How Much Does Tesla's Average Maintenance Cost in 2022?

Due to lower costs and fuel prices, consumers are moving away from gas-powered cars to EVs. Is Tesla maintenance more expensive than a regular gas-powered car? How much will Tesla's maintenance costs in 2022 be?

You might pay $5,800 for maintenance on a Tesla vehicle over a 10-year period. This is quite low compared to the national average. Tesla's initial year of ownership might see a $300 maintenance bill, especially if the work is done by you. 

Why is Tesla maintenance so affordable? And what should you budget for? In this article, we review the fundamentals of Tesla maintenance and offer a general schedule.

Tesla Maintenance Is Cheaper

There are many moving parts in an internal combustion engine. The EV is more reliable than the internal combustion engine and requires less maintenance. There isn’t as much wear and tear on the parts, so there’s a lot less to worry about.

Everything becomes obsolete, even the basic. For example, there’s no motor oil in an EV, so you don’t need to get regular changes. You don’t have to worry about failing gaskets either or engine valves that can clog.

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Maintaining a Tesla is recommended

It’s important to check your owner’s manual to get the complete maintenance schedule for your Tesla vehicle. These guidelines seem to apply across all models.

• Each 6,250 mile: Tire rotation (possible alignment and balance, if necessary)
• Each year: A full inspection
• Annual brake inspection: Clean and lubricate the calipers
• Cabin filter replacement every 2 years
• Each 2 years, Brake system flush
• Air Conditioning service is required every 2-6 Years (depending upon the make and model).
• HEPA (High efficiency particulate air filter) replacement every 3 years

If you can’t find the service schedule for your Tesla, it’s helpful to reach out to your local EV mechanic. 

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Tesla maintenance costs for the first year

The price of maintaining your Tesla will vary depending on its age. However, if you look at the first year alone, you see that the costs aren’t that high, especially if you are able to do the work on your own. 

Here’s an example of what you might spend during the first year if you take the Tesla to a professional mechanic.

• Tire rotation: $25-$100
• Inspection (including brake caliper oil lubrication), $75-$150

Considering how low this cost is, there’s no reason to prolong your regular maintenance appointment. You could end up paying much more for repairs if you don't.

What does the Tesla Warranty cover for maintenance?

Unless you purchase a special third-party maintenance plan, you aren’t going to get coverage for these appointments through the factory warranty. This isn’t unusual for Tesla, but generally how all automakers deal with maintenance. 

The warranty covers what? It depends on what model you drive, but here’s a general breakdown.

• Limited Warranty for Basic Vehicles: 4 Years/50,000 Miles
• 5 Years/60,000 Miles: Supplemental restraint systems (SRS).
• 8 years/100,000-150,000 miles: Battery and drive unit
• Protect your body from rust for 12 years or unlimited miles

These warranties can be extended through third parties just like you could with any manufacturer. A vehicle service plan can be added to add additional protection. It’s important to carefully shop for these plans before making a decision, as not all warranty companies are worth the money. 

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Compare Average Cost of Maintenance with Other Brands

It’s difficult to compare the maintenance of a Tesla to that of regular automakers. It is much cheaper, regardless of how you see it. To prove that example, we will use a few of today’s most popular vehicles and show you how the maintenance costs look over a typical year. 

• Tesla Model S: $100-$300
• Chevrolet Corvette: $600-$850
• Mercedes-Benz E350: $650-$900
• Audi A6: $750-$1,000
• BMW i8: From $800 to $1,100
• Porsche 911: $900-$1,200

These savings aren’t going to just extend through the first year. The maintenance cost of all these models will increase as they age. 

Most Common Tesla Repairs

1. Tesla Model S

The Model S may be a popular model, but it’s riddled with some major issues. A defective transmission is one of the most popular repairs. Some owners have even replaced the entire vehicle. 

Poor manufacturing has led to customers complaining about losing power and driving. In some cases, the universal joints on the car’s driveshaft can fail, leaving you stranded. Due to their heat conductivity, door handles are often criticized. When it's hot, the door handles can make it nearly impossible to open. 

2. Tesla Model 3

This is the Tesla Model S, which has the most affordable repair cost. It’s suffered from fewer problems, but there are still some things to discuss. 

The most common seems to be the failure of the car’s touchscreen display. Customers have been locked out of their cars by the malfunctioning electronic lock. There’s also been a loss of power, which is most concerning when it happens while driving. This is often caused by a bad high-voltage controller. 

3. Tesla Model X

Before it can go on the road, Model X needs to be given more time for research and development. Many technologies could use some extra attention before they are handed to owners. Most importantly, the autopilot system malfunctions or completely fails, which could put the occupants’ lives at risk.

Beyond that, there’s been a ghosting effect on the windshield, creating a double vision for some drivers. This isn’t just disorienting, but it also hinders visibility. 

If all of that wasn’t enough, the Model X also battles with a faulty steering system that creates more work for the driver. There have also been reports of the car accelerating on its own, but there’s no fix in sight to resolve this problem. 

4. Tesla Model Y

The Model Y has suffered from a lower reliability score, but most of the issues come back to the system’s transmission, which relies on high-tech electric equipment. The company hasn’t been quick to fix the faults or redesign the system either.

Some people have complained about frequent wheel alignments and tire pressure dropping dramatically without any reason. A broken seatbelt system, as well as malfunctioning collision avoidance systems have also been reported. 

5. Tesla Roadster

In 2008, the Roadster hit the streets for the first time. There was an immediate recall due to serious safety problems. With the release of the 2023 Tesla Roadster, there haven’t been a lot of people that have driven the latest model, but complaints are flying in already. 

There are problems with the tire pressure monitoring device and battery failures have already begun. In addition to this, many people complain about the loudness of the vehicle and show signs of water entering the headlamps. If that’s not enough to deter you, consider looking into the brake failures and overheating issues.