The ultimate performance electric sedan with ludicrous acceleration (0-100 km/h in 2.1 seconds). Build quality inconsistency remains Tesla's Achilles heel - expect panel gaps, interior rattles, and finish issues even on €110,000+ cars. Main technical concerns: air suspension failures (€3,500-6,000), MCU screen problems on earlier refresh cars, drive unit whine from bearing wear, and extreme tire consumption (replacement every 20,000-30,000 km due to 1,020 hp and heavy weight). Battery degradation is reasonable at 5-7% in first year, stabilizing thereafter. No oil changes, minimal brake wear thanks to regeneration. Check for numerous software-fixable recalls.
Air suspension failure / leaking struts€3,500 - €6,000
Air suspension develops leaks, compressor failures typically after 40,000-80,000 km · more· less
Tesla's air suspension is known for developing issues as mileage increases. Rear air struts commonly fail first, causing clunking noises over uneven roads at low speeds (7-25 mph). When replacing struts, technicians often discover torn upper link bushings. The air compressor can also fail from excessive use when leaks develop. Cost is approximately €1,800 per strut plus labor, or €3,500-6,000 for complete system repair. Not covered under extended warranty if caused by oil leaks. Early 2021-2022 Plaid owners should inspect struts closely.
Extreme tire wear€1,200 - €2,500
Aggressive owners report replacement every 5,000-8,000 km; typical lifespan 20,000-30,000 km · more· less
The Model S Plaid is notorious for tire consumption due to 1,020 hp, instant torque, 2,160 kg weight, and aggressive negative camber. Performance drivers report needing tires every 5,000-8,000 km. Conservative drivers achieve 20,000-30,000 km. A complete set of four tires costs €1,200-2,500 depending on brand (Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or Pirelli P Zero recommended). Budget €800-1,600 annually for tires alone at 15,000 km/year. Tesla recommends rotation every 6,250 km. Consider EV-specific tires like Bridgestone Turanza for extended life.
Inconsistent factory quality control causes cosmetic issues, even on new cars · more· less
Tesla's build quality remains highly inconsistent. Common issues include: significant panel gaps (especially frunk/fenders and trunk), misaligned dash panels, interior rattles from loose trim, wavy windshield glass, sound deadening material coming loose in fenders, and wrinkles in vegan leather. Some buyers report receiving cars with scratched trim, hanging rubber seals, and stains on seats. Quality varies wildly by production date and factory - it's a "crapshoot." Most issues are cosmetic but detract from the premium experience. Always thoroughly inspect on delivery and document everything before accepting the car. Post-delivery fixes can be difficult to obtain.
Drive unit bearing noise (whine/milling)€2,500 - €8,000
High-pitched whine from front or rear motor, increases with speed · more· less
Drive unit bearing failures cause characteristic high-pitched whining, buzzing, or milling sounds that increase with vehicle speed. Root cause is magnetic fields from the motor bending the metallic bearings over time. Front drive units (shared with Model 3/Y) are particularly problematic. Some owners report noise developing between 30,000-80,000 km. Left unaddressed, bearings can completely fail causing drive unit breakdown. Tesla traditionally fixes this by replacing the entire drive unit (€2,500-8,000 depending on model). Some cases resolved by replacing a ground strap. The noise is distinct from normal EV humming and should not be ignored.
12V battery drain/failure€200 - €800
12V lithium battery dies if car not driven regularly, causes total vehicle lockout · more· less
The Model S Plaid uses a 12V lithium-ion battery (improved over older lead-acid) to power electronics, screens, and door locks. When this battery fails, the car becomes completely inoperable - black screen, doors won't open, no response. Symptoms include driver's window going halfway down, rotten egg smell from frunk, and bulging battery sides. The Plaid's software-managed lithium 12V is more reliable than older versions but still requires monitoring. If the car sits unused for extended periods, the 12V can drain. Replacement costs €200-800 depending on whether done at Tesla service center. Always covered under 4-year warranty if original battery.
Door handle failure (not presenting)€400 - €1,000
Auto-presenting handles fail to extend, caused by broken microswitches or wiring · more· less
Tesla's auto-presenting door handles have been problematic since Model S launch. Common failures: handles don't present when approached, microswitches break due to brittle wiring insulation, internal wire breakage (especially in cold climates), and frozen mechanisms in extreme weather. The 2021+ refresh design still experiences issues, particularly the driver's door. Workaround: slightly push handle back when it doesn't present properly. Out-of-warranty replacement costs €400-800 per handle plus installation. Tesla has issued multiple design revisions but issues persist. Extreme temperatures (hot or cold) accelerate failures. Legal disputes exist over whether this makes cars "unmerchantable."
Touchscreen becomes unresponsive, black screen, loss of rearview camera · more· less
Early 2021-2022 refresh Model S vehicles share MCU technology lineage that experienced failures on older pre-2018 cars. Symptoms include: screen freezing requiring reboot, Bluetooth failures, navigation errors, blank screen, loss of rearview camera (FMVSS compliance issue), and inability to control climate or turn signals. The Plaid uses improved MCU hardware less prone to eMMC flash memory wear, but early refresh units had teething problems. Tesla issued multiple software recalls to address screen/MCU issues. Most problems now solved via OTA updates. If hardware replacement needed outside warranty: €1,500-3,000. Physical screen delamination (bubbling) is separate issue occasionally reported.
Yoke/steering wheel control wear€800 - €1,500
Yoke coating peels, capacitive buttons fail, need replacement within first year · more· less
The controversial yoke steering wheel (or round wheel option) suffers from premature wear. Owners report coating/covering peeling off within first year or 5,000-10,000 km of use. Tesla has re-engineered the yoke at least once. Capacitive buttons can become unresponsive. Some owners have had yokes replaced 2-3 times under warranty. Beyond warranty, replacement costs €800-1,500. The yoke polarizes owners - some love it for highway driving, others find it dangerous in parking situations. Round steering wheel is now standard on new orders, yoke optional. If buying used, verify current condition and any replacement history.
Powerful but expensive to run - tire costs dominate
The Plaid is remarkably reliable for its performance level with minimal drivetrain issues, but operational costs are high. Tire replacement is the biggest expense, potentially exceeding all other maintenance combined. Build quality inconsistency and air suspension issues are the main technical concerns. Battery degradation is acceptable. Most recalls are software-fixable via OTA updates.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history and software version
Verify all recall updates applied via Tesla account. Check service records in-app.
Tires condition and date codes
Check tread depth (should be >4mm), uneven wear patterns, and tire age (date code on sidewall).
High voltage battery health
Check displayed range at 100% charge vs. EPA rating (637 km). Some degradation normal.
Test drive minimum 30 minutes
Include highway speeds, hard acceleration, regenerative braking test, and Autopilot engagement.
Panel gaps and body alignment
Inspect all panel gaps with consistent lighting. Check frunk, trunk, doors, fenders.
Specific for this vehicle
Air suspension inspection
Drive over speed bumps slowly and listen for clunking from rear. Inspect struts for oil leaks or damage. Check if car sits level when parked.
Test all four door handles repeatedly
Walk away and approach car 5-10 times. All handles should present smoothly. Try in cold conditions if possible.
Drive unit noise check
Listen for high-pitched whine or humming that increases with speed. Test at 50, 80, 120 km/h. Compare front vs rear motor sounds.
Screen and MCU functionality
Test all screen functions: climate, navigation, Bluetooth, camera views. Reboot screen (hold both scroll wheels). Check for lag or freezing.
Check for interior rattles and loose trim
Drive on rough road. Listen for rattles from dash, door panels, headliner. Check all trim pieces are secure.
Battery degradation check
View battery health in service mode or via app like TeslaFi. Expect 5-7% loss first year, then 1-2%/year. At 100,000 km expect 90-93% capacity.
Yoke/steering wheel condition
Inspect coating for peeling. Test all capacitive buttons. Check if airbag recall (incorrect horn pad) was completed.
12V battery status
Check 12V battery health in service menu. Should show >13V. Ask when last replaced. Original should last 3-5 years.
Verify no accident history
Tesla parts are expensive and body shops scarce. Use VIN to check history. Aluminum body repairs are complex.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Rearview camera failure (25V002 / SB-25-00-001)Software update
Incorrect airbag horn pad (25V172 / SB-25-20-001)Hardware replacement
Most Tesla recalls are resolved via over-the-air software updates at no cost. Check your VIN at tesla.com/support/annual-and-recall-service or call 1-877-798-3752. The vehicle will notify you if a recall update is available. Some recalls (like airbag horn pad) require service center visit.
Warranty Status
Basic vehicle warranty4 years / 80,000 km
Battery and drive unit warranty8 years / 240,000 km
Battery capacity retention guarantee70% minimum after 8 years
Strong powertrain warranty, short basic warranty
Tesla provides excellent coverage for the high-voltage battery and drive units (8 years/240,000 km with 70% capacity guarantee). However, the basic warranty is only 4 years/80,000 km, shorter than many luxury competitors. Used Extended Service Agreement available from Tesla for post-warranty coverage. Note: suspension oil leaks and tire wear are NOT covered under any warranty.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.