IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2014–2016 Tesla Model S

We've identified 6 known issues that can affect the 2014–2016 Tesla Model S. 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

6
Known Issues
1
Serious
3
Moderate
2
Minor

The 2014–2016 period has 5 more issues than the Tesla Model S average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

Drive Unit "Milling" Noise

SeriousEngine

An internal bearing failure in the drive unit can cause a high-pitched whirring or "milling" noise that increases with vehicle speed.

Most affected: Mostly Rear-Wheel Drive and early Dual Motor models

Estimated cost: £3,000–£6,000 (often warranty)Affects: 2014–2016Often appears around: 30,000–70,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •High-pitched whirring noise
  • •Vibration at speed
  • •Power reduced alerts

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Listen for noise during acceleration and deceleration
  • ✓Check service history for drive unit replacement
  • ✓Test at motorway speeds

MCU1 eMMC Memory Failure (Recall 21V035)

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

The main touchscreen unit (MCU1) uses an 8GB eMMC chip that has a finite lifespan, eventually leading to system instability or total failure. Tesla issued a voluntary recall (21V035) to upgrade the chip to 64GB.

Most affected: Models built before March 2018

Estimated cost: £0–£1,800Affects: 2014–2018Often appears around: 50,000–100,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Screen freezing or rebooting
  • •Longer boot-up times
  • •Total screen blackout
  • •Loss of climate controls

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check if upgraded to MCU2 (faster, Netflix/YouTube present)
  • ✓Check for lag in navigation
  • ✓Verify backup camera loads quickly

Suspension Control Arm Creaking

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The front and rear suspension control arms (wishbones) can develop a loud creaking or squeaking noise, particularly when turning or going over bumps, caused by water ingress into the ball joints.

Most affected: All Model S variants

Estimated cost: £300–£700Affects: 2014–2021Often appears around: 30,000–60,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Squeaking noise when turning
  • •Knocking over speed bumps
  • •Unsettled handling

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Listen for creaks while steering at low speed
  • ✓Inspect ball joint boots for splits
  • ✓Test drive on rough surfaces

Air Suspension Leaks

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The air suspension struts or compressor can fail, causing the car to sag or display suspension fault messages.

Most affected: Models equipped with Smart Air Suspension

Estimated cost: £500–£1,500Affects: 2014–2021Often appears around: 60,000–100,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Car sits low on one corner
  • •Hissing sound from wheel arch
  • •Suspension height error messages
  • •Compressor running constantly

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check ride height after car has sat overnight
  • ✓Cycle through all height settings
  • ✓Listen for air leaks

Retractable Door Handles

MinorBodywork & Rust

The flush-fitting motorized handles frequently fail to present or unlatch due to broken internal micro-switches or "paddle" gears.

Most affected: All Model S pre-2021

Estimated cost: £250–£450 (per handle)Affects: 2014–2017Often appears around: 40,000–80,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Handle won't pop out
  • •Handle pops out but door won't open
  • •Intermittent operation

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Test every handle multiple times
  • ✓Listen for motor whirring without movement
  • ✓Check for loose handle feel

Yellow Screen Border

MinorInterior & Trim

A yellow tint can develop around the edges of the main touchscreen (MCU1 and early MCU2) due to an adhesive failure in the display stack.

Most affected: Pre-2019 models

Estimated cost: £0–£1,200Affects: 2014–2018Often appears around: Any

Typical symptoms

  • •Noticeable yellow band around screen edges
  • •Discoloration on white backgrounds

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Open a white page (like the web browser) to check for yellowing
  • ✓Verify if the UV light treatment has been performed by Tesla

Buying Tips for the 2014 Tesla Model S

  • ✓Prefer 2018+ models which feature the faster MCU2 infotainment system
  • ✓Check the operation of all door handles multiple times as they are a very common failure point
  • ✓Ensure the car has had the eMMC recall or upgrade performed if it is a pre-2018 model
  • ✓Verify if the air suspension holds its height overnight; sagging indicates a leak
2017 Tesla Model S

Browse 2014–2016 Tesla Model S in our Directory

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Other Tesla Model S Year Periods

2014–2016201720182019–20212022–2024

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