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: 2014
The Tesla Model S is amazing! The comfort, performance and economy are fantastic. It's great for the planet and climate too! The low cost of operation more than makes up for the high purchase price. I'm still loving it after 119,000 miles. I also have a Model 3 now and I love that just as much! I've already driven 35,000 miles in it!
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Vehicle year: 2017
From an early age, I had an unquenchable thirst for performance, reading virtually every single R&D from 1996 to 2017. I pursued power by buying the best options available or testing them on the track. Having owned over 52 cars and spent time behind the wheel of the Ferrari, 458 F40, Acura NSX, and Porsche 993 GT3RS, I thought I'd hit the pinnacle, but none compare to the Tesla. To a car enthusiast, the Tesla is like a stealth bomber to the airforce, leaving anything else on the road in its wake. There's nothing like it! In standard form, it seats 5, has class-leading technology, and weighs 4500 lbs, yet can shred 0-60 in 4.2 seconds. It's so quiet that when you speed, people don't know how to react. There is no way to justify the speed as there's no noise; it's as quiet as a mouse farting. Speed isn't its only game; utilization is off the charts! The car has two trunks, front and rear. The front alone is enough to store groceries, and the rear is large enough to fit your entire living room. It's literally that big and seems to have endless room. For me, the reason why I bought it was the enhanced autopilot, which allows me to dart down the road while answering emails and making follow-up conversations. This gives me a leading edge over my competitors and sets me apart from the herd. Bottom line, I love it, and I hope it continues to impress.
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Vehicle year: 2012
I'm so glad to hear that you've reserved a Model S! It's such an awesome car, isn't it? The fact that it's an EV makes it super quiet and environmentally friendly, and with the largest battery pack option, you can get up to 300 miles at 55 mph! The performance is also amazing, with immediate acceleration on demand and 0-60 times ranging from 6.5 secs to 4.4(!), and a top speed of 110-130 mph, depending on the model. I had a chance to play with the 17
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Vehicle year: 2014
I have driven approximately 7000 miles on this signature performance version of the Tesla S. The car is a real head-turner and drives like a dream. I recently drove it from Boston to New York City and then into New Jersey and back again with no issues whatsoever. I never need to use an outside charging station since I charge it each night in my garage at home. This car is perfect for both local commutes and longer journeys. It's amazing to think that the car of the future is already here, and Tesla has done a fantastic job bringing it to life!
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Vehicle year: 2022
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.
Are you having problems with your Tesla Model s?
Demario Marvin 2025-04-23
Vehicle year: 2019
Upon delivery, the car failed to start. However, our team promptly took charge and identified the issue as a faulty battery. The vehicle was immediately sent to Tesla for repair, and we are currently awaiting an update on its status. Rest assured, we are taking all necessary steps to ensure that the car is in top condition before it is delivered to you.
Dane Runte 2025-04-23
Vehicle year: 2023
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.
Jamel Rowe 2025-04-11
Vehicle year: 2016
In May 2016, I was thrilled to purchase my new Tesla Model S and be a part of the movement towards sustainable energy. I even convinced two of my kids to pre-order the Model 3. Unfortunately, I hit a truck tire tread on the freeway, causing significant damage to the bumper and undercarriage. My car has been at Kniesl's Repair Shop, a Tesla-authorized repair shop in Roseville, CA, for six weeks now, waiting for repair parts. I understand that Kniesl's has three other Teslas in similar condition awaiting parts for up to three months. I reached out to Tesla using the form on their website four weeks ago, but I have not received a response yet. As a Tesla owner, I am disappointed that the repair parts are taking so long to arrive, and I hope that Tesla can improve their post-sales customer service. Have you ever experienced a similar situation with your car? Let's hope that Tesla can resolve this issue soon and continue to lead the way in sustainable energy.
Demond Ferry 2025-04-06
Vehicle year: 2016
I really enjoyed watching the videos on the Tesla website and was excited to try out the self-driving feature during my test drive. However, I did have a few concerns during the drive. The car kept crossing over the double yellow line and another car honked at me, which was a bit scary. Additionally, the self-driving feature was limited to 35mph on back roads, so it wasn't quite ready for point A to B self-driving yet. Despite these issues, I still found the AP technology impressive, even though it's still in beta mode. The self-park feature didn't work perfectly, but the dealer was able to assist me. It's worth noting that the car requires data, which is free for the first 4 years but then requires payment. Overall, while I wasn't blown away by the experience, I still found it to be a polished and advanced version of what my $30k Forester can do.
Abe Torp 2025-04-05
Vehicle year: 2021
In December 2020, I purchased a Tesla Model S long range to replace my old Lexus. I must say, it's the best car I've ever driven! The acceleration is faster than a Porsche, it handles curves better than a BMW, and the ride is smoother than a Lexus. Of course, the benefits of an all-electric car that can be charged at home are well known by now. However, I did encounter some issues after the initial excitement wore off and the reality of owning a car that cost nearly $90k set in. Firstly, the storage space is limited, and the cup holders are inconveniently placed. Secondly, the user interface of the massive screen is not well designed, especially for someone that needs reading glasses. Lastly, the autopilot feature is still in beta and not ready for city driving. Unfortunately, I did experience some problems with the car, and it took over 3 weeks to get an appointment with their service center. Despite this, I still believe that Tesla has the potential to become a customer-centric company.