Reliability Of Tesla Model S Rated “Average”

November 5th, 2014 by Christopher DeMorro

Gas2.

It’s been a little more than two years since the first Tesla Model S electric sedans were delivered to their owners, among them Consumer Reports. After gathering data from other Model S owners, Consumer Reports ranked the Tesla sedan as average when it comes to reliability.

In its initial review, the independent magazine gave the Tesla Model S a review score of 99/100, the best score in magazine’s history. CR loved everything the Model S had to offer, but like many early adopters, they have experienced a few growing pains that might be expected from any new car. Among the most common complaints are slow or non-functioning retractable door handles, as well as annoying squeaks and rattles, though other issues related to the battery and drivetrain have been solved by a retroactive “infinite mile” motor warranty.

While the average rating may not be a particularly strong talking point rating for Tesla fans, as it puts it behind other luxury competitors like the Audi A8, but ahead of the Mercedes-Benz S Class and Cadillac CTS. Consumer Reports also noted that newer Teslas have fewer problems, suggesting that the company is getting a handle on things. The average rating also lets the Model S keep its coveted “Recommended” rating.

With the Model X on deck, Elon Musk has to follow-up on of the most successful new car launches in recent memory, and hopefully the reliability issues won’t haunt the launch of this electric SUV.

Source: Gas2. Reprinted with permission.

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Tags: Consumer Reports, Tesla Model S, Tesla Motors

About the Author

Christopher DeMorro A writer and gearhead who loves all things automotive, from hybrids to HEMIs, Chris can be found wrenching or writing- or esle, he's running, because he's one of those crazy people who gets enjoyment from running insane distances.

Ronald Brakels

While I would have preferred Tesla’s reliability rating to be above average rather than average, making stuff is hard and making new stuff is much harder than making old stuff. Now they’ve had time to get better at what they are doing I presume the greater reliability and simplicity of electric motors over internal combustion engines will allow them to pull ahead on reliability. However, the better reliability of electric motors really shine in the long term as most internal combustion engines operate fine in the first few years of use. Once they rack up the miles they start to have problems, but some electric trains etc. have used the same motor for over fifty years.
Mark Benjamin David

What the H**L? How can it get an “average” rating:

1) Did it have problems starting?

2) Did the non-existent engine need repair?

3) Was there some serious mechanical malfunction?

4) Only “some” people had drivetrain issues? How many, really?

I recall that consumer reports stated some issue with their Model S touch screen going out, but, they did not even try to reset the car, or call Tesla about it, instead took it to Tesla.

5) This is why I hate that people listen to Consumer Reports, they are biased.

Recently, even Motor Trend, in their long term Model S test drive, they were letting it do a software update…”…I climbed into the car, already half late for an appointment, to find the Tesla in the middle of its reprogramming. Nuts. What to do? Although you’re asked not to disturb the car during these updates, I had no choice but to drive off. The big screen seemed confused for a while, but the car drove without protest, and when I arrived, a new message appeared that basically said: “We’ll try this again later, OK?” ” So, the car drove regardless. Consumer Reports could have reset the blank touchscreen, if they had tried or asked how, but, they didn’t.

As far as drivetrain, Motor Trend even stated it this way, after taking the car in for regular service: “The service manager reported that they’d heard a clicking sound in the drivetrain and — not being able to open these things up — elected to be proactive and just change the whole thing, along with the knuckle, which I also hadn’t mentioned. Does this really constitute a reliability concern? Or is it remarkably aggressive servicing (free of charge)? If they hadn’t told me about the motor change, I’d never have known about it.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/oneyear/alternative/1410_2013_tesla_model_s_p85_update_7/#ixzz3IE7xsppo”

For Motor Trend, a car enthusiast magazine that is at least somewhat influenced by their big advertisers to clear things up a bit is quite respectful, and sheds some light on what is really going on.
StefanoR99

Considering it’s a brand new car company, to be ahead of the S-Class, and other long established players is amazing. Well done Tesla.
David in Bushwick

I hope Tesla doesn’t regret those gull-wing doors on the new X…