Tesla Rear Motor Disabled? Know Why And What To Do!

The most advanced technologies sometimes encounter occasional glitches. Tesla is no exception with the “rear motor disabled” issue of its EVs recently. 

So why does the Tesla rear motor disabled message appear? It is a situation where the rear motor of a Tesla electric vehicle encounters a malfunction and is disabled. The malfunction can be caused by a mechanical failure, a software issue, overheating, etc. Then, the driver receives notifications related to the disabled status. Both an old and a new car can be affected by the issue.

Tesla is the monarch in the world of cutting-edge EVs. This issue has become a focal point for drivers seeking clarity on the robustness of their cars. Let’s explore the answers to the questions!

What Does Mean By the “Tesla Rear Motor Disabled” Error Message?

The Tesla rear motor disabled issue refers to the malfunction and shutdown of the rear electric motor in Tesla vehicles. The malfunction or shutdown can be caused by a variety of issues, which I’ve discussed below.

The motor is disabled immediately for safety concerns after any relevant issues arise. Then, the car’s alert system sends a bunch of notifications mentioning the disabled status and some related instructions.

These are the immediate responses an affected car shows:

• You may receive a notification saying your vehicle speed will be limited to a certain low value.
• You may receive a bunch of notifications saying “power may be reduced,” “vehicle may not restart,” “service needed,” etc.
• You may be advised not to drive on steep slopes.
• When the rear motor of an AWD variant is disabled, you can feel it while driving. You can feel the overall reduced power of your vehicle.

Here are some information related to the issue:

• It is not an issue of old EVs only. You may have this issue in your one-month-old vehicle, too.
• It is not a model-specific issue. Tesla electric car users have experienced the issue in multiple models. The Model Y and Model 3 cars have suffered mostly from this issue.

There is a small error in punctuation and capitalization. Here’s the corrected version:

If you are facing issues with your Tesla’s front motor, read our guide on ‘Reasons and Fixes for the Front Motor Unavailable Alert!

Reasons For A Tesla Rear Motor Disabled Issue

If the rear motor in a Tesla vehicle is disabled or not functioning properly, the potential reasons include:

1. Mechanical Issue

The rear motor inverter failure is a common mechanical issue. The failure is caused by a coolant leak into the rear motor inverter from a faulty Tesla cooling system. A faulty seal would be responsible for the leak.

Watch the following video, where a failed rear motor with coolant inside the inverter was found. The circuit board was also found wet with a gel-like substance on the insulation material. Contact or visit a Tesla Service Center to solve this issue.

2. Electrical Problem

The rear motor may encounter an electrical problem due to damaged wiring or anything else. The electrical problem may prevent the rear motor from functioning correctly. Contact or visit a Tesla Service Center to solve this issue.

3. Overheating

If the rear motor overheats due to extended usage or hot conditions, the vehicle’s system may disable it temporarily. However, the rear motor may overheat very soon due to poor cooling or any other issue.

Solution:

Contact or visit a Tesla Service Center.

4. Software Issue

Tesla vehicles rely on software for various functions. A software bug can be a reason for the disabling of the rear motor. If you have an outdated software version containing a bug, you can be affected by the issue.

Solution:

It is a temporary issue, usually. Tesla fixes such issues by removing the bug and releasing the bug-free version as quickly as possible. Tesla also notifies its users about such fixes.

So, check for a software update. If your issue is not solved after you have updated your software, contact a Tesla Service Center.

5. System Update

During a system update or maintenance process, certain systems, including the rear motor, might be temporarily disabled.

Solution:

It is a temporary issue. Wait until the operation ends.

6. Safety Concerns

If a vehicle security system detects an issue that could compromise safety, it might disable the motor as a safety measure.

Several safety concerns could prompt the disabling. It can be overheating protection, battery safety, electrical system protection, etc. Any deviation from safety standards set by Tesla can be a reason for the disabling.

Solution:

In this case, try to know the reason. Usually, you will get notifications about such issues from Tesla if you are not able to know the reason, contact or visit a Tesla Service Center.

7. Physical Damage

An accidental damage to the vehicle’s rear section might cause the disabling of the rear motor.

Solution:

If you have a warranty, you will surely contact or visit a Tesla Service Center. 

Yes, you may have the warranty expired, need an urgent fix, or a Tesla Service is beyond your reach. In these cases, you can choose a non-Tesla service. 

Why Should You Choose A Tesla Service Center Over A Non-Tesla Service?

It is better to choose a Tesla Service Center over a non-Tesla service because:

• They use specialized tools and materials to fix the issues of their own vehicles. So, it is best to choose them, if you can reach them.
• Compatibility and reliability of parts are big factors. A non-Tesla workshop may not be able to provide authentic and reliable parts.
• You can get a solution from a Tesla Service Center in the best possible manner.

How To Get Help From A Tesla Service Center?

You can directly visit with your car and get help from a Tesla Service Center. If you can’t visit them, you can get help using the Tesla app. Here are the proceedings if you use the Tesla app:

1. If you are at home, use the Tesla app to communicate with Roadside Assistance. Then, they will find out whether your car is driveable or not.
2. If your car is not driveable, they will bring it to a service center using a flatbed trailer and investigate the issue within 24 hours.

Note that if a service center receives your car on a Friday, they won’t handle it before Monday.

3. During the service period, Tesla will offer you to receive Uber credits via email or text message. However, a loaner vehicle is always a better option. So, call on Monday and opt for a phone prompt.
4. When you get a call back from the service center, ask for a loaner vehicle. They may not have any loaner vehicles left, as other customers take this option. Ask them to put you on the waiting list.
5. You can hope that you will get one when other customers get their cars back and give the loaned vehicles back to the service center.
6. In the meantime, the Tesla Service Center is working hard. They will solve your problem and give your car back as soon as possible. They don’t delay unnecessarily!

Note: You will not be covered by the warranty policy for physical damages caused by your faults. In these cases, you have to pay for a fix.

Apply The Lemon Law For A Replacement Or Repurchase

You can seek a replacement or repurchase under the Lemon Law. You can go this way:

1. If your vehicle does not comply with its applicable warranties.
2. If Tesla has not fixed your vehicle after a reasonable amount of effort.
3. If your vehicle has been out of service for a specified period of time.

The Lemon Law covers any significant defect covered by the manufacturer’s warranty that hinders your car’s safety and value.

I hope that the law will reimburse your taxes and registration nicely, and you can check in for a buy-back deal!

What Steps Tesla Takes Against An Issue?

As one of the best-quality car manufacturers, Tesla works hard to diminish such issues. Tesla runs outstanding programs to keep its customers safe from suffering.

• Tesla brings regular OTA updates to observe and fix software-related issues.
• Tesla gives the best instructions according to your vehicle’s conditions.
• Tesla fixes or replaces the faulty rear motor for free, if an issue appears within the warranty period.
• Tesla offers Uber credits or loaner vehicles until a customer’s issue is solved.

Conclusion

Facing such issues is very unfortunate for both Tesla and its users. The good news is that Tesla is always committed to its customers. The Tesla Service Center delivers the fastest response to any issue and the best possible solution. So, if your Tesla car is affected by the rear motor disabled issue, contact a Tesla Service Center. You will get a solution quickly to have a powerful drive with your Tesla car again!