The best car ever tested by Consumer Reports — Tesla Model S – has received a worse-than-average overall problem rate in the Annual Auto Reliability Survey. According to Consumer Reports, over 1,400 survey responses were received from Model S owner who chronicled an array of detailed and complicated maladies.
Last year, the Model S was rated as “average” in the reliability survey.
Consumer Reports says the main problem areas involved the drivetrain, power equipment, charging equipment, giant iPad-like center console, and body and sunroof squeaks, rattles, and leaks. Specific areas that scored worse on the 2015 model, compared with the 2014 model in last year’s survey, were the climate control, steering, and suspension systems.
“It’s a great car. We stand by those words; it’s a great car when everything is working 100 percent,” said Jake Fisher, Consumer Reports director of automotive testing.
With its four-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty – and eight-year/unlimited mileage battery and drivetrain warranty – these problems are usually fixed at no-cost to owners.
The magazine’s news sent Tesla’s shares plunging 15 percent, along with concerns about the pricing and production of the new Tesla Model X luxury SUV.
