2021 Model S LR high pitched whine

[Stevehmk]

I’ve seen posts about this issue on the MY and M3 forums, but not for the refreshed model S. I get a high pitched whine (sounds like a dental instrument) during acceleration that is most noticeable around 30-70mph. It comes and goes and oscillates at times too. In the MY forum they mention a missing penthouse perimeter seal that fixed the issue on some cars. I have a service scheduled, but wanted to see if anyone else has had this issue and resolution for their refreshed Model S. Thanks.

 

[Trourou]

I’ve seen posts about this issue on the MY and M3 forums, but not for the refreshed model S. I get a high pitched whine (sounds like a dental instrument) during acceleration that is most noticeable around 30-70mph. It comes and goes and oscillates at times too. In the MY forum they mention a missing penthouse perimeter seal that fixed the issue on some cars. I have a service scheduled, but wanted to see if anyone else has had this issue and resolution for their refreshed Model S. Thanks.

Any update on your service? Got fixed?

 

[Stevehmk]

I finally was able to get my car into service and they told me that the sound was “normal” and similar to other refreshed Model S drive unit sounds. I took a video of the sound in question. You have to turn up the volume to hear it over the road noise. Is this normal? Thanks.

 

[WilliamG]

I finally was able to get my car into service and they told me that the sound was “normal” and similar to other refreshed Model S drive unit sounds. I took a video of the sound in question. You have to turn up the volume to hear it over the road noise. Is this normal? Thanks.

My car does not make that sound. That is not normal to me, but I have a Plaid. Anyone else with a Model S want to chime in here?

 

[SignatureSales]

I had the same experience with the high pitch noise from the road. It all went away after I turn OFF the active road noise reduction. ARNR can be very annoying sometime.

 

[Trourou]

I finally was able to get my car into service and they told me that the sound was “normal” and similar to other refreshed Model S drive unit sounds. I took a video of the sound in question. You have to turn up the volume to hear it over the road noise. Is this normal? Thanks.

I have Model Y and I have similar whining sound. I did a Telsa service earlier this month and I was told this is 'normal'. Seems like I have to live with it. It makes me uncomfortable, especially when I drive alone. (It is kind of ignored when having others in the car and talking). Music on also helps, otherwise, I don't know what else I can do.

 

[scrapps]

So I have a 3 as well as an S and here it on both, I believe it's just the motors? A bit more noticeable on my S as there's the additional motor up front. Presumed it was completely normal.

 

[Lowchrg]

2017 90D whines like this and has since day 1.

Model S has big, powerful motors that have some electric whirring. I personally like it.

 

[SoCalDude]

My LR also has the whine and it gets much louder on aggressive acceleration.

 

[Stevehmk]

Thanks, I’m glad that others have noticed it and seems “normal.” The service agent told me to let them know if it gets worse.

 

[jacie6056]

The Plaid I drove also had this whine sound. Its' definitely louder than the 3/Y, I think

 

[neil0109]

I had experiencing similar issue, here is mine sounds like:

v1 high pitched noise.mov

drive.google.com

not sure it's related to improper sound insulation.

 

[neil0109]

I finally was able to get my car into service and they told me that the sound was “normal” and similar to other refreshed Model S drive unit sounds. I took a video of the sound in question. You have to turn up the volume to hear it over the road noise. Is this normal? Thanks.

Hey original post. does that sound goes away for you from time to time?

 

[Stevehmk]

Hey original post. does that sound goes away for you from time to time?

Yes, it comes and go. Happens at certain speeds between about 30-80 mph. For me it can happen in both acceleration and regen.

 

[planetary]

For me, the whine is evident at 68-72 mph specifically. But I have 50 year-old ears, so my frequency detection isn't perfect.

It's not a problem, I don't think. I'd call it a quirk.

 

[Muzzman1]

I finally was able to get my car into service and they told me that the sound was “normal” and similar to other refreshed Model S drive unit sounds. I took a video of the sound in question. You have to turn up the volume to hear it over the road noise. Is this normal? Thanks.

My 85D did this from day one and it got progressively worse. When it was bad it was as loud as your video. I took it in and got a new front DU.

Edit: I could make the sound go away when I turned on "range mode". It was totally on/off when I did. You can use that to help diagnosis. (if the car has "range mode" option. I'm not sure if all models do anymore.

 

[neil0109]

I think they removed the "Range mode" option now. I do experience with different mode however when I switch between chill mode, sport, plaid it makes no differences regarding the high pitched inverted sound.

 

[Maybe22]

I and others seem to be experiencing this on our LRMX — I assume it’s the same for all MS/X but only some complain about it?

 

[cuti]

The similar milling noise happened to my MS 2014 2 months ago had prompt Tesla replaced Drive Unit (reman unit), but similar milling sound on my MS 2021, Tesla also said it is normal.. I asked Tesla then why they replaced DU on my 2014, they said " they did not sound similar" .
Just matter of time the milling sound will become louder when the DU's seal leaks bigger prompt more airs come in while driving.

 

[paulchou]

The video below is from a Lucid commercial but it does have a clip of Model S accelerating - with the familiar whining sound.

So is the whining/Jet engine noise just part of Model S experience?

Btw., I had a 2017 100D loaner recently and it did not have that noise.