Model S: NVH Guide

Blacked out Tesla Model S Plaid
Blacked out Tesla Model S Plaid

The 2021+ Tesla Model S (aka P2) is a great car with amazing tech. One thing it is not known for is excellent NVH (noise, vibration, harshness).

This is meant to be a complete guide to solving common NVH issues. Some things here are common and annoying, and some only bother the most noise-sensitive people on the planet.

If you have something you'd like to contribute please let me know.

Issues

This is currently a work in progress list of NVH issues I have encountered, most of which affected every Model S I've owned.

Small clicks at slow speeds when turning

Description: Sounds like a small creak from the lower front end of the car when driving around or making turns at parking lot speeds.

Should only affect 2021 - 2023 Model S and Model X. Largely went undiagnosed for 3 years, making many service technicians believe that creaking/clicking from the front end of Model S and Model X is unavoidable and unfixable.

THE FIX

Apply Service Bulletin: Tighten Front Frame Rail Bolts

Bash plate creaking

Virtually every Every Model S and Model X starts to have clicking and creaking caused by debris getting between the frame and skid plate somewhere around the 4000 - 6,0000 mile mark. It progressively gets louder over time, turning from a series of clicks to a full on creak.

In July of 2024 Tesla updated the bolts and torque spec which made it quieter, but did not resolve it fully. One downside of this currently is that service technicians are misdiagnosing it because it no longer sounds the same.

The hallmark sign of bash plate creaking is when parked turning the wheel/yoke lock to lock slowly with hold mode disabled (tap the brake, observe (H) go away). When doing so you will hear clicks that sounds like they are coming from the dashboard area. From outside of the vehicle it sounds like it is coming from under the car just behind the wheels.

THE FIX

It is a very easy fix: Telsa will under warranty remove the skid plate, clean it, insulate it, and re-install it.

Hood clicking over bumps

This issue sounds like a quick tick/click when you first get in the car and turn the wheel, or when you go over bumps.

The bolt that is used to determine the resting height of the top end of the front hood is metal on metal and can cause this.

THE FIX

Place a small piece of insulation or a door rubber bump on the top of the bolt to insulate it.

Seat creaking (2024+ Sport Seats)

The new Plaid Sports Seats that were introduced in 2024 exclusive to the Plaid are excellent. One drawback, is that after the break in period if you have the seat bottom angled up the frame components can start to rub and "catch" causing popping/clicking noises as you move around.

THE FIX

Under the seat near the front there is a bar with 2 plastic assemblies gripping the bar. When you sit down, downward pressure is applied, causing the plastic to "turn" around the bar causing the noise. Apply grease or PTFE lubricant in this area. Be sure to get both of them, one on each side.

Center console vibrations

WIP

B-pillar temperature-based creaking

WIP

Reat seat latch rattle

WIP

Muffled dash rattle (frunk skirt)

WIP

Glovebox door rattle

WIP

Dash rattle (dash liner)

WIP

Dash speaker grille rattle

On particularly rough roads the front speaker grille has enough play in it that causes it rattle. To verify it's coming from the speaker grilled you can press down on the speaker grille with your hand. If it stops you know it's causing it.

THE FIX

There are two ways to fix this:

  1. Tesla service can insulate it for you. The downside of this is that it requires completely removing the dash to get to it.
  2. Buy and install the speaker grille wedges