Post
Research the Car Logo

2022 Tesla S

Posted
By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2022 Tesla Model S is a high-performance electric vehicle known for its rapid acceleration, long range, and advanced technology. It’s available in several configurations, including the Long Range, Plaid, and Plaid+. While the Plaid+ was eventually cancelled before production, the other two trims remain. The Long Range model boasts an impressive range and acceleration, while the Plaid takes performance to another level with its tri-motor setup. The Plaid configuration delivers over 1,000 horsepower and over 1,000 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 2 seconds. Owners generally praise the Model S for its performance, technology, and minimalist interior design. Criticisms often center around build quality issues, long repair times, and Tesla’s service network.

Electric Motor

Long Range (Dual Motor)

  • Drive Unit Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Complete failure of one or both drive units, resulting in loss of power and mobility. Diagnostic codes indicate motor malfunction.
    • Solution: Replacement of the affected drive unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $7,000 - $15,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Plaid (Tri Motor)

  • Drive Unit Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Failure of one of the three drive units, resulting in reduced performance and error messages.
    • Solution: Replacement of the affected drive unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $7,000 - $15,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Compressor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system fails to maintain the correct ride height, causing the car to sag or bottom out. An error message related to the suspension system may appear. The compressor may be noisy or not running at all.
    • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Air Suspension Strut Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: One or more of the air suspension struts develops a leak, causing the vehicle to sit unevenly or lower than normal. Hissing sounds may be heard coming from the strut.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking air suspension strut(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500 per strut
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • 12V Battery Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The 12V battery, responsible for powering auxiliary systems, fails prematurely. Symptoms include difficulty starting (especially after the car has been sitting), error messages related to the 12V system, and non-functional accessories.
    • Solution: Replace the 12V battery.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Infotainment Screen Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The central touchscreen display experiences freezing, lagging, or complete failure. This can affect access to essential vehicle controls and information.
    • Solution: Software update, hardware replacement of the media control unit (MCU).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $2,500+ (MCU replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Phantom Braking
    • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle unexpectedly applies the brakes for no apparent reason, often at highway speeds. This is usually attributed to Autopilot or other driver-assist features misinterpreting road conditions or objects.
    • Solution: Tesla has released software updates to address phantom braking issues. In some cases, sensor recalibration or replacement may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $500+ (sensor calibration/replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Charging Port Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the charging port to open, close, or properly connect to charging cables. This can prevent the vehicle from charging.
    • Solution: Replacement of the charging port assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Misaligned Body Panels
    • Description/Symptoms: Gaps between body panels are inconsistent or excessively large, affecting the vehicle’s appearance.
    • Solution: Body panel adjustment or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on severity and panel
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Poor Paint Quality
    • Description/Symptoms: Thin or inconsistent paint application, leading to easy chipping and premature wear.
    • Solution: Repainting affected areas.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ depending on area and severity.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Seat Discomfort/Poor Build Quality
    • Description/Symptoms: Seats are uncomfortable, squeak, or have loose stitching.
    • Solution: Seat repair or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Rattles and Squeaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Various rattles and squeaks emanating from the dashboard, doors, or other interior components.
    • Solution: Locating and securing the source of the noise. This may involve tightening fasteners, adding padding, or replacing worn components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+ depending on complexity
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2022 Tesla Model S, despite its advanced technology and impressive performance, is prone to a range of issues. The most severe problems revolve around the electric motors and air suspension, potentially leading to costly repairs. Electrical issues, such as infotainment glitches and phantom braking, are also common and can impact the overall driving experience. While some issues can be resolved with software updates, others require more extensive hardware repairs. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle and be aware of these potential problems and their associated costs.

Tesla, S
Tesla S 2022
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.