Tesla vehicles have been proven to have the lowest maintenance and repair costs in the auto industry, according to a study by Consumer Reports. This finding corroborates claims made by Tesla and other electric vehicle manufacturers that electric vehicles have significantly lower repair and maintenance expenses due to their reduced complexity and fewer moving parts compared to combustion engine vehicles.
The Consumer Reports 2023 Annual Auto Surveys, which collects data from thousands of car owners in the US, confirms Tesla’s exceptional reliability. The magazine found that Tesla had the lowest maintenance costs when comparing cumulative costs by brand for years one through five and six through 10. In contrast, several German automakers, including Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche, were ranked as the most expensive brands in terms of maintenance and repair costs.
Tesla’s low maintenance costs are particularly impressive considering the average cost of Tesla vehicles compared to other premium brands. Many other premium car brands offer expensive mandatory maintenance programs, which Tesla does not require. This contributes to Tesla’s cost-effective maintenance record.
Anecdotally, older Tesla vehicles, such as the Model S 2012, have demonstrated remarkable longevity with minimal significant repairs, even after 12 years of service. Similarly, newer models like the Model 3 2018 have also required minimal repairs. Consumer Reports’ findings provide empirical evidence to support these anecdotal observations.
As the industry transitions towards electrification, it is anticipated that other brands embracing all-electric vehicles will also improve their maintenance and repair cost rankings in the coming years.
