Reliability Concerns Surrounding the Tesla Model 3
A recent study by the German technical inspection organization ITV has shed light on the reliability of various car models, including the Tesla Model 3. The results indicate that the Tesla Model 3 has the highest breakdown rate among all cars in Germany after three years of operation.
Breakdown Rate and Failure Sources
The study, which evaluated 221 car models from July 2022 to June 2023, found that the Model 3 has a 14.7% failure rate, placing it at the bottom of the list. The main sources of failures in the Tesla Model 3 were identified as lighting, brakes, and suspension. In comparison, the electric vehicle with the next highest defect rate, the Renault Zoe, had a defect rate of 8.9%, while the Volkswagen e-Golf was the highest rated electric vehicle with 3.4%.
Factors Contributing to the High Failure Rate
Tesla’s decision in 2019 to stop defining service intervals and the limited availability of the company’s service centers are believed to be contributing factors to the high failure rate of the Tesla Model 3. The lack of regular maintenance and the scarcity of service centers have resulted in a higher number of defects and breakdowns.
Inspection Results and Defects
According to the TÜV Association, 14.2% of Model 3s failed the first inspection after three years with “significant defects” in suspension and braking components. The high mileage of the Model 3, averaging 53,000 km compared to 42,000 km for other electric vehicles of similar age, cannot be solely blamed for the poor performance.
Maintenance as a Solution
The study highlights the importance of regular maintenance in preventing defects and breakdowns. Although electric vehicles require less maintenance in terms of their powertrain, other components continue to wear out and should be checked periodically. The lack of maintenance and the limited availability of service centers have resulted in a higher number of defects and breakdowns.
Global Implications
The problem of lack of Tesla service centers is not unique to Germany but is a global issue. In the United States, Tesla has 186 service centers, compared to Ford’s almost 3,000. This disparity highlights the challenges Tesla faces in providing adequate service for its vehicles.
Conclusion
The reliability concerns surrounding the Tesla Model 3 are a cause for concern for potential buyers. While the electric vehicle has been popular since its global debut in 2017, the high failure rate and limited availability of service centers are significant drawbacks. Regular maintenance and the expansion of service centers are essential in addressing these reliability issues.