Tesla Model S Palladium — Problems & Common Faults
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Generations
Engine Overview
The Tesla Model S Palladium is available with 2 engine variants — from 670 to 1020 hp.
Modernized Palladium-era dual-motor drive with permanent-magnet machines and revised power electronics (carbon-sleeved rotors). Drivetrain has been unremarkable so far. Topics tend to be build quality, ride comfort and software; the yoke steering wheel of early Palladium years is a matter of taste and was later complemented by a round wheel.
- !! Charge port: overheating up to melting
Charge port or cable can overheat, sometimes with a visibly melted connector. Affects old and new builds alike, promoted by water and corrosion ingress.
Symptoms: Melted connector, interrupted charging, in extreme cases total charging failure
Tri-motor flagship drive with two rear permanent-magnet units and one front, carbon-sleeved rotors for high rpm. Technically elaborate, so far without widespread series weaknesses — but extreme power output stresses brakes (stock brakes undersized for track use), tires and cooling. Budget realistically for maintenance and tires.
- !! Charge port: overheating up to melting
Charge port or cable can overheat, sometimes with a visibly melted connector. Affects old and new builds alike, promoted by water and corrosion ingress.
Symptoms: Melted connector, interrupted charging, in extreme cases total charging failure
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: infotainment processor overheats Insufficient cooling of the infotainment processor can knock out various vehicle systems — fixed under recall (KBA 11850, builds 2021–2022). Symptoms: Display/systems drop out in heat or during fast charging | ||
| Recall: door can open in a crash Deviation from UN ECE R11: unintended door opening possible in a crash. KBA recall 13472, production 2021–2023. | ||
| Recall: rearview camera fails Rearview camera failure on cars built 12/2022–08/2023 — fixed under recall (KBA 13540). Symptoms: No camera image when reversing |
Alternatives
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 8 weaknesses have been documented for the Tesla Model S Palladium (2021–2026) — 2 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Body, Suspension, Electronics. Considered reliable: ModelS-LR (Long Range Dual Motor), ModelS-Plaid (Plaid Tri-Motor).
What to watch out for with the Tesla Model S? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Tesla Model S Palladium have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Tesla Model S Palladium? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Tesla Model S Palladium engine is the most reliable? +
Which Tesla Model S Palladium engine is the most fun? +
Is the Tesla Model S Palladium worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Tesla Model S Palladium? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee