Abstract: The permanent magnet synchronous motor is widely used in electric vehicles, aerospace, industrial manufacturing and other fields because of its compact size and high-power density. However, affected by the working environment, the permanent magnet synchronous motor will inevitably have various faults in the process of operation. In order to meet the strict requirements for the safety and reliability of motor operation in the above fields, fault diagnosis of permanent magnet synchronous motor and drive system is required. Based on the research status at home and abroad, this paper summarizes the fault diagnosis methods of permanent magnet synchronous motor. According to the research status and practical needs, the future research hotspots and development trends of permanent magnet synchronous motor fault diagnosis are described.