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A new study is suggesting that nearly all early Tesla Model S vehicles will need their electric motors replaced by 60,000 miles.

The American electric automaker has come under fire in recent months following Consumer Reports pulling its recommendation after receiving many claims of poor reliability from Model S owners. Now, a new analysis of data provided to Plug-In America by 327 owners of early Model S sedans suggests that nearly two-thirds of early Model S motors will need to be replaced within 60,000 miles.

In a survey of early Model S owners, respondents provided a variety of data including total miles driven and whether they have had a motor swap done. If any of their drivetrain had been replaced, the survey also asked what the odometer reading was at the time of the replacement.

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According to a reliability engineer that used data from 370 respondents, the “characteristic life” of the drivetrain was about 50,000 miles. Now, the results are only valid if the data is correct and had no selection bias. While selection bias is in play since only those customers that knew about the survey could fill it out, the sample covered about one percent of the total population of 2012 and 2013 model year Tesla Model S sedans. Essentially, both selection bias and randomness are acceptably low.

It will be interesting to see if owners come forward with issues on their Tesla motors once the odometer starts clicking near 60,000 miles. The company declined to answer questions related to the report.

[Source: Green Car Reports]

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