What Are Some Major Issues with Tesla Cars?

Many people want a Tesla in their driveway thanks to their innovative technology and sleek designs.

But behind the perfect exterior lies some significant issues you must consider before purchasing. Minor flaws can add up to costly repairs and mediocre performance.

This article will discuss some of these issues that regularly arise for Tesla owners.

Top 10 Major Issues With Tesla Cars

Tesla vehicles have an excellent reputation for cutting-edge technology and exceptional performance, but they also hide some severe problems that owners and potential customers must know.

These issues range from battery problems to software glitches and more.

Here are the top 10 major issues with Tesla cars:

1. Battery range

Tesla cars have become highly successful from their objective of zero emissions, but they still face some significant issues regarding their battery range.

The typical Tesla Model 3 can go 350 miles on a single charge; however, this varies substantially depending on driving circumstances, weather, and road traffic.

If you intend to take a long road trip, some Tesla models may not be the ideal choice. Fail to consider the battery range, and you will likely run out before you reach your destination.

2. Occasional power loss

One of the significant issues with Tesla cars is occasional power loss. There have been reports from many customers whose vehicles have unexpectedly shut down while driving, showing an error message instructing them to safely pull over and turn off the vehicle.

Because being able to depend on your automobile is an essential aspect of car ownership, this problem makes prospective customers cautious about buying a Tesla.

Although the issue does not appear to impact all Tesla models and only a few, it might worry individuals thinking about purchasing a Tesla.

3. High repair cost

Tesla cars have become increasingly popular in the auto market; however, some significant issues come with owning one. The high expense of repairs is one of the most critical concerns.

With very few mechanics having experience working on electric cars, owners are often left without a reliable person to help them out when something goes wrong.

This is simply growing pains for the electric car market. Still, until more mechanics become familiar with Tesla cars, this issue will likely continue to be a problem for many owners.

4. Battery wearing down

The batteries in Tesla cars can start to deteriorate over time, which is another significant problem. While a Tesla car's battery life can vary significantly depending on how it is used and kept, most drivers find the battery begins to deteriorate after five years of operation.

Replacing the battery in a Tesla is not cheap, with some models costing more than $10,000 to swap out the batteries. The batteries are placed around the vehicle to improve weight distribution and performance.

Although battery degradation over time is not an immediate concern, it must be considered if you want to stay up with your Tesla.

5. Autopilot issues

As one of the most oversized pulls for Tesla vehicles, their autopilot feature provides drivers with a completely automated driving experience within its current lane.

This means no need for acceleration, braking, or turning – thus allowing a driver to enjoy the ride without manually operating the car.

However, reports have found that there have been some severe safety issues while using this feature, resulting in a few crash cases and other difficulties.

These Tesla autopilot issues have become so prominent that they've prompted The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to investigate these mishaps to make necessary improvements.

6. Software glitches

Tesla is a company that is often associated with immense and exciting innovation, although there are certain negatives to this level of development and innovation.

Most notably, they often provide software upgrades that are riddled with bugs.

As a result, some Tesla vehicles have broken down or acted in unexpected ways.

One example of this was an update that disabled certain features related to the Autopilot system. If drivers depend on this function for safety, they may lose control of their vehicle.

Another example occurred when an update caused the GPS navigation system to be unreliable due to incorrect mapping data being sent from servers. Lastly, an update caused the cruise control system to become overly sensitive, leading to sudden acceleration and other problems while driving at highway speeds.

These challenges highlight how crucial it is for Tesla users to remain current on the software version of their vehicle to prevent performance issues.

Owners must be aware of these changes even if they are not usually anticipated since they might seriously affect the operation of their automobiles.

7. Poor build quality

There have been several build quality problems with Tesla vehicles since the beginning.

Tesla's unique door handles, which pop out when drivers approach the car, are a signature feature on all vehicles. While the upper-level models feature metal handles with stylish chrome finishes, lower-end choices like the Model 3 fall short of their higher-end counterparts in strength and quality.

Many owners have reported that these thin and flimsy door handles will freeze to the car door, leaving them locked outside. This can be incredibly inconvenient during cold winters when gloves or other bulky items prevent easy access to keys.

Problems with bumpy suspension are common among Tesla owners, and repairing them can be costly.

With reports of poor build quality, potential buyers must take the necessary precautions when researching and purchasing a Tesla car to ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience.

8. No towing capacity

Another issue with Tesla cars is the limited towing capacity. Many Tesla models do not have a tow hitch or towing capabilities. If you need to tow a trailer or boat, you must look for another vehicle instead.

Tesla does offer the option of purchasing an aftermarket tow hitch; however, this is not always ideal, as it can reduce the car's fuel efficiency and cause other complications.

9. Privacy issues

Another major problem with Tesla cars is the potential for privacy issues.

Even while its electric cars include some of the most cutting-edge technology available, they are nevertheless vulnerable to hacking and manipulation.

This could include anything from contact lists to location history.

10. Battery degradation

The battery degradation rate will depend on numerous factors, such as climate, driving style, and battery usage patterns.

One of the most significant factors is exposure to cold weather, where accelerated battery degradation can occur. The northern states have reported quicker degradation than the sunny California climate.

Tesla provides customers with an excellent customer service experience and a four-year warranty to address minor problems promptly.

Raising the Bar

Tesla vehicles have provided us with a sneak preview of the future of transportation. Despite some issues, it is undeniable that they are reshaping the automobile sector.

Yet, being aware of these possible negatives is critical before purchasing a Tesla vehicle.

Exceptional car shipping service with A1 Auto Transport can help ship your new Tesla or all shipping needs within the continental USA and abroad.

Contact us now and get started with your free quote today.