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2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance has a leak problem, owners suspect kick-ass fluid


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Photo: Tesla, mmyers300 via Tesla Motors Club

Tesla introduced the redesigned Model 3 Performance to an excited crowd earlier this year. But after just a few months, owners began complaining about oil leaks in the rear drivetrain area. Since Tesla boasted about using a new low-friction oil called Kick-Ass Fluid (KAF) in the rear drivetrain area, people suspect this could be the culprit.

Tesla launched the redesigned Model 3 in the U.S. in January, about four months after order books opened in Europe and China. However, the most eagerly awaited variant, the Model 3 Performance, was not due to be announced until April. This increased anticipation, as many potential buyers were excited to see what Tesla had in store for its most powerful Model 3 yet.

The sporty sedan did not disappoint, offering track-ready performance at a fairly affordable price. Tesla introduced some valuable upgrades that significantly improve the performance of the refreshed Model 3 over its predecessor. The M3P has a distinctive design for the first time, with a front spoiler and rear diffuser that improved aerodynamics. The changes went even deeper, as Tesla tried to squeeze every last ounce of performance out of the new electric race car.

Tesla has equipped the 2024 Model 3 Performance with a new rear motor that offers both more power and better efficiency. Tesla's Vice President of Engineering Lars Moravy explained in a video released at the start of deliveries in May that the improved efficiency is due in part to a new low-friction oil that he “Kick-Ass Liquid”, or KAF. Moravy did not provide any further details about what makes it so special, other than that it allows Tesla to “get the most out of it” the drive unit.

2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance has a leak problem

Photo: @omg_tesla via X

It turns out that the Kick Ass fluid wasn't content with just boosting performance, it was also leaking itself out. After a few months of ownership, many Model 3 Performance owners reported fluid leaks from the rear drive unit. In some cases, the leaks were barely noticeable and you had to remove the rear aero guard to see them. In other cases, the leak was more severe and visible on the underbody or underneath the car. Some owners reported that the leak started fairly early, sometimes after just a few hundred miles.

It is unclear if the problem is caused by a faulty seal, overfilling the drive units with fluid, or other issues. Tesla Model 3 Performance owners also cite the new Kick-Ass Fluid as a possible cause of the leak. It is not uncommon for an incorrectly formulated fluid to compromise silicone seals and cause a leak. In this case, it is premature to draw a conclusion until Tesla offers an explanation. So far, the EV The manufacturer has not even acknowledged the problem.

One of the owners who posted about the problem on the Tesla Motors Club forums asked a mobile service technician who came to fix a light bar on the passenger door if he knew anything. Of course, the technician denied it, which is what you'd expect from anyone not authorized to speak publicly. It could also be that no one reported the problem in Richmond, VA, where this particular service center was located. Deliveries of the Tesla Model 3 Performance didn't begin until late May, and it's unlikely Tesla has delivered any significant number of them.

Concerned owners offered photos and videos explaining where to look for the problem. This has already helped other people who hadn't noticed a leak but discovered traces of fluid around the drive unit after removing the rear underbody panel. The area you should check (or have checked when scheduling a service appointment) is around the half shafts. This suggests that the shaft seals could be damaged, which could be caused by faulty parts, poor installation, too much oil in the drive units, or the new KAF fluid destroying the seals.

2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance has a leak problem

Photo: @omg_tesla via X

In any case, you should check this as soon as possible. I don't need to stress how bad it is when the drive unit runs low on oil, especially under load. So far, the problem seems to be limited to the 2024 Model 3 Performance cars built in Fremont, which are equipped with the new 4D2A rear-wheel drive unit. It's unclear if the problem also occurs on the Tesla Model 3 Performance built in Giga Shanghai and sold in Europe.

The revised Model 3 Performance is not the only Tesla model with problems with the drive unit. Earlier this week, several Cybertruck All-wheel drive Owners reported drivetrain failures that caused the truck to lose rear motor power and enter turtle mode. The issue emerged shortly after Tesla offered some Cybertruck owners a free drive unit replacement.

Tesla stated that the offer was part of a survey to evaluate the reliability of the drive units of early Cybertruck vehicles. However, it is believed that Tesla was acting proactively to replace faulty drive units, similar to a silent voluntary recall. Hopefully Tesla will fix these quality issues for the Cybertruck and Model 3 Performance. The least Tesla could do is issue a service bulletin to have all drive units checked.

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