Tesla Model S Phase 1 — Problems & Common Faults
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Tesla Model S Phase 1 (2013-2020) is where the electric luxury sedan proved itself — the first car to show an EV could be quick, comfortable, and genuinely usable every day. Build quality lags the premium price tag on early cars, though: panel gaps, paint flaws, and an interior that reads more upper-mid than true luxury sedan are common on 2013 and 2014 builds.
The drivetrains: Launch cars were rear-wheel drive only (ModelS-RWD), 60 to 90 kWh of pack capacity. From 2014, ModelS-D added dual-motor all-wheel drive (75D through 100D, from 2019 sold as Long Range at 564 hp). For maximum acceleration there's ModelS-Perf: P85D/P90D, P100D with Ludicrous mode (up to 700 hp), and from 2019 simply "Performance" at 789 hp. All three used induction motors early on; the first drive units saw elevated replacement rates from bearing noise and seal wear, mostly swapped under warranty — later revisions are considered more durable.
Model years: 2016 brought LED headlights and, that October, Autopilot 2.0 hardware — buyers who want later software features should target model year 2016 or newer. Watch out for cars built before March 2014: they lack the factory underbody battery shield (retrofittable, but an added cost). Missing unlocks like Autopilot 1.0/2.0 or the dual charger can add several thousand dollars if you need them added later.
Whole vehicle: The power-retracting door handles fail across all model years, mechanically and electrically — repairs run $350-$1,300 (€300-1,200) per handle. Air suspension can raise or sag unexpectedly, often starting around 12,000 miles ($650-$2,750, €600-2,500). Also documented: control-arm fractures on early cars ($450-$1,650, €400-1,500, around 45,000 miles) and a 12V battery that can die without warning and strand the car. Heavy regenerative braking means the mechanical brakes see little use — calipers seize from corrosion, especially with road salt, sometimes as early as 26,000 miles. At very high mileage (averaging around 150,000 miles) the drive unit's rotor seal can leak, letting coolant in — humming noise, in the worst case total drive-unit failure ($1,650-$8,800). The line's most important recall is 21V035000: eMMC wear in the MCU1 kills the display, backup camera, and turn-signal indicator (134,951 vehicles affected, 2013-2018). Further recalls cover parking-brake gears, corroding steering bolts, seatbelt pretensioners, and the passenger airbag inflator.
Test-drive checklist: work every door handle on all four doors repeatedly, check the suspension for uneven ride height and warning messages, listen for a hum from the drive unit on a cold start, check the brakes for grinding, ask about MCU update history (was the eMMC swapped?), and have battery health checked with an app.
2026 market: Early 2014/2015 cars run $16,500-$33,000 (€15,000-30,000); post-2016 refresh cars run roughly $19,000-$50,000 (€17,500-45,000), depending on pack size, trim, and condition. The battery warranty (8 years/150,000 miles, minimum 70% retained capacity) has long expired on the oldest cars — an out-of-warranty pack swap runs $14,000-$21,000. Insider pick: a 2016/2017 90D or 100D with a documented MCU1 eMMC swap and fresh air suspension — the drivetrain typically outlasts the small body parts.
789 PS
Performance · Elektro
Raven Performance: the final word
Fun to Drive!Generations
Engine Overview
The Tesla Model S Phase 1 is available with 9 engine variants — from 320 to 789 hp.
Early single-motor rear-wheel drive with induction machine. Early drive units (Large Drive Unit) had elevated replacement rates due to bearing noise and seal issues — many were swapped under warranty, later revisions (Q-drive) are considered durable. Check drive-unit replacement history and 12V battery condition before buying. Expect real-world range of early builds 20-30% below the original rating.
- !! Drive unit (LDU): rotor seal lets coolant intrude from 240,000 km
The Large Drive Unit routes coolant through the hollow rotor shaft. As the seal ages, coolant leaks into motor and inverter — from whining noise up to total drive-unit failure.
Symptoms: Whining/humming from the drive unit, power loss, fault messages; repeat replacements reported - !! 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 - ! Battery management software throttled charging voltage on 85 kWh packs
A 2019 software update temporarily reduced charging voltage, range, and charging speed on some early vehicles with the 85 kWh battery pack. A follow-up update in 2020 restored original values for most affected vehicles.
Symptoms: Noticeable range loss and slower charging after a software update, affects only vehicles with the 85 kWh battery pack
Early single-motor rear-wheel drive with induction machine. Early drive units (Large Drive Unit) had elevated replacement rates due to bearing noise and seal issues — many were swapped under warranty, later revisions (Q-drive) are considered durable. Check drive-unit replacement history and 12V battery condition before buying. Expect real-world range of early builds 20-30% below the original rating.
- !! Drive unit (LDU): rotor seal lets coolant intrude from 240,000 km
The Large Drive Unit routes coolant through the hollow rotor shaft. As the seal ages, coolant leaks into motor and inverter — from whining noise up to total drive-unit failure.
Symptoms: Whining/humming from the drive unit, power loss, fault messages; repeat replacements reported - !! 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 - ! Battery management software throttled charging voltage on 85 kWh packs
A 2019 software update temporarily reduced charging voltage, range, and charging speed on some early vehicles with the 85 kWh battery pack. A follow-up update in 2020 restored original values for most affected vehicles.
Symptoms: Noticeable range loss and slower charging after a software update, affects only vehicles with the 85 kWh battery pack
Dual-motor all-wheel drive with rear induction machine and, depending on build year, a permanent-magnet front unit. Considerably more robust than the early single-motor drives, but the small front drive unit can develop gear-oil leaks. Electronics topics affect the whole series: MCU1 eMMC wear leads to display failure — verify the upgrade was done. Suspension arms wear earlier than class-typical due to the high vehicle weight.
- !! Drive unit (LDU): rotor seal lets coolant intrude from 240,000 km
The Large Drive Unit routes coolant through the hollow rotor shaft. As the seal ages, coolant leaks into motor and inverter — from whining noise up to total drive-unit failure.
Symptoms: Whining/humming from the drive unit, power loss, fault messages; repeat replacements reported - !! 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 - ! Battery management software throttled charging voltage on 85 kWh packs
A 2019 software update temporarily reduced charging voltage, range, and charging speed on some early vehicles with the 85 kWh battery pack. A follow-up update in 2020 restored original values for most affected vehicles.
Symptoms: Noticeable range loss and slower charging after a software update, affects only vehicles with the 85 kWh battery pack
Early single-motor rear-wheel drive with induction machine. Early drive units (Large Drive Unit) had elevated replacement rates due to bearing noise and seal issues — many were swapped under warranty, later revisions (Q-drive) are considered durable. Check drive-unit replacement history and 12V battery condition before buying. Expect real-world range of early builds 20-30% below the original rating.
- !! Drive unit (LDU): rotor seal lets coolant intrude from 240,000 km
The Large Drive Unit routes coolant through the hollow rotor shaft. As the seal ages, coolant leaks into motor and inverter — from whining noise up to total drive-unit failure.
Symptoms: Whining/humming from the drive unit, power loss, fault messages; repeat replacements reported - !! 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 - ! Battery management software throttled charging voltage on 85 kWh packs
A 2019 software update temporarily reduced charging voltage, range, and charging speed on some early vehicles with the 85 kWh battery pack. A follow-up update in 2020 restored original values for most affected vehicles.
Symptoms: Noticeable range loss and slower charging after a software update, affects only vehicles with the 85 kWh battery pack
Dual-motor all-wheel drive with rear induction machine and, depending on build year, a permanent-magnet front unit. Considerably more robust than the early single-motor drives, but the small front drive unit can develop gear-oil leaks. Electronics topics affect the whole series: MCU1 eMMC wear leads to display failure — verify the upgrade was done. Suspension arms wear earlier than class-typical due to the high vehicle weight.
- !! Drive unit (LDU): rotor seal lets coolant intrude from 240,000 km
The Large Drive Unit routes coolant through the hollow rotor shaft. As the seal ages, coolant leaks into motor and inverter — from whining noise up to total drive-unit failure.
Symptoms: Whining/humming from the drive unit, power loss, fault messages; repeat replacements reported - !! 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 - ! Battery management software throttled charging voltage on 85 kWh packs
A 2019 software update temporarily reduced charging voltage, range, and charging speed on some early vehicles with the 85 kWh battery pack. A follow-up update in 2020 restored original values for most affected vehicles.
Symptoms: Noticeable range loss and slower charging after a software update, affects only vehicles with the 85 kWh battery pack
Performance tier of the dual-motor drive with Ludicrous options. Sustained high load stresses drive units and tires above average; rear tire wear is substantial. Otherwise the series topics apply: MCU eMMC, door handles, air suspension. Have battery health (SoH) measured before purchase — performance driving profiles accelerate degradation.
- !! Drive unit (LDU): rotor seal lets coolant intrude from 240,000 km
The Large Drive Unit routes coolant through the hollow rotor shaft. As the seal ages, coolant leaks into motor and inverter — from whining noise up to total drive-unit failure.
Symptoms: Whining/humming from the drive unit, power loss, fault messages; repeat replacements reported - !! 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 - ! Battery management software throttled charging voltage on 85 kWh packs
A 2019 software update temporarily reduced charging voltage, range, and charging speed on some early vehicles with the 85 kWh battery pack. A follow-up update in 2020 restored original values for most affected vehicles.
Symptoms: Noticeable range loss and slower charging after a software update, affects only vehicles with the 85 kWh battery pack
Early single-motor rear-wheel drive with induction machine. Early drive units (Large Drive Unit) had elevated replacement rates due to bearing noise and seal issues — many were swapped under warranty, later revisions (Q-drive) are considered durable. Check drive-unit replacement history and 12V battery condition before buying. Expect real-world range of early builds 20-30% below the original rating.
- !! Drive unit (LDU): rotor seal lets coolant intrude from 240,000 km
The Large Drive Unit routes coolant through the hollow rotor shaft. As the seal ages, coolant leaks into motor and inverter — from whining noise up to total drive-unit failure.
Symptoms: Whining/humming from the drive unit, power loss, fault messages; repeat replacements reported - !! 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 - ! Battery management software throttled charging voltage on 85 kWh packs
A 2019 software update temporarily reduced charging voltage, range, and charging speed on some early vehicles with the 85 kWh battery pack. A follow-up update in 2020 restored original values for most affected vehicles.
Symptoms: Noticeable range loss and slower charging after a software update, affects only vehicles with the 85 kWh battery pack
Performance tier of the dual-motor drive with Ludicrous options. Sustained high load stresses drive units and tires above average; rear tire wear is substantial. Otherwise the series topics apply: MCU eMMC, door handles, air suspension. Have battery health (SoH) measured before purchase — performance driving profiles accelerate degradation.
- !! Drive unit (LDU): rotor seal lets coolant intrude from 240,000 km
The Large Drive Unit routes coolant through the hollow rotor shaft. As the seal ages, coolant leaks into motor and inverter — from whining noise up to total drive-unit failure.
Symptoms: Whining/humming from the drive unit, power loss, fault messages; repeat replacements reported - !! 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 - ! Battery management software throttled charging voltage on 85 kWh packs
A 2019 software update temporarily reduced charging voltage, range, and charging speed on some early vehicles with the 85 kWh battery pack. A follow-up update in 2020 restored original values for most affected vehicles.
Symptoms: Noticeable range loss and slower charging after a software update, affects only vehicles with the 85 kWh battery pack
Performance tier of the dual-motor drive with Ludicrous options. Sustained high load stresses drive units and tires above average; rear tire wear is substantial. Otherwise the series topics apply: MCU eMMC, door handles, air suspension. Have battery health (SoH) measured before purchase — performance driving profiles accelerate degradation.
- !! Drive unit (LDU): rotor seal lets coolant intrude from 240,000 km
The Large Drive Unit routes coolant through the hollow rotor shaft. As the seal ages, coolant leaks into motor and inverter — from whining noise up to total drive-unit failure.
Symptoms: Whining/humming from the drive unit, power loss, fault messages; repeat replacements reported - !! 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 - ! Battery management software throttled charging voltage on 85 kWh packs
A 2019 software update temporarily reduced charging voltage, range, and charging speed on some early vehicles with the 85 kWh battery pack. A follow-up update in 2020 restored original values for most affected vehicles.
Symptoms: Noticeable range loss and slower charging after a software update, affects only vehicles with the 85 kWh battery pack
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: MCU1 memory wear kills the display The 8GB eMMC flash in MCU1 wears out from write cycles. At end of life the center display, rearview camera, defrost controls and turn-signal indication fail. Recall 21V035000 (134,951 vehicles). Symptoms: Display freezes or boot-loops, camera and climate controls fail from 75,000 km | ||
| Recall: frunk secondary latch fails to engage The frunk latch assembly can be misaligned so the secondary latch never engages — the hood can open while driving and block the view. Recall 21V00B000 (130,441 vehicles). Symptoms: Hood doesn't latch cleanly, in the worst case opens while driving | ||
| Recall: power-steering bolts corrode Aluminum bolts of the Bosch steering-assist motor can corrode and fracture — power assist partially or fully fails, most noticeable when maneuvering. Recall 18V204000. Symptoms: Clearly higher steering effort, especially when parking | ||
| Recall: seat-belt pretensioner connection faulty Front seat belts may be improperly connected to the pretensioner and not fully restrain in a crash. Recall 15V780000, listed with the German KBA as well. | ||
| Recall: passenger airbag inflator can rupture The passenger airbag inflator can rupture after years of humidity and temperature cycling, ejecting metal fragments. Recall 19V002000, German KBA action 6739. | ||
| Recall: parking-brake gear fracture An improperly manufactured gear in the electric parking-brake calipers can fracture — the brake fails to hold or release. Recall 17V260000. Symptoms: Parking brake fails to release or hold, roll-away possible |
Alternatives
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 21 weaknesses have been documented for the Tesla Model S Phase 1 (2013–2020) — 9 engine-related and 12 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Body, Suspension, Electronics.
Model S (ModelS-RWD, 2013–2016) — Be Careful: Drive unit (LDU): rotor seal lets coolant intrude, Charge port: overheating up to melting, Battery management software throttled charging voltage on 85 kWh packs. Power: 320 PS.
Model S (ModelS-RWD, 2013–2016) — Be Careful: Drive unit (LDU): rotor seal lets coolant intrude, Charge port: overheating up to melting, Battery management software throttled charging voltage on 85 kWh packs. Power: 367 PS.
Model S (ModelS-RWD, 2013–2016) — Be Careful: Drive unit (LDU): rotor seal lets coolant intrude, Charge port: overheating up to melting, Battery management software throttled charging voltage on 85 kWh packs. Power: 422 PS.
Model S (ModelS-D, 2014–2019) — Be Careful: Drive unit (LDU): rotor seal lets coolant intrude, Charge port: overheating up to melting, Battery management software throttled charging voltage on 85 kWh packs. Power: 428 PS.
Model S (ModelS-Perf, 2014–2016) — Be Careful: Drive unit (LDU): rotor seal lets coolant intrude, Charge port: overheating up to melting, Battery management software throttled charging voltage on 85 kWh packs. Power: 469 PS.
Model S (ModelS-RWD, 2016–2019) — Be Careful: Drive unit (LDU): rotor seal lets coolant intrude, Charge port: overheating up to melting, Battery management software throttled charging voltage on 85 kWh packs. Power: 388 PS.
Model S (ModelS-Perf, 2016–2019) — Be Careful: Drive unit (LDU): rotor seal lets coolant intrude, Charge port: overheating up to melting, Battery management software throttled charging voltage on 85 kWh packs. Power: 700 PS.
Model S (ModelS-D, 2019–2020) — Be Careful: Drive unit (LDU): rotor seal lets coolant intrude, Charge port: overheating up to melting, Battery management software throttled charging voltage on 85 kWh packs. Power: 564 PS.
Model S (ModelS-Perf, 2019–2020) — Be Careful: Drive unit (LDU): rotor seal lets coolant intrude, Charge port: overheating up to melting, Battery management software throttled charging voltage on 85 kWh packs. Power: 789 PS.
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 Phase 1 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Tesla Model S Phase 1? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Tesla Model S Phase 1 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Tesla Model S Phase 1 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Tesla Model S Phase 1? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee