Like many publications, Consumer Reports gushed over the Tesla Model S, calling it its top-rated car last year, but actually living with one has proven less stellar.
Similar to what Edmunds recently reported, the long-term experience with the Model S hasn’t been problem-free. In fact, Edmunds and Consumer Reports have a reasonably long list of niggles.
Some, like issues with the automatically retractable door handles, have been able to be solved with software updates sent from Tesla directly to the car, eliminating the need for trips to the service department. But other problems with things like the car’s central screen – since the Model S has few physical controls, it makes it tough to do much with the car when that goes blank – do require trips to a Tesla service center.
Consumer Reports hasn’t had quite the same list of problems Edmunds had, but the Model S may not be as bulletproof as originally thought when the magazine did its annual reliability survey. Tesla got a score of average, which may not happen again next year.
Still, the majority of Tesla owners, Consumer Reports included, seem to be happy with the car and the level of service received, meaning there’s a chance the company will escape these teething issues with its reputation intact.
By Zac Estrada