What are the most common Tesla Model S problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2020 Tesla Model S has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Model S / X Drive Unit "Milling" Noise / Failure, 12V Auxiliary Battery / DC-DC Converter Failure Cascade, Charge Port Door / Latch Actuator Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Tesla Model S reliable?
The 2020 Tesla Model S has 8 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Model S / X Drive Unit "Milling" Noise / Failure and 12V Auxiliary Battery / DC-DC Converter Failure Cascade. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Tesla Model S problems?
Repair costs for known Tesla Model S issues range from $0 to $6,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Model S / X Drive Unit "Milling" Noise / Failure, typically costs $0-$6,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2012-2020 Tesla Model S Model S / X Drive Unit "Milling" Noise / Failure?
Early Model S (and X) drive units develop a "milling" noise — a metallic whine that gradually grows louder, ultimately requiring drive-unit replacement. Tesla has replaced many DUs under warranty (often multiple times per car). Issue stems from gear-mesh quality and bearing toler… Repairs typically run $0-$6,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2012-2021 Tesla Model S 12V Auxiliary Battery / DC-DC Converter Failure Cascade?
The low-voltage 12V lead-acid battery on early-to-mid Model S (concentrated in 2015-2018 build years) fails prematurely due to a poor original vendor cell plus constant vampire-load strain from always-on electronics. Roughly a third of Tesla NHTSA low-voltage complaints trace her… Repairs typically run $220-$1,800. Severity: high.
What is the 2012-2021 Tesla Model S Charge Port Door / Latch Actuator Failure?
The charge port door fails to open on command, or the internal latch fails to lock/release the charge cable. The actuator motor stops engaging the latch mechanism, or the electrical command isn't fulfilled, so the door won't 'push-to-open,' won't close, or the connector locks/unl… Repairs typically run $150-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 2012-2020 Tesla Model S Retractable Door Handle Failure (Paddle Gear / Actuator Wear)?
The Model S's flush, auto-presenting exterior door handles are the single most-complained-about item on the car (the #1 issue in Consumer Reports' survey of ~1,300 owners). The small plastic 'paddle gear' inside the handle that transfers the pull to the latch cracks under materia… Repairs typically run $120-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2021 Tesla Model S Electronic Parking Brake Caliper Seizure (EPB Motor Failure)?
The rear integrated electronic parking brake (EPB) calipers seize or the caliper actuator motor fails, throwing 'EPB_w053 - Parking brake did not release' or 'EPB_w052 - Parking brake functions degraded.' The caliper shaft can seize (often from moisture/corrosion in cars driven l… Repairs typically run $350-$1,600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2012-2020 Tesla Model S Model S / X Air Suspension Leveling / Nose-Droop?
Model S and X with air suspension develop leveling-pump and air-strut failures — typically presenting as a nose-droop overnight (car settles unevenly) or "Air Suspension Needs Service" warning. Pump diaphragm wear is the most common single cause; corner air struts also leak. Comm… Repairs typically run $500-$4,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2012-2020 Tesla Model S Frunk (Front Trunk) Hood Latch Actuator / Cable Failure?
The front trunk ('frunk') fails to open on command because the electric hood latch actuator fails or the release cables corrode/seize or the latch goes misaligned. Owners hear the actuator working but the hood won't pop, or the dash reports 'front trunk / hood latch position unkn… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: low.
What is the 2012-2020 Tesla Model S Power Window Regulator Failure (Plastic Ferrule Design Flaw)?
The window regulator on Model S doors fails because of a weak plastic ferrule in the regulator assembly that cracks, letting the glass come off its track or float free in the door. Owners report grinding/crunching or cracking noises raising and lowering the glass, glass that stic… Repairs typically run $20-$450. Severity: low.
