2024 TESLA MODEL S

6 recalls, 78 complaints - 15 TSBs

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

Defect Description

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.

Consequence

An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-20-001.

91 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Defect Description

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Stand... Read more

Consequence

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March ... Read more

239,382 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:CUSHION

Defect Description

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Winds... Read more

Consequence

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

Remedy

Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.

487 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Defect Description

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.

Consequence

An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.

1,849,638 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Defect Description

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

Consequence

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.

194 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.

Complaint Statistics

78 total complaints 1 crashes 2 fires

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	14
ENGINE	9
POWER TRAIN	9
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING	6
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING	5
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST	5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	4
STRUCTURE:BODY	3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	3

Incident date: Mar 12, 2026

My fiancé was driving the car normally on the elevated interstate at about 130 in the morning central time on Monday, April 20 when the suddenly burst into flames! The entire vehicle is destroyed bumper-to-bumper the fuel pump on these models are apparently reason for recalls because of this exact ... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Mar 12, 2026

Fire

Incident date: Mar 12, 2026

Very commonly when the truck is “cold” after sitting overnight, the truck fails to accelerate from a stop while pushing the accelerator pedal down gradually (such as when leaving a stop sign at an intersection. This lack of acceleration makes me feel a loss of control as I cannot get the truck t... Read more

Incident date: Dec 7, 2025

"When driving on Interstate 15 in Draper/Bluffdale, external electronic interference forcefully disconnects the vehicle's infotainment and safety displays. This causes the main screen to go black, reboot, or freeze while moving at highway speeds (70+ MPH). This creates an immediate distraction ha... Read more

Incident date: Dec 7, 2025

My 2019 Jeep was serviced for a 4x4 system warning light on the dashboard. At the dealership they explained my vehicle is experiencing an issue with the Transfer Case, power transfer unit. After this recommendation, I took this vehicle to another reputable mechanic who found the same issue, but then... Read more

Incident date: Oct 3, 2025

Three times in two days, the engine propulsion system malfunctioned. On two occassions I could not increase my initial speed above approximately 30 mph. On another instance, I had been driving above 30 mph, came to a stop, and could not resume speed above approximately 30 mph

Incident date: Sep 16, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver’s side door failed to open from the inside as intended. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure persisted. The contact rolled down the driver’s side window and attempted to unlock the door ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 16, 2025

The contact owns 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware of rust to the sub frame and there were horizontal lines to the sub frame which became progressively worse overtime. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dea... Read more

Incident date: Jul 25, 2025

MMI system is failing, parking assist is malfunctioning, back up camera doesn’t activate, CarPlay turns off mid drive and reboots, navigation not working, car wants to brake at highway speeds as computer system malfunctions, Bluetooth phone connection drops mid call, overall the computer infotainm... Read more

Incident date: Jul 25, 2025

I have a recall been having this problem for months told them what was going on they said nothing was wrong. Months later recall got called for the fuel injector and replacement of high fuel injectors im a single mother. Check engine came on when I gas it..it won't go or goes slowly then takes off i... Read more

Incident date: Mar 7, 2025

Backup camera fails regularly. The video will freeze/stutter or the camera will switch off and a ‘camera unavailable’ message is displayed. Pedestrians near the car are at risk of being hit if the camera fails while driving in reverse. The car has huge blind spots in the rear end. The dealership... Read more

Incident date: Mar 7, 2025

I left my house & was driving my truck down the highway for about 2.5 miles. All of a sudden the engine locked up & the battery went dead. I barely coasted off the opposite side of the road where the closest side road is & a semi pasted shortly after. I felt very lucky my truck made it off on the si... Read more

Incident date: Mar 2, 2025

UNKNOWN

Incident date: Apr 13, 2024

My sunroof randomly exploded upward while driving down the highway. No rock or debris hit me. It sounded like a gunshot. I checked my surroundings and no other car pulled over or look like it was affected by any road debris. I have pictures of the sunroof being shattered upward.

Incident date: Mar 2, 2025

My 2018 Jeep Compass has an oil pump issue it seems. I read about previous scenarios and forums that had issues with this vehicle like mine. I would drive the vehicle and not within 5 minutes it will turn off half way down the road in the middle of an intersection that could have caused the lives of... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2025

Vehicle started jumping and switched into 4WD while reversing. There was no inclement weather or slipping to prompt this. Service 4WD warning had been showing intermittently for a week or two and service appointment had been scheduled. At service appointment, confirmed that 4WD switch was faulty and... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2025

Engine catastrophic failure while under extended warranty. Engine failed in February of 24 however I had told dealership I was having troubles with Engine and shifting also tires from 1st 11000 miles it also kept reduce power on me and basically shut down 3 times in middle of hwy. The 6.2 engine loc... Read more

Incident date: Feb 25, 2025

Power steering assist fault, and power steering EPS system failed while driving! Was replaced by Ford in 2015 and has already locked up while driving! Tire pressure sensor constantly stays on even after replacement.

Incident date: Feb 22, 2025

When driving it randomly displayed a message that it’s turning AC on automatically to “prevent fogging” which created fogging and reduced visibility to zero.

Incident date: Feb 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power and decelerated. While attempting to accelerate, the RPM increased; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the front driver's side and passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trims had detac... Read more

Incident date: Feb 11, 2025

There are 4 open recalls on my vehicle, yet 0 (none) have been addressed. The Fisker Owners Association (FOA) has been trying there best, but I have some serious safety issues that need to be addressed. 1) I am still on 2.0 on the OTA software, 2.1 and 2.2 address 2/4 of the recalls, and was suppos... Read more

Incident date: Feb 12, 2025

There has been several safety recalls for my vehicle that was supposed to be fixed by software updates I cannot drve my vehicle, i have no access to service and no access to these updates

Incident date: Feb 12, 2025

After updating to FSD 13.2.7 yesterday the vehicle turns left at a particular intersection and then drives on the left side of the road the wrong side of the road. Issue has been present for several versions and has been reported repeatedly.

Incident date: Feb 2, 2025

I have had no issues with my vehicle since I purchased it in July 2022 and keep up with the routine maintenance on it. About 2.5 weeks ago I was driving to work like I normally do and the truck started making a knocking noise and all these sensors lights came on the dash. The alerts were saying to s... Read more

Incident date: Jan 19, 2025

After about twenty minutes of driving the vehicle, the steering wheel will become notchy and sticky feeling, making it hard to perform slight adjustments in the steering while driving in a straight line. This sticky steering feeling causes me to overcorrect in my steering because I am forced to figh... Read more

Incident date: Jan 19, 2025

Something wrong in the fuel system. Gas guage incorrect and when putting fuel in sometimes it spits it back out without having full tank.

Incident date: Jan 19, 2025

When driving in or snowy conditions, the recessed headlights fill with snow, slush ice rendering the headlights useless. It can be very hard to see as the headlights are essentially covered.

Incident date: Dec 6, 2024

The contact owns a 2025 Honda Civic. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V763000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amou... Read more

Incident date: Dec 6, 2024

I have a previous file for this situation already submitted reference # 11626064. Since that filing I have had an additional occurrence of the same description. I also found a recall for 2021 explorers which sounds to be the same as what I have experienced , below is a reference to the 2021 Explorer... Read more

Incident date: Nov 18, 2024

engine light came on. took to ford dealer , They stated that antifreeze was leaking in to cylinder. and that I needed a new engine. and that I should not be driving it because it could stall out or could catch fire. Ford has other ford engines doing the same problems . because of a seal . that th... Read more

Incident date: Nov 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The app... Read more

Incident date: Nov 16, 2024

While exiting/entering from one highway to another, I was slowing down vehicle in curved ramp area to approximately 35mph from 65mph. The car's driver display (a warning banner) indicated that I had insufficient battery and that I should stop the vehicle. The battery was at 65%. I coasted vehicle... Read more

Incident date: Nov 14, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Transit Connect. The contact stated that while reversing with the rearview camera engaged, the screen became blurry or blank. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was due to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V575000 (Visibility, Back Ove... Read more

Incident date: Sep 25, 2024

I keep getting the service electronic stability control along with abs, no traction control,no remote start and no power whatsoever when I drive it happens mainly when it's cold outside but we have had this issue before and it was in and out of the dealerships garage for 8 months and the problem eve... Read more

Incident date: Oct 31, 2024

Front drivers side door makes loud popping sound when opening or closing. Now it doesn't shut completely. One of the spot welds near the door check has torn through the metal frame, and is causing the window to not roll up or down. When driving over any small bump or uneven road, door cracks loudly... Read more

Incident date: Oct 31, 2024

Vehicle check engine light came on preventing state inspection, at same time message on dash states "service charging system" . Using the oem charger 120v. Many complaints online say clear the code and power cycle the circuit and charger. Did both and code persists. Battery not charging affecting fu... Read more

Incident date: Oct 31, 2024

Oct 31 9:48am my blinker on taking on ramp to highway and it jerks wheel forcing me straight I have lane departure disabled, am manually driving under 15mph, and use proper blinker but this “safety feature” causes it to “jerk” the wheel and display warnings to the detriment of safety. Thi... Read more

Incident date: Oct 5, 2024

Sept 29th 12:35pm passing truck double parked jerked wheel back towards truck I have lane departure disabled, am manually driving under 15mph, and use proper blinker but this “safety feature” causes it to “jerk” the wheel and display warnings to the detriment of safety. This affects the en... Read more

Incident date: Oct 31, 2024

I have lane departure disabled, am manually driving under 15mph, and use proper blinker but this “safety feature” causes it to “jerk” the wheel and display warnings to the detriment of safety. This affects the entire fleet and was never an issue before around 2022-2023. Oct 9th - 3:48pm bl... Read more

Incident date: Oct 25, 2024

With PHEV battery at 0%, it's normal for the gas engine to kick in. What's not normal is when the infamous BCEM propulsion system failure happened. First, it shut off the ICE engine and reverted to EV mode when I have 0% charges left. The system also reduced power to the car. Luckily, I wasn't ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 9, 2024

Oct 5th - blinker is on turning into driveway at 1mph and got the alarms / wheel jerking I have lane departure disabled, am manually driving under 15mph, and use proper blinker but this “safety feature” causes it to “jerk” the wheel and display warnings to the detriment of safety. This aff... Read more

Incident date: Oct 9, 2024

Incident date: Oct 5, 2024

Incident date: Sep 29, 2024

Sept 27th 8:59am turning into serramonte center, blinker was on, sounds alarms and jerks wheel 6:53 pm into garage my garage jerked wheel swerved towards wall I have lane departure disabled, am manually driving under 15mph, and use proper blinker but this “safety feature” causes it to “je... Read more

Incident date: Sep 29, 2024

Showing 50 of 78 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2024 TESLA MODEL S

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
Automatic (A1) (All-Wheel Drive)	127.0	116.0	122.0	Electricity	$600

CO2 Emissions: 0.0 g/mile (Large Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2024 TESLA MODEL S

15 manufacturer communications from 7 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	4
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	4
353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT	2
353610 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE	2
353620 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT	2
010000 STEERING	1

350000 EQUIPMENT

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

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

350000 EQUIPMENT

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

353610 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE

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

350000 EQUIPMENT

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

350000 EQUIPMENT

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

353610 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE

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

010000 STEERING

On certain Model S and Model X vehicles built from February 2021 to January 3, 2024, the material of the steering yoke cover might be susceptible to peeling (Figures 1 and 2).

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Owner's Manual.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Owner's Manual

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 (current)	6	78
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	9	1,053	View
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

2024 TESLA MODEL S

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 2024 TESLA MODEL S

Technical Service Bulletins, 2024 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