The most common Tesla problems range from autopilot system failures and faulty power steering systems to unexpected loss of engine power and poor build quality.
QUICK EXPLAIN
- Tesla Poor manufacturing and electrical issues are common sources of problems in all Tesla models.
- Tesla The Model X is the most expensive Tesla model to maintain, but the 2013 Tesla Model S is considered the least reliable model overall.
- The Tesla Model 3 is the least expensive Tesla from starting price to maintenance costs, and the 2021 model is lauded as the most reliable Tesla of all time.
- A PTC heater issue in a Tesla can cause the cabin to lose heat, especially in the winter. This issue is common in older Model 3 S Y and X vehicles.
Symptoms
A loud popping sound inside the cabin
A lack of heat in the cabin
A misting up of the screen.We, CarFix Garage, are a one-stop destination for all Tesla repair service in London.
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The most common Tesla problems
Average annual Tesla repair cost: £690.77
Tesla is arguably the most popular electric car brand on the market, but that doesn’t mean Tesla vehicles are immune to needing car repairs.
Across the manufacturer’s four primary models, the most common UK Tesla problems include:
- Tesla Issues with Autopilot feature and cruise control adjustment
- Tesla Failed power steering system
- Tesla Occasional loss of power
- Tesla Unable to be towed
- Tesla Poor build quality
- Tesla Unreliable warning lights
- Tesla Prematurely worn-out battery pack (especially in cold weather)
- A PTC heater issue in a Tesla can cause the cabin to lose heat, especially in the winter. This issue is common in older Model 3 S Y and X vehicles.
Symptoms
A loud popping sound inside the cabin
A lack of heat in the cabin
A misting up of the screen.
Check out the most common Tesla problems by the model in the chart below:
| Tesla model | 2023 Starting price | J.D. Power reliability rating based on feedback | Most common problems | Years to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model S | £91,380 | N/A | Door handles conducting heat, faulty transmission | 2013, 2016 |
| Model X | £101,380 | N/A | Autopilot failure, poor windshield visibility, faulty steering system, unexpected acceleration | 2017, 2019 |
| Model 3 | £41,630 | N/A | Shuts down while driving, loss of power, lock system malfunctions, faulty touchscreen | 2017, 2018, 2019 |
| Model Y | £52,630 | N/A | Unexpected stopping, poor wheel alignment, sudden loss of tire pressure, faulty seat belt retention system | 2020, 2021 |
| Roadster | Est. £200,000 | N/A | Battery failures, faulty tire pressure monitor system, excessive road noise | 2024 -> |
Tesla Average annual repair cost: £557
The Tesla Model S has grown in popularity for its sleek, high-tech features. However, this luxury model comes with the following common problems:
- Tesla Faulty transmission systems, sometimes resulting in a full transmission replacement
- Tesla Poor manufacturing quality
- Tesla Sudden loss of power
- Tesla Faulty universal joints on the drive shaft
- Tesla Heating faulty PTC heater
- A PTC heater issue in a Tesla can cause the cabin to lose heat, especially in the winter. This issue is common in older Model 3 S Y and X vehicles.
Symptoms
A loud popping sound inside the cabin
A lack of heat in the cabin
A misting up of the screen.
A risky quality issue: The streamlined door handles conduct heat when the Model S is left in the sun—burning some owners when they try to open their cars’ doors.
Even with these issues, the Tesla Model S still makes the list of best electric vehicles of 2021.
Most common Tesla Model X problems
Tesla Average annual repair cost: £672
Several new Tesla Model X owners reported the following issues with their new car’s powertrain and high-tech features:
- Tesla The Autopilot system doesn’t work at all—or malfunctions later in the car’s life.
- Tesla Power steering failure leads to the steering wheel locking up while turning.
- Tesla The Model X is prone to dangerous, unexpected acceleration.
- A PTC heater issue in a Tesla can cause the cabin to lose heat, especially in the winter. This issue is common in older Model 3 S Y and X vehicles.
Symptoms
A loud popping sound inside the cabin
A lack of heat in the cabin
A misting up of the screen.
Poor visibility design flaw: Tesla Model X drivers have reported “ghosting” effects in the windshield, which is when the size of the massive windshield causes drivers to develop double vision. Not only does it disorient drivers, but it also reduces the vehicle’s overall visibility.
Most common Tesla Model 3 problems
Tesla Average annual repair cost: £459.44
Common problems with the Tesla Model 3 include:
- Tesla Complete failure of the touchscreen system
- Tesla Getting locked out of the car
- Tesla Sudden loss of power while driving
- A PTC heater issue in a Tesla can cause the cabin to lose heat, especially in the winter. This issue is common in older Model 3 S Y and X vehicles.
Symptoms
A loud popping sound inside the cabin
A lack of heat in the cabin
A misting up of the screen.
Some of these issues have been traced to a faulty high-voltage controller, while others may require a simple software update to remedy.
Least expensive Tesla: While Tesla owners are no stranger to the headaches that often come with this model, the Model 3’s average annual repair costs are lower than any other model. This helps make it one of the best low-budget electric cars worth buying.
Most common Tesla Model Y problems
Tesla Average annual repair cost: £573.90
Consumer reports gives the Tesla Model Y a 2/5 reliability score, especially when it comes to issues with its high-tech electric vehicle transmission system.
Here are some of the Model Y’s most common issues reported by car owners:
- Tesla Faulty wheel alignments
- Tesla Unexpected stops caused by collision avoidance system malfunctions
- Tesla Sudden loss of tire pressure
- Tesla Broken seat belt retention systems
- A PTC heater issue in a Tesla can cause the cabin to lose heat, especially in the winter. This issue is common in older Model 3 S Y and X vehicles.
Symptoms
A loud popping sound inside the cabin
A lack of heat in the cabin
A misting up of the screen.
Most common Tesla Roadster problems
Tesla Average annual repair cost: N/A
Back in 2008, Tesla debuted the original Roadster, only to recall nearly 400 of the high-end vehicles for safety concerns. However, this model was not forgotten as the automaker is releasing the second-generation Roadster in 2023.
First-time users have already experienced several problems with the new Roadster:
- Tesla Battery failures
- Tesla Faulty tire pressure monitoring system
- Tesla Excessive road noise
- Tesla Water intrusion in the headlamps
- Tesla Overheating
- Tesla Brake failure
- A PTC heater issue in a Tesla can cause the cabin to lose heat, especially in the winter. This issue is common in older Model 3 S Y and X vehicles.
Symptoms
A loud popping sound inside the cabin
A lack of heat in the cabin
A misting up of the screen.
Teslas have poor reliability
Tesla has consistently been rated as one of the most unreliable manufacturers on the market. In 2021, the experts at Consumer Reports ranked Tesla 27th out of 28 car makers for reliability.
The least reliable Tesla model: 2013 Tesla Model S
Most common 2013 Tesla Model S problems:
- Whining or grinding noises upon acceleration: This high-speed car is known to have a range of whining or grinding noises that happen upon acceleration.
- Door handle failure: The door handle system is prone to failure early on in this model’s life.
- Loose interior panels: Poorly-installed interior trim panels are the cause of excessive rattling noise when the car is in motion.
Tesla the luxury sedan was introduced to combine the best of a high-performance sports car with a spacious, passenger-friendly vehicle. Though the manufacturer achieved this goal, the 2013 Model S has earned the most customer complaints because of its noisy ride.
The most reliable Tesla model: 2021 Tesla Model 3
Most common 2021 Tesla Model 3 problems:
- Tesla Faulty electrical system
- Tesla Structural problems
The Model 3 is the cheapest of the Tesla line-up (starting at £45,990) and received the best reliability score from Consumer Reports, despite its common problems. This makes it an attractive lease candidate.
Advantages of the 2021 Tesla Model 3:
- Solid performance over time
- Low running costs
- 272-mile standard driving range and 358-mile long range
- Revamped interior
Hence, stop searching for ‘tesla repair near me’ and visit us today at Unit 4, 30-100 Colindeep Ln, London, NW9 6HB.
CarFix Garage are the leading experts in automotive parts repair including tyres, MOT , car servicing, collision repair and more. To find out more about Tesla Repair in London NW, contact us online here or call us directly on 020 8200 8181
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