2013 TESLA MODEL S

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    infotainment head unit

    53 unsafe, 3 broken, 15 annoyance

    71
    incidents
    Typical range: 52,500–120,000 mi

    Median 90,000 mi, based on 69 reports (37% had no usable mileage)

    • "FAILURE OF THE TOUCHSCREEN RESULTS IN LOSS OF REAR CAMERA IMAGE DISPLAY WHEN REVERSE GEAR IS SELECTED, RESULTING IN REDUCED REAR VISIBILITY WHEN BACKING. SCREEN ALSO COMPLETELY FREEZES AND CANNOT CONTROL CLIMATE CONTROL ELEMENTS, SOUND, ETC. WHEN BACK UP CAMER…"~26,800 mi, complaint #1712525
    • "VEHICLE TOUCHSCREEN CONSTANTLY FREEZES AND NEEDS TO BE RESTARTED. I REPORTED THIS ISSUE TO TESLA DUE TO THEIR CLAIMED EXTENDED WARRANTY ON MCU ISSUES, HOWEVER, THEY HAVE REFUSED REPLACEMENT. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY SAFETY DRIVING THE VEHICLE AS A SIGNIFICANT A…"~64,000 mi, complaint #1723343
    • "THE TOUCHSCREEN CONTROLS ARE VERY SLOW. THE TOUCHSCREEN FAILS INTERMITTENTLY, SOMETIMES RENDERING THE BACK UP CAMERA INOPERABLE WHEN DRIVING IN REVERSE. FREQUENT REBOOTING IS REQUIRED WHEN IT HANGS UP. A NOTICEABLE DETERIORATION HAS OCCURRED IN THE LAST SIX…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1671530
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TESLA MODEL S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE MEDIA CONTROL UNIT (MCU) MALFUNCTIONED AND WAS PERMANENTLY DISABLED. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE BACKUP CAMERA FAILED TO DISPLAY. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MAKE ANY…"~115,000 mi, complaint #1671561
    • "THE MAIN TOUCH SCREEN FAILED WITH LIKELY EMMC FAILURE RESULTING IN NO NAVIGATION, NO BACKUP CAMERA, NO TURN SIGNALS OR SOUND, NO AIR OR DEFROSTERS AND NO WAY TO CONTROL HEADLIGHTS OR OTHER SAFETY FEATURES. FAILURE OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS."~161,087 mi, complaint #1689508
  2. #2

    control module

    3 stranded, 64 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    69
    incidents
    Typical range: 69,000–128,000 mi

    Median 95,000 mi, based on 84 reports (25% had no usable mileage)

    • "PROBLEMS WITH THE CHIP OF THE COMPUTER. IT TAKES A ALONG TIME TO START(WAKE) THE CAR UP EVEN AFTER REPLACING THE WHOLE SCREEN TO THE NEW NOW. ALSO THE DEFOGGER DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY ? RELATED TO THE CHIP. IT TAKES TIME FOR THE CAR TO START WHEN NOT USING AN…"~29,000 mi, complaint #1721989
    • "MCU FAILURE. ONE YEAR AGO, MY MCU SCREEN WENT BLACK. IT WAS REBOOTED AND WAS TOLD THAT IF THE MCU HAD NEEDED REPLACEMENT, IT WOULD COST 4,000.00. NOW ONE YEAR LATER, IT HAS FAILED COMPLETELY AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT. THEY TELL ME THE COST WILL BE $2,000.00.…"~69,000 mi, complaint #1678049
    • "MCU COMPLETELY DIED ON MY 2013 TESLA MODEL S. THE REVERSE CAMERA DOES NOT WORK. SIGNALS. HAZARDS. GPS. AC."~95,000 mi, complaint #1697264
    • "THE MCU WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING. LOST ANY OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL OF THE CAR INCLUDING BACK UP CAMERA. *TR"~124,630 mi, complaint #1671624
    • "WHILE ARKED IN MY GARAGE MORNING THE CENTER SCREEN DIDNT TURNED ON THE MEDIA CONTROL UNIT KNOW AS MCU WHICH IS THE CENTER SCREEN FAILED AND THE CAR WASNT ABLE TO CHARGE, TURN ON A/C AND MANY OTHER FUNCTIONS OF THE CAR WHERE DISABLED IT IS A VERY ESCENCIAL PAR…"~209,000 mi, complaint #1678961
  3. #3

    ev drive unit or inverter

    4 stranded, 31 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    36
    incidents
    Typical range: 69,000–115,000 mi

    Median 90,000 mi, based on 39 reports (37% had no usable mileage)

    • "ON JULY 16, 2015 WHILE DRIVING MY 2013 MODEL S 60, I MADE A RIGHT HAND TURN INTO A PARKING SPACE IN SIMI VALLEY, CALIFORNIA. AS I PULLED INTO THE SPACE, I TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR AND APPLIED THE BREAKS. INSTEAD OF STOPPING, THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD…"~22,000 mi, complaint #1212344
    • "DRIVER STOPPED CAR WHILE PULLING INTO GARAGE WITH REAR WHEELS ON DRIVEWAY SLOPING DOWN AND AWAY FROM GARAGE AND FRONT WHEELS JUST INSIDE GARAGE. VEHICLE CREEP MODE IN OFF POSITION. CAR AT REST. BRAKE RELEASED, AND VEHICLE BEGAN ROLLING BACKWARD DUE TO GRAV…"~58,000 mi, complaint #1443362
    • "WELL I LOVE MY FIST TESLA BUT AFTER THE FIRST TIME IT HAD TO GO IN TO THE AUSTIN SERVICE CENTER FOR A PROBLEM WITH A CLICKING /THUMPING NOISE AS WHEN I BACK UP I HEARD & FEEL. SO AFTER HAVING MY CAR A COUPLE DAYS FOUND IT WOULD NEED TO HAVE THE LARGE DRIVE UNI…"~82,000 mi, complaint #1695897
    • "MEDIA CONTROL UNIT FAILED WHILE IN THE CUSTODY OF THE DEALER AFTER A DRIVE UNIT FAILURE. THE UNIT BEGAN MALFUNCTIONING A FEW DAYS BEFORE. THE DIRECTION INDICATORS AND RADIO WERE WORKING INTERMITTENTLY WITH THE AUDIO BLANKING OFF AT 12 SECOND INTERVALS. THIS CO…"~105,579 mi, complaint #1671569
    • "DUE TO A FIRMWARE UPGRADE THAT WAS PERFORMED BY THE DEALER WHEN REPLACING MY MCU, MY TOTAL BATTERY RANGE WAS REDUCED FROM 249 MILES TO 213 MILES INITIALLY. THROUGH FURTHER UPDATES THE RANGE INCREASED TO 220 MILES AND THIS IS AN ACKNOWLEDGED ISSUE BY TESLA THAT…"~128,460 mi, complaint #1628737
  4. #4

    suspension struts shocks

    35 unsafe

    35
    incidents
    Typical range: 19,000–50,000 mi

    Median 20,000 mi, based on 42 reports (7% had no usable mileage)

    • "HERE IS A REPORT OF A TESLA CRASH AT AN INTERSECTION. HTTP://INSIDEEVS.COM/TESLA-MODEL-S-GETS-WRECKED-OWNER-SAYS-VEHICLE-SAVED-HIS-LIFE-IMAGES-OWNER-TESTIMONIAL/ THE REPORT BLAMES THE OTHER DRIVER AND CREDITS THE TESLA WITH SAVING THE OWNER FROM INJURY. TH…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1306853
    • "HERE IS A TESLA IN THE JUNKYARD: HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/29160998/PHOTOS IT HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT AND IT IS HIGHLY PROBABLE THAT THE OCCUPANTS HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE LH BACK WHEEL HAS GONE EXTREMELY WHOMPY . THE SUSPENSION IS…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1464803
    • "HERE IS A TESLA IN THE JUNKYARD: HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/31421117/PHOTOS ONCE AGAIN THE BACK WHEEL AND SUSPENSION HAS COMPLETELY FALLEN OFF. NO AIR-BAGS DEPLOYED. NO SIGN OF COLLISION DAMAGE. SUSPENSION HAS SIMPLY SNAPPED OFF FOR NO GOOD REASON. THERE…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1416355
    • "TESLA.... JUNKYARD... HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/27986168 THE USUAL - SUSPENSION FELL TO BITS, WHEEL FELL OFF. PLEASE INVESTIGATE IF YOU CAN SPARE THE TIME. THANK YOU. ANNOYING CITIZEN. "~50,000 mi, complaint #1455123
    • "BACK AND FRONT SUSPENSION ISSUES, TIRE BLOW WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSED UNSAFE OPERATION."~100,000 mi, complaint #1719140
  5. #5

    suspension arms and bushings

    1 stranded, 31 unsafe

    32
    incidents
    Typical range: 28,000–70,000 mi

    Median 48,000 mi, based on 27 reports (29% had no usable mileage)

    • "THIS IS THE CAR WHICH SWERVED OVER A CLIFF AND KILLED THE DRIVER. HTTPS://WWW.EASYEXPORT.US/VEHICLE-FINDER/LOT-16405175/2013-TESLA-TESLA-NON-REPAIRABLE-CA-SAN-JOSE HTTP://WWW.PRESSDEMOCRAT.COM/NEWS/3318773-181/PD-DEFAULT-STORY-HEADLINE-XY?GALLERY=3314901&ART…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1336301
    • "I WAS BACKING THE CAR OUT OF MY GARAGE WHEN I HEARD A STRANGE SCRAPING SOUND. WHEN I LOOKED TO SEE WHAT WAS UP I FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION HAD COLLAPSED. THE CAR WAS MOVING STRAIGHT BACK AT VERY LOW SPEED IN MY DRIVEWAY. I WAS TOLD BY THE TOW TRU…"~30,560 mi, complaint #1523022
    • "YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT LISTED FOR A SNAPPED FRONT SUSPENSION ( REF # 10862066) THERE IS A DISCUSSION THREAD HERE HTTPS://TESLAMOTORSCLUB.COM/TMC/THREADS/SUSPENSION-PROBLEM-ON-MODEL-S.69204/ WHICH SHOWS A TOP BALL JOINT THAT HAS BEEN CORRODED SO BADLY THAT IT H…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1279662
    • "WAS REPLACING THE LEFT REAR WHEEL AND NOTED AN ODD "NOTCH" IN THE LEFT REAR SUSPENSION ALUMINUM UPPER CONTROL ARM. CLOSER INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE UPPER CONTROL ARM WAS PARTIALLY SEVERED WITH APPROXIMATELY 1/2 OF THE LOWER PORTION CROSS SECTION, AND 1/3…"~63,100 mi, complaint #1151749
    • "MY VEHICLE STARTED MAKING SOME LOUD CREAKING/SQUEAKY NOISES WHEN TURNING AND GOING OVER BUMPS AT ANY SPEED OR PARKED. I HAD IT INSPECTED BY A TESLA SERVICE CENTER AND THEY SAID THE LEFT CONTROL ARM IS STARTING TO FAIL AND SHOULD BE REPLACED. THEY ALSO RECOMM…"~112,900 mi, complaint #1729716
  6. #6

    ev charging system

    2 stranded, 22 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    27
    incidents
    Typical range: 64,500–120,000 mi

    Median 95,000 mi, based on 27 reports (32% had no usable mileage)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TESLA MODEL S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHARGING CORD BECAME EXTREMELY HOT AND THE CONTACT WAS BURNED AFTER MAKING CONTACT WITH THE CORD. THE PLASTIC PART OF THE CORD HAD ALSO MELTED. THE CHARGING CORD WAS DISCONNECTED AND THE MA…"~5,500 mi, complaint #1028293
    • "RE: NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: DP19005 - INVESTIGATION SUBJECT : BATTERY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE UPDATES AFTER MOST RECENT FIRMWARE UPDATE (EXACT DATE UNKNOWN -- SOMETIME LATE THIS SUMMER)-- SUPERCHARGING SPEED APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN LIMITED. IT NOW TAKES 2-3X THE AMOU…"~64,611 mi, complaint #1616253
    • "THE BATTERY FOR THE 2013 MODEL S 60KWH 2013 IS NOT CHARGING ANYWHERE NEAR THE CAPACITY. CHARGING THE BATTERY TAKES HOURS TO GET TO NEAR 65% OF WHAT USE TO BE FULL CHARGE AND IS NOW CONSIDERED A 100% CHARGE. THIS IS UNDER WARRANTY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ASAP…"~95,000 mi, complaint #1626115
    • "VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, EMMC FAILED. TESLA TOOK 13 MONTHS TO "GET THE PART" AND VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT TESLA. CAR SAT DUE TO THE INABILITY TO CHARGE, CHANGE SETTINGS, ETC. AND THIS CREATED ADDITIONAL FAILURES (TO INCLUDE 12V BATTERY, ETC.) *TR"~100,000 mi, complaint #1671750
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TESLA MODEL S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT COOLANT WAS LEAKING ONTO THE BATTERY. THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND SHORTLY AFTERWARDS, THE BATTERY WAS NOT CHARGING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER TESLA SERVIC…"~179,000 mi, complaint #1729577
  7. #7

    other

    11 unsafe, 10 annoyance

    21
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "I REMOVED THE REAR BUMPER COVER FROM THE CAR TO INSTALL A TRAILER HITCH. THREE OF THE FOUR NUTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE STEEL BUMPER CROSS MEMBER. THE NUTS WERE LOOSELY STARTED ONTO THE STUDS. THE NUTS ARE LOCATED IN AN AREA THAT CANNOT…"~950 mi, complaint #963583
    • "I PREVIOUSLY FILED A COMPLAINT TO NHTSA ON 9/24/2013 WITH NHTSA ID NO. 10545230. I NOTICED SIMILAR ISSUE WAS REPORTED BY 3 OR 4 OTHER TESLA OWNERS: (1) 9/26/2013 NHTSA ID NO. 10545488, (2) 9/29/2014 NHTSA NO. 10639849, (3) 9/29/2014 NHTSA NO. 10639935, AND (4)…"~3,000 mi, complaint #1191267
    • "FLOOR MAT GOT STUCK UNDER THE BRAKES PREVENTING THE CAR FROM STOPPING. VERY UNSAFE CONDITIONS. I HAVE INCLUDED PICS OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AS WILL TO SHOW THE PROBLEM. THE FLOOR MATS DO NOT STAY INPLACE...UPDATED 02/02/17 *BF "~32,000 mi, complaint #1351822
    • "I HAVE A 2013 TESLA MODEL S AND BOTH OF MY SCREEN ORE PEELING FROM THE INSIDE AND GLUE IS LEAKING (SEE PICS). THIS HAPPENED AFTER A SOFTWARE UPDATE NOT SURE IF ITS A COINCIDENT BUT MY CAR WOULD CONTROL THE TEMP INSIDE THE CAR NOT SURE THIS IS OCCURRING ANYMOR…"~33,000 mi, complaint #1696232
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM) unit became inoperable causing the vehicle to stall. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer whe…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1755709
  8. #8

    door latch and hinge

    16 unsafe, 3 broken

    19
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "WHEN DOOR HANDLE PRESENTS ITSELF, IT EXTENDS TOO FAR SO THAT THE CAR THINKS SOMEONE IS TRYING TO OPEN THE DOOR AND THE CAR POPS OPEN THE DOOR BY ITSELF. THIS CREATES A SAFETY HAZARD AS WELL AS A SECURITY ISSUE BECAUSE THE DOORS DO NOT LOCK WHEN ONE IS OPEN.…"~38,000 mi, complaint #1469064
    • "ELECTRIC DOOR HANDLES FAILURE SECOND TIME A DOOR HANDLE HAS FAILED"~40,000 mi, complaint #1371763
    • "THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE PRESENTS TO OPEN, BUT WILL NOT OPEN THE DOOR WHEN PULLED. THIS IS THE SECOND DOOR FOR THIS MALFUNCTION."~59,000 mi, complaint #1532647
    • "THE CAR DOOR HANDLE WILL MALFUNCTION AND POP THE DOOR OPEN WHEN ITS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE. THE AUTO PRESENT HANDLES WILL PRESENT THEMSELVES AND THE DOOR WILL POP OPEN WHICH IT SHOULDNT. MY DOOR HAS ACTUALLY OPENED IM THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC BEFORE AND ITS NOT SAFE.…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1564190
    • "THE MODEL S, ESPECIALLY THE EARLY ONES (2012/2013) ARE PRONE TO DEVELOPING A PROBLEM WHERE ONE OF THE DOORS WILL OPEN AUTOMATICALLY. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY MOISTURE/WATER, SINCE MULTIPLE OF THE REPORTS ASSOCIATE IT W/ WATER. HERE IS JUST ONE OF THE FORUM TH…"~94,000 mi, complaint #1409822
  9. #9

    hv battery and range

    1 stranded, 15 unsafe

    16
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE ISSUE OF FIRES IN THE TESLA MODEL S. TESLA CLAIMS THAT THE FIRES IN 2013 WERE CAUSED BY IMPACT WITH ROAD DEBRIS AND THE DANGER HAS BEEN REDUCED BY FITTING A BATTERY SHIELD AND RAISING THE RIDE HEIGHT. THE RIDE HEIGHT WAS RETURNE…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1336649
    • "IN 2014 A TESLA CAUGHT FIRE IN A TORONTO GARAGE. THIS CASE WAS INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA INVESTIGATION INTO THE ISSUE OF FIRES IN TESLAS. TESLA HAS CLAIMED THAT THE BATTERY OF THE CAR WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE FIRE AND THAT THE FIRE WAS PROBABLY CAUSED BY FAULTY H…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1376163
    • "HERE IS A TESLA IN THE JUNKYARD: HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLE?ITEMID=25626248&ROWNUMBER=65&LOADRECENT=TRUE&ISNEXT=TRUE IT HAS BEEN COMPLETELY BURNED OUT. THE AIRBAGS HAVE NOT BEEN DEPLOYED. THE FRONT LH WHEEL IS PUSHED BACK IN THE WHEEL WELL AND THAT COU…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1396043
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the message “unable to drive, voltage supply” and “vehicle may not restart” was displayed. The vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the local ser…"~95,000 mi, complaint #1910541
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that the parking brake seized while leaving a charging station, and the vehicle screeched into oncoming traffic and stalled. The parking brake warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contact…"~108,000 mi, complaint #2181170
  10. #10

    unintended acceleration

    15 unsafe

    15
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=22, median 30,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "THE CAR WAS GOING AT ABOUT 5 MPH GOING DOWN A SHORT RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY. BRAKE WAS CONSTANTLY APPLIED. THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. IT HIT A CURB AND THE MIDDLE PORTION OF THE CAR LANDED ON A 4.5 FT HIGH VERTICAL RETAINING WALL. THE WALL IS ONE FOOT AWAY FRO…"~2,850 mi, complaint #1012080
    • "I WAS AT A FULL STOP WAITING TO TURN LEFT INTO THE PARKING GARAGE. WHEN IT WAS CLEAR OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC FOR ME TO MAKE THE LEFT TURN, I RELEASED MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE CAR INSTANTLY SURGED FORWARD VERY FAST AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE PARKED IN THE F…"~9,600 mi, complaint #1012380
    • "SLOWLY PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT AT A STRIP MALL, I RELEASED MY FOOT OFF OF THE GAS, LIGHTLY TAPPED BRAKE AND THE CAR "UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED" INTO A PALM TREE IN FRONT OF A BRICK PILLAR AT A STRIP MALL. I BACKED OUT TO ASSESS THE DAMAGE. HUSBAND WAS WI…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1265199
    • "ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, MY WIFE WAS SLOWLY APPROACHING OUR GARAGE DOOR WAITING FOR THE GARAGE DOOR TO OPEN WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY LURCHED FORWARD SPEED SUCH THAT THE CAR WENT THROUGH THE GARAGE DOOR DESTROYING TWO GARAGE DOORS, THE LOAD BEARING COLUMN BETWEEN…"~37,395 mi, complaint #1628793
    • "ON 8/6/2020 AT APPROXIMATELY 3:50 PM [XXX], I [XXX] WAS PARKING MY 2013 MODEL S 85 TESLA IN MY CARPORT. I HAVE LIVED AT THIS ADDRESS FOR 7 MONTHS AND HAD PARKED MY CAR THERE WITHOUT INCIDENT NUMEROUS TIMES. I WAS NOT DISTRACTED NOR INTOXICATED IN ANY WAY; I W…"~71,111 mi, complaint #1684311
  11. #11

    instrument cluster

    12 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    13
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "THE SPEEDOMETER CLUSTER IS LEAKING AND DELAMINATING CAUSING THE GLUE TO DRIP ONTO OTHER COMPONENTS, POSSIBLY CAUSING A FIRE HAZARD OR UNSAFE ENVIRONMENT. TALKING TO OTHER OWNERS, THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE ON OLDER TESLA MODEL S CARS."~40,000 mi, complaint #1729418
    • "SCREEN OCCASIONALLY GOES BLACK EITHER WHEN STATIONARY OR DRIVING. AT THE MOMENT I CAN 'RESET' THE CAR AND GET THE INSTRUMENTS BACK, BUT RESEARCH TELLS ME THAT THIS WILL ONLY GET WORSE. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM (A MEMORY CHIP FAILS THROUGH WEAR OVER TIME). WHEN…"~69,000 mi, complaint #1677942
    • "COMPUTER DISPLAY MALFUNCTIONING HAS TO BE TURNED OFF AND ON. THIS IS DANGEROUS WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE VIDEO OF SCREEN BUT CANNOT UPLOAD THAT TYPE OF FILE. *TR"~83,000 mi, complaint #1673838
    • "I HAVE 110,000 MILES ON MY TESLA, THE SCREEN BLACKS OUT SOMETIMES. I HEAR THAT YOU MIGHT MAKE THEM DO A RECALL."~110,000 mi, complaint #1707028
    • "THE EMMC IS FAILING AND CAUSING THE COMPUTER SYSTEMS TO ACT ODD. I'VE REPORTED IT FOR THE FAILING MAIN SCREEN AND IT TURNING OFF FOR OVER 36 HOURS BUT YESTERDAY THE SPEEDOMETER SCREEN WENT BLANK AND WOULDN'T COME ON FOR A AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THE CAR WO…"~124,187 mi, complaint #1676048
  12. #12

    software or update

    11 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    12
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=19, median 72,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "BEFORE DEFECTIVE NEMA-1450 COULD BE REPLACED, I HAD A MELT-DOWN OF THE DEVICE WHILE CHARGING THE CAR. THE REASON FOR WRITING: LETTER RECEIVED TODAY (LETTER DATED 6/27/14) FROM TESLA SAYS THEY HAD DEVELOPED A SOFT-WARE UPDATE TO PREVENT THIS (AS WELL AS REPLACI…"~4,000 mi, complaint #1083836
    • "THE MIDDLE CONSOLE SUDDENLY BLACKED OUT AND WOULD NOT REBOOT. THIS RESTRICTED DRIVE FUNCTIONS INCLUDING REVERSE CAMERA, NAVIGATION, AIR CONDITIONING ON A HOT SUMMER DAY, NO ENTERTAINMENT IN THE VEHICLE. THE BLACKOUT OCCURRED AS I WAS AT A STOP SIGN IN A RE…"~53,000 mi, complaint #1671579
    • "THIS IS IN REGARDS TO NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: DP19005 - INVESTIGATION SUBJECT : BATTERY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE UPDATES TESLA PUSHED A SOFTWARE UPDATE TO OUR CARS IN APRIL/MAY OF THIS YEAR THAT SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCES RANGE AND POWER USING A VOLTAGE CAP THAT ALSO R…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1610774
    • "2013 TESLA S P85 MCU WILL NOT BOOT UP AFTER OVER THE AIR SOFTWARE UPDATE BETWEEN OCTOBER 2 T O OCTOBER 9TH WHILE I WAS ON A VACATION. OTA SOFTWARE VERSION 2020.24.6.11"~106,000 mi, complaint #1702778
    • "NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: DP19005 - INVESTIGATION SUBJECT : BATTERY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE UPDATES. VIA SOFTWARE UPDATES, TESLA, SUDDENLY, INEXPLICABLY, REDUCED MAXIMUM VOLTAGE OF THE MAIN BATTERY. THE ACTION RESULTED IN INSTANT LOSS OF DISTANCE MILEAGE OF THE CAR OF…"~122,300 mi, complaint #1637239
  13. #13

    steering rack mechanical

    11 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=13, median 79,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "HERE IS ANOTHER MODEL S FOR SALE AS A SALVAGE WRECK HTTP://WWW.COPART.COM/US/EN/LOT/24419056?SEARCHID=213897253 THE FRONT LH TOP BALL JOINT HAS SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE AND THERE IS NO COLLISION DAMAGE FORWARD OF THE WHEEL THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1286706
    • "THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT A BURNED OUT MODEL S IN THE JUNKYARD. THE VIN IS UNAVAILABLE BECAUSE THE CAR IS ROASTED SO I HAVE SUBSTITUTED THE VIN OF A DIFFERENT WRECK IN ORDER TO PROMPTLY FILE THIS URGENT COMPLAINT. HERE IS THE CAR I AM COMPLAINING ABOUT. HTT…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1672589
    • " DURING ALL ELECTRICAL FAULT FAILURES THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. I'VE HAD 6 SERVICE VISITS RELATED TO ELECTRICAL FAULTS CAUSING MECHANICAL FAILURES. THE STEERING RACK FAILURE WAS THE MOST RECENT PROBLEM. TESLA REPLACED THE ENTIRE STEERING RACK. THE TESLA…"~79,000 mi, complaint #1596310
    • "CORROSION TO THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT WITH U-JOINT CAUSED POWER STEERING TO FAIL."~109,975 mi, complaint #1681486
    • "THE STEERING RACK MOTOR FAILED CAUSING THE STEERING TO BECOME INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT. TURNING THE WHEELS AT NO OR LOW SPEED TAKES GREAT FORCE AND TURNING THE WHEEL AT FASTER SPEEDS TAKES MODERATE FORCE. THE MOTOR DIED MID TRIP, CAUSING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION…"~133,500 mi, complaint #1731031
  14. #14

    hv system fault reduced power

    2 stranded, 6 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "ON JUNE 27, 2019 I BROUGHT MY CAR TO A TESLA SERVICE CENTER FOR MAINTAINANCE UNRELATED TO THE BATTERY OR DRIVE UNIT. DURING THE VISIT TESLA DOWNLOADED A NEW SOFTWARE REVISION TO MY CAR THAT IMMEDIATELY LIMITED RANGE, POWER, CHARGE RATE AND BATTERY CAPACITY.…"~85,000 mi, complaint #1609394
    • "WHILE DRIVING ON A SIX LANE HIGHWAY, I RECEIVED MULTIPLE ALERTS FROM THE CAR SAYING THAT POWER WAS REDUCED, THE VEHICLE WAS SHUTTING DOWN, SERVICE IS REQUIRED, PULL OVER SAFELY AND VEHICLE MAY NOT RESTART. I PULLED OVER INTO A PARKING LOT TO MONITOR THE CAR, T…"~128,600 mi, complaint #1676202
  15. #15

    brake hydraulics

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TAKATA RECALL : I HAVE MY USED 2013 TESLA MODEL S 85 SINCE LAST YEAR. AND SINCE LAST YEAR I'M HAVING A BIG ISSUE WITH THE VIBRATION COMING FROM THE BREAK PEDAL. EVERYTIME I USE MY BREAK THERE IS A ABNORMAL VIBRATIONS AND THIS ISSUE WAS NOT FIX. TESLA DUBLIN PE…"~95,625 mi, complaint #1567453
    • "1. DRIVING SCREEN FAILED. 2. DURING WET WEATHER BRAKES WILL NOT SLOW DOWN CAR FOR 3 SECONDS...VERY DISTRUBING 3. 2013 MODEL S WITH UNDER 100K MILES HAD FONT END PARTS FAIL. REQUIRED A $3,000.00 REPAIR. HAVE NEVER HAD AN AMERICAN CAR, EVEN WITH TWICE THE M…"~98,000 mi, complaint #1724649
  16. #16

    wheel or rim

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "HERE IS ANOTHER CRASHED TESLA IN THE JUNK-YARD. HTTP://WWW.COPART.COM/US/LOT/26133286/PHOTOS?SEARCHID=978872155 THE FRONT WHEEL HAS COME OFF AND IT HAS THE USUAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A GROOVE WORN IN THE TREAD AND THE TIRE PARTLY PEELED OFF THE RIM. THIS IS…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1297716
    • "HERE IS ANOTHER TESLA IN THE JUNKYARD HTTPS://M.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETENC.ASPX?AUCTIONID=0&ITEMID=23837634&ROWID=30&PAGESOURCE=VEHICLERESULTS IT HAS BEEN IN A MAJOR FRONT END COLLISION. ALMOST CERTAINLY CAUSE BY THE BACK WHEEL FALLING OFF! PLEASE INVESTIGATE…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1342279
    • "HERE IS A TESLA IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://M.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETENC.ASPX?AUCTIONID=0&ITEMID=23837634&ROWID=31&PAGESOURCE=VEHICLERESULTS THE BACK RH WHEEL ASSEMBLY HAS TORN OFF AND EXITED THROUGH THE REAR OF THE CAR TEARING OFF THE BACK BUMPER. THE CAR HAS THE…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1344667
    • "HERE IS A TERDSLA IN THE JUNKYARD:HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/38372462?ROWNUMBER=30 LOOK CLOSELY AND YOU WILL NOTICE THAT THE BACK WHEEL HAS GONE WHOMPY. IF YOU WOULD BE SO KIND AS TO TAKE THESE CONTRAPTIONS OFF THE ROADS THEN I CAN SHUT UP AND LET…"~78,000 mi, complaint #1713577
    • "HERE IS A TESLA IN THE JUNKYARD:HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLE?ITEMID=28123114&ROWNUMBER=85&LOADRECENT=TRUE THE BACK WHEEL HAS FALLEN OFF FOR NO GOOD REASON. SEE ATTACHED PHOTOGRAPH. PLEASE NOTE THAT IN THE LATEST FATAL TESLA CRASH THE BACK WHEEL HAS ALSO FA…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1466014
  17. #17

    airbag system

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "MY TESLA HAS HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES RELATED TO THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THE FIRST ISSUE WAS THAT A SEATBELT SENSOR TIED INTO THE AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILED DUE TO A PINCHED WIRE IN THE SEATBELT MECHANISM, CAUSING THE SRS/AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TO STAY ON. TO FIX THIS, TESLA RE…"~110,000 mi, complaint #1410599
  18. #18

    driveshaft axle cv

    1 stranded, 4 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TESLA MODEL S. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LOS ANGELES-CENTINELA ([REDACTED ADDRESS] LOS ANGELES, CA 90045 310) 649-5463) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE…"~24,000 mi, complaint #1745514
    • "TESLA IN JUNKYARD. BACK WHEEL FELL OFF. SUSPENSION GIBLETS ALL HANGING OUT. VERY NASTY. GIVE MY REGARDS TO [XXX] YOURS WHOMPILY [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)."~50,000 mi, complaint #1674310
    • "HERE IS A FRESH REPORT OF A TESLA SUSPENSION FAILURE: HTTPS://TESLAMOTORSCLUB.COM/TMC/THREADS/TESLA-UPPER-CONTROL-ARM-CRACKED.96329/#POST-2257474 SNIP:IT ALL TOOK PLACE YESTERDAY WHEN MY WIFE WERE DRIVING TO VISIT ONE OF HER COLLEAGUE. WHILE TURNING INTO A…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1401216
    • "I MADE A LEFT TURN ON KELLOGG DRIVE.I RAN OVER SOME SAFETY DOTS ON THE FLOOR. THE SAFETY DOTS WAS ABNORMAL LARGE IN SIZE. BOTH MY FRONT AND REAR WHEEL RAN OVER MANY LARGE SAFETY DOTS. THE COMPLETE TESLA BRAKE FUNCTION FAILED AND I HAVE NO BRAKE. BY THE TIME MY…"~75,355 mi, complaint #1412303
  19. #19

    backup camera

    3 unsafe, 1 broken

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "LOSS OF REAR VIEW CAMERA; SCREEN STARTED TO LEAK CONDUCTIVE ADHESIVE THAT REQUIRED THE SCREEN AND ENTIRE MEDIA CONTROL UNIT TO BE REPLACED."~100,000 mi, complaint #1673066
    • "MY MAIN LARGE SCREEN, WHILE MOVING IN REVERSE, SHOWS THE IMAGE FROM THE BACK UP CAMERA...IT WILL SUDDENLY AND RANDOMLY SHUT OFF AND ALMOST LIKE RESET OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT AND I WILL HAVE TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES AND WAIT TO SEE WHATS HAPPENING"~104,000 mi, complaint #1673010
  20. #20

    steering electric assist

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "INTERMITTENT LOSS OF ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST, LEAVING THE STEERING WHEEL ALMOST IMMOBILE, AND VERY HAZARDOUS DRIVING UNDER THE WRONG CIRCUMSTANCES. THE PROBLEM STARTED AFTER AN OVER-THE-AIR SOFTWARE UPDATE FROM TESLA. CAR HAS 33K MILES ON IT. TESLA S…"~33,000 mi, complaint #1566923
  21. #21

    battery and charging

    1 stranded, 2 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2013 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive and electrical power. A warning message stating that the vehicle was about to shut off was illuminated. The contact swerved to the rig…"~45,000 mi, complaint #1785750
  22. #22

    interior trim

    3 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "THE MAIN SCREEN THAT CONTROLS EVERYTHING HAS A MASSIVE ISSUE. IT CONTROLS ALL THE FUNCTIONS IN THE CAR, LIKE THE REAR BACK UP CAMERA, ABILITY TO CONTROL AC, ETC. THE SCREEN IS PEELING FROM THE INSIDE, AND MANY PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THIS ON THE TESLA FORUMS.…"~41,000 mi, complaint #1693362
  23. #23

    tire failure

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TESLA MODEL S EQUIPPED WITH LIONHART LH-FIVE TIRES, SIZE: 245/35/R21 (NA). WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN TESLA DEALER IN TORRANTE, CA WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE…"~107,000 mi, complaint #1523960
  24. #24

    tpms

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM FAULT LIGHT AND LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT ON. TESLA SAYS THE BAOLONG SYSTEM INSTALLED IS FAULTY AND FAILING, AND A CONTINENTAL RETROFIT MODULE IS NEEDED. MANY PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THIS ISSUE. TESLA CHARGES OVER $700 FOR THIS FIX.…"~47,000 mi, complaint #1636455
    • "SUMMARY: VEHICLE TPMS HAS BEEN DISABLED DUE TO A SOFTWARE REVISION. TESLA RELEASED V10 SOFTWARE FOR MODEL S VEHICLES. 2012-2014 CARS HAVE A LEGACY TPMS SYSTEM WHICH THE PREVIOUS SOFTWARE ALLOWED THE USER TO RESET THE TPMS, IF AN ERROR OCCURRED OR A DIFFEREN…"~84,000 mi, complaint #1625980
  25. #25

    adas collision warning

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2013 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving 57 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking was inadvertently activated. The emergency brake fault and parking brake fault warning lights illuminated. The vehicle…"~95,143 mi, complaint #1999542
  26. #26

    brake pads and rotors

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "HERE IS A FORUM POST IN WHICH AN OWNER OF A TESLA CERTIFIED PRE OWNED CAR REPORTS THAT HE HAD 4 SEIZED BRAKE CALIPER PISTONS. HTTPS://TESLAMOTORSCLUB.COM/TMC/THREADS/4-BENT-WHEELS.75765/ CUBLDR97, THURSDAY AT 6:53 PM I PURCHASED A CPO 2013 MODEL S85 IN FE…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1310121
  27. #27

    corrosion and rust

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "TORKLIFT CENTRAL SELLS AN "ECOHITCH" FOR THE TESLA MODEL S. UNFORTUNATELY, THEY FAILED TO ACCOUNT FOR THE ALUMINUM BODY--AND THEIR HITCH IS MADE OF STEEL. GALVANIC CORROSION IS POWERFUL AND DESTROYS THE STRENGTH OF THE BODY. THE POST BELOW SHOWS THE DAMAGE…"complaint #1448575
    • "Front impact bumper separated from mount on one side due to rust. Noticed a noise from front of car when going over small bumps in the road. If we had been in an accident, the impact bumper would not have provided adequate protection for the passengers or ve…"complaint #2107090
  28. #28

    power windows and locks

    1 unsafe, 1 broken

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TESLA MODEL S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDOWS IN THE VEHICLE BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAI…"~18,000 mi, complaint #1275229
    • "11 DAYS AGO, THE DOORS AND WINDOWS STOPPED WORKING ON MY TESLA MODEL S. THE CAR WAS PARKED, AND WHEN I CLICKED ON THE "OPEN" BUTTON TO CAUSE THE DOOR HANDLES TO EXTEND, I DISCOVERED THAT THE DRIVER-SIDE HANDLE NO LONGER OPENED. IN FACT, 3 OF THE 4 DOORS NO LON…"~21,000 mi, complaint #1600642
  29. #29

    ac compressor and refrigerant

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "recently my car was repaired from MCU, The vehicle does not work the air conditioning in high temperatures can reach up to [REDACTED ADDRESS] but I disable the air conditioning compressor."complaint #1809694
  30. #30

    cruise control conventional

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "i was driving over 100mph, let off the accelerator and the car kept going that fast. Then all of warning lights came on, traction turned off, anti skid turned off. etc etc. I immediately applied brakes to NO affect. I called the Tesla Road Side Assistance.…"complaint #1769690
  31. #31

    engine mounts

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "DURING NORMAL HIGHWAY DRIVING THE MOTOR MOUNT TABS ATTACHING THE ELECTRIC MOTOR OF MY 2013 TESLA MODEL S SHEERED OFF CAUSING THE MOTOR TO SLAM AGAINST THE SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE HAS UNDER 75,000MI ON IT NOW. TESLA IS CALLING THIS A WEAR AND TEAR ISSUE. A SUB…"~74,795 mi, complaint #1639774
  32. #32

    fluid leak unspecified

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "GEL IS LEAKING OUT OF DASH DISPLAY. ONTO DRIVER PEDAL AREA. CREATING A DRIVING HAZARD."~103,000 mi, complaint #1707298
  33. #33

    glass and windshield

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "PANORAMIC ROOF HAS CRACK ON MY FIRST GENERATION 2013 TESLA MODEL S, WHICH TESLA CLAIMS TO BE DUE TO IMPACT WITH SOMETHING FROM OUTSIDE AND MY CAR IS SAFE IN GARAGE WITH NOTHING OVER IT WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I WONDERED HOW CAN THIS BE POSSIBLE ON A CAR WITH 5-S…"~47,000 mi, complaint #1292333
  34. #34

    key fob and immobilizer

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "FOB DID NOT OPEN AND TODDLER IS LOCKED INSIDE A HOT CAR FOR 20 MINUTES. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO OPEN THE CAR, WE BROKE THE WINDOW OPEN TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE FOB WORKED AGAIN SHORTLY AFTER. CALLED TESLA AND THEY WILL INSPECT WHAT HAPPENED. HOWEVER, THEY W…"~51,000 mi, complaint #1508602
  35. #35

    lighting exterior

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Vehicle lights turned off while driving home with my family. Pulling over and turning off and on the car reset the problem. When lights turned off I received a warning light identifying a faulty right headlight and faulty left headlight. No accident and ve…"complaint #2191496
  36. #36

    parking brake

    1 stranded

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2013 Tesla Model S. The contact stated he heard an abnormal noise and the parking brake failed to release. The contact stated that the parking brake fault warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he reset the parking brake syst…"~106,300 mi, complaint #1861516
  37. #37

    power steering hydraulic

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Power steering has failed and the car is dangerous to drive unless you have Arnold Schwarteneggers strength. Tesla wants to charge an exorbitant amount to repair their failure (just as they charged me for fixing THEIR recall with the EMMC unit. They keep pas…"complaint #1939660
  38. #38

    seat mechanism

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "HERE IS A SALVAGE CAR THAT HAS HAD A SEVERE REAR END IMPACT. HTTP://WWW.COPART.COM/US/LOT/29148486?SEARCHID=342174653 IT APPEARS THAT THE DRIVERS SEAT-BACK HAS COLLAPSED. THIS IS NOT GOOD. "IT IS ESTIMATED THAT APPROXIMATELY 50,000 REAR IMPACT INJURIES O…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1306841
  39. #39

    throttle and pedal

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "IT WAS A 2HR45MIN DRIVE INTO WORK ON AN ICY BLIZZARDY MORNING, DRIVING MY 2013 MODEL S RWD P85 WITH 90,000MI. HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR 4 YRS. MADE IT TO WORK SAFELY AND THE LAST 6 FEET IN THE PARKING GARAGE, GOING ABOUT 3 MPH PULLING AT A RIGHT ANGLE INTO A P…"~91,000 mi, complaint #1540368
  40. #40

    trunk or liftgate

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The rear trunk will not open and pulling the emergency safety cord will not open the trunk. If you review the Tesla forums this is a known issue with the car. In my case this happened while the car was parked. However if I had the rear facing seats in the…"complaint #1747920
  41. #41

    wiper and washer

    1 broken

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Wiper motor linkage on these vehicles break, leaving only the driver side wiper functional."complaint #1812368
  42. #42

    wiring harness

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "KNOWN DEFECT IN A TESLA 2013 MODEL S ARE SLIDING OUT DOOR HANDLES. THEY SIMPLY FAIL TO SLIDE OUT DUE TO POOR MICROCHIP WIRE HARNESS INSTALL. I BELIEVE THIS IS ASSOCIATED IN OLDER TESLA MODEL S MODELS. IT'S SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE, BECAUSE IN CASE OF EMERGENCY…"~112,000 mi, complaint #1414696

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for TESLA MODEL S directly.