Tesla Reliability Doesn’t Match Its High Performance

[psquare]

Complaints about the drive system have also increased as the cars have aged—specifically for the 2013 model, which was the car’s first full model year.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cars/tesla-reliability-doesnt-match-its-high-performance

 

[WoodlandHills]

Does anyone with a CR account know how they rated the i3? Or is it still too new for a rating?

 

[websterize]

Both scored below average reliability, and neither are recommended. According to CR, the 2016 Model S P85D's reliability is expected to be 43% below average; the 2015 i3's 37% below.

 

[WoodlandHills]

What about the 2014's? One would expect lower numbers for the first model year with improvements as time goes on. Is there a trend?

 

[websterize]

Appears ratings are based on the 2014 model year. For those with a CR log in, you can see the reliability table at http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/bmw-i3-reliability.htm.

The column for the 2015 MY says "insufficient data," and the 2016 column says "based on the latest survey, we expect reliability of new models will be 37% below average." So, yes, too new for showing change over time. The i3's drive system appears to be the biggest culprit for the low scores.

In the Tesla Model S P85D's table, its drive system went from Fair in 2013 to Very Good in 2014 to Excellent in 2015. Body integrity has been its achilles heal in that time.