We have noticed that Tesla has become more and more popular brand of vehicles in NYC and have more customers coming in with Tesla Model 3 owners come to our shop for maintenance and repairs. So we have decided to make a list of the most common issues and repairs we have seen in the Tesla Model 3 cars that our customer bring to our shop.
Suspension issues
We have has many customers come into our shop with suspension noises or because the handling feels strange.
We have found that on Tesla Model 3 cars the control arms, bushings, and mount wear prematurely because of the amazing instantaneous torque Tesla Model 3 motors provide.
Tesla Model 3 Premature Suspension Wear and Tear
Since electric motors don’t need to rev up like Internal Combustion Engines to deliver power they can wear out suspension components faster than on traditional gasoline powered cars.
Add that New York City roads are usually full of broken pavement, pot holes, and other hazards we have many customers come in with suspension noises and loose handling.
Tesla Mode 3 Rattles and Creaks
Tesla being a new car company, they don’t have the best build quality in their internal components and parts.
Many owners bring the cars in because their car has developed interior noises rattles and creaks. Also many components like interior seats wear prematurely from the use of synthetic leather. These can be repaired by adding bushings or reupholstering the seats.
Tesla Model 3 Road and Suspension Noise
Also many customers who purchase Teslas come from other enthusiast car brands like Audi and BMW. These customers are more sensitive to road and interior noises.
The reality is that luxury and enthusiast car brands like BMW and Audi can use the sound of their engine revving up to help hide road, wind, and other miscellaneous noises. Drivers that are used to these cars simply don’t notice more subtle driving noises because gasoline powered cars can use exhaust and engine tuning to mask these noises.
Since Tesla motors are much quieter then it is much easier to notice these noises as you drive.
Worn Subframe and Motor Mounts
Since Tesla motors offer instantaneous power there is a lot of strain on the subframe rubber mounts that are sandwiched between the suspension and body of the Model 3. This is a big job at the dealer and an independent shop that has experience with Teslas can replace the subframe and motor mounts much more economically than the Tesla dealer.
Tesla Model 3 Drive Motor Issues
As Tesla Model 3 drive motors age they do require maintenance such as oil changes and internal bearing replacements. Customers have informed us that when they experience Tesla Drive motor noises/issues the Tesla dealers tell them that the drive motors aren’t serviceable and they recommend the entire drive motor unit be replaced!
This can cost between $6,300 to $10,000 for just the replacement motor alone! With proper diagnosis and repair Tesla drive motors can be repaired for much less.
Tesla Model 3 Door Handles and Window Regulator Repairs
Tesla installed futuristic pop out door handles on their Tesla Model 3. They are quite slick, but are also prone to failure. So do their window regulators! These are common repairs which we common do for much lower prices than the dealer!
Tesla Tire and Wheel Repair
We have also have many customers come in with damaged or bent rims and tires. When possible we can refurbish the factory Tesla Rim, but we also offer factory rim and tire replacements for most Tesla models.
These are the most common issues we have recently seen at our shop. If you have any questions, or would like our shop to diagnose an issue with your Tesla model 3 or other car, feel free to reach out to us @ Tolima’s Auto Center!
