Aging Teslas Face Durability Issues Over Time
The reliability of older Tesla models has come under scrutiny, highlighting significant concerns regarding their durability over time. According to a recent ranking by Consumer Reports (CR), Tesla has been identified as the least reliable used car brand. The analysis focused on vehicles aged five to ten years, revealing a stark contrast in performance compared to competitors.
Consumer Reports’ Reliability Rankings
In its evaluation, CR ranked Tesla at an alarming score of 31 out of 100, placing it last among 26 car brands. This score was significantly lower than the top brands, with Lexus achieving the highest reliability score of 77, followed by Toyota with 73. Other notable competitors included:
- Mazda: 58
- Honda: 57
- Acura: 53
Among American manufacturers, Chevrolet performed the best, with a score of 40, yet still fell short of the leading brands. The overwhelming majority of the least reliable brands in the survey were from American automakers.
Survey Methodology
CR’s reliability determination was based on user-reported problems from over 140,000 vehicles manufactured between 2016 and 2021. The severity of the issues was evaluated, enabling a comparison of individual car models against their peers.
New Models Show Different Performance
The reliability landscape appeared more favorable for Tesla’s newer models. The brand improved its standing from 18th to 9th among new cars in CR’s latest analysis. The Model Y emerged as Tesla’s most reliable new vehicle, boasting an impressive score of 81. However, this progress was overshadowed by the struggles of the Cybertruck.
Cybertruck Issues
The Cybertruck, which was marketed as “apocalypse-proof,” has faced multiple recalls shortly after its release. In the span of just two years, it has been recalled ten times. Significant issues include:
- Potentially loose body panels due to poor adhesive quality
- Instances of the vehicle losing power while in operation
- Problems with the accelerator pedal becoming stuck
This troubled vehicle was also criticized for breaking down during a review by Edmunds, underscoring persistent reliability challenges.
Conclusion
As the popularity of electric vehicles rises, the durability issues facing older Tesla models could deter potential buyers. With their poor reliability ratings, especially for used cars, consumers may want to consider alternatives from other manufacturers.
