# James May’s Tesla Model S damage and lockout explained

**Published:** 2026-07-09T15:55:28.492Z  
**Topic:** Tesla  
**Sentiment:** neutral  
**Publisher:** TrendWatcher — https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/669d7183-9b52-4bca-9253-9bbe39b196fe

James May’s Model S suffered a crash, extensive interior grime and a dead 12‑V battery, prompting repairs and a tricky frunk‑access fix – see what went wrong.

James May’s Tesla Model S sustained a visible crash‑induced dent, a scuffed paint panel and heavily soiled interior, then later stalled because its 12‑volt battery died, leaving him locked out of the car [1][2]. The incident highlights both the fragility of the vehicle’s thin paint finish and the practical challenges of maintaining auxiliary power in electric‑vehicle designs.

| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Crash damage | large dent, scuff and wheel gouge |
| Interior condition | food wrappers, milk spill, extensive dirt |
| Repair outcome | body polished, wheel refurbished, interior cleaned |
| Battery issue | 12‑V battery dead, frunk access required |

## Crash and repair details  
The crash left a “big ding” on the front bumper and a noticeable scuff on the paint, while the wheels required refurbishment after being damaged by a rock on the driveway [1]. Despite the thin paint coating, technicians were able to polish out most of the blemishes without a full repaint, and the wheels were restored through a dedicated refurbishment process. The interior was found littered with food wrappers and a mysterious milk spill, prompting a thorough vacuuming, polishing and stain removal before the car was returned to a presentable state [1].

## Battery failure and lockout  
Months after the crash, May’s Model S stopped moving because its auxiliary 12‑volt battery—responsible for locks, door handles and the frunk release—died while the main high‑voltage pack remained charged [2]. Tesla explains that the charger only maintains the main battery; once it reaches full capacity the 12‑V system is left to discharge, eventually preventing access to the vehicle. To reset the system, May had to open the frunk manually by removing plastic panels in the wheel arches and using the emergency pull releases, a procedure that adds time and effort for owners facing similar battery‑death scenarios [2].

## Implications for EV design  
The incident underscores two practical concerns for EV owners. First, the thin paint finish on many Tesla models can be vulnerable to minor impacts, requiring specialized polishing rather than simple touch‑up. Second, the reliance on a separate 12‑V battery that is not actively charged during normal charging cycles creates a maintenance gap that can leave drivers stranded, especially after periods of inactivity. Both issues may influence future design tweaks or service‑guide updates from manufacturers aiming to improve durability and user convenience.

## What to watch
- Tesla’s next software update addressing 12‑V battery monitoring and automatic charging behavior.  
- Any service bulletin from Tesla on paint‑repair best practices for minor dents.  
- Consumer feedback on frunk‑access procedures as a metric of EV usability.

The May episode illustrates that even high‑profile EVs can encounter classic automotive pain points—bodywork repair and auxiliary battery management—reminding owners that traditional maintenance considerations remain relevant in the electric era.

## Sources
1. Glasp — [Fixing James May’s CRASHED Tesla Model S at The Smallest Cog](https://glasp.co/youtube/p/fixing-james-may-s-crashed-tesla-model-s-at-the-smallest-cog)
2. Insideevs — [James May's Tesla Model S Dies, He Gets Locked Out](https://insideevs.com/news/507029/james-may-tesla-model-s/)
3. Techstartups — [“Tesla Model S Has Failed,” Former Top Gear Host James May Says in a New Damning Video - TechStartups](https://techstartups.com/2021/05/14/tesla-model-s-failed-former-top-gear-host-james-may-says-new-damning-video/)

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Cite as: TrendWatcher, "James May’s Tesla Model S damage and lockout explained", https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/669d7183-9b52-4bca-9253-9bbe39b196fe