric car before. The Supercharger network is well-laid out and covers most places you'll need to go, but certain areas lack coverage. Non-Tesla public charging can be hit and miss, although there are apps that can help. Bottom line, you must plan ahead for road trips. Home charging (depending on your setup and how low your car's battery is) will generally take between 8 and 14 hours to charge the car to 90%. Usually, you will charge overnight. The car has intelligence to charge during off-peak hours if your utility has that, and can do a Also saves on brake maintenance. Autopilot is a name, not a function. It's still in BETA - not production! It can be glitchy and doesn't always make the best choices. If you buy this car thinking the future is here and you can take a nap while the car drives, you may be disappointed and could end up on the news following a fiery accident. It's important to pay attention while driving and you will have to intervene at least once almost every time Autopilot is engaged. For me, it's fun to watch the technology progress and be a part of the improvement in the technology. Every time the car makes a decision I think is stupid (really, we're going to slow from 75 to 55 on the interstate behind this semi before deciding to change lanes to pass when there's nobody behind me for 3 miles!?) I know that the AI is learning from it. The car does not have an engine. While that seems obvious, that means no heat is generated from burning fuel and there is no belt turning an A/C compressor. The car must use electricity for heat and cooling which will impact your range. If you prefer to drive in subzero temperatures with the heat blasting at 82 degrees or drive through the desert with the A/C on 62, your range will significantly drop! This goes back to the whole planning ahead thing. The performance is fantastic. The instant torque of the electric motors is amazing compared to every gas car I've ever driven. I left my buddy's 'Vette in the dust. The zero to sixty time gave my mother a whole new reason to fear for her life when riding with me :) The car improves every 2-3 weeks by downloading new updates from Tesla using its built-in LTE connection and new features and improvements are regular. The car has profiles which you can save for each driver that records seat, wheel, and mirror positions. I love that the navigation is built on Google Maps and not some obscure system. So now, at long last, the things I wish were better - no multipoint navigation.I really appreciate your honest review of the car. It seems like the car does a great job of calculating charging stops on road trips, but it may not be able to plan for a destination and back home. For that, you may need to use third-party apps. The car has a few built-in streaming services, but unfortunately, it doesn't support Apple or Amazon Music. Occasionally, the software may glitch and require a reboot, which can be frustrating. Additionally, the cruise control is adaptive-only, which means that if the front cameras or sensors are blocked, then no cruise control is available. It would be great to have an option for basic cruise control. The cameras may also get blinded or blocked during nighttime driving or bad weather, which disables Autopilot. Lastly, depending on where you live, you may be several hours away from the closest service center. However, the mobile service is a great option for fixing things that can be fixed remotely. Overall, I'm glad to hear that you love your car and have no plans to replace it anytime soon.
Are you having problems with your Tesla Model s?
Jairo Kerluke 2025-06-02
Vehicle year: 2018
Repair parts for the car are not readily available. In this case, the MCU went bad after 30 months (2017 Model S) and Tesla has not provided a replacement date yet, even after almost 2 weeks. As the computer that controls all the car functions, it is surprising that a major car manufacturer would not have ready stocks of such an essential component for a $100,000 automobile that is not even 3 years old.
Kameron Howe 2025-05-23
Vehicle year: 2021
I purchased my 2013 Model S from its second owner at 98k miles after conducting extensive research that confirmed low maintenance costs and high reliability. I absolutely adored my car as it drove smoothly and quietly. However, at just under 120k miles, the high voltage battery completely died on me. I parked at work with an 80% charge and returned to find the battery completely drained, rendering the car unable to start or even be pushed to a charging stall. Despite leaving the car plugged in with three extension cords for the entire weekend, it did not take any charge and never turned back on. I had to tow it to the nearest Tesla service center, where they informed me that the battery had completely died and required a full replacement at a cost of $23k. This is almost the same as the car's average value in the best possible condition and long-range trim, which is approximately $26k. When I inquired about warranty coverage, I was informed that I was out of luck, as I had exceeded 100k miles and just passed the 8-year mark. I asked hypothetically what the warranty would be if I had the money for the repair, and they informed me that it would only cover 50k miles on the battery. The takeaway from this experience is that if you're considering purchasing a used Tesla, make sure you're still within the warranty period. It's best to get rid of the car before the factory warranty expires, as after that, all bets are off, and it may very well become a bottomless money pit. Don't ever buy a Tesla with a new battery thinking that it's like buying a new car, as you're only covered for 50k miles on a fresh battery, which is completely wasteful and senseless. While the car is under warranty, it's a fantastic, enjoyable, and elegant vehicle, with great service and no cost for warranty-covered items, no questions asked. However, once the warranty expires, you're on your own. Unfortunately, they wouldn't even buy it back from me for parts, which was disappointing customer service when things went south, leaving much to be desired from such a reputable brand.
Geoffrey Beahan 2025-05-23
Vehicle year: 2014
Driving the Tesla is a pleasure! It's fast, comfortable, and safe. However, there have been some quality control issues such as windows or trunk not opening or closing, computer screen leaking, inside cloth doors wearing down and ripping too fast, rattling, and rear drive train breaking (an $8000 repair!). The 'high tech service' on the app unfortunately does not allow for discussion with Tesla. Hopefully, more recent cars are better built. Although my car is a lot of fun to drive, it has been unreliable and constantly breaking down, resulting in weeks of service because Tesla does not have enough spare parts to fix it. I have unfortunately spent thousands in repairs. The service center is primarily interested in sending estimates and getting them approved (i.e. paid). Despite these issues, I appreciate the fun driving experience. However, the seats are uncomfortable and this car is not what I would consider a luxury car. I will not be purchasing a second Tesla. In my opinion, they are overpriced and poorly constructed.
Jerod Walsh 2025-05-20
Vehicle year: 2023
I recently purchased a '22 Tesla S Plaid with all the options and I must say, the exterior of the car is stunning. On the inside, while it may be basic for the price point, it is still quite smart in several ways. The air conditioning is well designed, the seats are comfortable and adjustable, and the infotainment system is top-notch, likely the best in the industry. The acceleration is truly amazing and is sure to excite any car enthusiast. However, there are a few areas that could use improvement. The paint quality and wheels are not up to par and tend to dent easily. Additionally, the brakes could use some work as they do not provide the necessary stopping power, which can be concerning. It's important to note that this is a heavy car. After a month of driving, I did notice a squeaking noise when braking and reversing, but the service app has an option for this issue. There are also some minor noises coming from the interior and body while driving that are not typically found in cars at this price point. Overall, the Tesla S Plaid is a unique product with the acceleration of a $150k car, a great infotainment system, and decent autonomy. While there are some areas that could use improvement, it is still a great car that is sure to turn heads.
Domenic Pollich 2025-05-14
Vehicle year: 2021
The vehicle has some missing parts and malfunctions, such as the back privacy cover, licence plate holder, and front camera. The steering wheel controls have caused some inconvenience and safety concerns. I have attempted to contact Tesla's service department, but have not received a response yet. I am considering cancelling my order for the Cybertruck if these issues are not resolved.