beatle
Active Member
I've had two replaced in the past 18 months of ownership for minor issues. One had no LED, one had a bad pressure switch. Not sure how many were replaced in the first 4 years.
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How many of you had Door handle issues on your Model S?
- Thread starter ADEEL421
- Start date
bwb1
Member
d.c.palmer
10 years of EV driving
June 2014 Model S: No door handle issues in ca. 7 years.
September 2016 Model S: 2 door handles replaced in ca. 5 years.
September 2016 Model S: 2 door handles replaced in ca. 5 years.
whitex
Well-Known Member
We are all driving experimental cars folks, so failing things like this are absolutely expected. Every time something fails, Tesla learns and if it enough times, they make it better for future customers. So, next time something fails in your Tesla, just think about all the good you are doing for future Tesla customers, even if you have to pay $700 our of pocket to fix it - a selfless act to help future Tesla owners, and make Elon richer in the process. Feeling better? 
So far only one out of warranty handle fail for me in 4 Model S (see sig, 2015 door failed), probably don't drive them enough (especially during COVID times). I didn't bother to fix it, anyone who asks about it I just tell it's $700 to fix and I am not willing to pay - good warning for any potential Tesla customers. I plan to fix it myself for less, but haven't had the time and/or will power and since only use that door twice a week, I just open from the inside. If I was ELon I would spin it as a highjack proofing feature, you cannot open the door from the outside.
So far only one out of warranty handle fail for me in 4 Model S (see sig, 2015 door failed), probably don't drive them enough (especially during COVID times). I didn't bother to fix it, anyone who asks about it I just tell it's $700 to fix and I am not willing to pay - good warning for any potential Tesla customers. I plan to fix it myself for less, but haven't had the time and/or will power and since only use that door twice a week, I just open from the inside. If I was ELon I would spin it as a highjack proofing feature, you cannot open the door from the outside.
I always love reading your very well written comments/posts as they always bring me back down to reality from the bubble my trouble free used MS has created for me.We are all driving experimental cars folks, so failing things like this are absolutely expected. Every time something fails, Tesla learns and if it enough times, they make it better for future customers. So, next time something fails in your Tesla, just think about all the good you are doing for future Tesla customers, even if you have to pay $700 our of pocket to fix it - a selfless act to help future Tesla owners, and make Elon richer in the process. Feeling better?
Let's hope it lasts for a while.2nd owner, refreshed bumper, June 2016 build 75D with 39K miles. No issues with door handles so far.
Lasttoy
Active Member
My car has original 2012, gen1. I've fixed about six. Have six spares. The gear is the most broken. One with tiny micro switch. One the wire rusted off. I have tool bag just for this fun. I've changed four window regulator.
Gen 2 door handles won't work on my antique.
Gen 2 door handles won't work on my antique.
aerodyne
2 of 3 EV's - Defect Free!
I am amazed when I read that someone with a Model S of about my same vintage (2015, 53K miles) reports having no door handle problems! I had three or four handle failures while the car was in the original warranty period, and one since. And now my driver's door handle has failed once to open, so I suspect it won't be long before this one goes (again), too. I drive the car alone at least 50% of the time, maybe more, and rarely drive more than one other person, so I would have expected the handles to last longer on mine than on some cars. Some folks are just lucky I guess.
HenryT
Active Member
I've had one swapped at my cost on my 2015 70D in the 12 months I've had it. Tesla told me that two others had been replaced in the past.
Question for the OP - what are you planning to do with this information. Class action or just curious?
Question for the OP - what are you planning to do with this information. Class action or just curious?
aerodyne
2 of 3 EV's - Defect Free!
Car was a demo for three months and 1500 miles before it was sold to first owner. No records of any failures. Maybe handles were replaced early on.
Had to pull my pack for contactors replacement, and now MCU1 is going. Not all luck is good.
Dukeybootie
Member
One more data point -- 2015 85D, 125k miles, one door handle replacement (driver's door).
FWIW I have the car programmed to extend only the driver's door by default so there is a lot less wear and tear on the other three.
aerodyne
2 of 3 EV's - Defect Free!
I'd sure like to know how to do this...nothing I can find on the screen or in the manual.
Dukeybootie
Member
Will take a picture of the appropriate setting screen for you on my way home this evening (unless someone beats me to it). Stay tuned.
airborne spoon
Active Member
i have a 2014 P85D 2 door handles have broken on me both times it was the paddle gear that broke. first one was rear pass, second was drivers door. both times i fixed myself in the driveway with the kit from evtuning instead of just replacing the $5 gear, because i didn't want to pull it apart ever again so it now has the better wires and better gear. its expensive but my time is worth it IMO.
Lasttoy
Active Member
I forgot to tell u all. When I open the left rear door. The right Front door opens. Tesla can't figure it out. Left rear door handle will not present, it's new, in fact second new one. Left rear window will not work. Everything new twice. Tesla said can't figure it out. My antique has its challenges.
Right, good point. I tried that for awhile. But even though I am often the sole occupant, I found it annoying because I often have "stuff" to put into the back seat, such as store purchases or a coat, etc. Plus on those occasions when my spouse was with me, I sometimes felt I might be annoying her unnecessarily, by making her wait while I dug out my key fob and unlocked the other doors so she could get in. So, I guess my own laziness catches up with me.
whitex
Well-Known Member
You forgot to say how long you've owned your car. Most 2nd owners of 2016 Tesla who bought their car recently can say that, unless they bought it with a broken handle.
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