The Tesla Model 3 is judged to be the least reliable recent model
The Tesla Model 3 ranks as the least reliable recent car. © Tesla
Teslas have quickly built a good reputation, with (very volatile) prices that are relatively accessible (for electric cars), satisfactory ranges and some of the lowest usage costs.
But this is not without compensation, and the Model 3 would happily do without the latest report from the ADAC (German automobile association) and the TÜV (technical inspection body) which points out the last place of the Tesla in terms of reliability .
The last place
The report concerns the reliability of 228 models, divided according to different age classes (2-3 years, 4-5 years, 6-7 years, etc.), via the results of the German technical inspection, the TÜV therefore, to which all cars on German roads must undergo testing every 24 months from the age of three.
Inspectors check the condition and operation of everything from the chassis structure to the brakes, steering, suspension, lights and a long list of other elements, like the French CT. But, across the Rhine, this obligatory passage is difficult enough for one car in five to fail.
For the two most recent tranches, 2-3 and 4-5 years, the Tesla Model 3 has racked up more failures than any other car, due to problems with its lights, brakes and suspension.
According to Joachim Bühler, director of the TÜV association, the main reasons for this poor result are shortcomings in maintenance and technical service.
Even the high mileage cannot hide the poor performance of the Model 3. In addition to brake and axle defects, the Tesla also has a particularly large number of lighting defects. This indicates deficiencies in service and maintenance
He notes, however, that brake and suspension defects have a greater occurrence on electric, heavier cars and the use of regenerative braking, which reduces the load on the friction braking system, but at the same time results in a uneven wear.
The Tesla Model 3 falls below all models rated, ranking 111th and last with a defect rate of 14.2% for 2-3 year old models and 19.7% for 2-3 year old models. 3 to 4 years. It does less well than other electric ones but also than thermal ones.
However, Dr Bühler suggested that reliability testing methods for electric vehicles should be expanded and standardized across the sector, because “battery condition proof is an important factor in the development of used electric car market“.
“So far only a visual inspection of the traction battery has been carried out. The high voltage system should be verified with additional test points to ensure protection against electric shock and surges“.
The different rankings
Interestingly, electric cars based on existing gasoline models performed better. For example, the Volkswagen e-Golf and the Mini Cooper SE had far fewer defects than the Renault Zoe or Tesla Model 3 models.
As we can see, the Tesla Model 3 ranks well behind. © TÜV
In terms of reliability, the leaders are the Porsche 911 Carrera (in the 4-13 year old category) and the Honda Jazz (in the 2-3 year old category). But in the least reliable category, we find the Renault Twingo (12-13 years) and the Dacia Dokker (6-9 years). We also note that the ranking of poor performers is particularly represented by Dacia above 6 years of age.
Rankings of the most reliable models:
If the Porsche 911 demonstrates all its talent after a few years, the Honda Jazz takes first place among recent cars with a very good score. © TÜV
Rankings of the least reliable models:
Tesla and Dacia are not giving themselves good publicity with this reliability ranking. © TÜV
