Electric vehicles generally require less upkeep because they have fewer moving parts than their gas counterparts. According to CarEdge, maintaining a Tesla over ten years costs approximately $4,287, compared to $7,697 for typical luxury vehicles.
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However, “less maintenance” doesn’t mean “no maintenance.” Tesla owners and mechanics often encounter these common maintenance and repair issues.
Door Handle Repairs
The stylish, flush door handles, while aesthetically pleasing, are a potential point of failure due to their moving parts.
According to Alan Gelfand, mechanic and owner of German Car Depot, Tesla door handles are prone to malfunctions. Repairing a single handle costs approximately $200 to $250 , and multiple repairs can quickly add up to $1,000.
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Tire Rotation and Replacements
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Typical Cost: $50-$100 for rotation, $200-$450 for replacements
Due to the weight and torque of Teslas, tires can wear down more rapidly. Regular tire rotations, every 6,250 miles, can extend the life of your tires. Melanie Musson, auto expert with AutoInsurance.org, mentions that Tesla charge around $100 for this service, but some tire shops offer free rotations with tire purchases.
Media Control Unit
The media control unit (MCU), which controls the central touchscreen, is essentially the “brain” of the Tesla. Replacing it is expensive.
Gelfand notes that MCU failures are a common concern. A replacement can cost close to $2,700. Fortunately, Tesla often resolves common issues with software and firmware updates, at no cost or a significantly reduced price.
Air Filter Replacement
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Typical Cost: $15-$30 DIY, $150 by Tesla
Like all cars, Teslas have air filters that require periodic replacement. You can buy air filters from Tesla for around $15 and easily replace them yourself, or pay Tesla roughly $150 to handle the task.
12-Volt Battery Replacement
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Typical Cost: $150-$200 DIY, $300 by Tesla
Similar to gas cars, Teslas use a 12-volt battery to power functions like door locks, and these batteries need to be replaced periodically.
Replacing the battery yourself is a straightforward process and involves a battery costing $150 or more. However, having Tesla perform the replacement will cost around $300.
Main Battery Replacement
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Typical Cost: $13,000-$20,000
The prospect of replacing the main drive battery is a Tesla owner’s biggest concern, as it can cost as much as a new, inexpensive car.
Gelfand states that replacing a high-voltage battery can range from $13,000 to $20,000 or more. Fortunately, these batteries are typically covered by a warranty for several years.
Tesla’s battery warranties, depending on the model, last for eight years or 100,000 to 120,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, these batteries lose capacity over time. J.D. Power reported that Tesla batteries lose approximately 1% of their range annually, with faster degradation expected in hotter climates.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Top 6 Tesla Repairs and What They Cost, According to Mechanics