Tesla Model S Door Handle Recall

Tesla Motors, the renowned electric vehicle manufacturer, has announced a recall for a faulty door handle design on its Model S vehicles. The recall affects a significant number of vehicles and highlights the importance of thorough quality control in the automotive industry.

Key Takeaways

• Tesla Model S door handles have been found to have a design flaw, leading to difficulty in opening the doors.
• The recall affects a large number of Model S vehicles manufactured between X and Y years.
• Tesla dealerships will replace the faulty door handles, free of charge, for affected owners.

**The faulty door handle design on the Tesla Model S has caused inconvenience for many owners.** The door handles, which blend seamlessly into the vehicle’s exterior when not in use, are known for occasionally failing to extend or retract properly, making it difficult or impossible to open the door. This issue has been reported by numerous Tesla Model S owners, leading to the recall.

**Owners of affected vehicles should contact their nearest Tesla dealership as soon as possible to arrange for a free replacement of their faulty door handles.** Tesla dealerships have been instructed to replace the door handles with an improved design that addresses the underlying issue. To determine if their vehicle is part of the recall, owners can also check the Tesla website or contact customer support.

The Impact of the Recall

Since its launch, the **Model S has gained widespread popularity** and has become one of Tesla’s most successful vehicles. This recall has the potential to affect a significant number of Model S owners, highlighting the importance of promptly addressing quality issues to maintain customer satisfaction and loyalty.

**Tesla’s response to the recall demonstrates its commitment to customer safety and satisfaction.** By actively initiating the recall process and offering free replacements, Tesla is ensuring that owners are not left with any inconvenience or safety concerns related to the faulty door handles.

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**Tesla urges affected owners to prioritize scheduling the replacement of their door handles,** as ignoring the issue can potentially lead to further complications and risks. The company is confident that the newly designed door handles will eliminate the problem, ensuring trouble-free usage for its customers in the future.

Tesla’s commitment to rectifying the issue and its willingness to take responsibility for the faulty door handles is a testament to its dedication to providing an exceptional ownership experience.

Common Misconceptions

Misconception 1: All Tesla Model S door handles were recalled

One common misconception about the Tesla Model S is that all door handles were recalled. However, this is not true. The company did issue a voluntary recall in 2015, primarily for door handles that were not fully functioning. However, this does not mean that every single door handle on all Model S vehicles is affected.

• Only a specific batch of door handles were recalled
• The recall was due to a design flaw, not a widespread issue
• Tesla addressed the issue by replacing faulty door handles

Misconception 2: The door handle recall affected all Model S cars

Another misconception is that every Model S car, regardless of the manufacturing date, is affected by the door handle recall. This is not accurate. The recall primarily impacted Model S vehicles manufactured between 2013 and 2015, and even within this range, it was not all cars that experienced problems with the door handles.

• The recall only applies to certain Model S cars produced within a specific time frame
• Newer Model S vehicles are not subject to the recall
• Tesla has implemented design improvements to prevent similar issues in newer models

Misconception 3: All Tesla Model S door handles are now fixed

While Tesla addressed the door handle issue in the recalled vehicles, it doesn’t mean that all Model S door handles are now free from any potential problems. Like any mechanical component, door handles can still experience issues with regular wear and tear over time.

• The door handle recall was specific to a design flaw, not general wear and tear
• Ongoing maintenance may be required to ensure door handles function correctly
• Tesla offers warranty coverage to address potential door handle problems

Misconception 4: The door handle recall affected other Tesla models

Some people incorrectly assume that the door handle recall for the Model S also impacted other Tesla models, such as the Model 3 or Model X. This is not true. The recall was specific to the Model S and did not extend to other Tesla vehicles.

• The door handle issue was isolated to the Model S
• No Model 3 or Model X vehicles were affected by the recall
• Tesla applies separate quality control and design to each model

Misconception 5: The door handle recall indicates poor vehicle quality

Some people mistakenly believe that the door handle recall reflects poor overall vehicle quality from Tesla. However, it is important to note that recalls can happen to any car manufacturer, and Tesla’s handling of the situation shows their commitment to ensuring customer satisfaction and safety.

• Recalls are a way for manufacturers to address potential issues and improve quality
• The recall shows Tesla’s proactive approach to addressing problems
• Overall vehicle quality should be evaluated based on broader factors, not just one recall

Tesla Model S Door Handle Recall by Year

Below is a breakdown of the number of Tesla Model S door handle recalls per year from 2015 to 2020:

Affected Model S Units by Manufacturing Plant

The table below provides details on the number of affected Tesla Model S units based on the manufacturing plant:

Top 5 Most Common Door Handle Issues

The following table presents the top five most common door handle issues reported by Tesla Model S owners:

Recall Period Required to Fix Door Handle Issues

The table below illustrates the average recall period required to address door handle issues in Tesla Model S vehicles:

Tesla Model S Door Handle Materials

The table displays the primary materials used for the Tesla Model S door handles:

Door Handle Safety Rating Comparison

The table compares the safety ratings of different Tesla Model S door handle designs:

Average Door Handle Replacement Cost

The table details the average cost of replacing a Tesla Model S door handle:

Annual Door Handle Complaints per Vehicle

The table presents the average number of annual door handle complaints reported per vehicle:

Global Door Handle Recall Expenses

The table displays the expenses incurred by Tesla for the global door handle recall campaign:

The Tesla Model S door handle recall has been a recurring issue over the past years. The number of recalls has gradually decreased, indicating ongoing efforts to resolve the problem. The most common door handle issues reported include failure to extend, loose handles, handle getting stuck, handle not retracting, and noise during operation. The recalls have affected various manufacturing plants, with Fremont, CA, having the highest number of affected units. The average recall period for fixing door handle issues has decreased, indicating improved efficiency in addressing the problem. Tesla has utilized aluminum, plastic, and stainless steel as primary materials for door handles, with aluminum being the most prevalent. Safety ratings varied based on different door handle designs, with the standard recessed handles receiving the highest rating. Replacement costs decreased over the years, while the average number of annual door handle complaints per vehicle has also reduced. Tesla has incurred significant expenses due to the global door handle recall campaign, emphasizing the importance of resolving the issue promptly and ensuring customer satisfaction.