Tesla Finally Takes The Blame For Model 3 Performance Oil Leaks

One of the biggest upgrades made to the facelifted Tesla Model 3 Performance was the new rear drive unit, but just a few short months after launching, it appears there’s a problem with this drive unit that Tesla has now seemingly acknowledged. In early August, a Model 3 Performance owner publicized a leaking rear drive unit via X (formerly Twitter) advising other M3P owners to keep an eye out for similar issues.

There now appears to be a resolution of some sort, as Tesla has admitted to the issue being a known fault, despite a Tesla service center initially attempting to blame the owner for having aftermarket suspension components.

Tesla Model 3 Rear Drive Unit Upgrades

The new drive unit – Performance 4DU – was launched in the Model 3 Performance, providing massive claims in power, torque, and efficiency. Major improvements include:

• 22% more continuous power
• 32% more peak power
• 16% more peak torque
• 2% reduction in energy consumption

Little Leaks, Big Problem, Bigger Denial

Although one owner brought the issue to light, Tesla owners’ forums saw multiple reports of the same issue. The leaks were initially not apparent until the aerodynamic underbody shield was removed, after which leaks could be clearly seen. Reports from owners suggested an issue with a breather valve in the drive unit, which resulted in too much pressure build-up within the unit and a resultant leak from the axle seals when the pressure got too much.

Visits to Tesla service centers were initially met with denial and blame being laid against the owners. Model 3 Performance owner, Tesla owner since 2013, and X user @OMG_TESLA – real name Tim from EV tuner ZEVcentric – was told his aftermarket suspension was to blame, with the service center claiming “We suspect when you are tracking the vehicle with modified rear suspension you may have experienced some seepage from the rear axle seal. Now that the rear suspension is stock, we do not see any current leakage.”

Tesla Finally Admits Fault

While Tim was open about the fact that his car was modified and used on track, it was not the rear suspension he’d changed, only a front sway bar and front upper control arm. Other owners in various forums, however, have reported the same issue despite their cars being completely stock and only driven on the road.

The service center cleaned the drive unit and claimed that it had seen no further leakage, returning the car to Tim with the instruction to observe for any further leaks. But after just 52 miles (a trip from the service center to home and work), the car started leaking again.

Tim was forced to prove to Tesla that other owners were having the same problem, and after raising the issue to his 7,000-strong followers on X, Tesla’s regional service manager reached out to him, admitting to Tesla being aware of the leaks caused by the faulty breather valve. The drive unit is meant to vent at a certain pressure point, but when it doesn’t, fluid is forced out through the axle seals. The regional service manager stated that engineers are working on a fix and that a technical service bulletin will be issued once a solution is reached.

Sources:
Tesla Motors Club
, X,
Autoevolution