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Tesla Motors Inc (TSLA) Model S Isn’t Perfect and Consumer Reports Won’t Let Us Forget it

Laura Gifford

Tesla Motors Inc is in trouble with Consumer Reports – Again.  Last October, Consumer Reports said that the Model S was no longer recommended because of problems with parts and repairs.  This time the luxury EV has failed to clinch this years award for the best overall vehicle in what would have been the third time in a row.  The Tesla Model S was named the best overall car by the magazine in 2014 and 2015.

While the magazine actually dropped the award for best overall car this year, their director of auto testing, Jake Fisher, said that the Model S can no longer be called the best ultra-luxury car because of its dropping reliability scores.

Tesla Motors Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) Model S and Roadster

Fisher cited the car’s troubles with door handles, electric motors, batteries, and hatches as being behind its sudden drop. While the car was largely well-received at first, many of these problems have emerged as Tesla ramps up its production.

Fisher told Reuters: “They are having issues and they need to work that out before they introduce new models.”

The Model S now ranks behind cars such as the Lexus LS 460L, BMW 750i xDrive, and the Audi A8 L.

Tesla Motors Inc (TSLA) Model S could lose sales

Consumer Reports was arguably responsible for creating a massive rise in demand for the Tesla Motors Model S when it first awarded the car with the best overall vehicle prize in 2014.  The publication has enormous reach boasting over 8 million subscribers.  Taking the award away from Tesla will undoubtedly concern buyers and the result could be a loss in sales.

It should be noted that even though the Model S didn’t win that third straight best overall vehicle award, owners of the car still swear by it.  Nearly every Model S owner surveyed says the next car they purchase will be a Tesla.  Owners will tell you that even when there is a problem with the car Tesla goes above and beyond to solve it quickly and in almost every case, free of charge.

Volkswagen AG’s Audi unit tops brand charts despite VW scandal

The results of the yearly survey were revealed in Washington. Audi was named the best brand overall, followed by Subaru, Lexus, Porsche, and BMW. Factors such as owner satisfaction, safety, reliability, and the magazine’s own road testing are used in the rankings. Other brands to make the top ten include Toyota, Mazda, Kia, and Honda.

The top ranking is expected to help Audi in the wake of the VW emissions scandal, despite the fact that its image has not taken the beating that its parent company has after getting caught cheating on emissions tests. Volkswagen came in 15th overall in the brand rankings. In January, VW brand sales dropped 15 percent, but Audi sales rose 2.7 percent.

American brands had weak results in the survey. Buick ranked seventh, while Ford ranked 16th and Chevrolet only managed 20th.

Meanwhile, Fiat finished last out of the 30 brands that were rated. Fiat Chrysler said it was working “aggressively” to boost quality in a statement.

Tesla was not included in the overall brand scores because they did not have enough models to be eligible.

Last fall, the magazine slammed Tesla’s Model S P85D after owner complaints about leaks, rattles, and problems related to console displays and charging.

Despite the snub, Tesla enjoys a very loyal customer base, and many owners have taken to Quora to voice their love for their cars. The firm has high hopes for its upcoming mass-market Model 3.

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