Tesla Model S

Electric Compare
No owner reviews yet for the Tesla Model S

Own one? Be the first to share how it's held up — your review helps the next buyer.

Create a free account to review Takes a minute. Already have one? Log in.

Common problems

No problems reported yet for this model.

Create a free account to report a problem Takes a minute. Already have one? Log in.

Reviews

Create a free account to add your review Takes a minute. Already have one? Log in.

No reviews yet.

Create a free account to review Takes a minute. Already have one? Log in.

Community discussion

Filter:
Create a free account to post Takes a minute. Already have one? Log in.

No discussion yet. Start the conversation — ask a question or share what you've learned.

Create a free account to post Takes a minute. Already have one? Log in.

Official safety data

NHTSA

Recalls 39

Show 34 older recalls Show fewer recalls
  • May 2024 Seat Belts 2012–2024 In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard…

    In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Risk A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

    Remedy Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles.

    NHTSA campaign 24V376000

  • Feb 2024 Forward Collision Avoidance 2013–2021 A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid…

    A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

    Risk Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles.

    NHTSA campaign 24V153000

  • Jan 2024 Electrical System 2012–2023 An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…

    An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

    Risk Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles.

    NHTSA campaign 24V051000

  • Jan 2024 Back Over Prevention 2023 Software instability may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.

    Risk A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 22, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-002.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model S, X, and Y vehicles equipped with full self-driving computer 4.0 and running a software release version 2023.44.30 through 2023.44.30.6 or 2023.44.100.

    NHTSA campaign 24V035000

  • Dec 2023 Latches/Locks/Linkages 2022, 2023 The cabin doors can be unlocked during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."

    Risk An unlocked door may unlatch and open during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-009.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model S and X vehicles.

    NHTSA campaign 23V862000

  • Dec 2023 Electrical System 2012–2023 In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.

    Risk In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

    Remedy Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy.

    NHTSA campaign 23V838000

  • Nov 2023 Steering 2021–2024 An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering wheel was replaced with a different style of yoke or steering wheel.

    Risk An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

    Remedy Tesla Service will inspect and replace the driver air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-20-005.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and Model X vehicles.

    NHTSA campaign 23V743000

  • Jul 2023 Seat Belts 2021, 2022, 2023 The front-row seat belts may not be connected properly to the pretensioner anchors, which can cause the seat belts to detach.

    Risk A detached seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy Tesla Service will inspect the front-row seat belts and connect the seat belts to pretensioner anchors, or replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-20-004.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles.

    NHTSA campaign 23V488000

  • Jul 2023 Forward Collision Avoidance 2023 The forward-facing camera may be misaligned, causing some of the active safety features such as emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane assist to become unavailable without alerting the driver.

    Risk Safety features that are unavailable without any warning to the driver may increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy Tesla Service will inspect and adjust the pitch angle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-17-006.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles.

    NHTSA campaign 23V489000

  • Feb 2023 Steering 2016–2023 The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to…

    The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.

    Risk FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.  Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.  Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.  Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation.

    NHTSA campaign 23V085000

  • Nov 2022 Steering 2017–2021 The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.

    Risk A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the EPAS system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 31, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-014.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles.

    NHTSA campaign 22V818000

  • Nov 2022 Visibility 2021 The driver side exterior rearview mirrors are convex (curved glass) and the passenger side mirrors do not include the "Objects in Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear" etched warning. As such, these mirrors fail to…

    The driver side exterior rearview mirrors are convex (curved glass) and the passenger side mirrors do not include the "Objects in Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear" etched warning. As such, these mirrors fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk When using the incorrect mirrors, the driver may misjudge the distance of other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy Tesla Service will replace the mirrors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 31, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-12-002.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021 Model S exterior side rearview mirrors, part numbers: 1622232-00-B and 1622233-00-B.

    NHTSA campaign 22E092000

  • Sep 2022 Visibility 2021, 2022 The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118…

    The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."

    Risk A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles.

    NHTSA campaign 22V702000

  • Jul 2022 Air Bags 2022 The front bumper carrier structure may alter the vehicle's crash detection, causing the front passenger air bag to deploy incorrectly during certain low speed crashes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…

    The front bumper carrier structure may alter the vehicle's crash detection, causing the front passenger air bag to deploy incorrectly during certain low speed crashes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Risk A passenger air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury.

    Remedy Tesla Service will replace the front bumper carrier structure, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 19, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-10-006.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2022 Model S vehicles.

    NHTSA campaign 22V526000

  • May 2022 Back Over Prevention 2021, 2022 The infotainment central processing unit (CPU) may overheat during the preparation or process of fast-charging, causing the CPU to lag or restart.

    Risk A lagging or restarting CPU may prevent the center screen from displaying the rearview camera image, gear selection, windshield visibility control settings, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will improve CPU temperature management, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-009.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S, Model X, and 2022 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles operating certain firmware releases.

    NHTSA campaign 22V296000

  • Apr 2022 Electrical System 2020, 2021, 2022 The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…

    The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

    Risk Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles.

    NHTSA campaign 22V235000

  • Mar 2022 Back Over Prevention 2018, 2019 The rearview image may not immediately display when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Risk A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-004.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S, Model X, and 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles equipped with Autopilot Computer 2.5 and operating certain firmware releases.

    NHTSA campaign 22V169000

  • Feb 2022 Air Bags 2021, 2022 The right or left side curtain air bag inflators may have been assembled incorrectly.

    Risk An incorrectly assembled inflator can cause a delayed or improper deployment of the side curtain air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

    Remedy Tesla Service Centers will replace the side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-20-001.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S vehicles.

    NHTSA campaign 22V104000

  • Feb 2022 Electrical System 2020, 2021, 2022 The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…

    The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

    Risk Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles.

    NHTSA campaign 22V063000

  • Feb 2022 Electrical System 2021, 2022 A software error may cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally and trap the refrigerant inside the evaporator, resulting in decreased defrosting performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…

    A software error may cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally and trap the refrigerant inside the evaporator, resulting in decreased defrosting performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."

    Risk Decreased defrosting performance may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-18-002.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles.

    NHTSA campaign 22V050000

  • Feb 2022 Electrical System 2021, 2022 The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number…

    The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Risk The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

    Remedy Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles.

    NHTSA campaign 22V045000

  • Jan 2022 Electrical System 2016–2022 The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.

    Risk Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles.

    NHTSA campaign 22V037000

  • Dec 2021 Latches/Locks/Linkages 2014–2021 The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113…

    The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113, "Hood Latch System."

    Risk If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy Tesla Service will inspect and reposition the latch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-11-003.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles.

    NHTSA campaign 21V00B000

  • Nov 2021 Air Bags 2021 The driver's air bag cushion may tear during deployment.

    Risk A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

    Remedy Tesla Service will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-007.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021 Model X and Model S vehicles.

    NHTSA campaign 21V868000

  • Oct 2021 Forward Collision Avoidance 2017–2021 A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.

    Risk Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2.

    NHTSA campaign 21V846000

  • Jan 2021 Back Over Prevention 2012–2018 When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center…

    When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center display functions.

    Risk The eMMC controller wear-out condition can cause the loss of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy Owners should ensure their vehicles are operating firmware release 2020.48.48.12 or newer, which will alert owners if the eMMC is approaching lifetime wear. Tesla will notify owners, and will replace the VCM daughterboard with one containing an enhanced eMMC controller, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-21-001.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device.

    NHTSA campaign 21V035000

  • Jan 2019 Air Bags 2014, 2015, 2016 In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature…

    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

    Risk An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Remedy Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the passenger frontal air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began May 29, 2019. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-19-20-001.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2014-2016 Model S vehicles equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment.

    NHTSA campaign 19V002000

  • Mar 2018 Steering 2012–2016 The aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture causing a reduction or complete loss of power steering assist.

    Risk Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts and add a corrosion-preventative sealer, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-18-32-002.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Tesla Model S vehicles equipped with Bosch steering racks.

    NHTSA campaign 18V204000

  • Jan 2018 Air Bags 2013 In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature…

    In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

    Risk An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Remedy Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the passenger frontal air bag modules, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2018. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-18-20-001.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2013 Model S vehicles equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment.

    NHTSA campaign 18V031000

  • Apr 2017 Parking Brake 2012–2016 The electric parking brake calipers have an internal gear that may be improperly manufactured, possibly resulting in the gear fracturing during parking brake application or release.

    Risk If the gear breaks during parking brake release, the vehicle will not be able to be moved. If the gear breaks during parking brake application, the parking brake may not adequately hold the vehicle, potentially resulting in the vehicle rolling, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy Tesla will notify owners, and service centers will replace both the left and right electric parking brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2018. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-17-33-002.

    Applies to Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model S and Model X vehicles.

    NHTSA campaign 17V260000

  • Jan 2017 Air Bags 2012 These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating…

    These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

    Risk An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    Remedy Tesla will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2017. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.

    Applies to Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2012 Model S vehicles.

    NHTSA campaign 17V023000

  • Nov 2015 Seat Belts 2012–2015 The affected vehicles are equipped with driver or front passenger seat belts that may be improperly connected to the outboard lap pretensioner.

    Risk If the seat belt is not correctly attached to the pretensioner, it may not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

    Remedy Tesla will notify owners, and service centers will inspect the driver and front passenger seat belts, correcting their connection, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 14, 2015. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-15-20-002.

    Applies to Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Model S vehicles manufactured May 31, 2012, to November 12, 2015.

    NHTSA campaign 15V780000

  • Jan 2014 Equipment 2013 During charging, the adapter, cord, or wall outlet could overheat.

    Risk An overheated adapter, cord, or wall outlet increases the risk of burn injury and/or fire.

    Remedy Tesla will notify owners and provide an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Some owners have already received this update. This update allows the Model S on board charging system to detect any unexpected fluctuations in the input power or higher resistance connections to the vehicle. If detected, the onboard charging system will automatically reduce the charging current by 25%. Tesla owners can verify that they have received the updated software (version 5.8.4 or later) by viewing the vehicle's center information screen. Additionally, Tesla will mail owners a replacement NEMA 14-50 adapter that is equipped with an internal thermal fuse. The recall began on March 14, 2014. Owners may contact Tesla Service Center at 1-877-79-TESLA (1-877-798-3752).

    Applies to Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2013 Model S vehicles equipped for, and delivered with, certain NEMA 14-50 (240 volt) Universal Mobile Connector (UMC) adapters.

    NHTSA campaign 14V006000

  • Jun 2013 Seats 2013 An improper method for aligning the left hand seat back striker to the bracket may have weakened the weld between the bracket and the frame of the vehicle.

    Risk In the event of a crash, the left hand seat back may not stay mounted, increasing the risk of injury to passengers.

    Remedy Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will inspect the left hand second row strikers. Tesla will add additional mounting hardware to ensure a proper joint between the bracket and the frame, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2013. Owners may contact Tesla at 1-650-681-5000.

    Applies to Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2013 Model S electric vehicles manufactured May 10, 2013, through June 8, 2013.

    NHTSA campaign 13V249000

Complaints 1195

Owners have filed 1195 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the Tesla Model S across model years 2012–2022. 31 mention a fire and 113 a crash.

Electrical system 404 Other 292 Suspension 215 Steering 106 Collision avoidance 92 Speed control 72

“Dashboard is leaking glue out the bottom center causing the computer screen and dash control panels to move. I'm not feeling safe driving as I'm not sure if they will drop down or stop functioning at any point. Tesla wants $1500 to fix, and I don't have that money being retired. How can Tesla glue…”

NHTSA complaint #11750141 · 2014 model year · Other · Jul 2026

“The vehicle was being driven northbound in the regular (non-HOV) lanes of Route I-95 under the control of Version 12 of FSD software. I believe that the vehicle would have crashed into the lowered gates preventing vehicles from entering the HOV lanes, which operate in only one direction at a time.…”

NHTSA complaint #11747523 · 2022 model year · Other · Jun 2026

“This issue appears to be related to a known MCU failure affecting early Tesla Model S vehicles. The touchscreen exhibits screen melting/discoloration and eventually goes blank or becomes inoperative. When this occurs, critical functions including occupant detection indicators, seatbelt warnings…”

NHTSA complaint #11744091 · 2013 model year · Airbags · Jun 2026

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — official recalls and owner-filed complaints, shown as reference data, separate from KnownCars community posts. Had one of these problems yourself? Create a free account and post it.