Tesla Model s problems
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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: 2015
Driving an all-electric vehicle may take some getting used to compared to a gasoline car, but once you do, you'll never want to go back. When considering the cost of repairs, it's important to note that this car has mostly aluminum construction, which keeps it light but can be more expensive to repair. If you are far from a service center, services and repairs could be a hassle. It's worth noting that if you dislike or struggle with new things, this car may not be for you. On the other hand, the safety features of this car are impressive. In a recent accident, my wife was hit by another driver who ran a red light at an estimated 40-50mph. Although the Tesla was declared a total loss, my wife survived the accident, which may not have been the case in most other cars. Additionally, driving an electric car means no more dirty fuel (assuming your local utility provides you with clean energy). The proactive service provided by Tesla is also a plus. The car communicates with Tesla all the time, and if there's a problem, Tesla service will proactively contact you to pick up the car and provide you with a loaner. If you have kids, you'll appreciate the remote monitoring feature, which allows you to see where they are, how fast they are driving, lock/unlock the car, and pre-cool/heat the car before you use it. Charging is easy at home and free while you travel out of your city using their supercharger network. By the time you finish your meal, the battery (which will give you realistically at least 240 miles range vs 265 EPA range) is nearly full again. With Tesla, there are no pesky dealerships or negotiating. You can buy online and ask for help from sales or service centers. Tesla is known for their great modern service, and they are always accommodating to fix defects and make their customers happy.About me - I've owned Lexus, Toyota, Nissan, and Audi in the past. While I liked most of my cars, I never truly loved them. However, I must say that the Tesla team is absolutely awesome! *Update 18 months into ownership: I love the car just as much as when I first got it. *Update after 3 years of ownership: I've had to deal with a couple of service-related issues over the last 12 months. One of my door handles ceased to function, and a software update bricked my car. But in both separate instances, Tesla came to my home and fixed the problem. They even provided me with a loaner free of charge when my car was bricked and they could not immediately fix the issue. I still love this car, and we bought a Model 3 earlier this year. We are now 100% free from fossil fuel. **Update Dec 2019: We still love the car even after 4 years of ownership. Since the last update, I've had another door handle break. It took a month to get that fixed. They just added another service center near me, but it still takes too long in this area (SoCal) to get the car serviced. Update 66 months / 70,000 miles: The car remains awesome. The worst part is the battery degradation (which is expected). I'm now at 90% of its original capacity using a lot of supercharging. Update 96 months later / 90,000 miles: I still love it. All the handles have now been replaced. I'm buying another Model S and transferring unlimited supercharging. B
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Vehicle year: 2020
I've owned my Tesla Model S LR for 3 years now and I'm happy to say that I haven't had any issues with it. I replaced the HEPA filter ($250) after 3 years and the front tires after 30,000 miles (I advise rotating them every 10,000 miles). I can confidently say that this is the best car I've ever owned. I've had 4 BMW5s and a Genesis sedan, all of which were excellent, but none of them compare to the Tesla. The ride is smooth, the Full Self-Driving (FSD) feature is amazing, the acceleration (0-60 in 4 seconds) is impressive, and the technology is top-notch. I also appreciate the monthly upgrades at no extra cost and the extremely low operating cost (1/5 the price of gasoline). I no longer have to waste time at gas stations or worry about oil changes and other maintenance. Plus, I'm proud to be driving a sustainable vehicle and doing my part to preserve our planet. It's truly a dream car!
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Vehicle year: 2015
I'm glad to hear that your car has been running smoothly for 41000 miles without any issues. Of course, everyone's experience may vary. I really enjoy the instant torque and have consistently timed my 85D to 60 in the 3.8-3.9 range with over 85% charge. Even after losing only 5 miles from the original 270 on a full charge, I can still match or beat the rated miles during the warmer months. However, during the winter, I do get a little below the rated miles since the battery pack has a hard time staying warm. At home, I charge it on a nema 14-30 and can recoup my average daily commute in under three hours. The only issue I have is with Tesla and not the car itself. Tesla nerfed the supercharging rate on the older cars, so expect to spend about 30% longer at a supercharger than the newer cars. I do wish it had the newer touchscreen which can play Netflix and YouTube, but other than that, I wouldn't give it up for anything other than a newer Model S. Overall, I'm very pleased with my car.
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Vehicle year: 2021
I recently purchased the Model S REFRESHED Long Range on June 29th, 2021 and I must say, it looks absolutely stunning! The car is incredibly smooth to drive, almost like skating on glass, and the handling is amazing. The technology is also top-notch, with a huge screen in the back for the kids to watch their favorite shows and a well-designed center console. The back seats are spacious and can easily accommodate taller passengers. The car feels luxurious and much more upscale than the previous Model S. The touch screen is super responsive and the seats are way nicer than the old Model S and even better than the Model 3 seats. The cockpit of the car is also very quiet, with noise-cancelling speakers built into the driver and front passenger seats. Although the car is advertised to get 375 miles per full charge, I have found that it actually gets around 330-345 miles per charge, which is still impressive. The only downsides I have noticed are that the car takes longer to charge at a supercharger than advertised, unless you go to a 250kwh supercharger, and the paint behind the back wheels got dinged up from rocks and debris after only 1500 miles of driving. Additionally, the summons feature with full self-driving is not as great as it is advertised to be. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase and would highly recommend the Model S REFRESHED Long Range to anyone looking for a luxurious and high-tech car.It's understandable to feel a bit uneasy about a car that can drive itself, especially with a vehicle as large as this one. While the full self-driving feature only works on highways and not city streets, it's still a helpful feature. However, it may not be worth the 10k price tag. The auto guess direction feature is okay, but not the best and feels like a gimmick. It's surprising that there are no side mirror alerts when changing lanes, although it does show up on the screen. The A/C works well, but it needs to be at speed 6 to cool off the car quickly in hot weather. The charging USB-C port and power mat may charge iPhones slowly. Streaming music from an iPhone to the car is great, but the highlighted song doesn't change with the song, making it difficult to see what song is next. On the bright side, the sound system is stellar. However, the steering wheel buttons are hard to push, especially for those with small hands. Overall, this car is an awesome value and I would definitely buy it again.
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Vehicle year: 2014
I really enjoy driving cars with a bit of a kick, but I always found it frustrating to have to spend $70 on gas every week. Since I drive a lot, I wasn't too keen on driving hybrids with CVTs. However, when I discovered the all-electric performance car, I knew I had to give it a try. Although I usually prefer coupes to sedans, I decided to go with the Model S since Tesla no longer made the Roadster. I'm thrilled to say that I made the right choice! The service I receive from Tesla is exceptional, especially when compared to my wife's Lexus. If there's ever an issue, Tesla sends a valet to pick up my car, leaves me with a brand new loaner, fixes and washes it, and then brings it back to my house, all free of charge. The car is quite large, but it still manages to get almost double the efficiency of a Prius, even when I'm driving as fast as I want. Charging the car at home is also incredibly convenient compared to stopping for gas. The only downside for me is that it's slightly more prone to interior rattles than my previous vehicles. This could be because it doesn't make any engine noise, but overall it's still much quieter.
Charlie Sanford 2025-02-13
Vehicle year: 2017
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.
Favian Harber 2025-02-05
Vehicle year: 2016
This car is truly amazing, with minimal moving parts that require service. However, if you ever need service, the experience can be frustrating and disappointing. Occasionally, I have received alerts of 'service required - car may not restart.' But don't worry, you can easily set up an appointment with your local service center. Just keep in mind that you'll need to use the app to do so. If you call the phone number, you'll be directed to use the app, but don't worry, it's easy to use. Even if you have a 'your car may not restart' message, you'll be placed in line for a service appointment. In my most recent experience, I had to wait for 3 weeks, but it was worth it. Last year, I had a critical message telling me to seek service immediately. I did some forum searches and found a different number to call. I was warned that I would be on hold for a while, but it was only 1 hour and 35 minutes before a service rep picked up. He logged in, saw that I had a critical issue, and got me in the next morning. Although the wait can be long, the service is worth it. I highly recommend Tesla to my friends, family, and anyone who asks. My current Tesla won't be my last.
Dan Bayer 2025-01-29
Vehicle year: 2022
Our Model S has required service once a month for as many months as we've owned it. It would be more frequent, but it takes a long time to get it in for service. Although it's amazing how many you see on the road, I have to say that it's a shame that such a good-looking car is not as reliable as it should be. Personally, I wouldn't feel comfortable riding in self-driving mode, but that's just my opinion.
Devonte Kuvalis 2025-01-21
Vehicle year: 2022
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 multiple times, but have not received a response. As a customer, I am disappointed with the lack of service and quality of the product. I hope Tesla can address these issues and improve their customer service. Thank you.
Mavis Marquardt 2025-01-15
Vehicle year: 2018
I've been a Tesla owner for almost a year now and unfortunately, I recently experienced a punctured rear tire due to an object on the road. I immediately contacted Tesla roadside for assistance and my car was transported to the service center. Although I called early to ensure a same-day return, I was disappointed to learn that there were no spare or inventory tires in stock, and no Tesla loaner cars available. As a result, I was left without reliable transportation for the day and had to cancel several important appointments with patients at different hospitals. While I love my Tesla, I was disappointed with the lack of support in this situation. I did reach out to management and am still waiting for a call back. Despite this experience, I remain a loyal Tesla owner and hope to see improvements in their customer service in the future. Although the car wash and vacuum job were not up to my standards, I am grateful to have my car back and running smoothly again.