For those who have been following Tesla for a while, in early day people like to describe Tesla as maintenance free due to the lack of ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) which eliminate oil change, transmission fluid flushing, muffler, timing belt, etc. While that’s definitely true but let’s not forget Tesla is packed with technology. Despite technically there is no required maintenance beyond tire rotation and replacement. In the past Tesla did recommend service to be performed annually or every 12,500 miles whichever occur first. While the maintenance plan is no longer available the cost of service use to be $475 the first year, $725 second year, $475 third year and $850 fourth year. Now Tesla had replaced the maintenance plan with recommended maintenance service based on mileage and time. One big reason could be Tesla service is no longer able to keep up with the number of Tesla on the road. Also more service centers beginning to offer body shop service which increases service center workload.
Service what to expect?
Early owners usually gave glowing reviews for Tesla service, but that's back when Tesla was a startup and face significant reliability issues. As a Tesla owner since 2016, I definitely see Tesla had cut back in service.
My first service, there was a Tesla service advisor that handles all aspects of the service, including providing Tesla loaner vehicle with free supercharging (but never had autopilot), complimentary car wash, you can actually get through to service on the phone. In case you can't go back to the shop that day returning your loaner the next day or even keeping it until the next business day is totally fine. Tire rotation was free and most services they are willing to do it as good will. When you go back to pick up your car, it's like a totally new car fully wash and charged ready to go.
My last service visit this year, I was offered an Uber voucher of $300, The tire rotation was over $120 and they do discourage you from having tire rotate at Tesla the advisor will let you know any tire shop can do tire rotation which is true until you tell them you have a Tesla. After I told them the $120 is fine, they check my VIN and there were a few updates on the bulletin that need to be performed (those updates were free). When I go pick up my car, it's parked at an off-site parking structure, so there is no one to ask questions which is fine but I assume many new owners would have questions. The only thing that seems to be the same is Tesla will still charge your car to 100% for free.
The bottom line is dialed down your expectation when it comes to service.
Warranty
All new Tesla come with 4 years and 50,000 miles new vehicle limited warranty and 8 years infinite miles drive unit and battery warranty. Owners can purchase extended service agreement of either 2 or 4 years. The cost of 4 years extended service is $4,250 for MS and $4,800 for MX if purchase within 180 days. It’s not uncommon for early MS adopters go through numerous service visits from drive unit to door handle to screen replacement. Many cool features of the Tesla like auto-present door handles, giant 17 inch display and autopilot sensors can all be very costly to repair out of warranty from hundreds to thousands of dollars and let’s not forget the falcon wing on the MX. In fact, a search on Tesla or TMC forum, you will see quite a few discussions on concerns for out of warranty repair. Tesla do recognize the build quality especially early model are not perfect as Elon had mentioned the current MS can be consider the third generation. Tesla service center does performed good will repair even if it’s out of warranty, its unknown how this would change in the future as the number of Tesla increase.