When it debuted in 2012, the Tesla Model S shattered perceptions of what an electric car could be. Blending jaw-dropping acceleration, ample range and a massive touchscreen with a premium and sleek design, the Model S made EVs exciting. It rapidly became the darling of both critics and consumers alike.
But in subsequent years, the sheen surrounding this EV pioneer has dulled considerably in light of recurring reliability issues. For tech-savvy early adopters these hiccups may be forgivable. However, mainstream luxury buyers expect more polish for $90,000+.
As competition catches up, should you still consider buying a Tesla Model S? Before deciding, weigh these nine significant drawbacks impacting driver experience, safety and ownership costs.
Overview – The Cracks in Tesla‘s Manufacturing Prowess
Tesla absolutely deserves credit for accelerating EV adoption and pushing the industry forward. However the tremendous pressure to deliver vehicles has clearly strained quality control. Consumer Reports reliability surveys have ranked Tesla models near the very bottom of all auto brands [1].
While build quality grievances used to impact early production vehicles, these defects now persist across multiple model years and drivetrain components – steer clear if you expect Lexus-caliber refinement. Let‘s breakdown the major issues.
1. Adaptive Cruise Control Triggers Random, Dangerous Braking Events
The Model S’s Autopilot system leverages cameras, sensors and computing power to enable semi-autonomous driving assistance features. One such feature – Adaptive Cruise Control – aims to automatically adjust driving speed based on traffic conditions.
In theory this technology offers added safety and convenience. However, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) filings reveal a more troubling reality. Over the past 3 years, 437 Model S owners have reported sudden, unintended braking events triggered by Adaptive Cruise Control that nearly caused collisions [2].
Many incidents occur during otherwise smooth highway driving, especially when transitioning between sunlit and shaded areas. This braking behavior greatly raises rear-end crash risks for both Tesla owners and nearby motorists. So far Tesla has yet to formally acknowledge or address complaints.
2. Corrosion Leads to Catastrophic Motor Detachments in Early Models
Tesla struggled mightily with manufacturing quality control in the early Model S production runs from 2012 to 2018. A prime example – rampant corrosion around the rear motor mounting bolts. Road vibrations slowly weakened the bolts until the motor literally detached from the vehicle [3].
You don’t need an engineering degree to recognize how hazardous and damaging motor detachment could be while driving at speed. Tesla has initiated several recalls and replacements for vehicles produced before late 2018. But corrosion remains a serious concern for used Model S shoppers – inspect thoroughly before purchase.
3. Electrical Gremlins Keep Plaguing Model S Vehicles – Both Old and New
As a sophisticated electronic device on wheels, the Model S naturally relies more heavily on electrical components and wiring than internal combustion vehicles. So early electrical defects could perhaps be chalked up to initial quality issues. But problems persist across recent model years suggesting inadequate durability testing before production.
Analysis of NHTSA complaints reveals electrical issues remain the second largest gripe among Model S owners. Spanning model years 2013 to 2021, over 800 electrical system problems have been reported [4]. Faulty components run the gamut from screens to sensors to automatic door handles and more. Solving these electrical ghosts often proves confusing and costly even for technicians.
4. Sudden Loss of Power Steering Assist Forces Manual Wheel Cranking
Steering components take serious abuse traversing streets and highways day in and day out. After nearly 10 years in production however, you’d expect any major defects would have surfaced and been addressed by now.
Instead in 2021, a steering defect triggered an enormous recall spanning nearly every Model S produced since 2014 – over 117,000 vehicles [5]. Driving over potholes or bumpy surfaces can knock the electric power steering assist offline, forcing owners to manually wrestle the wheel. Power loss naturally makes steering far more difficult, raising safety risks.
5. “Deep Sleep” Causes Vehicle Communication Blackout
To conserve battery life when parked, Teslas use a Deep Sleep mode that minimizes power draw. But issues awaken when some vehicles fail to leave this ultra low-power state. Owner forums describe vehicles unresponsive to the smartphone app or keys [6].
Workarounds like door resets or app reinstallation sometimes revive a sleeping bot. But other times owners need flatbed tows for dealer diagnosis. For owners relying on their Tesla for daily transportation, lengthy downtime proves highly inconvenient whether its hours or days in the shop.
6. Center Screen Freezing Forces Functionality Losses
As a central control interface managing everything from navigation to audio to climate settings, properly functioning touchscreens are paramount in Teslas. Reviewers initially praised the Model S’s enormous 17” display as an impressive technological feat.
Fast forward to the present day, and touchscreen bugs now hamper drivers regularly. Freezing leads to the loss of most vehicle controls until the entire system can reboot (often requiring a service visit) [7]. Even basic adjustments for windshield defrosting or wiper speed become unavailable, drastically reducing safety.
7. Minimalist Philosophies Backfire for $90,000+ Luxury Car
In pursuit of aesthetic elegance and ample passenger space, Tesla omitted many common storage nooks and crannies in the Model S interior. You won’t find door pockets or central console bins. Unfortunately build quality also suffers – early wrinkling leather and loose trim elements signal corners cut.
Reviewers praise the interior roominess, but for a vehicle starting near six figures buyers expect more refinement. Rival luxury electric vehicles better blend sleek designs with premium materials and craftsmanship.
8. Parts Scarcity and Limited Service Centers Result in Lengthy Repair Delays
As consumer appetite for Teslas expands exponentially, company capabilities strain to keep pace. Parts shortages, logistics bottlenecks and limited service center locations translate to lengthy queues for collision repairs or general maintenance needs.
Some Model S owners endure 6 months or longer waiting for body work completion [8]. Smaller fixes aren’t immune either – replacing brake pads for example might draw a 3 month shop backlog. Such delays turn minor fender benders into major inconveniences.
9. The Model S Now Faces Serious Luxury Electric Competition
Tesla once enjoyed a near monopoly on long-range electric luxury sedans. But with expertise from established premium brands, serious competitors now surpass the Model S offering greater refinement, features and reliability.
| Specs/Features | Tesla Model S | Mercedes EQS | Lucid Air |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPA Range | 405 mi | 350 mi | 520 mi* |
| Performance | 3.1s 0-60mph | 4.1s 0-60mph | 2.5s 0-60mph |
| Charging Speed | 250 mi/30 min | 210 mi/30 min | 300 mi/30 min |
| Driver Assists | Autopilot | Drive Pilot | DreamDrive |
| Rear Legroom | 35.4 in | 41.7 in | 38.4 in |
| Reliability Rating | 2 / 5 | 4 / 5 | TBD |
After a decade since its game-changing debut, the Model S shows signs of age against next-gen rivals. Shoppers value range, performance AND reliability.
The Model S still delivers slick electric transportation, but prospective owners should temper expectations given Tesla’s unresolved quality control challenges. Reliability remains well below average among luxury brands, translating to more problems and repair headaches [9].
For tech-forward early adopters fixated on the brand, cutting-edge features may outweigh risks of random software glitches or premature parts failures. Carefully weigh lengthy lead times for collision repairs if considering the Model S. Also ensure convenient access to service centers before purchase.
But consumers desiring the pinnacle of EV range, performance AND long-term ownership should strongly consider alternatives like the Lucid Air or Mercedes EQS instead. Their dedication to quality and luxury better justifies the six-figure price point.
- Source: Consumer Reports Auto Reliability Survey
- Source: NHTSA Owner Complaints Database
- Source: ExtremeTech.com
- Source: CarProblemZoo.com
- Source: Tesla Investor Relations
- Source: Tesla Motors Club Forum
- Source: DigitalTrends.com
- Source: AutoEvolution.com
- Source: RepairPal Reliability Ratings
