Consumer Reports gave the $104,000 electric car a "worse-than-average" rating in its latest report about the predicted reliability of new vehicles based on a user survey that included more than 1,400 owners. Owners complained about problems with the drivetrain, power equipment, charging equipment, the giant iPad-like center console, and squeaks, leaks and rattles with the body and sunroof.
Other problems owners noted were inoperable wipers, leaking battery cooling pumps, out-of-alignment trunk and hatchback latches and persistent wheel-alignment issues.
Tesla shares plunged more than 15% Tuesday after Consumer Reports announced it was withdrawing its recommendation of the company's flagship Model S P85D electric sedan. The price of Tesla shares had climbed by the closing bell, but still ended the day down by 6.6%.
In two separate tweets, Musk said any problems mentioned in Consumer Reports' user reliability ratings were more related to early production Model S sedans and that they'd already been addressed in new models.
Musk then reiterated what Consumer Reports itself noted: Some 97% of people who own the car said they would buy it again.
"That's the acid test," Musk tweeted.