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High-Pitched Whine from Motor on 2018 Model 3

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Sarah K. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:22 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range

Hey everyone,

I've been noticing a new, high-pitched whining noise coming from what sounds like the rear motor area of my 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range. It's most noticeable when accelerating from a stop or at lower speeds, say up to 40 mph. It's not super loud, but it's definitely there and wasn't before.

The car has about 75,000 miles on it. I haven't had any performance issues or warning lights pop up on the dash, and charging seems normal. I'm just concerned about this new sound.

Has anyone else experienced something similar with their Model 3? Is this a common issue, or something I should be worried about? Any advice on what it might be or what I should check would be greatly appreciated before I schedule a service appointment.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:22 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

A high-pitched whine from the motor area of your 2018 Tesla Model 3 is a concern that warrants attention, even without immediate performance issues or warning lights. This type of noise typically indicates wear or an issue within the electric drivetrain components.

Potential Causes:

  1. Motor Bearing Wear: This is one of the most common causes of whining or humming noises in electric motors. Over time, the bearings that support the motor's rotor can wear out, leading to increased friction and noise, especially under load.
  2. Gear Reduction Unit Issues: Tesla vehicles use a single-speed gear reduction unit to transmit power from the motor to the wheels. Wear in the gears or bearings within this unit can also produce whining sounds.
  3. Inverter/Power Electronics: Less common, but issues with the inverter (which converts DC battery power to AC for the motor) or other power electronics can sometimes manifest as unusual noises, though these are often accompanied by performance issues or warning lights.

When to See a Shop:

It's highly recommended to schedule a service appointment with Tesla as soon as possible. While your car isn't showing immediate symptoms, a developing issue with motor bearings or the gear reduction unit can worsen over time, potentially leading to more significant and costly repairs if left unaddressed.

What to Expect at the Shop:

  1. Diagnostic Scan: Tesla service centers use proprietary diagnostic tools to read internal fault codes and monitor drivetrain component health. Unlike traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, EVs typically do not use generic OBD-II codes for specific motor/inverter issues, relying instead on manufacturer-specific diagnostic systems.
  2. Physical Inspection: Technicians will likely perform a physical inspection and listen to the motor during operation to pinpoint the exact source of the noise.
  3. Component Replacement: Depending on the diagnosis, the solution could range from replacing specific bearings to a full motor or gear reduction unit replacement. Your vehicle's warranty status (8 years/120,000 miles for the drive unit on Long Range models) will be a key factor in repair costs.

Monitoring the noise for changes in pitch, volume, or accompanying symptoms (like vibrations or loss of power) is helpful, but prompt professional diagnosis is the best course of action to prevent further damage.

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