Consumers are switching from gas-powered vehicles to EVs because of cheaper fuel costs. But is the maintenance on a Tesla more or less than an average gas car? What are the average Tesla maintenance costs?
You could expect to spend about $5,800 on maintenance over ten years for a Tesla car – this is well below average. In the first year of ownership, the maintenance costs for Tesla could be around $300 or less, especially if you are able to do it yourself.
So, why is Tesla car maintenance so cheap, and what kind of costs can you expect? I will review the basics in this article as well as what a typical maintenance schedule looks like for the Tesla lineup.
Why is Tesla Maintenance Cheaper?
The internal combustion engine has many moving parts to consider. The EV has fewer moving parts and is therefore more reliable and less maintenance is required of it. There is less wear and tear on the parts, so there is less to worry about.
Even the basics are removed. For example, since there is no motor oil in an EV, you don’t have to get oil changes. You do not have to worry about gaskets failing or engine valves clogging either.
Recommended Tesla Maintenance Schedule
You’ll want to refer to the owner’s manual for your Tesla for the full maintenance schedule. Here are some general guidelines that appear to be standard overall:
- Every 6,250 miles: Tire rotation (possibly balance and wheel alignment, if necessary)
- Once a year: General inspection
- Once a year: Brake inspection (cleaning and lubricating the calipers)
- Every two years: Cabin air filter replacement
- Every two years: Brake system flush (replace all fluid in the brake system)
- Every 2-6 years (depending on model): Air conditioning service
- Every three years: Replace HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter
If you’re having trouble finding the service schedule for your Tesla, it may be a good idea to contact your local EV mechanic.
First-Year Tesla Maintenance Costs
Maintaining your Tesla will cost you differently depending on the age of the car, but in the first year, you can usually keep your costs down unless you are unable to do the work yourself.
Here is an idea of what you might spend in the first year if you took your car to a mechanic:
- Tire rotation: $25-100
- Inspection (brake caliper lubrication included): $75-150
At these low costs, there’s no reason to hold off on your regular maintenance appointment, or you may face exorbitant repair bills.
Does the Tesla Warranty Cover Maintenance?
Unless you are willing to purchase a special third-party maintenance plan there’s no real coverage for these appointments through the factory warranty. This is not a Tesla thing, this is how all auto manufacturers deal with maintenance.
What does the Tesla warranty provide? This depends on what model you have but here is a basic outline.
- 4 years/50,000 miles Basic vehicle limited warranty
- 5 years/60,000 miles Supplemental restraint system (SRS)
- 8 years/100,000-150,000 miles Battery and drive unit
- 12 years/Unlimited miles Body rust
These can also be extended through a third-party, just like you can with any car manufacturer.
You can also inquire about extra protection if you want a vehicle service plan. This is something that you need to shop for before you make a decision, make sure to shop around because not all warranty companies are worth the money.
Average Cost of Maintenance Compared with Other Brands
It’s hard to compare the maintenance cost of a Tesla with that of traditional automobile makers, but either way, it’s going to cost much less.
To demonstrate this example, let’s look at a few of the most popular vehicles available today and see what average maintenance costs would be over a typical year.
- Tesla Model S: $100-$300
- Chevrolet Corvette: $600-$850
- Mercedes-Benz E350: $650-$900
- Audi A6: $750-$1,000
- BMW i8: $800-$1,100
- Porsche 911: $900-$1,200
These savings are not only going to exist in the first year. When looking at these models as they age, the maintenance costs keep going up.
Most Common Tesla Repairs
#1. Tesla Model S.
The Model S may be a popular model, but it has a lot of major problems. However, the most common repairs stem from a defective transmission, with owners that have replaced the whole system.
Manufacturing defects have also caused customers to report complete loss of power while driving. Similarly, the universal joints on the car’s driveshaft can fail, leaving the driver stranded.
On top of that, the door handles have a number of complaints because they conduct heat, making it almost impossible to access the car when the weather is warm/hot.
#2. Tesla Modle 3.
If you want the lowest cost of repair per Tesla model, this is possibly your best bet. It has had fewer issues overall but we still have some things to talk about.
The most common issue seems to be the failure of the vehicle’s touchscreen display. In addition, customers have locked themselves out of the vehicle after the electronic lock failed.
There has been loss of power issues as well, which is a serious problem while driving. This generally comes from an installed bad high voltage controller.
#3. Tesla Model X.
The Model X needs more research and development before it heads out on the road. There were many technologies that needed to be reworked before they were handed over to owners.
The most important issue is the malfunction or complete failure of the autopilot system, which puts the occupants and drivers at risk.
It has also been reported that a ghosting effect on the windshield has caused double vision for some drivers. Not only is this disorienting, but it makes it harder to see.
As if that weren’t enough, the Model X also suffers from a steering system defect that makes it more difficult for the driver. There have been some reports of the vehicle accelerating on its own, and there doesn’t seem to be a fix for that either.
#4. Tesla Model Y.
The Model Y’s reliability scores are generally lower than average from the outset, with most of the issues surrounding the system’s electric and highly technological based transmission. The company has also not been quick to alleviate or redesign the issues.
In addition to the above, some people have also complained about needing frequent wheel alignments in addition to low tire pressure for no reason at all. And still, more complaints about the collision avoidance systems not working properly. And, on top of that, some have reported that the seat belt systems were also defective.
#5 Tesla Roadster.
Once the Roadster was available in 2008, an immediate recall happened due to severe safety issues. When the 2023 Tesla Roadster was released, not many people have had the opportunity to drive it, and complaints are already pouring in about it.
Battery failures have occurred, and issues with the tire pressure monitoring system exist. In addition, complaints have already received mention about the noise level while driving, signs of water getting in the headlamps, and complaints about brake failures as well as overheating.