2012 Tesla Model S Tesla Model S 2012

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2012 Tesla Model S repairs by problem area

Engine (19%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (5%)

Brakes and Traction Control (0%)

Suspension and Steering (16%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (32%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (19%)

Other (8%)

Chart based on 37 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2012 Tesla Model S.

2012 Tesla Model S repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (4%)

$500 - $999 (0%)

$100 - $499 (24%)

< $100 (72%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 25 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2012 Tesla Model S

Engine not specified

Tesla Model S in Alabama, United States
Mar 2014 - Aug 2014
Apr 2014

12700 mi
They had to replace the battery. 
Jul 2014

14300 mi
Multiple problems with the charging and other mechanical issues. 

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2012 Tesla Model S 4dr Hatch

416-horsepower Electric 1-speed automatic RWD

Tesla Model S in Indiana, United States
Feb 2015 - Dec 2018
Jan 2016

US $200
Door handles malfunction, replaced 
Apr 2016

57700 mi
Sway bar 
Jan 2017

56500 mi

US $200
Ground fault 
Jun 2017

70000 mi

US $200
Window regulator 
Sep 2017

71000 mi
Drive motor died 
Tesla Model S in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2015 - Oct 2021
Nov 2017

65720 mi
Replaced rear, driver's side strut (under warranty) 
Apr 2018

68820 mi
Replaced rear, passenger side strut (under warranty) Replaced air bag 
Nov 2019

84940 mi

C $200
Replaced video display screen under warranty to correct cosmetic defect 
Tesla Model S in California, United States
Dec 2013 - Jan 2019
Jan 2013

3415 mi
replaced door handle 
Jan 2014

18200 mi
cracked windshield 
Mar 2014

20796 mi
HV contactor failure 
May 2014

24059 mi
new design funk latch 
Nov 2014

30683 mi
clicking shims fixed 12v power switch went bad 
Sep 2015

41000 mi
charge light Led replaced 
Jun 2017

65000 mi

US $1300
DU replaced And axle splines lubed sunroof. still making intermittent noise when closing, works fine otherwise. 
Jul 2018

80000 mi

US $190
taillight plastic cracking from sun exposure replaced right taillight 
Jan 2019

83000 mi
Rear upper links replaced 
Tesla Model S in North Carolina, United States
Apr 2016 - Jun 2021
Jan 2021

77000 mi

US $220
Replace 12V battery 
Tesla Model S in Virginia, United States
Oct 2014 - Sep 2015
Nov 2014

23000 mi
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) continually reported an error message beginning in August, calling for service visit. 
Apr 2015

28300 mi
windshield developed a crack on the edge on the passenger side in the middle. Tesla agreed this was a warranty issue. Tire Pressure Monitoring system intermittently reported an error and to call for service. Tesla service bulletin to remove the main battery pack and send to factory for refit of contactors. Installed a loaner replacement battery. They said 3 months or so for rework and would need car back to reinstall the original repaired unit. 
Tesla Model S in California, United States
May 2014 - Jun 2019
Jun 2015

34000 mi
Drivetrain stopped working. 
Tesla Model S in Virginia, United States
Oct 2014 - Mar 2017
Nov 2014

36000 mi
Sun visor hinge was replaced. Wind deflector arm was replaced. Steering wheel volume control switch replaced. 
Tesla Model S in California, United States
Jan 2014 - Apr 2015
Feb 2014

31000 mi
Battery was not operating properly 
Apr 2015

60000 mi
Bracket for battery cover fell off because it was not properly installed. 

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2012 Tesla Model S 4dr Hatch

362-horsepower Electric 1-speed automatic RWD

Tesla Model S in California, United States
Dec 2012 - Dec 2020
Sep 2013

20000 mi
Wind noise front right door. 
Jun 2014

49000 mi
The original battery Rev-A had the High Voltage Contactor fail. The battery was swapped with a Refurbished Rev - A. Tesla service was fantastic. Tesla trailered a Model S loaner car to my home (80 miles from service center) and returned my car as well. 
Jul 2014

50800 mi
The replacement battery started exhibiting strange behavior after about 4 weeks (reduced range and charging failures). Tesla determined one of the cell groups was significantly unbalanced. Tesla swapped the battery with a much newer Rev - D battery. The Drive train (motor/inverter/gearbox) was swapped for a new unit at the request of TESLA engineering due to gearbox noises. My understanding is TESLA swaps the full unit so engineering can analyze the failure or early units to determine the root cause. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Hatchbacks
See TrueDelta's information for all Tesla models.

2012 Tesla Model S Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2012 Tesla Model S problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.