Consumer Reports Does Not Recommend The Tesla Model S

Tesla Model S (Credit: Tesla Motors)

To some, Consumer Reports seems more than a little fickle. Not that long ago, the Tesla Model S broke the organization’s rating system, yet now the all-electric car is dog meat because it’s supposedly unreliable.

The thing is the rating the Tesla Model S achieved not that long ago was for factors like fuel economy, livability and driving dynamics – not reliability. So while Consumer Reports fawned over the vehicle for one thing, it cannot recommend it based on another criteria.

To evaluate the Model S for reliability, Consumer Reports surveyed over 1,400 real vehicle owners. Apparently, enough of them had experienced problems with the auto-retracting handles, sunroof and even the electric motors. Consumer Reports concluded that the Model S has “worse than average reliability.”

Some are speculating that with the reliability issues the Model S is experiencing, things will be much worse off for the Tesla Model X. The crossover vehicle is packed with several new complex features, such as the nifty Falcon Wing doors that can open up in tight spots.

With the Model S getting cut from Consumer Reports’ list of recommended vehicles, Tesla Motors saw a significant drop in its stock prices the same day. It’s a testament to the amount of authority Consumer Reports still enjoys. Thankfully, before trading closed the stock valuation had rebounded somewhat, maybe as investors better understood the rationale behind what happened.

Considering that the Model S comes with a steep price tag, one has to wonder just how much this news will affect sales. After all, people who purchase the electric car likely don’t make the decision based on reliability. Instead, they’re likely drawn to the cutting-edge technology, environmental benefits or overall prestige the sedan brings with it. In the report, the excellent service Tesla provides was touched upon, along with the unprecedented owner satisfaction rates.