# 2014 Tesla Model S - Am I the only one with multiple drive unit failures? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** tesla\ **Created:** [December 12, 2023, 3:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2014-tesla-model-s-am-i-the-only-one-with-multiple-drive-unit-failures/193998 "2023-12-12T15:56:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![PaulKitchen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3d9bf3/32.png) [@PaulKitchen](https://community.cartalk.com/u/PaulKitchen)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2023, 3:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2014-tesla-model-s-am-i-the-only-one-with-multiple-drive-unit-failures/193998/1 "2023-12-12T15:56:20Z")
This relates to a failure of the drive unit. Has anyone else had multiple failures of the drive unit system including bearing noise (Tesla did warranty those), Inverter (short circuit blowing main fuse), and/or instances of water found inside the inverter or motor itself. For that last question it seems that Tesla service centers are trying to blame drivers for traveling through standing water, but I have evidence that that’s not the case. ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2023, 7:47pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2014-tesla-model-s-am-i-the-only-one-with-multiple-drive-unit-failures/193998/2 "2023-12-12T19:47:51Z")
Car and Driver did an early test of the S, suffered multiple failures I believe. Do a search on their web site for more info. ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2023, 8:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2014-tesla-model-s-am-i-the-only-one-with-multiple-drive-unit-failures/193998/3 "2023-12-12T20:49:27Z")
Well, yes, there are Model S with lots of drive unit failures. Fits with this news article. [https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/consumer-reports-electric-vehicles-less-reliable-on-average-than-conventional-cars-and-trucks/ar-AA1kJfRc](https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/consumer-reports-electric-vehicles-less-reliable-on-average-than-conventional-cars-and-trucks/ar-AA1kJfRc) Even tesla Fanboys admit this is an issue, and that’s _really, really_ hard for them to admit! > **[Tesla Model S Drive Unit Replacement by the Numbers](https://www.teslarati.com/like-need-tesla-drive-unit-replacement/)** > > An owner describes the issues around Tesla Model S drive units and his personal experience with having his drive unit replaced. ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2023, 8:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2014-tesla-model-s-am-i-the-only-one-with-multiple-drive-unit-failures/193998/4 "2023-12-12T20:51:36Z")
Suggest to inquire w/your insurance agent as well. Just curious, what is the premium you pay for yearly insurance on this vehicle? ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2023, 8:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2014-tesla-model-s-am-i-the-only-one-with-multiple-drive-unit-failures/193998/5 "2023-12-12T20:54:55Z")
> [@George\_San\_Jose1](#): > > Suggest to inquire w/your insurance agent as well Why? Regular car insurance doesn’t pay for repairs. And likely you’d have to wait quite a while for them to stop laughing after repeating _Tesla service centers are trying to blame drivers for traveling through standing water_. Gee, who’d ever THINK a car, even an EV, might drive through puddles? 🤣 ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2023, 9:09pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2014-tesla-model-s-am-i-the-only-one-with-multiple-drive-unit-failures/193998/6 "2023-12-12T21:09:49Z")
> [@Mustangman](#): > > car insurance doesn’t pay for repairs ??? … maybe you want to qualify? ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2023, 9:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2014-tesla-model-s-am-i-the-only-one-with-multiple-drive-unit-failures/193998/7 "2023-12-12T21:15:36Z")
…maintenance repairs not caused by striking another vehicle or solid object. If your rear axle fails on your truck, that’s on you, not normal car insurance. Extended warranty, maybe, if you could convince one to sell it for your 53 y/o truck. ---
**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2023, 9:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2014-tesla-model-s-am-i-the-only-one-with-multiple-drive-unit-failures/193998/8 "2023-12-12T21:20:54Z")
> **[Does Car Insurance Cover Repairs? | Allstate](https://www.allstate.com/resources/car-insurance/does-car-insurance-cover-repairs)** > > From accidents to breakdowns, learn more about when and how car insurance coverage can help with repairs to your vehicle. Tester ---
**Author:** ![shanonia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de053/32.png) [@shanonia](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shanonia)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2023, 11:21pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2014-tesla-model-s-am-i-the-only-one-with-multiple-drive-unit-failures/193998/9 "2023-12-12T23:21:40Z")
The April 2022 car issue of Consumer Reports has reliability ratings as far back as 2014. The 2014 Tesla Model S is rated Much Worse Than Average for Overall Reliability, Engine Major, Engine Minor, Drive System, Electrical, Paint/Trim, Noises/Leaks, Body Hardware, Power Equipment, and In-Car Electronics. It rates Much Better Than Average for Transmission Major, Transmission Minor, Fuel System, and Exhaust - all systems which Teslas do not have. Also Climate System, which it does have. ---
**Author:** ![old\_mopar\_guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/6bbea6/32.png) [@old\_mopar\_guy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/old_mopar_guy)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2023, 1:12am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2014-tesla-model-s-am-i-the-only-one-with-multiple-drive-unit-failures/193998/10 "2023-12-13T01:12:23Z")
Is what the OP calls a “drive unit” what I and most other people call a motor? ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2023, 2:12am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2014-tesla-model-s-am-i-the-only-one-with-multiple-drive-unit-failures/193998/11 "2023-12-13T02:12:43Z")
Pretty much yes, the drive unit is the motor. A bit more than just the motor hence the drive unit name. But high tech Tesla needs high tech names for things… 😉 ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2023, 2:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2014-tesla-model-s-am-i-the-only-one-with-multiple-drive-unit-failures/193998/12 "2023-12-13T02:46:48Z")
> [@George\_San\_Jose1](#): > > Just curious, what is the premium you pay for yearly insurance on this vehicle? None of your business, @George_San_Jose1. If you want to know, contact your insurer and ask them or do a web search. There are websites that will estimate insurance costs. ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2023, 4:16am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2014-tesla-model-s-am-i-the-only-one-with-multiple-drive-unit-failures/193998/13 "2023-12-13T04:16:55Z")
I agree, I almost would bet that all the regulars on this forum could all by the exact same vehicle and everyone of us would have different ins rates just do to different demographics, age, driving record, age and sex… probably missed something also… ---
**Author:** ![Purebred](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/purebred/32/46796_2.png) [@Purebred](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Purebred)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2023, 11:29am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2014-tesla-model-s-am-i-the-only-one-with-multiple-drive-unit-failures/193998/14 "2023-12-13T11:29:45Z")
Just changing address by a few miles can change your car insurance rate. ---
**Author:** ![davesmopar](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/davesmopar/32/41750_2.png) [@davesmopar](https://community.cartalk.com/u/davesmopar)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2023, 12:49pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2014-tesla-model-s-am-i-the-only-one-with-multiple-drive-unit-failures/193998/15 "2023-12-13T12:49:52Z")
Here ya go George, for your Googling pleasure… [https://www.google.com/search?q=average+insurance+rates+for+a+2014+Tesla+Model+S&rlz=1C1CHBF\_enUS947US948&oq=average+insurance+rates+for+a+2014+Tesla+Model+S&gs\_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCTIxMzZqMGoxNagCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8](https://www.google.com/search?q=average+insurance+rates+for+a+2014+Tesla+Model+S&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS947US948&oq=average+insurance+rates+for+a+2014+Tesla+Model+S&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCTIxMzZqMGoxNagCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8) ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2023, 9:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2014-tesla-model-s-am-i-the-only-one-with-multiple-drive-unit-failures/193998/16 "2023-12-13T21:08:27Z")
> [@jtsanders](#): > > None of your business ??? … Isn’t this a discussion forum about cars? > **[Insurance Costs Could Cripple European Electric Car Sales](https://www.forbes.com/sites/neilwinton/2023/10/10/insurance-costs-could-cripple-european-electric-car-sales/)** > > European electric car sales will be challenged because of zooming insurance costs. As the electric car revolution advances, many claimed advantages are melting away. ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2023, 12:43pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2014-tesla-model-s-am-i-the-only-one-with-multiple-drive-unit-failures/193998/17 "2023-12-14T12:43:10Z")
How much any of us pays for insurance of any kind is our own business, not yours. How much do you pay for your insurance for your truck and car, broken down by vehicle? Did you pay insurance on the Corolla while it was parked? Was it lower than when you drive it? ---
**Author:** ![old\_mopar\_guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/6bbea6/32.png) [@old\_mopar\_guy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/old_mopar_guy)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2023, 6:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2014-tesla-model-s-am-i-the-only-one-with-multiple-drive-unit-failures/193998/18 "2023-12-14T18:50:29Z")
The company where i worked for many years made the insureds credit score a key determinant of the premium. ---
**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2023, 8:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2014-tesla-model-s-am-i-the-only-one-with-multiple-drive-unit-failures/193998/19 "2023-12-14T20:50:35Z")
> [@jtsanders](#): > > How much do you pay for your insurance for your truck and car, broken down by vehicle? I think the better response when asked a question here you prefer to not answer, just ignore it. The high cost of insurance premiums for EV’s is currently a world-wide news story. This is a car-forum. Was it wrong of Forbes to run that article? ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2023, 3:01am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2014-tesla-model-s-am-i-the-only-one-with-multiple-drive-unit-failures/193998/20 "2023-12-15T03:01:08Z")
Your really don’t get it do you George. You asked a personal question about a poster’s finances. That is not the same as Forbes studying average costs of insuring EVs compared to other vehicles. It is impersonal and does not require a person’s permission to disclose it. I already know that EVs are more expensive to insure than comparable ICE vehicles from personal experience. How much more? None of your business. [Next page](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2014-tesla-model-s-am-i-the-only-one-with-multiple-drive-unit-failures/193998.md?page=2)