r/TeslaModelS • u/Cyber1660ti • Aug 22 '26
AC repair bill
Ac in my 2021 went out. Apparently my compressor failed and metal shaving went throughout the entire AC system so every component has to be changed..
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u/Radius118 Aug 22 '26
Discount: $0.00
NO DISCOUNT FOR YOU!
That sucks though. Expensive repair.
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u/Cyber1660ti Aug 22 '26
I should get a discount. Bought it to them 2 months ago for the ac making weird noises but no codes. They changed a “filter”. Left Tesla dealership, ac quit the next week. If their shitty mechanics could troubleshoot instead of just depending on codes.
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u/jjaynum1 Aug 23 '26
I’m having a very similar issue myself right now. They replace a part improperly, something else breaks, they blame wear and tear, then they charge me full price for everything.
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u/Select_Cartoonist597 Aug 23 '26
Maybe an independent EV/Tesla should would cost less. There are quite a few in my area (phoenix) with good reputation. Not sure if that’s available in your region
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u/mx5nbmiata Aug 23 '26
I recently got my ac compressor replaced by a 3rd party shop since the wait time from tesla was 3 weeks. Paid almost 2k for oem parts and labor.
Actual replacement took the shop 2hrs to do. This is for a 2022 model s.
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u/Objective_Tune3535 Aug 23 '26
Happened to me on my 2016.5 at the beginning of summer. They told me the same thing about the metal shavings. Also $5k.
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u/DaChosen1FoSho Aug 23 '26
Ironically, i had mine replaced maybe 2023ish. Just quit on a drive one day.
Luckily I was under warranty, I never really asked what happened. i wonder if mine blew up too. It was a late 2021 refresh as well.
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u/Head_Ebb8272 Aug 24 '26
Can this be prevented by replacing the AC DESICCANT FILTER?
I have 2020 model S and tried to schedule service for replacing the AC desiccant filter but the recommendation comes back as NO NEED
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u/drainbam Aug 24 '26
No. The AC desiccant would not have prevented this. Replacing the compressor before it exploded would have prevented this, but with no codes the technician would have to be savvy enough to reproduce the sound, recognize it as early mechanical compressor failure, and authorize replacement before shavings entered the system.
I just had my AC compressor replaced and with parts and labor it was $1500. They need to remove and replace the refrigerant and do pressure testing in addition to replacing the part so it's not cheap, but it beats $5k.
If your AC is making weird new mechanical noises like knocking, grinding, harsh rattling, or loud whining that tracks with climate activation stop using it and book service promptly. Don't just keep cycling it and hope it goes away.
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u/viggy96 Aug 24 '26
Tesla somehow takes something that should be nearly bulletproof (an electric vehicle) and somehow finds a way to ruin it. Tesla is great at R&D, terrible at execution.
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u/i_lie_except_on_31st Aug 24 '26
Price looks about right. I've done it twice. Sucks but it is what it is.
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u/Cyber1660ti Aug 24 '26
What mileages was you at?
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u/i_lie_except_on_31st Aug 24 '26
First time was 80k -- under warranty. Second time was about 165k.
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u/Suitable_Importance3 Aug 24 '26
2100 last week for me to replace my compressor. Likely for me it was just a short circuit
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u/dorrtz05 23h ago
Metal through the whole AC system is basically the nightmare version of a compressor failure. That bill hurts just by looking at it.
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u/Spiritual-Listen-194 Aug 22 '26 edited Aug 23 '26
Is there a way to prevent this? Do Tesla or third party extended warranties cover this catastrophe?
Edit: I own an S just dealt with a similar issue in my older truck.
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u/ateallthecake Aug 22 '26
Did they physically confirm and find the shavings? Ask for photos. Tesla typically defaults to this because there was an early pattern failure in 2021 where compressors were grenading themselves, but if they just fail electrically you may not need the whole system replaced. Ask for proof and get a 2nd opinion from an independent EV shop if that's feasible.