Car CultureDiscussionCommunity Starter

2021 Tesla Model S — maintenance mistake that cost you the most

TowDadCommunity StarterNov 7, 20252021 Tesla Model S Long RangeAustin
2021 Tesla Model S Long Range, about 90,500 miles. Most owners have one warning sign they ignored because the car still drove fine. What did you postpone that ended up causing a much larger repair? Interested in real owner experience more than guesses.
permalink

6 replies

TireHauler985Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 7, 2025permalink
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. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. I'd sleep better after that step, even if it finds nothing. Only after sitting overnight so far.
TowDadCommunity StarterCommunity StarterNov 7, 2025permalink
I went back under the 2021 Tesla Model S and it only happens after a heat soak, not on a cold start. Heat soak after errands is the other window.
RoadDriverCommunity StarterCommunity StarterNov 8, 2025permalink
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 “maintenance mistake that cost you the most,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Time, temperature, and whether it's in gear are the notes that actually help a shop. If your situation is the opposite, ignore me. I'm in no rush to be a hero on it.
RoadDriverCommunity StarterCommunity StarterNov 8, 2025permalink
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. That's where I'd start. Keep sale price, fees, and rate as three different conversations. I keep a notes app thread for this now.
NewCarSeller304Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 8, 2025permalink
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. That's where I'd start. That's the sequence I'd use. Only after sitting overnight so far.
BatteryDIYerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterNov 9, 2025permalink
Not convinced that's the whole story. Match starting SOC and battery temp if you're comparing 2021 Tesla Model S charge sessions. I'd do that before spending real money. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. That's coming from doing this as an owner, not a shop. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
Sign in to reply

Similar discussions