The 2017 Model S is a high-performance EV that suffers from drive unit longevity issues, particularly the rear motor/inverter assembly, plus door handle failures and touchscreen yellowing that Tesla eventually acknowledged. Battery degradation is gradual but real, and suspension components wear faster than comparable luxury sedans due to curb weight.
Rear Drive Unit Failure (Motor/Inverter Assembly)
Common · high severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: clunking or whining from rear during acceleration, milling noise at highway speed, reduced power or limp mode, drivetrain error messages on display
Fix: Full drive unit replacement, typically covered under 8-year drivetrain warranty if still active; otherwise involves dropping entire assembly, disconnecting high-voltage lines, coolant system drain/refill. 6-8 hours labor for experienced EV tech, must use Tesla or approved remanufactured unit.
Estimated cost: $5,000-9,000
Door Handle Mechanism Failure
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: handle fails to present when approaching vehicle, handle stuck in extended position, manual override required to open door, intermittent handle operation in cold weather
Fix: Replace door handle actuator assembly, requires door panel removal and recalibration. 1.5-2 hours per handle. Tesla revised the design multiple times; aftermarket units available but quality varies.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Main Control Unit (MCU) Touchscreen Yellowing and Failure
Common · medium severitySymptoms: yellow border appearing around screen edges, touchscreen unresponsive or laggy, system reboots while driving, loss of backup camera display
Fix: MCU1 units (Tegra 3 chip) have eMMC memory that wears out; yellow screen is adhesive degradation. Tesla offered infotainment upgrade to MCU2 for $1,500, otherwise full MCU replacement required. 3-4 hours labor, dash disassembly.
Estimated cost: $1,500-2,500
High-Voltage Battery Coolant Leak
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: green coolant pooling under vehicle, battery thermal management warning, reduced charging speed, sweet smell from HVAC vents
Fix: Coolant lines to battery pack or internal battery module seals fail. If external line, 2-3 hours labor. If internal module seal, requires partial pack disassembly or full module replacement, 8-12 hours labor minimum. Must use Tesla-approved coolant.
Estimated cost: $800-6,000
Front Upper Control Arm Bushing Wear
Common · low severityTypical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: clunking over bumps, steering wander, uneven tire wear on inside edge, alignment won't hold
Fix: Aluminum control arms with bonded bushings wear prematurely due to 4,900+ lb curb weight. Replace full control arm assembly (bushings not serviceable separately on OEM parts). 2-3 hours per side including alignment.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200
12-Volt Battery Failure
Occasional · medium severitySymptoms: car won't wake from sleep, frunk and doors won't open remotely, warning to replace 12V battery, complete loss of accessories even with high-voltage battery charged
Fix: Small 12V lead-acid battery powers computers and accessories; charged by DC-DC converter from main pack. Typical lifespan 3-5 years. Located under hood, 0.5-1 hour labor. Requires Tesla-specific procedure to prevent computer lockout.
Estimated cost: $200-400
Air Suspension Compressor and Strut Failures
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: vehicle sitting low on one corner, suspension fault message, compressor running constantly, harsh ride with error light
Fix: Air struts leak at seals; compressor overworks and fails. Strut replacement 2-3 hours per corner. Compressor replacement 1.5-2 hours. Many owners convert to coilover suspension ($2,000-3,000 all corners) to avoid repeat failures.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000
Only if under warranty or you're prepared for $3,000-5,000 surprise repairs—drive units are a gamble and Tesla service is slow and expensive; amazing to drive but not a budget-friendly used buy.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.