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Tesla Model S / Model X engine: faults and reliability

Tesla Model S and Model X: baterías de 60 a 100 kWh and motores de inducción and de reluctancia · Tesla

The Tesla Model S and X electric drivetrain looks sound: Auto Bild hardly records any motor or battery faults, and the documented faults are isolated. The most-cited problems with these cars fall outside this section (screen, suspension, doors).[1][2]

Risk index
25
Moderate risk · what it is
Documented faults
5
3 of high or critical severity
Timing
—
Technical data[3][4]
Production
2012–2026
2 models on this site

8 sourcesHow we work

Which Tesla Model S / Model X versions should you buy?

Our verdict for each version, based on the documented faults.

Buy: No known serious faults, or they have already been corrected, in this version. With caution: Worth buying if something specific is verified: history, a replaced part or a completed campaign. Avoid: High risk of a serious fault that is hard to check for or prevent.

Known faults of the Tesla Model S / Model X

Sorted from most to least important (severity × frequency).

  1. 1Critical severityFrequency: RareTraction batteryHigh-voltage battery or battery management (BMS) faultNormal degradation is low: Tesla publishes an average loss of 12% at 320,000 km. Real battery faults are rare, with a few BMS cases and replacements before 250,000 km cited by fiches-auto.fr.
  2. 2Critical severityFrequency: RareCoolingLeaks from battery cooling hoses (Model S 2012-2016)fiches-auto.fr notes that some Model S cars built from 2012 to 2016 have faulty battery cooling hoses that can drip and overheat the cells. It is a single source, with no figures and no confirmed European campaign.
  3. 3Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectric motor and reduction gearVibrations from worn front driveshaftsOn dual-motor versions, the front driveshafts can wear and cause vibrations under hard acceleration. Auto Bild cites it on the Model X and fiches-auto.fr records several cases; the motor and reduction gear assembly does not usually fail.
  4. 4High severityFrequency: RareElectric motor and reduction gearElectric motor or drive unit faultThe motor and reduction gear units of the Model S and X are considered robust: Auto Bild hardly records any faults. fiches-auto.fr says some owners have replaced the motor or battery before 250,000 km, though without frequency figures.
  5. 5Medium severityFrequency: RareChargingOn-board charger fault (AC charging)The AC on-board charger can fail and stop charging from a domestic socket or AC charging post, sometimes with DC rapid charging still working. fiches-auto.fr documents this mainly on older Model S cars with a dual charger.

Severity colours: low, medium, high, critical. How we rate them

By part

Compare each fault with the same part on other engines: symptoms, cost and affected models.

Symptoms of these faults

What the Tesla Model S / Model X is

The Model S (2012-2026) and Model X (2015-2026) share a platform, lithium-ion batteries of 60 to 100 kWh and induction electric motors with a single-speed reduction gear on each axle. Tesla stopped making them in 2026.[3][4]

In 2019 the Long Range and Performance versions introduced a permanent-magnet synchronous reluctance motor on the front axle, and the 2021 Model S Plaid has three motors. Tesla gives 8 years or 240,000 km of warranty on the battery and drive unit, with 70% capacity guaranteed.[3][5]

This page covers the drivetrain: battery, charging, motors and power electronics. The screen, air suspension or doors of the Model X are documented on each car’s page.[1][8]

Manufacturer
Tesla
Family
Plataforma Tesla Model S / Model X
Type
Electrical
Engine
Asíncrono (inducción) en ambos ejes al principio; desde 2019 motor síncrono de reluctancia con imanes permanentes delante en Long Range y Performance, y tres motores en el Plaid; reductora de una marcha por eje
Battery
60–100 kWh
Power
302–1020 hp
Production
2012–2026
Makes
Tesla

Technical data[3][4]

What changed between versions

  1. 2012–2016

    First generation: Model S 60, 70, 85, P85 and D variants (2012-2016)

    Batteries of 60 to 90 kWh and induction motors; from 2014 a front motor was added (D versions), and up to 2016 they could have a dual on-board charger.[3][4]

  2. 2016–2020

    Second stage: 75D, 90D, 100D, P100D, Long Range and Performance (2016-2020)

    Batteries of 75 to 100 kWh; in 2019 the Long Range and Performance versions adopted the front reluctance motor, the same as the Model 3.[3][4]

  3. 2021–2026

    Redesign: Long Range and Plaid (2021-2026)

    The redesigned 2021 Model S introduces the three-motor Plaid and 95 kWh in the Model S; there are three motors on the Model X Plaid too.[3][4]

Cars fitted with the Tesla Model S / Model X

2 models sold in Spain. Open each one to see all their faults and the buying checklist.

Tesla

  • Tesla Model SModel S 60 · Model S 70D · Model S 75D · Model S 85 · Model S 90D · Model S 100D · Model S P100D · Model S Gran Autonomía · Model S Performance · Model S Plaid2012–2026[1][3]
  • Tesla Model XModel X 60D · Model X 75D · Model X 90D · Model X 100D · Model X P90D · Model X Gran Autonomía · Model X Plaid2015–2026[4][8]

Compare the Tesla Model S / Model X

Maintenance parts for the Tesla Model S / Model X

The parts replaced at services and when the timing belt or chain is changed, searched for this engine. Confirm the part number with the registration plate or VIN.

Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. More information

Are you buying a car with the Tesla Model S / Model X?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had, at how many kilometres and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Fiabilité Tesla Model S (2012-2021): tous les problèmesfiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French
  2. Gebrauchtwagen-Test Tesla Model X: Der Tesla Model X macht gebraucht nur wenig ÄrgerAuto Bild · Motoring press · published 25 June 2022 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  3. Tesla Model SWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  4. Tesla Model XWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  5. Tesla ändert Batteriegarantie: Kilometer statt Laufzeitauto motor und sport · Motoring press · published 6 February 2020 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  6. Tesla Model S Recalls in EUCar-Recalls.eu · Official body · consulted 30 October 2026
  7. Tesla Model X Recalls in EUCar-Recalls.eu · Official body · consulted 30 October 2026
  8. Fiabilité Tesla Model X (2016-2021): tous les problèmesfiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French