Own a Tesla Model S 90 in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Tesla Model S 90 for model years 2016. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Model S 90 owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 604 owner complaints on file for the Model S 90 and 0 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are suspension (204), electrical system (137), steering (81).
Most-Reported Tesla Model S 90 Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Model S 90 (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 204 | 33% | |
| Electrical System | 137 | 22% | |
| Steering | 81 | 13% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 74 | 12% | |
| Service Brakes | 51 | 8% | |
| Exterior Lighting | 49 | 8% | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 28 | 4% | |
| Structure | 28 | 4% |
Suspension
204 of the 604 complaints (33%) mention the suspension. Suspension wear shows up as clunks, pulling and uneven tires. We inspect shocks, struts, bushings and joints and align the car after repairs. See our suspension & alignment page.
Electrical System
137 of the 604 complaints (22%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Steering
81 of the 604 complaints (13%) mention steering. Steering complaints deserve prompt attention. We inspect steering components and alignment so the car tracks straight and responds predictably. See our suspension & alignment page.
Tesla Model S 90 Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the Model S 90, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Tesla.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your Model S 90? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Model S 90, 89 involved a crash, 12 involved a fire, 64 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Tesla Model S 90 Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Tesla will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Model S 90 that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Model S 90 owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Tesla Model S 90, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Tesla Model S 90 Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Tesla Model S 90 repair service, or choose a service below.
Suspension & Alignment
Shocks, struts, alignment and steering.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Tesla Model S 90 FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Tesla Model S 90?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Tesla Model S 90 are suspension (204), electrical system (137), steering (81). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Model S 90 model years have the most complaints?
The Model S 90 model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2016. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Tesla Model S 90?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Tesla Model S 90. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Tesla Model S 90 have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns for the Tesla Model S 90 across model years 2016. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Tesla Model S 90 in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Tesla vehicles including the Model S 90, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Tesla Model S 90?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Tesla Model S 90 in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Tesla Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.