Tesla Model S Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability
Year-by-year breakdown of safety recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, reported deaths, injuries, crashes, and worst problem areas. Updated daily from federal databases.
Recent Safety Incidents — Last 5 Model Years
Own a Tesla Model S? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Tesla Model S — Year-by-Year Problem Comparison
| Year | Verdict | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths | Top Issue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026Best | Excellent | — | 2 | — | — | — | Forward Collision Avoidance | Full report → |
| 2025 | Excellent | 1 | 2 | — | — | — | Suspension | Full report → |
| 2024 | Excellent | 3 | 54 | 2 | — | — | Unknown Or Other | Full report → |
| 2023 | Good | 7 | 76 | 4 | — | — | Unknown Or Other | Full report → |
| 2022 | Good | 9 | 86 | 1 | — | — | Unknown Or Other | Full report → |
| 2021 | Good | 11 | 123 | 15 | 3 | — | Unknown Or Other | Full report → |
| 2020 | Good | 6 | 59 | 14 | 4 | — | Unknown Or Other | Full report → |
| 2019 | Excellent | 7 | 33 | 5 | 3 | — | Forward Collision Avoidance | Full report → |
| 2018 | Good | 8 | 148 | 33 | 20 | — | Unknown Or Other | Full report → |
| 2017 | Caution | 6 | 322 | 27 | 17 | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 2016Worst | Avoid | 7 | 521 | 74 | 57 | 11 | Suspension | Full report → |
| 2015 | Avoid | 7 | 575 | 50 | 24 | 3 | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 2014 | Caution | 7 | 266 | 30 | 13 | 16 | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 2013 | Caution | 8 | 337 | 27 | 15 | 7 | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 2012 | Excellent | 6 | 49 | 2 | — | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
15 model years shown. Crashes, injuries, and deaths from NHTSA complaint filings. Click any year for full details.
Most Common Tesla Model S Problems
Based on 2,653 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.
Recent Safety Recalls — Tesla Model S (2022–2026)
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.
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 of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
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.
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.
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.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S, Model X, and 2022 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles operating certain firmware releases. The infotainment central processing unit (CPU) may overheat during the preparation or process of fast-charging, causing the CPU to lag or restart.
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will improve CPU temperature management, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-009.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A software error may cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally and trap the refrigerant inside the evaporator, resulting in decreased defrosting performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-18-002.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S vehicles. The right or left side curtain air bag inflators may have been assembled incorrectly.
Remedy: Tesla Service Centers will replace the side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-20-001.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2022 Model S vehicles. The front bumper carrier structure may alter the vehicle's crash detection, causing the front passenger air bag to deploy incorrectly during certain low speed crashes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Remedy: Tesla Service will replace the front bumper carrier structure, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 19, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-10-006.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles. The front-row seat belts may not be connected properly to the pretensioner anchors, which can cause the seat belts to detach.
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect the front-row seat belts and connect the seat belts to pretensioner anchors, or replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-20-004.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model S and X vehicles. The cabin doors can be unlocked during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-009.
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 vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
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.
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 requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, "Windshield Mounting."
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.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The forward-facing camera may be misaligned, causing some of the active safety features such as emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane assist to become unavailable without alerting the driver.
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and adjust the pitch angle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-17-006.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model S, X, and Y vehicles equipped with full self-driving computer 4.0 and running a software release version 2023.44.30 through 2023.44.30.6 or 2023.44.100. Software instability may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 22, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-002.
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 Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
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 7, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-001.
Showing 22 recalls from 2022–2026 model years. See the full year-specific pages for older recalls.
Recent Owner Complaints
Direct reports filed with NHTSA by Tesla Model S owners — 2022–2026 model years.
The vehicle developed a leak in the AC condensate drain. The leak is directly above the safety restraint control module. The module got wet deactivating the vehicle and causing havoc with the airbag system. Many electrical systems turned off such as the power to the steering wheel buttons( the left blinker, the right blinker, and the horn). Luckily this happened while my vehicle was parked but if this happened while someone was accelerating or driving on the highway they would lose control of the vehicle. I spoke to a Tesla Service Tech about the concern and he informed me that this AC leak happens very often in the 2021 and newer Tesla Model S vehicles and that Tesla is aware that the AC drain leaks onto the Restraint Contol Module but has not created a technical service bulletin or a recall for the safety issue.
Complaint Category: Tires / Suspension Summary of Issue: I am reporting a recurring and deceptive safety defect involving extreme inner-edge tire wear on my Tesla Model S. On three separate occasions, my rear tires have worn down to the metal structural cords exclusively on the innermost shoulder, while the remaining 90% of the tread appeared in excellent, near-new condition. Safety Hazard: This defect creates a high risk of catastrophic blowout at highway speeds. Because the wear is hidden on the far interior edge of the tire, it is invisible to the driver during standard daily visual inspections. The vehicle’s non-adjustable rear suspension geometry (aggressive negative camber) places extreme stress on the inner shoulder, causing it to fail structurally while the rest of the tire looks safe. Tesla’s Response: Tesla Service has been unable to provide a permanent remedy, stating the vehicle is "within spec," despite the recurring nature of the failure. I am filing this to urge the NHTSA to investigate whether this suspension geometry constitutes a design defect that requires a mandatory recall or corrective hardware.
Incident Description: While driving through a parking lot at 20 mi/hr, my vehicle's AEB system activated in response to another vehicle approaching from a perpendicular direction. However, the system's response was dangerously delayed and inappropriate stopping the car right in front of the other car: The system failed to provide any advance warning or alert before applying the brakes The braking occurred too late to create adequate separation from the approaching vehicle The vehicle stopped directly in the path of the oncoming car, increasing rather than decreasing collision risk The abrupt stop left my vehicle in a position where I was at greater risk of being T-boned Only the other driver's quick reaction prevented a collision. Had that driver not stopped in time, the AEB system would have contributed to, rather than prevented, a serious accident.
Vehicle: 2022 Tesla Model S (HW 3.0) System in Question: Full Self-Driving (FSD) Capability, initially purchased (Level 1 equivalent) for $6,000, and then upgraded (Level 2 equivalent) for an additional $3,000 (Total $9,000). I. Initial FSD Purchase and Unsafe Performance (Level 1) Upon initial purchase of the FSD package, the system (what Tesla later called FSD Beta, or its precursor) consistently demonstrated unsafe and aggressive behavior that necessitated immediate driver intervention to prevent a crash. Specific Safety Concern: The system would often execute turns, both in city and highway off-ramp scenarios, with excessive speed and aggressive lateral acceleration. This erratic behavior felt uncontrolled and risky, frequently causing the driver to feel unsafe and to rapidly override the system by taking manual control of the steering wheel. Resulting Risk: The system was virtually unusable for anything beyond basic highway cruising (a feature standard on many vehicles), yet its aggressive behavior posed a safety risk on the highway when attempting lane changes or taking exits. II. Upgrade and Deterioration of Practical Safety (Level 2) I upgraded to the top-tier FSD package with the hope of receiving a safer, more functional system that matched the "Full Self-Driving" name. Instead, the system introduced new safety and usability defects: Forced Disengagement/Driver Monitoring Defect: The system's driver monitoring is overly aggressive and interferes with safe, necessary driving actions. It delivers constant "nag" warnings and requires disengagement when the driver performs a brief but necessary safety check, such as looking at a side mirror, checking over the shoulder for a lane change, or briefly glancing at the car's screen to adjust climate/radio. Safety Implication: This defect forces the driver to prematurely disengage FSD in complex traffic situations to avoid a warning/lockout, which is counter-productive to safety. I am effectively penalized for
VIN: [XXX] 2022 Tesla Model S Delivery: 10/27/2025 Passenger seatbelt was cut/frayed — FMVSS 209 + 208 violation. Tesla replaced belt but **ignored 8 other defects** (paint, body, sand, maintenance). Closed ticket early, **refused FSD goodwill**. Car still unsafe — **airbag system not recalibrated**. Loaner required. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Since purchase, I have experienced nine tire-related failures, including four separate blowouts at highway speed, leaving the vehicle disabled on major roads multiple times. The most recent occurred on [Insert Date], when the car suffered another blowout and is now disabled at my residence. This pattern of failure has occurred despite tire replacements and service visits by Tesla. The issue began on the day of delivery, when a tire failed within 70 miles, and service staff admitted the car had not been safety inspected prior to delivery. Tesla has replaced nearly all tires, reimbursed a third-party shop once, and confirmed on a recorded call that the level of tire failure is abnormal. Still, no root cause has been identified. The failures have occurred under normal driving conditions and pose a serious safety hazard to me, my family (including children), and others on the road. My family now refuses to ride in the car. This issue is ongoing, unresolved, and I believe there is a systemic defect involving the vehicle’s suspension, alignment, or structural components that is contributing to abnormal tire wear and catastrophic blowouts. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this vehicle and Tesla’s CPO inspection process, and that appropriate safety action be taken before someone is seriously injured or killed.
Vehicle: 2022 Tesla Model S Tire: Goodyear ElectricDrive 2 255/45R19 104W XL Date of incident: October 15, 2025 Location: Chambers Rd., approximately 1.7 miles from Cosmopolitan Rd., Colorado Speed: Approximately 35 mph (speed limit 40 mph) Mileage on tire: Installed October 31, 2024 — approximately 10,000 miles of light local driving Description of the Problem At approximately 1:30 PM on October 15, 2025, while driving my Tesla Model S southbound on Chambers Road at around 35 mph, the driver-side front tire suddenly exploded and detached completely from the vehicle. I heard a loud thump, then saw a tire rolling ahead of me on the road. The car’s display immediately showed “tire pressure 0.” When I stopped and exited the vehicle, I found that the tire had either blown apart or peeled off the rim and separated entirely from the car. Weather was clear and around 70°F, road conditions were normal, and traffic was light. My tire pressures had been checked earlier that day and were all around 42 PSI. I was unable to retrieve the tire because I have limited mobility and use a scooter. My daughter arrived soon after but could not locate the missing tire either. The vehicle was towed by AAA to a tire shop. The technician stated that the tire appeared to have peeled off the wheel, but could not explain why. The tire was less than one year old and had very low mileage. I drive short local trips daily (around 10–15 miles) and had only taken one 700-mile trip earlier this year. Goodyear was contacted, but they declined to investigate because the tire could not be recovered. This incident could have caused a serious crash had it occurred minutes later on I-25, where I planned to drive at 75 mph. I am reporting this because I believe the tire may have suffered a manufacturing defect, and I am concerned other drivers could experience the same failure.
Car vents emit moldy smell when started , reported this to Tesla , they changed the filters but the smell still comes back, it seems other models besides S are facing it too, the technician from Tesla tells me to run high heat to kill any mold that might accumulate as condensation water from air conditioning is getting accumulated somewhere and not draining properly. This seems to me like a recall that should be done to fix it .
Tonight, shortly after dusk, on a lightly traveled road near my home, the high-beams failed to function as described in the manual, or according to any alternative way to activate them. Traffic is 30 MPH with a single lanes divided by a double yellow center line with cat-eyes. This area frequently has deer and other wildlife. Accordingly, whenever possible, high beams should be activated. Conditions were dry, and clear, without oncoming traffic -- while driving at or near the posted limit. Pushing and persistently holding the high-beam light maintained high-beam only while pressing the high-beam marked part of the steering wheel. Typical operation, in the past, operated the high beam if the button (capacitative sensitive surface on the steering wheel) was held in for about a full second and then released. This is no longer how it operated tonight. Driver pushed the high-beam for a full second. Upon release the high beams reverted to normal low beams. Driver repeated this 2 more times. After doing this twice, the driver is already distracted from wildlife and starting to focus on the car -- looking for error messages of some kind. After three times, its clear that it is Tesla software that is broken. Although the car is in good repair, no messages were presented. Again, conditions were clear and dry. Failure to operate visibility mechanisms is highly contrary to safe driving. Some features which should always work: 1. Wind shield wipers; 2. Defogger 3. Defroster 4. head lights 5. high beams Hopefully, Tesla has not abandoned functional high-beams like they have with Full Self Driving. On the other hand, if FSD is no longer among the executive compensation goals, perhaps providing a visible landscape to the all-camera FSD algorithm is also superfluous.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S T2 295/30R/21 102Y. These tires are engineered by Michelin specifically for a Tesla Model S 2022+ hence the T2 mark. These are a second generation as the previous ones were a T1. Everything is supposed to be factored in by Michelin to cater to the vehicles specifications and needs. I bought a set of 4 of these mentioned tires brand new from Discount Tire. In less 10000 miles and 7 months the sidewalls have completely decoupled from the tread section/rest of the tire. The treadwear itself shows and even smooth normal wear pattern. Discount tire and Michelin are trying to claim this is an alignment issue citing too much camber. This is a false claim. The area of separation is not in the contact patch with the surface of the road. This is a defect in engineering and construction in the tire itself. This calls for a mass recall. I put the trust of my pregnant wife into these tires and she complained to me about a wallowing car ride with a decrease in handling, especially over bumps and on the highway. I could not see an issue. A few days later she informed me of a tire pressure indicator on the dashboard. It indicated tow low rear tires. Upon inspecting the tires I found both sides with a decoupled sidewall. Driver side being far worse than passenger. I immediately drove to Discount tire and the tire pressure sank from 26psi to 8psi in less than 4 miles. This could have proved fatal for my wife and unborn child on the highway. The tire company and the stores dont want to accept accountability. The stores just want to sell more tires. I am having them replaced at a cost of $610 per tire. Thats equaling to almost $3000 spent on tires in 7-8 months. Please investigate this matter. This is a defect. Not wear. The vehicle previously had Falken tires that lasted 24000 miles with smooth and even treadwear. No issues, no defects.
The front right door top hinge bolts fell out. Believe the bottom one is broke off. Also have vehicle has a seat belt warning alarm indicated. There is a vehicle appointment scheduled for the Thursday August 14, 2025. Did not notice any warning signs. The door separated in the parking lot of a food establishment.
Driver door does not unlock after a trip, with passengers inside the vehicle. Driver is unable to exit the vehicle from the driver door. This has happened a couple times now, a Tesla mechanic stopped by after the first time, but didn’t find any issue. It’s happening again.
128 total complaints retrieved from NHTSA for 2022–2026. For older model years, see individual year pages.
Model S Years to Avoid
Best Model S Years to Buy
Tesla Model S Problems by Year
Frequently Asked Questions — Tesla Model S Reliability
What year Model S has the most problems?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Tesla Model S had the highest combined complaint and recall count — 521 complaints and 7 safety recalls. See the full 2016 report for specific defects.
Is the Tesla Model S reliable?
The Tesla Model S has accumulated 2,653 owner-filed complaints and 93 safety recalls across all model years in NHTSA's database. There have been 37 reported deaths associated with complaints. The 2026 model year shows the fewest reported issues. Always run a VIN check before purchasing any used Model S.
What are the most common Model S problems?
The most frequently cited problem areas are: Electrical System (530 reports), Unknown Or Other (458 reports), Suspension (342 reports), Forward Collision Avoidance (200 reports). Based on NHTSA complaints across all model years.
How do I check if my Model S has an open recall?
Use the vehicle's 17-character VIN at VinCheckEngine.com. Our free VIN report pulls the latest NHTSA recall data along with auction history, odometer records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Check a Specific Tesla Model S VIN
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