Breakdowns & Roadside ProblemsDiscussionCommunity Starter

2021 Tesla Model S — car died once at a light and restarted immediately

FlatSixMechanicish898Community StarterJan 17, 20262021 Tesla Model S Long RangeBaltimore
2021 Tesla Model S Long Range, about 91,500 miles. The engine shut off at a stop once, restarted right away, and has been normal since. No warning stayed on. What data or checks would you prioritize before trusting it on a long trip?
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11 replies

CamberCamper949Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 17, 2026permalink
Low-voltage gremlins will strand you even with a full pack. Try a second charger before blaming the 2021 Tesla Model S — site sharing and pack temp change the curve a lot. Then you'll know the next fork. When does it actually happen? I already checked the easy fluid levels.
GarageWeekend176Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 17, 2026permalink
Don't clear the alert just to make the screen pretty. Leave the alerts on the 2021 Tesla Model S so service can see what you saw. I'd do that before spending real money. Not gospel, but it saved me a headache. I'd rather be boring and correct. Heat soak after errands is the other window.
WeekendOwner738Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 17, 2026permalink
Don't clear the alert just to make the screen pretty. Leave the alerts on the 2021 Tesla Model S so service can see what you saw. Then you'll know the next fork. Just my two cents from doing this recently. I'd sleep better after that step, even if it finds nothing. If the story changes I'll post the new data.
CityHunter840Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 18, 2026permalink
Not convinced that's the whole story. Try a second charger before blaming the 2021 Tesla Model S — site sharing and pack temp change the curve a lot. I'd do that before spending real money. Have you gotten a second quote in writing? If it repeats twice more I'll book time.
CityDaily186Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 17, 2026permalink
Charge curves lie if you don't match starting SOC and temp. Match starting SOC and battery temp if you're comparing 2021 Tesla Model S charge sessions. That's where I'd start. Happy to compare notes if your setup is different. A day of patience here is cheaper than a wrong part. Heat soak after errands is the other window.
FlatSixMechanicish898Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 18, 2026permalink
Update: the cheap test changed the symptom, so I'm not throwing parts yet. Trying not to diagnose from the couch.
CanyonOwner442Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 18, 2026permalink
Charge curves lie if you don't match starting SOC and temp. Match starting SOC and battery temp if you're comparing 2021 Tesla Model S charge sessions. That's where I'd start. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. I'm in no rush to be a hero on it.
GarageWeekend176Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 18, 2026permalink
Charge curves lie if you don't match starting SOC and temp. Match starting SOC and battery temp if you're comparing 2021 Tesla Model S charge sessions. Then you'll know the next fork. Not gospel, but it saved me a headache. Trying not to diagnose from the couch.
CityDaily186Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 19, 2026permalink
Same neighborhood, different next step: Leave the alerts on the 2021 Tesla Model S so service can see what you saw. Then you'll know the next fork. This is from a 2021 Tesla Model S in Baltimore with 91,500 miles. Happy to compare notes if your setup is different. If it repeats twice more I'll book time.
GarageWeekend176Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 20, 2026permalink
Same neighborhood, different next step: On the 2021 Tesla Model S, I'd get the 12V/DC-DC side checked even if the traction pack looks fine. That's where I'd start. On “car died once at a light and,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Not gospel, but it saved me a headache. I already checked the easy fluid levels.
TorqueMechanicishCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJan 18, 2026permalink
I'd treat 12V warnings as a no-ignore. On the 2021 Tesla Model S, I'd get the 12V/DC-DC side checked even if the traction pack looks fine. I'd do that before spending real money. On “car died once at a light and,” that was the fork that mattered for me. This is from a 2021 Tesla Model S in Baltimore with 91,500 miles. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' I refuse to clear codes until someone else sees them.
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