2015 TESLA MODEL S

9 recalls, 1,053 complaints - 85 TSBs

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES

Defect Description

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

Consequence

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.

125,233 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Defect Description

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. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicle... Read more

Consequence

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.

2,193,869 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING:SOFTWARE

Defect Description

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. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope... Read more

Consequence

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.

2,031,220 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Defect Description

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. 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 Sy... Read more

Consequence

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.

130,441 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Defect Description

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. When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC ... Read more

Consequence

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 ... Read more

134,951 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Defect Description

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. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, ... Read more

Consequence

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.

68,673 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Defect Description

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

Consequence

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.

70,421 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

PARKING BRAKE

Defect Description

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

Consequence

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.

31,709 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla Motors, Inc.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

Defect Description

Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Model S vehicles manufactured May 31, 2012, to November 12, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with driver or front passenger seat belts that may be improperly connected to the outboard lap pretensioner.

Consequence

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... Read more

59,415 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla Motors, Inc.

Complaint Statistics

1,053 total complaints 107 crashes 21 fires 37 injuries 6 deaths

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	260
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	179
SUSPENSION	134
STEERING	53
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	45
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	38
POWER TRAIN	36
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	33
ENGINE	30
VISIBILITY/WIPER	27

Incident date: Feb 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKT. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V827000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the passenger's side door B-pillar trim detached. ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard, and the vehicle lost braking functionality. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the roadway. The contact referenced notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbe... Read more

Incident date: Apr 14, 2026

This is the second time the ICCU failed. The car is waiting for a full EV battery replacement. The first time the failure happened on 12/11/25, at 9,165 miles, the alert happened just before the car came to a full stop as we were driving along the road near our house, it was very difficult to steer,... Read more

Incident date: Apr 14, 2026

Following a coolant rapid mate replacement performed by an authorized Tesla service center, the vehicle experienced a complete shutdown on a public road the same evening it was returned. The high-voltage cooling system was not properly purged of air following the service. This caused low coolant flo... Read more

Incident date: Apr 9, 2026

The rear parking collision warning abruptly stopped working. The engine smells like it’s burning. The recall 68c has no remedy currently. My neighborhood is at risk due to this outstanding issue.

Incident date: Apr 9, 2026

The rear parking collision warning abruptly stopped working. The engine smells like it’s burning. The recall 68c has no remedy currently. My neighborhood is at risk due to this outstanding issue.

Incident date: Apr 9, 2026

On February 5, 2026, at 12:21 PM PST, my 2026 Tesla Model 3 (Hardware 4) collided with a 5-inch wooden pillar while using the Autopark feature. The system failed to provide any audio chimes or visual warnings prior to the impact. I officially requested the driving logs from Tesla to investigate the... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Mar 15, 2026

POWER STEERING WENT OUT

Incident date: Dec 31, 1969

Unknown. Brakes still squeaking after getting them changed with the bulletin notice. Engine surges and idles rough- dealership could not diagnose. Not accelerating randomly, pedal goes in and it does not engage. Gas tank not filling up all the way. Rear cross tracking warning turned off when it is n... Read more

Incident date: Jan 29, 2026

I am submitting this complaint to report a significant and unusual mechanical failure involving my 2021 Ram truck. The vehicle experienced a failure of the heater core assembly, which resulted in engine coolant leaking directly into the passenger compartment. This failure caused coolant odor and fl... Read more

Incident date: Jan 29, 2026

THE AUTO START STOP HAS MALFUNCTIONED 3 TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE WHOLE TRUCK GOES INTO STOP MODE THE 1ST 2 TIMES I WAS AT A STPOP SIGN SO IT JUST MADE THE PEOPLE BEHIND ME MAD THIS LAST TIME I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 55MPH THE LIGHT TURNED GREEEN AND THE TRU... Read more

Incident date: Jan 29, 2026

I have a used kia soul 2012 which I bought 3 years ago. It's steering column has started making strange clicking noises when I turn the wheel left and right. I went to KIA dealership, they inspected the steering column and said it's gonna cost me $1200. They said it's not covered under "recall" pol... Read more

Incident date: Jan 13, 2026

All four tires on my 2025 Toyota Tundra experienced severe and abnormal outside edge wear at approximately 13,000 miles. The vehicle was purchased new and maintained according to manufacturer recommendations, including tire rotations every 5,000 miles at authorized Toyota dealerships. An authorized... Read more

Incident date: Dec 4, 2025

Truck looses gear when pulling into traffic. It will shift out of gear and only allow coasting. At speeds of 40 MPH and higher it will down shift causing dramatic reduced speed with no brake warning to other drivers behind. It will also randomly loose power. It will have delayed shifts squealing ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 4, 2025

Incident date: Sep 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) approximately two years ago; however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a r... Read more

Incident date: Sep 11, 2025

My 2016 Kia Soul is experiencing severe oil consumption, piston ring failure, and smoke from the exhaust. The vehicle is covered under Kia’s engine warranty extension (Product Improvement Campaign PI2002B and subsequent updates), which extends coverage to 15 years/150,000 miles on the engine short... Read more

Incident date: Aug 23, 2025

All of the dashboard light turned on while deiving amd the engine started overheating, we had to stop the car for it too cool and then it cannot run faster than 30 miles because it will over heat and shakes we could of had a bad accident , we have tried to resolve this with tge dealership and they h... Read more

Incident date: Aug 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Escape. The contact stated that on several occasions while in reverse(R), the rearview camera image was flipped upside down. The contact stated that after a month, the camera failed and displayed a blank screen. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it w... Read more

Incident date: Aug 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the contact noticed that the vehicle was consuming a... Read more

Incident date: Aug 28, 2025

Incident date: Jun 25, 2025

Truck first would shift out of park but would not engage into a gear causing it to roll unexpectedly in the downhill driveway. Problem self corrected with a few ignition cycles. Week later truck became inoperable at a stop light and require shut down and restart and traffic. Same day truck would not... Read more

Incident date: Jun 25, 2025

Alternator caught on fire

Fire

Incident date: Jun 25, 2025

We have a Buick Lucerne 2010. We went out it would not start. Tow it to dealership they replace the fuel pump. We did. Get it home next day it will not start again. Tow it to dealership again. This time they find melted wire connectors. Under back seat and on a fuse box.They replace them it starts ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 23, 2025

The fuel tank expanded causing the vehicle to become immobile. The car is sitting at a dealership after I declined to sign Kia's buyback so yes it available for inspection. As for my safety and other the fact a fuel tank is swelling under where people would sit and it is highly flammable/ combustib... Read more

Incident date: Jul 17, 2025

We have experienced phantom AEB warnings and braking (60+ warnings w/o braking, around 10 brake activations) since owning the vehicle a little over a year now, purchased new. We took it into the dealer in May to have it addressed and they determined the AEB system was inoperable due to a defective f... Read more

Incident date: Feb 20, 2025

Certified Mercedes dealership confirmed that the subframe of my 2008 C300 is rusted and needs to be replaced which is under warranty. However, they are unwilling and do not acknowledge that the brake lines are also rusted and need to be replaced which is CAUSED by the rusted subframe. I first consul... Read more

Incident date: Jul 1, 2025

I was sitting in a drive through when the car just stopped running. I could not get it to restart. Engine light had come on and gone off a few times. I had it towed to a Firestone next door , they advised it needed to go to dealership for engine recall. Dealership did not look at it for 3 days so I ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 5, 2025

Passenger side rear air conditioning blower motor caught on fire and burned vehicle out completely. Fire trucks called to put out fire but is completely burned out. My safety was at risk flames in back by the time I got stopped on highway. Thankful no one was riding in back seat. First issue I h... Read more

Fire 1 injured

Incident date: Jul 5, 2025

The engine oil pressure became low, resulting in the vehicle slowing down while driving on the highway in inclement weather. Currently scheduled for service on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Low oil pressure warning light came on. Light appeared 5 minutes prior to start of engine failure.

Incident date: Jul 3, 2025

When starting into traffic from a dead stop - stop sign, merging, traffic light - the car hesitates acceleration. It stumbles and shudders like it has run out of gas for h n it has not. This puts me in danger when pulling out into traffic since the car does not take off properly. The car has 16,151 ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2025

Can my VIN please be removed from the NHTSA list? Tesla has not issued a fix for this concern, and I’ve contacted them for the past 6 weeks. This optional safety recall is preventing the vehicle from being used on ride share apps.

Incident date: Jun 1, 2025

The steering became extremely loose over time on my Honda Pilot posing significant safety concerns because of it. The tires adamantly follow all the divets, lines, grooves, and bumps in the road causing me to lose control of the vehicle very easily in poor driving conditions. This is especially exag... Read more

Crash

Incident date: May 2, 2025

Ford F150 Mileage when 10R80 Transmission Failed: 66,195 New 10R80 Transmission Replacement of Original Factory 10R80 Transmission installed on September 20, 2024 Original 10R80 Transmission Failure Date: [XXX] Brand New 10R80 Transmission Installed: September 20, 2024 2nd Incident Malfunction of N... Read more

Incident date: Feb 12, 2025

Coolant intrusion, need new engine

Incident date: Jul 14, 2020

The contact owns a 2024 BMW X7. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable a... Read more

Incident date: Feb 26, 2025

My complaint is regarding the handling of the following NHTSA campaigns on my 2023 Fisker Ocean One: 24V865000 (Regen Braking OTA-2.2) 24V499000 (Water pump) 24V466000 (Door Handles) After 4 months there has been zero communication from the OTA team and the trustee regarding the OTA and physical re... Read more

Incident date: Jul 8, 2024

I have a recall, and the dealers I have called do not have the parts. I was also told they are making sure to fix the recalls on vehicles on the lot first before making parts available to customers who already have a vehicle, I feel unsafe, this recall if not fixed could put me in danger.

Incident date: Jul 8, 2024

The gauge cluster display is inaccurate and very slow to display information such as speed/rpm/fuel lever/neutral selection etc. this causes a very dangerous situation where critical vehicle information is inaccurate and not being displayed to the operator in real time which could lead to an acciden... Read more

Incident date: Nov 7, 2024

We were driving along and noticed the trailer swaying. I looked and notified the trailer wheel bent on the passenger side. I pulled over and noticed the axles were bent. The trailer was loaded with approximately 2400lbs. The carrying capacity rated on the sticker is 4780lbs. I’m worried the traile... Read more

Incident date: Nov 7, 2024

Incident date: Oct 29, 2024

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the instrument panel was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not rep... Read more

Incident date: Mar 16, 2023

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Focus. The contact stated while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle stalled and failed to immediately restart. The check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the canister purge valve had failed causing ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 16, 2023

EPB and auto hold lights come on intermittantly/randomly.

Incident date: Mar 16, 2023

EPB and auto hold lights come on intermittantly/randomly.

Incident date: Jul 19, 2024

Hyundai Service for Malfunction 8-10-24 Took New 2024 Palisade to Hallmark Hyundai Service Dept. for issue with handling On 4 different occasions while driving out of a parking garage at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville TN, going approximately 5 MPH or so, the front wheels started moving b... Read more

Incident date: Jul 28, 2024

Tesla has confirmed that the firmware of the high-voltage controller of the Model 3 is known to occasionally go "missing in action", causing regenerative braking to entirely cease to function and the driving performance of the car to drop considerably. This was expected to be resolved in a firmware ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 28, 2024

Showing 50 of 1,053 complaints.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2015 TESLA MODEL S

85 manufacturer communications from 55 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	23
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	7
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	7
220000 SEATS	7
010000 STEERING	5
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	3
162000 STRUCTURE:BODY	3
119100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY	2

353620 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT

Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner?s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software ver

353610 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

350000 EQUIPMENT

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Owner's Manual.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Owner's Manual

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

350000 EQUIPMENT

100000 POWER TRAIN

Some versions of Model S and X front drive unit halfshafts might cause excessive vibrations during hard acceleration at higher ride height settings. This is exclusively an NVH issue and does not otherwise affect steering functionality, brak

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

350000 EQUIPMENT

353610 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

350000 EQUIPMENT

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

350000 EQUIPMENT

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

Some customers in Europe have vehicles with one charger, which limits the vehicle?s charging rate to 16 A when the vehicle is connected to a charging station capable of supplying more than 16 A single phase. The vehicle?s 3-phase charging c

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

010000 STEERING

350000 EQUIPMENT

For some Model S and Model X vehicles built before March 2018, an 8GB embedded MultiMediaCard (?8GB eMMC?) in the Media Control Unit (MCU) might malfunction due to accumulated wear. This could result in a blank or intermittently blank touch

350000 EQUIPMENT

010000 STEERING

Some Model S and Model X vehicles might exhibit stiff steering due to corrosion at the lower steering column I-shaft U-joint.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Tesla is committed to continuous improvement of the security of its products and advises customers to always install the latest mobile app and vehicle software releases to remain as secure as possible. On approximately May 1, 2020, the Tesl

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Older versions of the Model S and Model X LH front drive unit clevis mount contain a bushing that allows the front drive unit to move side-to-side more than expected during hard accelerations, resulting in excessive vibrations coming from t

350000 EQUIPMENT

200000 WHEELS

220000 SEATS

On some Model S and Model X front seats, the forward inboard Huck BOM fastener and pivot bushing (nearest to the center console) used on the front lift links may develop an interactive clearance condition, which might result in a rocking mo

280000 BACK OVER PREVENTION

On some Model X vehicles, the pinch sensor carrier and/or bump stop might scratch the paint in the interior jamb on the rear (Falcon Wing) door.

160000 STRUCTURE

Excessive water ingress to the latches on the rear doors may damage internal components or impede operation of the rear door latch.

160000 STRUCTURE

On some Model X vehicles, water might enter the door latches on the rear (Falcon Wing) doors, which can damage the electrical components integral to door latching operation.

100000 POWER TRAIN

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

During hard acceleration, the driver might notice vibrations coming from the front of some Model S or Model X vehicles.

350000 EQUIPMENT

During hard acceleration, the driver might notice vibrations coming from the front of some Model S or Model X vehicles.

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

On some Model S base trim front seats, the forward inboard Huck BOM fastener and pivot bushing (nearest to the center console) used on the front lift links may develop an interactive clearance condition, which might result in a rocking moti

220000 SEATS

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

220000 SEATS

162600 STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

On some Model X vehicles, a pinched electrical wiring harness at the liftgate might create an obstruction alert, causing the power function of the liftgate not to operate. The liftgate can still be manually opened and closed.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

171100 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Early front door latches are susceptible to water ingress, which might cause the touchscreen to show the door in the wrong position or prevent the door from opening and closing automatically. The door can still be opened with the inside han

162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

220000 SEATS

014200 STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK

Long-term exposure to high-corrosion environments might weaken the bolts that attach the power steering motor to the steering rack housing.

010000 STEERING

Long-term exposure to high-corrosion environments might weaken the bolts that attach the power steering motor to the steering rack housing.

140000 AIR BAGS

The propellant in the front passenger airbag inflator might degrade over time, which could cause the inflator body to rupture in the event the airbag is deployed.

140000 AIR BAGS

The propellant in the front passenger airbag inflator might degrade over time, which could cause the inflator body to rupture in the event the airbag is deployed.

162600 STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

On certain Model S vehicles, the liftgate has plugs that do not allow water to drain, causing condensation to build up inside the tail light assembly. Tail light functionality is not affected. The retrofit of updated drain-type liftgate plu

123000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

130000 VISIBILITY

On some Model X vehicles traveling at highway speeds, the washer fluid spray might not sufficiently cover the driver's lower windshield.

220000 SEATS

On some Model S base trim 1st row seats, the Huck BOM fastener and pivot bushing used on the front lift links may develop an interactive clearance condition, which might result in a rocking motion in the seat. This does not affect performan

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

350000 EQUIPMENT

210000 TRAILER HITCHES

Some customers have a due bill for an Accessories Hitch. The Accessories Hitch has been discontinued. In place of the Accessories Hitch, these customers are to receive the Hitch Package, which can be used to attach hitch accessories. These

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

On some Model S and Model X 1st row seats, the Huck BOM fastener and pivot bushing used on the front lift links may develop an interactive clearance condition, which might result in a rocking motion in the seat. This does not affect perform

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

354000 EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL

220000 SEATS

010000 STEERING

Long-term exposure to high-corrosion environments might weaken the bolts that attach the power steering motor to the steering rack housing.

136000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

On Model S, the windshield wiper motor bracket might become loose, resulting in a popping or clicking noise during windshield wiper operation.

119100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

It is possible to accidentally break off the aeroshield support tab from the HV Battery. If the tab breaks, the mid aeroshield is not fully supported, reducing the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle. The operation of the HV Battery is no

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

119100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

350000 EQUIPMENT

The screws that secure the 1st row center console armrest pads could be undertorqued, potentially causing the armrest pads to become loose over time.

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

Instructions for installing the carbon fiber spoiler.

222000 SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

THIS SERVICE BULLETIN CONTAINS INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE OPTIONAL THIRD ROW SEAT. INCLUDED IN THIS PROCEDURE ARE STEPS TO ADD THE REAR CROSSMEMBER (IF NEEDED), REMOVE AND MODIFY EXISTING TRIM PANELS, INSTALL HARDWARE, ADD THE 2ND RO

350000 EQUIPMENT

DESCRIBES HOW TO INSTALL THE PERFORMANCE PEDAL SET ACCESSORY.

114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

DESCRIBES HOW TO INSTALL THE PERFORMANCE PEDAL SET ACCESSORY.

350000 EQUIPMENT

DESCRIBES HOW TO INSTALL THE 1ST GENERATION PREMIUM CENTER CONSOLE ASSEMBLY.

350000 EQUIPMENT

DESCRIBES HOW TO INSTALL THE CENTER CONSOLE FLOOR FINISHER TO MATCH THE DASH TRIM APPEARANCE.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

UPGRADE A VEHICLE FROM A SINGLE 2ND GENERATION CHARGER TO DUAL 2ND GENERATION CHARGERS.

350000 EQUIPMENT

UPGRADE A VEHICLE FROM A SINGLE 2ND GENERATION CHARGER TO DUAL 2ND GENERATION CHARGERS.

350000 EQUIPMENT

DESCRIBES HOW TO RETROFIT THE 2ND GENERATION PREMIUM CENTER CONSOLE ASSEMBLY.

030000 BRAKES (PWS)

Cold Weather Brake Package

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TESLA: INFORMATION PROVIDED IN REGARDS TO INSTALLING A SECOND (SLAVE) CHARGER THAT IS CURRENTLY CONFIGURED, IN A VEHICLE, WITH ONLY ONE MASTER CHARGER. MODEL 2013-15 S. *PE

350000 EQUIPMENT

TESLA: INFORMATION PROVIDED IN REGARDS TO INSTALLING A SECOND (SLAVE) CHARGER THAT IS CURRENTLY CONFIGURED, IN A VEHICLE, WITH ONLY ONE MASTER CHARGER. MODEL 2013-15 S. *PE

NHTSA Safety Investigations, TESLA MODEL S

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2021

Front seat belt anchor detachment

On March 24, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) after receiving 2 consumer complaints alleging the front seat belts had suddenly detached from the outboard lap pretensioner anchor while in motion in model year (MY) 2022-2023 Tesla Model X vehicles... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2013

Fore Link Failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation based on forty-three complaints alleging failure of the left or right front suspension fore links in Tesla model year (MY) 2015 through 2017 Model S and MY 2016 through 2017 Model X vehicles. The investigation has identifie... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2012

Loss of rearview camera

On November 20, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA) 20-003 to investigate incidents of media control unit (MCU) failures resulting in loss of rearview camera in model year (MY) 2012-18 Tesla Model S and model year (MY) 2016-2018 Tesla Model X vehicles equ... ipped with the NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor with an integrated 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. During its investigation, ODI learned that the expected usage life rating for the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device is approximately 3,000 “P/E” or Program-Erase cycles, after which the eMMC NAND flash memory device would become fully consumed and no longer be operational, leading to a failure of the media control unit (MCU). At a daily cycle usage rate of 1.4 per block, accumulation of 3,000 P/E cycles would take only 5-6 years. Historically, the expected life of a vehicle generally far exceeds 5-6 years of service. ODI believes that a 5- or 6-year life expectancy for a component integral to providing the driver with safety functions is insufficient. During our review of the data, Tesla provided confirmation that all units will inevitably fail given the memory device’s finite storage capacity. Tesla provided its own statistical model showing the number of projected weekly MCU repairs from 2020 to 2028, estimating that replacement rates for MCU failures will peak in early 2022 and gradually decline until (near) full part turnover has been accomplished in 2028. According to Tesla, for subject vehicles equipped with the NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor with an integrated 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device, the eMMC NAND cell hardware will fail when reaching lifetime wear, for which the eMMC controller has no available memory blocks necessary to recover. With this failure mode, the only recovery available is a replacement of the eMMC device, achieved by physical part replacement of either the MCU assembly or visual control module subcomponent. Tesla provided information concerning the effects of MCU failure on vehicle function, which include in loss of rearview/backup camera and loss of HVAC (defogging and defrosting) setting controls (if the HVAC status was OFF status prior to failure). The failure also affects the Autopilot advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) and turn signal functionality due to the possible loss of audible chimes, driver sensing, and alerts associated with these vehicle functions. Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on January 13, 2021. The RRL was based on ODI’s tentative conclusion that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists in the subject vehicles because the eMMC NAND flash devices have a finite lifespan based upon the number of program/erase (P/E) cycles, after which the MCU fails due to memory wear-out, which constitutes a premature failure of safety-critical part. Tesla responded to the Recall Request Letter (RRL) on January 27, 2021, and disputed the tentative findings of the RRL. Nevertheless, on January 29, 2021, Tesla filed a safety recall (21V-035), recalling (MY) 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and (MY) 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. In this recall, Tesla is providing a free hardware remedy in addition to the over-the-air (“OTA”) firmware updates that the company had previously implemented. NHTSA will continue to monitor the issue as part of its ordinary processes for overseeing the effectiveness of recalls. However, based on available information, at this time, Tesla’s recall appears to address the unreasonable risk to motor safety presented by the premature failure of the component. Accordingly, the investigation is closed. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2012

Loss of rearview camera

On June 22, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE20-010 to investigate incidents of media control unit (MCU) failures resulting in loss of rearview camera in model year (MY) 2012-2015 Tesla Model S vehicles equipped with the NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor with a... n integrated 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. EMMC NAND flash devices have a finite lifespan based upon the number of program/erase (P/E) cycles. The subject MCU allegedly fails prematurely due to memory wear-out of the eMMC NAND flash. Tesla used the same MCU with the Tegra 3 processor in approximately 159 thousand 2012-2018 Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles built by Tesla through early-2018. In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) for PE20-010, Tesla provided ODI with 2,399 complaints and field reports, 7,777 warranty claims, and 4,746 non-warranty claims related to MCU replacements. The data show failure rates over 30 percent in certain build months and accelerating failure trends after 3 to 4 years-in-service.According to Tesla, for subject vehicles equipped with the NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor with an integrated 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device, the eMMC NAND cell hardware can fail when reaching lifetime wear, for which the eMMC controller has no available blocks to recover. With this failure mode, the only recovery available is a replacement of the eMMC device, achieved by physical part replacement of either the MCU assembly or visual control module subcomponent. Tesla provided the effects of MCU failure on vehicle function which result in loss of rearview/backup camera, loss of HVAC (defogging) setting controls (if the HVAC status was OFF status prior to failure.) There is also an impact on the advanced driver assistance support (ADAS) Autopilot system, and turn signal functionality due to the possible loss of audible chimes, driver sensing, and alerts associated with these vehicle functions. There are precedents for addressing defects that result in loss of either backup camera, defogging, or turn signal functions under safety recalls.Tesla has implemented certain Over-The-Air or OTA updates to subject vehicles to mitigate the effects of MCU failure. These updates include firmware changes to reduce memory usage of the subject memory card, improve eMMC error correction and storage management strategies, changing the control logic for turn signal activation, and defaulting the HVAC system to Auto (71.6F) for drives after MCU failure to address windshield defogging. Tesla indicated that the MCU failures are likely to continue to occur in subject vehicles as vehicles continue to operate and use available memory in the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory until 100% of units have failed. This investigation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA20-003). The VOQs associated with the upgrade of this investigation are identified in the attachment to this resume.Read more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 2012

Battery Management Software Updates

In a letter dated September 17, 2019, Mr. Edward Chen petitioned the NHTSA to initiate a defect investigation of certain Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles that received revised battery management software in one or more over-the-air (OTA) updates from Tesla, beginning in May 2019. The petitioner ba... ses his request on vehicle fires that took place worldwide and OTA software updates Tesla made to the Battery Management System (BMS) of certain Tesla vehicles that resulted in loss of available vehicle mileage range and increased charging durations.On October 1, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened DP19-005 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. Information provided by Tesla in response to ODI's information request letter for DP19-005 indicated that a firmware update that may limit maximum voltage was installed in certain MY 2012 through 2016 Model S vehicles (subject vehicles). The voltage limiting firmware is a dynamic algorithm that is enabled in vehicles with high Supercharging use histories, which contributes to high usage stress to the high-voltage (HV) battery. Tesla sold approximately 61,781 subject vehicles in the United States and, through August 2021, the voltage limiting firmware had been enabled in approximately 2,062 vehicles. Through December 2020, ODI identified 59 complaints from consumers alleging reductions in battery capacity (52) or charging speed (7) in the subject vehicles. Log data from these vehicles showed that the voltage limiting firmware had been enabled in about 58 percent (30 of 52) of the complaints alleging range loss. Subsequent updates have restored some or all of the battery capacity to vehicles affected by the voltage limiting firmware coupled with updates enhancing BMS battery brick monitoring algorithms. None of the complaint vehicles have reported any thermal incidents or other safety hazards related to the HV battery.The five non-crash fires referenced in the petition include two fires that occurred in China in early 2019 involving vehicles that: 1) had recently completed Supercharging sessions; 2) were at a high state-of-charge (SOC) of the HV battery; 3) were parked with the battery cooling system shutoff; and 4) had histories of high-stress usage for the HV batteries. The three fires that occurred outside China did not involve the same fact patterns regarding vehicle state and charging history. The two fires that occurred in the United States include one involving a vehicle with no Supercharging history that was driving when the fire occurred and another in which the origin of the fire was external to the HV battery. The fifth fire, which also originated external to the HV battery, involved a vehicle in Germany that had been parked at a low SOC for an extended period. To date, incidents of fires involving parked vehicles with recent Supercharging and histories of high-stress use have only been observed in China, where high-stress use factors appear to be more common. NHTSA is authorized to issue an order requiring notification and remedy of a defect if the Agency?s investigation shows a defect in the design, construction, or performance of a motor vehicle that presents an unreasonable risk to safety. 49 U.S.C. ?? 30102(a)(9), 30118. Given the absence of any incidents in the United States related to fast charging, and the absence of any such incidents globally since May 2019, it is unlikely that an order concerning the notification and remedy of a safety-related defect would be issued due to any investigation opened as a result of granting this petition. Therefore, upon full consideration of the information presented in the petition, and the potential risks to safety, thRead more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2014

Automatic vehicle control systems

On May 7, 2016, a 2015 Tesla Model S collided with a tractor trailer crossing an uncontrolled intersection on a highway west of Williston, Florida, resulting in fatal injuries to the Tesla driver.Data obtained from the Model S indicated that:1) the Tesla was being operated in Autopilot mode at the t... ime of the collision; 2) the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system did not provide any warning or automated braking for the collision event; and 3) the driver took no braking, steering or other actions to avoid the collision.On June 28, 2016, NHTSA opened PE16-007 to ?examine the design and performance of any automated driving systems in use at the time of the crash.?The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed the following subjects as part of NHTSA?s examination of the design and performance of Tesla?s Autopilot system:1) Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system design and performance in the subject Tesla and peer vehicles; 2) human-machine interface issues related to Autopilot operating mode; 3) data from crash incidents related to Tesla?s Autopilot and AEB systems; and 4) changes Tesla has implemented in the Autopilot and AEB systems.NHTSA?s examination did not identify any defects in the design or performance of the AEB or Autopilotsystems of the subject vehicles nor any incidents in which the systems did not perform as designed.AEB systems used in the automotive industry through MY 2016 are rear-end collision avoidance technologies that are not designed to reliably perform in all crash modes, including crossing path collisions.The Autopilot system is an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that requires the continual and full attention of the driver to monitor the traffic environment and be prepared to take action to avoid crashes.Tesla's design included a hands-on the steering wheel system for monitoring driver engagement.That system has been updated to further reinforce the need for driver engagement through a strike out strategy.Drivers that do not respond to visual cues in the driver monitoring system alerts may strike out and lose Autopilot function for the remainder of the drive cycle.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further examination of this issue does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.For more information about the analysis, see the attached report.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2013

Fire - Propulsion Battery - Road Debris

The subject vehicles (SV), model years 2012-2013 Tesla Model S, are emerging technology electric vehicles using a high voltage battery (HVB) to provide propulsion energy. The HVB uses lithium-ion cells combined in 60 or 85 kWh capacities, and a control system that monitors the HVB and its liquid coo... ling system. The HVB is positioned across the width of the vehicle between the front and rear wheels and lies above a flat aluminum pan that forms the bottom of the SV's chassis. About two thirds of the SVs were manufactured with an air-assisted suspension system that actively controls ride height, including automatically lowering the vehicle at higher speeds.Two separate incidents in 2013 resulted in significant fires involving the SVs, one in Washington (Oct. 13) and one in Tennessee (Nov. 13). Both incidents involved active suspension equipped vehicles operating at highway speeds and reduced ride height running over debris in the roadway. In both incidents, the struck objects penetrated the aluminum pan at the forward area of the battery, damaging the lithium ion cells of the HVB. The SV's information display notified the driver of decreased battery performance and ultimately instructed the driver to stop the vehicle. The SVs were able to travel ~.8 and 1.8 miles after impact respectively. In both cases, smoke appeared shortly after the vehicle stopped and a fire developed in the HVB. Thermal runaway occurred in the HVB cells. The fires destroyed the vehicles but did not result in injuries.In the Tennessee incident, the object struck by the SV was determined to be a three-ball hitch that apparently fell from another vehicle. Tesla performed a series of tests reconstructing this incident and determined that a similar shaped object contacting the forward edge of the HVB could be tripped and potentially penetrate the HVB case. As the object's opposite end digs into the pavement, vehicle momentum causes the object to impart upward force into the case, described by Tesla as a piking effect. Tesla's testing reproduced damage similar to that seen in the Tennessee incident, and also showed that a change in ride height strategy, which was implemented in Nov. 2013 via a telematic software update to prevent the SVs lowering at legal roadway speeds, mitigates the risk of battery compartment penetration when a three-ball hitch is struck.The object struck in the Washington incident was not identified. More severe damage to the incident vehicle and the unknown shape of the object raised concerns regarding the effectiveness of raising the ride height for objects other than a three-ball hitch. In a Mar. 10, 2014 meeting with ODI, Tesla stated it would conduct a free-of-charge service campaign to modify the SVs by adding three new components to the vehicle's undercarriage to protect the HVB. A low-hanging transverse member and an additional underbody plate would be mounted forward of the HVB case and a third plate would overlap the leading edge of the case. Testing conducted by Tesla demonstrated that these modifications improved protection from debris impacts.ODI was aware of two fires stemming from road debris impacts when the investigation began. According to Tesla, the SV fleet had accumulated ~90M miles of service at the time it revised the ride height strategy. No further incidents have been identified, and Tesla reports the Model S fleet has traveled an additional ~90M miles. ODI believes impacts with road debris are normal and foreseeable. In this case, Tesla's revision of vehicle ride height and addition of increased underbody protection should reduce both the frequency of underbody strikes and the resultant fire risk. A defRead more

TESLA MODEL S - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the TESLA MODEL S across all model years (2012, 2025).

153 Total Recalls

5,254 Total Complaints

7 Investigations

581 Reported Crashes

104 Reported Fires

58 Reported Deaths

TESLA MODEL S - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	0	6	View
2025	2	7	View
2024	6	78	View
2023	13	158	View
2022	20	198	View
2021	24	277	View
2020	11	123	View
2019	10	70	View
2018	11	285	View
2017	9	669	View
2016	10	1,019	View
2015 (current)	9	1,053
2014	9	545	View
2013	11	677	View
2012	8	89	View

Other TESLA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
MODEL X	259	2,303	View
MODEL 3	232	7,192	View
MODEL Y	186	6,639	View
CYBERTRUCK	31	187	View
SEMI	2	6	View
ROADSTER2	1	2	View
ROADSTER	1	3	View
NEMA 10-30 ADAPTER	0	2	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2015 TESLA MODEL S

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

Technical Service Bulletins, 2015 TESLA MODEL S

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, TESLA MODEL S

TESLA MODEL S - All Years Overview

TESLA MODEL S - Year by Year

Other TESLA Models