A broken door handle won’t keep you out of your vehicle if you have the Tesla app, but a door handle that is not functioning as it should is an inconvenience most of us would rather avoid.
The best solution is to repair the handle as soon as possible. However, repairs can be relatively expensive. In this article, I break down the costs of repairing or replacing your Tesla door handle, as well as some common issues you might encounter.
The Cost of Repairing Your Tesla Door Handle
If your Tesla door handle breaks, you have to temporarily switch to open the door from the app. While this is a solution that will work, you should also look at ways to repair your door handle to make using your car as convenient as possible.
So how much will it actually cost to repair your Tesla door handle?
Repairing a Tesla door handle can cost up to $500 for each affected unit. Alternatively, you can buy DIY kits for under $200. Furthermore, if your car is still under warranty, you can get the door handle fixed for free.
If your car is under warranty, you can book an appointment with Tesla from the app. Drive the car down to the service center, and they’ll repair it for free.
If you’re no longer under warranty, you will need to consider whether the cost of repairing the handle is worth reducing the hassle of opening your car through the app.
The cost of repairing door handles is a major talking point amongst Tesla owners, but at the moment, it will likely set you back a couple of hundred dollars.
The good thing is that, unless you own an older model or your car is already out of warranty, you’re unlikely to spend that much.
Additionally, if you’re willing to take a stab at repairing the handle on your own with aftermarket parts, you can get the job done for far less than the quoted sums.
The one downside to buying aftermarket handles is that you’re not very likely to find the latest versions on sale (Gen 3). So, you’ll end up installing older iterations of the handles (Gen 1 and 2).
If you don’t mind opening your door with the Tesla app, you don’t need to replace the handle. But I can imagine that this might get frustrating after a while.
Common Types of Tesla Door Handle Damage
The main types of Tesla door handle damage include the following:
Internal Wire Breakage
If internal wires on your door handle extend without opening the door, they may be broken. The anchoring of the wires to the microswitch is the main cause of this problem in the affected models. The wire flexing overlaps the microswitch leading to breakdowns over time.
Replacing the wiring loom in the handle corrects the problem. Fortunately, the door handle wiring has changed in newer Teslas, so this issue is no longer as common.
If you’d like to know more about Tesla Doors, I wrote a Complete Troubleshooting Guide. You’ll find out how to manage all sorts of door issues. Check it out!
Broken Gear or Cog
The door handles won’t extend from the car body if the gear or cog fails or is heavily worn from use. Replacing the gear typically corrects the problem.
The gear in the handle of modern Teslas is more durable than it was in older models. However, if you’ve owned your vehicle for a while and use it regularly, the gear can break down.
Misalignment in Handles
If your door handle doesn’t extend smoothly and always seems to retract abruptly, it may be due to a misalignment in relation to the rest of the car’s bodywork.
If a small slip of paper can’t pass between the car body and the chrome handle, you should consider taking the car in for realignment.
Don’t attempt to use a lubricant to release the jamming. The adjustment from the service personnel is enough to correct the problem.
How Long Will It Take To Repair a Tesla Door Handle?
It takes around half an hour to repair a Tesla door handle at a professional service center. For DIY repairs, your proficiency at handling tools and the severity of the problem will determine the repair duration.
With the right parts and tools, you can finish a DIY Tesla door handle repair in less than an hour.
The table below shows the cost and duration of a Tesla door handle repair with the different options available to you.
| Repair Option | Cost | Repair Duration |
| Tesla Service Center | $0-$500 | <30 minutes (minus wait time) |
| Third-Party Repair Center | $300-$500+ | <30 minutes (minus wait time) |
| DIY Door Handle Repair Kit | $100-$200 | Variable |
Once the handle is repaired, you should be able to open your door manually without any issues. I recommend checking this before driving off from the repair center if you decide to go with that option.
Are All Types of Tesla Door Handle Damage Repairable?
Installing a completely new handle only makes sense if you have a legacy door handle and can no longer find parts.
How Much Is It To Fix A Car Door Handle? Tesla Summary
Tesla door handles no longer break down as frequently as they used to in the past. However, when they do break down, they can cost you hundreds of dollars to repair per handle.
If you have to repair two handles, you may easily have to spend over $1,200 – an eye-watering sum to spend on being able to manually open a door.
However, as long as your door still opens through the app, door handle repair is not a necessity for your Tesla. Because of these factors, it currently feels like handle repairs are designed for people who are still within their warranty window.
What’s The Tesla Model S Door Handle Repair Cost?
Tesla model S door handle replacement cost can be up to $1,000, although some Tesla drivers have reported paying less. It’s not a cheap feat to replace the door handle of your Tesla Model S (or any model, for that matter), that’s for sure!
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Tesla Door?
Wondering about the cost of swapping out a door from your Tesla is something that comes up a lot among Tesla owners and those thinking about getting one. If you damage your door in an accident, you may have to replace it if you can’t fix it.
So, door replacement cost can actually vary quite a bit for Teslas. It depends on stuff like which model you have, what year it is, and if there are any fancy extras involved.
As of 2021, you’re generally looking at a range of around $2,000 to $5,000 for a regular door switcheroo. But, here’s the kicker – that price tag might not cover everything.
Things like the labor involved, taxes, and other odds and ends might nudge that total up. To get the real nitty-gritty on how much it’ll cost to replace the door on your Tesla, it’s a smart move to get in touch with an official Tesla service center or have a chat with someone who knows their stuff when it comes to Tesla tech. You can also find out if the repair cost of a door is cheaper than a full replacement of the door.
Depending on the damage to your door, it might be cheaper to have the door repainted or go to a panel beater.
Why Do Tesla Door Handles Break?
Tesla door handles can break due to a combination of factors including wear and tear, material fatigue, and occasional design vulnerabilities.
Frequent usage and environmental conditions like temperature fluctuations can weaken components of the door over time, leading to mechanical failures.
For instance, the internal wires might break due to their anchoring to the microswitch, causing extended wire flexing that eventually leads to breakdowns.
This is more common in older models and Tesla model S door handles have been more frequent to break than other models.
It is worth checking whether your Tesla is still under warranty. Maybe you can save Tesla’s door handle replacement costs by making use of the warranty.
Can I Fix A Tesla Door Handle Myself?
You can attempt a DIY repair if you’re comfortable working with tools and have some mechanical aptitude. DIY repair kits are available for under $200, which can be a cost-effective option if you’re outside the warranty period.
Repairs cost much more when done replacing a door handle with a professional.
However, keep in mind that the difficulty level varies based on the specific issue. Complex problems can involve quite a process and might require professional expertise to avoid further damage. Get a quote from one of the many Tesla service centers before buying a DIY kit.
Are Tesla Door Handle Repairs Covered Under Warranty?
If your Tesla is still under warranty, you’re in luck. You can book an appointment through the Tesla app, and the service center will repair or replace the door handle free of charge.
It’s a convenient option that helps you avoid any out-of-pocket expenses related to the repair.
Can I Prevent Tesla Door Handle Issues?
Maintaining your Tesla door handles can significantly extend their lifespan and prevent premature failures. Here’s an expanded explanation of the regular maintenance aspects:
Regular Cleaning:
To keep your Tesla door handles in good working condition, it’s essential to clean them regularly. Use a soft cloth or sponge and a mild detergent to remove dirt, grime, and debris that can accumulate on the handles, especially in areas with inclement weather or dusty conditions.
Make sure to clean both the exterior and interior handles, as dirt buildup on either side can affect performance.
Lubrication:
Lubricating the moving parts of your door handles is crucial for smooth operation. Use a silicone-based lubricant or a product recommended by Tesla for this purpose.
Apply the lubricant to the pivot points and moving components of the handles, ensuring they move freely without resistance. This prevents friction-related wear and tear and reduces the risk of damage to the internal mechanisms.
Avoiding Excessive Force:
Handle your Tesla’s door handles with care and avoid applying excessive force when operating them. The handles of the door in a Tesla are designed to be operated with minimal effort.
Forcing or jerking the handle can put stress on the internal components, potentially leading to damage over time. Teach passengers to use the handles gently as well.
Temperature Considerations:
Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can affect the materials and mechanisms of the door handles. In very cold conditions, plastic components may become brittle, while in extreme heat, they can warp.
Try to park your Tesla in a shaded area during hot weather or use a sunshade to protect the handles.
In cold weather, avoid using excessive force to prevent plastic components from snapping due to increased brittleness.
Regular Inspection:
Perform routine visual inspections of your door handles to spot any signs of wear or damage. Check for cracks, loose components, or any unusual sounds when operating the handles.
Detecting issues early can prevent them from escalating into more significant problems.
Professional Maintenance:
Periodically, consider taking your Tesla to one of the many Tesla service centers for professional maintenance. They can perform a thorough inspection and ensure all components are in optimal condition. They may also apply specialized treatments or lubricants as needed.
By following these maintenance practices, you can help ensure that the handles for your door remain in good working order, reduce the risk of unexpected failures, and extend their lifespan, contributing to a hassle-free ownership experience.
Can I Replace Only Certain Parts Of The Door Handle?
Many door handle issues are repairable by replacing specific components. For example, if internal wires are broken, replacing the wiring loom can solve the problem.
Similarly, if gears or cogs are worn out, replacing them can restore proper functionality without the need for an entirely new handle.
It can be tricky to figure out which parts are damaged, though, which is why going to one of the many service centers might be your easiest option.
Is Repairing A Tesla Door Handle Urgent?
If your Tesla’s door handle is broken but you can still access your car through the app, immediate repair might not be essential. If, for whatever reason, you can’t open your door at all, repairing or a replacement will be more important. However, keep in mind that convenience and ease of use are important factors.
If you’re outside the warranty period, you’ll need to weigh the cost of repair against the convenience of using your car’s door handle normally.
I hope this article has provided you with the answers you need to open your door manually again.
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