TMC is an independent, primarily volunteer organization that relies on ad revenue to cover its operating costs. Please consider whitelisting TMC on your ad blocker and becoming a Supporting Member. For more info: Support TMC
  1. TMC is currently READ ONLY.
    Click here for more info.

Original owners of 2012/2013 Model S w/ 85 kWh pack: Has your main pack been replaced?

Discussion in 'Model S: Battery & Charging' started by AmpedRealtor, Mar 3, 2021 at 10:16 AM.

?

Original owners of 2012/2013 Model S w/ 85 kWh pack: Has your main pack been replaced?

  1. Yes

    60.0%
  2. No

    40.0%
  1. AmpedRealtor

    AmpedRealtor Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2013
    Messages:
    6,342
    Location:
    Phoenix, AZ
    My 2013 P85 battery/DU warranty expires in August. I am still on my original pack that has had no issues, but I am reading stories of out of warranty pack replacements costing north of $20,000. I am trying to gauge how many original owners of cars of my vintage have had their packs replaced.

    My dilemma is whether to keep the car past warranty, and roll the dice on the battery (and DU, of which I've had 5), or sell the car and apply those funds to a new Model 3/Y. My out of pocket on that will be roughly equal to the cost of a new 85 kWh pack out of warranty.

    Advice?
     
    • Like x 1
  2. Watts_Up

    Watts_Up Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2019
    Messages:
    3,092
    Location:
    In a galaxy far, far away
  3. omarsultan

    omarsultan Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2013
    Messages:
    2,164
    Location:
    Northern California
    Hey @AmpedRealtor -- we got our cars at about the same time (mine was delivered in July 2013). I loved my P85 but just sold it because I did not want to own it w/o a drivetrain warranty. I had my pack replaced this time last year (at ~136K miles) because of excessive degradation (>30%). Given the pack was a reman B-pack, I was not sure how long it would last. The rear DU has also progressively been getting noisier--still within spec per Tesla service, but again, did not want to be on the hook for a DU repair/replacement out of pocket.

    I can understand the desire to hold on to the car--and I thought about it--but I know I would not forgive myself if I was suddenly on the hook for $30K of repairs to keep it running.
     
    • Informative x 1
  4. Electric700

    Electric700 Active Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2013
    Messages:
    1,689
    Location:
    Florida, United States
    Until Tesla starts offering out of warranty main battery fixes, you should be able to work with a company such as Services | Black Screen | Roadster Battery | Gruber Motors on battery repairs. Hopefully most if not all main battery issues can be fixed for less than $1,000 by companies such as these.

    I would be interested to know the cost of Tesla's drive unit repair service, out of warranty. You might not really even need to go to a third-party company for that if the price is low enough.
     
    • Helpful x 1
  5. eugenetk

    eugenetk Member

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2018
    Messages:
    6
    Location:
    miami, fl
    My 2013 P85 has 28k miles, and the HV battery is currently being replaced for the first time. I'm deciding whether to sell it / trade it in before the 1yr replacement battery warranty expires as well.
     
  6. Lupester35

    Lupester35 Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2020
    Messages:
    7
    Location:
    Washington
    My 2012 MS P85 has 50k miles on it. Not sure if it is related (although I'm starting to really to suspect) but after the last software update about a week ago, I'm now having problems charging at home w/ 240V 40A. The car is frequently being interrupted, stating that the max amperage is being reduced and that the car requires service. I'm extremely scared as looking through forums some people are saying that I most likely need a new battery! This car is out of warranty since August 2020. But again, it only has 50k miles!! Worth noting, I purchased this car used in April 2020 w/ 40k miles. Guess I should have done more research on old/used Teslas. Assuming the worst (needing of a new, expensive battery pack), might anyone have any idea of the best way to rid myself of this car??? Thx.
     
  7. omarsultan

    omarsultan Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2013
    Messages:
    2,164
    Location:
    Northern California
    I'd be surprised if those were issues with the main pack--more likely an issue with your power to the charger or the charging subsystem. Every once in a while they tweak how sensitive the car is to less than pristine power and it causes issues. If you others like the car, I'd suggest the $200 drag fee from Tesla service to see what the issue is, they migth even be able to check remotely.
     
    • Love x 1
  8. Brass Guy

    Brass Guy Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2014
    Messages:
    1,136
    Location:
    Holbrook, MA
    I haven't voted yet because mine's in the shop for a replacement now. They've had it 3 weeks so far.
    I consider myself lucky that it happened in the beginning of its 8th year (Oct 2020 when the symptoms started), as well as being able to limp along until a loaner was available.

    Unlucky however to have to lose V8 interface.
     
  9. random155

    random155 Member

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2019
    Messages:
    872
    Location:
    NJ
    I appreciate this post because I have a 2014 that will be out of battery / DU warranty within a year. I really like this car but I am scared to death of an out of warranty battery replacement. As much as I want to keep it, my gut tells me to sell before the warranty expires. I live in NJ so I dont have any local non-Tesla repair options.
     
  10. AmpedRealtor

    AmpedRealtor Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2013
    Messages:
    6,342
    Location:
    Phoenix, AZ
    Thanks for the thoughtful replies. While the poll isn't scientific, obviously, it looks like a 50/50 split. Those are not great odds. It seems fair to assume I have a better than 50/50 chance of needing to replace the battery in the next 3-5 years based on what I'm reading, or at least have it repaired. There seems to be only one place nationally that can properly service Tesla batteries (Gruber) and that makes me feel a little uneasy.

    If I buy a M3/Y, will I feel this way again in 4 years? Assuming the Model 3/Y are not experiencing anywhere close to what we have experienced with regards to battery and drive unit problems.
     
  11. Lupester35

    Lupester35 Member

    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2020
    Messages:
    7
    Location:
    Washington
    So I dropped of my car at the Tesla SC yesterday. They are currently diagnosing the issue (at a cost of $155/hr). I brought up the 'coincidental timing' of the issue appearing right after the latest software update. Not surprisingly they said that they're sure if had/has nothing to do with it. I'll respond when I know more...
     
  12. Electric700

    Electric700 Active Member

    Joined:
    May 21, 2013
    Messages:
    1,689
    Location:
    Florida, United States
    Sorry to see you're having trouble with your Tesla. I hope it's something simple.



    I think the latest Model 3 and Y along with the other Tesla vehicles have benefitted from years of improvements in all aspects, so am really hoping that the main pack and other components last well beyond 15 or even 20 years. This will help the brand image overall, combined with simplified component replacement when required (including at the battery cell / module level). The more reliable and longer lasting, the better.
     

Share This Page

  • About Us

    Formed in 2006, Tesla Motors Club (TMC) was the first independent online Tesla community. Today it remains the largest and most dynamic community of Tesla enthusiasts. Learn more.
  • Do you value your experience at TMC? Consider becoming a Supporting Member of Tesla Motors Club. As a thank you for your contribution, you'll get nearly no ads in the Community and Groups sections. Additional perks are available depending on the level of contribution. Please visit the Account Upgrades page for more details.


    SUPPORT TMC