2012–2025 Tesla Model S · common problems & known faults

Capacity loss and charging limits on early packs

Typically appears

100,000+ miles

What to inspect

Check rated range at full charge and service history

Air suspension and control arm wear

Typically appears

80,000+ miles

What to inspect

Check ride height and listen for clunks

Door handle mechanism failures on early cars

Typically appears

Age-related

What to inspect

Operate every door handle several times

MCU screen failure and yellowing on older cars

Typically appears

Age-related

What to inspect

Check the screen for yellow banding and responsiveness

Milling machine whine or clunking from the rear drive unit during acceleration or lift-off regeneration.

Typically appears

40,000-80,000 miles

What to inspect

Drive at low speed with the window down. Apply sharp throttle then lift off completely to engage regen; listen for metallic clunks or a distinct high-pitched milling whine.

Cabin fails to heat up due to a blown PTC heater element, leaving only cold air blowing from the vents.

Typically appears

60,000-100,000 miles

What to inspect

Set the climate control to 'HI' manually, disable the heated seats, and place your hand over the centre vents. It should blow noticeably hot air within 60 seconds.

Daytime Running Light (DRL) strips burn out or turn a distinct yellow colour, often requiring complete headlight unit replacement.

Typically appears

4-7 years

What to inspect

Switch the headlights to the side-light or DRL setting. Walk around the front and look for dim, yellowed, or completely dead sections along the outer LED signature strips.

Water ingress and heavy condensation pooling inside the rear tailgate light clusters, eventually causing the LEDs to fail.

Typically appears

3-6 years

What to inspect

Inspect the rear light clusters, particularly the inner sections mounted on the boot lid, for visible water droplets, fogging, or dead LED bulbs when illuminated.