10 Most Common Problems With Used Tesla EVs

Tesla is one of the most versatile electric vehicle brands currently available in the market. Its innovative and revolutionary approach toward the EV segment is the reason why the company has led the market for a long time. Well, from once futuristic designs to cool features, you will get everything you may have dreamed of for your car since childhood. And, because of that, there are several people who want to buy Tesla cars. But due to a tight budget and long waiting period, purchasing a used Tesla may end up being the way to go.

There are a few things to consider when buying used EVs, as is often the case, because customers tend to face many problems after buying a second-hand vehicle. Like any machine, a Tesla vehicle is not immune to the possibility of developing issues over time. But, what matters the most is how the brand addresses those problems and provides a great experience for its customers. Well, if you are planning to buy a used Tesla, then you should be aware of the 10 most common problems with used Tesla EVs that you may face.

Updated on 16th February 2024: This post has been refreshed with new information regarding the problems Tesla owners face with their vehicles, recall histories and such being explained in depth. The intention is to provide information on specific areas that should be checked when considering a used Tesla vehicle.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from authoritative news and information sources like Consumer Reports, NHTSA, and Tesla owners’ forums.

1 Decreased Range Over Time

When considering a used EV, one big concern is battery degradation, which usually results in decreased range. Tesla offers an eight-year battery warranty and covers up to 150,000 miles. This means that even if you purchase a few-year-old used Tesla EV, it should still be eligible for this warranty.

Tesla Batteries Have A Decent Life

This means that a Tesla batteries will retain 90 percent of its original range after 200,000 miles. On average, Model X and Model S batteries lose only 12 percent of their original range after 200,000 miles. In addition to the battery warranty, Tesla also offers a Used Vehicle Limited Warranty. If the Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty is still in effect, the used Tesla is covered by the remainder of the four-year or 50,000-mile warranty. After expiration, the Used Vehicle Limited Warranty provides an additional year or 10,000 miles of coverage.

2 Tesla Autopilot Malfunctions

The most important role in the popularity of Tesla cars is its Autopilot system, which definitely has been providing an advantage to this brand in comparison to other car brands. After a fatal crash in 2019 where a Tesla vehicle ran through a stop sign and warning lights that were indicating the road had been closed, it was discovered that there are roads the Autopilot system wasn’t designed to be used on, like rural roads.

Check If You Live In A Place Where Autopilot Technology Was Not Designed To Be Used

A recent recall involved two million affected Tesla vehicles in order to secure the Autopilot system and ensure drivers don’t end up misusing it after 11 crashes were reported involving the system. It is important to check that the used Tesla cars you’re going for has received one of the many frequent software updates that were released to secure the Autopilot system. Most importantly, whether using the Autopilot system or not, ensure you are fully alert and do not take your eyes off the road, or your hands off the wheel.

3 Touchscreen Malfunctions In Tesla Models

Tesla has gained a reputation for its advanced technology and its impressive touchscreens, which can particularly be as large as 17 inches in the Model S, and provide a great experience, which is quite significant. However, in 2022, Tesla recalled 130,000 Tesla vehicles because their touchscreens overheated and went blank. This included Models X and S of 2021 and 2022, and Models 3 and Y of 2022.

The “eMMC Failure” Of 2021

Also, Tesla recalled approximately 100,000 vehicles in 2021 alone due to an eMMC failure. Models X and S vehicles manufactured between 2012 and 2018 had a faulty MCU unit that could freeze the touchscreen and lead to slow boot up times, making you have to restart the system. Be sure to either avoid these years, or check to be sure an update has been installed into that model year to resolve the issue. The Tesla touchscreen is complicated since it controls vital functions like climate, entertainment, and navigation.

4 Faulty Heat Pumps

You may want to be aware of the faulty heat pump problem that has been reported by some Tesla owners. According to documents that Tesla gave the NHTSA while recalling more than 26,000 2021 and 2022 S3XY range vehicles, this heat pump used software that had gone faulty and was keeping the pump open. This issue can cause massive problems for drivers, particularly during freezing temperatures.

Tesla’s Recalls Are Mostly Done Via Over-the-air Updates

Since Tesla added this technology to its lineup of vehicles in 2020, by the 2021 model years, it could still be regarded as a novel technology, hence the problems. With faulty software causing a valve within the heat pump to stay open, a lack of heat, particularly during cold weather, is the next result.

5 Fit And Finish Issues Plague Tesla Cars

With a used Tesla EV, you may face fit and finish problems. Tesla has a notorious reputation for poor build quality of cars and the company has been criticized by many over the years. Poor manufacturing and assembly processes can lead to panel gaps, and one common location is usually the misaligned trunk hatch. Problems with door handles getting stuck are common.

The “futuristic” Model X’s falcon wing doors sometimes won’t open completely as a result of “seeing ghost” obstacles. Its original design proactively detects intrusive obstacles, so the doors don’t move and get damaged. Tesla has also had to recall over 120,000 vehicles manufactured between 2021 and 2023 because the doors would unlatch and open in a crash, and this increases the risk of injury.

Fit And Finish Issues Are Common In Tesla EVs

If you need to replace a part well, it is usually pretty pricey and those costs can add up fast. Despite Tesla’s improvements, the quality of its vehicles is still a concern for many buyers. If you do end up going for it, make sure you inspect it really well and check its recall history with the NHTSA, so you’re not stuck with any major issues down the line. Keep in mind that even though a used Tesla can be cheaper than a new one, you will still need to plan for repairs and replacements, which can get pretty expensive.

6 Suspension Problems

With any used vehicle, one of the definitely potential issues you may face is with the suspension. Tesla vehicles aren’t any different. Tesla’s suspension problems include issues with the air suspension and the control arms. One of the main complaints from owners, is that the air suspension can essentially fail, which leads to a bumpy ride and potentially causes damage to other parts of the car in a major way.

The second potential issue with the suspension system has to do with the control arms of some Models S and Model X breaking. Some owners in Norway reported that the control arms on their Tesla vehicles wore out prematurely, leading to clunking noises, vibrations, and poor handling, which led the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA) to launch an investigation into it. If left unchecked, this can cause additional damage to other parts of the car and potentially affect safety.

7 Teslas Catching Fire Unexpectedly

In recent times, there have been incidents of Tesla electric vehicles catching fire unexpectedly, which has raised concerns regarding the safety of Tesla EVs among potential buyers. The most recent case involved a Tesla Model S that caught fire, and it took 6,000 gallons of water to put out the blaze. Although electric cars are generally regarded as safer than conventional engine cars, the increasing number of Tesla fires is a cause for alarm.

Could Be Caused By A Manufacturing Defect Or Damage From A Crash

Notably, there was another incident last year when a Tesla Model Y also caught fire in Canada. While it is essential to note that such occurrences are relatively rare. It is crucial for anyone considering buying a used Tesla electric vehicle to exercise caution and carry out thorough research into the vehicle’s maintenance history and records. Although Tesla EVs come equipped with several safety features designed to prevent such incidents from occurring, the recent spate of fires raises concerns that cannot be ignored.

8 Drive Unit Failures

One such problem that Tesla owners may encounter is Drive Unit failure. According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the Drive Unit is covered under warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Unfortunately, some Tesla owners have experienced front-drive unit failure, specifically in Model S cars. It is essential to note that Tesla’s Vehicle Limited Warranty follows the vehicle and is transferred to the new owner if the vehicle ownership transfer is performed through Tesla.

It is usually caused by water intruding into the drive unit and damaging the system. Ensure the used version you’re considering has had it changed and is still under drive unit warranty in case it needs to be changed again. If it is no longer under warranty, check the integrity of the sealants of the changed drive unit.

9 High Repair Costs

When considering buying an electric car, one of the primary motivations for many people is the potential savings on maintenance and fuel costs. However, this is not always the case with Tesla vehicles. In fact, Tesla is one of the most expensive brands to maintain, which is quite significant.

Out-of-warranty Battery Replacement For A Model S Would Cost Between $12,000 And $15,000

The weight of the batteries of the Tesla vehicle tends to cause faster wear and tear on the vehicle than what ICEs face. Tires would then have to be changed more frequently. These could cost between $500 and $1,200 for a full set. One owner claimed to have changed the entire set three times in 90,000 miles. A 2014 Model S owner with 206,000 miles on it has changed the drive unit three times under warranty. No longer under warranty, Tesla is charging $5,800 to change it the fourth time.

10 Insurance Does Not Come Cheap

Insurance of Tesla EVs is often seen as generally expensive due to several factors that essentially differentiate it from other car insurance policies. One of the key reasons is that Tesla cars are expensive to repair and replace due to their advanced technology and unique design features. This makes the insurance risk higher, which in turn specifically leads to fairly higher premiums.

Tesla Insurance Costs 50-percent Higher Than The National Average

Additionally, Tesla’s Autopilot system, which for the most part really offers advanced driver assistance features, can also increase insurance costs. While the system has been shown to reduce accidents, some insurers may consider the times it actually caused accidents and view it as a pretty potential liability, leading to higher premiums. The drive unit is another potential ticking time bomb. These factors contribute to a 2022-year model costing $3,007 annually or $251 monthly on average to insure.