Table 1 shows two common latches/locks/linkage related problems of the 2013 Tesla Model S.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Door Latch problems | |
| Latches/locks/linkage problems |
The contact owns a 2013 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at 70 mph, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive and electrical power. A warning message stating that the vehicle was about to shut off was illuminated. The contact swerved to the right, attempting to veer to the side of the road on the right lane; however, the vehicle stopped midway and a semi-truck almost crashed into the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact pushed the vehicle into a nearby parking lot with assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the battery had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact that they had replaced the battery with a new battery; however, the failure reoccurred, and the battery was replaced for a second time. The department of auto motor repair of California investigated and informed the contact that the dealer had kept his original battery and the third battery that the dealer installed in the vehicle was not new. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the third battery with the original one; however, the failure reoccurred. The dealer replaced the original battery with an upgraded battery. The contact also stated that the hood would not close securely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer; Tesla (7077 w sahara Ave, las vegas, nv 89117) who repaired the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side door would fail to close. The vehicle was towed twice to the second dealer and was finally repaired. The contact stated that the center display of the vehicle would inadvertently turn off while driving. The contact stated that the failure had prevented him from using the rearview camera or have control of the door switches and some features of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Cpsc: I own a Tesla Model S made in November 2013. All 4 door handles are broken or malfunctioning. After the first one went out, I took it to Tesla and they said it was out of warranty and would cost $1,200. 00 and require replacement. After talking to several other Tesla owners owners and doing some research, I have discovered that it's more uncommon that they don't break than that they do. The actual cost to repair them would be much lower, but they don't offer that. The rear passenger door on my car in fact spontaneously opens itself. This usually occurs when pressing the button that engages the park break. It seems clear to me that the product is defective. Updated 07/19/2017.