US magazine Consumer Reports has been a cheerleader for the Muskmobile, lathering each model Tesla with sycophantic brand worship – right down to giving the Model S luxury model a much-lauded ‘Recommendation.’
But the love affair, it seems, is over.
Not only did Consumer Reports yank its Recommended gong, it rated it worse than average for predicted reliability.
Recommendations by the large circulation magazine watchdog are influential – the ratings change wiped 10% of Tesla’s stock, which clawed back slightly before closing 6.6% below the stockprice before the article was circulated.
After labelling the performance model ‘the best car it has ever tested’ owners have opened up about more than their obvious predilection for tree cuddling.
A survey on Tesla that was answered by 1400 owners found consistent issues: drivetrain problems, power equipment, charging equipment, centre console and body and sunroof squeaks, rattles and leaks.
The magazine’s car testing boss, Jake Fisher, says Tesla’s problems have developed over time. Consumer Reports has reported door handles that would’t pop out, and is now talking electric powertrain issues – with owners having to replace electric motors, or cars simply not charging.
Telsa representatives said in a statement: “Over-the-air software updates allow Tesla to diagnose and fix most bugs without the need to come in for service,” it said in a statement. “In instances when hardware needs to be fixed, we strive to make it painless.”
Squeaks, leaks and rattles are’t going to be rectified with simple software solutions – it looks like the honeymoon period has exceeded the recommended range for the for the California-built electric car.
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