2016 TESLA MODEL S

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

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

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

Component ranking

  1. #1

    suspension arms and bushings

    3 stranded, 89 unsafe, 2 broken, 1 annoyance

    95
    incidents
    Typical range: 2,500–44,000 mi

    Median 20,000 mi, based on 61 reports (46% had no usable mileage)

    • "HERE IS A DISCUSSION ON THE TESLA MOTORS CLUB FORUM: HTTPS://TESLAMOTORSCLUB.COM/TMC/THREADS/HIT-CURB-AND-NOW-ITS-THE-START-OF-MONTH-4-WAITING-FOR-REPAIR.72674/ SADOWNER, JUN 28, 2016 HELLO ALL, I THINK I'M ON MY WAY TO A WORLD RECORD FOR LONGEST WAIT TI…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1313811
    • "HERE IS A REPORT OF A CRASH BETWEEN A TESLA MODEL S AND A BMW IN SWITZERLAND HTTP://ELECTREK.CO/2016/07/26/TESLA-MODEL-S-UNINJURED-FRONTAL-CRASH-BMW-TUNNEL-GALLERY/ AT FIRST GLANCE IT APPEARS THAT THE FRONT WHEEL HAS FALLEN OFF THE BMW SINCE IT IS LYING O…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1305878
    • "MODEL S IN JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/60677309/PHOTOS FRONT SUSPENSION HAS BROKEN FORE-LINKS (SUBJECT OF MANY OTHER REPORTED FAILURES) BROKEN LINKS HAVE SCRAPED THROUGH THE WHEEL FROM THE INSIDE SLICING IT IN TWO. THE SLICED WHEEL HAS BEEN STASHE…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1632724
    • "SLOWLY REVERSE, BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE DRIVE WAY AND ALL SUDDEN HEARD A LOUD CRANK NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE. TRY TO DRIVE UP THE DRIVE WAY INTO THE GARAGE AND THE VEHICLE MADE A CRANKY LOUD NOISE. FOUND A PIECE OF METAL BROKEN AND FAL…"~43,830 mi, complaint #1706147
    • "I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY IN-LAWS PARKING SPACE. I HAD THE WHEEL TURNED AND AS I WENT OVER A SMALL DIP I HEARD A LOUD CLUNK. IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING BROKE SOMEWHERE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT END. I DROVE IT HOME AND WHEN I WOULD GO OVER SOME BUMPS I COULD A…"~115,230 mi, complaint #1703782
  2. #2

    infotainment head unit

    48 unsafe, 1 broken, 22 annoyance

    71
    incidents
    Typical range: 35,000–64,500 mi

    Median 43,500 mi, based on 69 reports (40% had no usable mileage)

    • "THE DISPLAY SCREEN HAS NOT BEEN WORKING PROPERLY. SOUNDS INCLUDING VOICE NAVIGATION AND TURN SIGNALS HAVE STOPPED WORKING. RESETTING THE SCREEN FOXES THE ISSUE FOR 1 DAY BUT THEN RETURNS. OTHER SAFETY SOUNDS INCLUDING PROXIMITY SENSORS ARE ALSO NOT WORKING."~12,500 mi, complaint #1720566
    • "I'VE BEEN HAVING ONGOING ISSUES WITH THE MCU/ TOUCH SCREEN. I WAS DRIVING EARLY MORNING ONE DAY WHEN IT WAS STILL DARK OUTSIDE. I WENT TO TURN ON FOG LIGHTS AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF AND THE TOUCH SCREEN FROZE ON ME. I HAD NO WAY OF TURNING…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1719945
    • "THE MAIN SCREEN IS GETTING STUCK ON MY CAR, SOMETIMES GOING BLANK AND SOMETIMES RESETTING ITSELF THAT TAKES ABOUT 2-10 MINS. IT IS HAPPENING BOTH WHEN DRIVING AND WHEN SITTING IDEAL IN CAR. ONE DAY I WAS STUCK IN PARKING LOT FOR ABOUT 15 MINS TRYING FOR IT TO…"~43,320 mi, complaint #1723185
    • "THE MAIN CONTROL SCREEN HAS BEEN INTERMITTENTLY INACTIVE OR BLACK. ALMOST EVERYTHING IN THE CAR IS CONTROLLED BY THIS SCREEN. I HAVE ASKED THEM TO FIX IT FOR OVER TWO YEARS ON OVER SIX OCCASIONS WITH NO RESOLUTION. THE SCREEN NOW AT 64K MILES IS TOTALLY DEA…"~64,000 mi, complaint #1674082
    • "THE CAR WAS PARKED AND RE-ENTER ABOUT 1 HOUR LATER, THE CENTRAL SCREEN WAS BLANK. ALL THE WINDOWS FOG UP AND CAN NOT DRIVER UNTIL ALL THE WINDOWS CLEAR UP. THE PIN TO DRIVER CAN NOT ENTER SCREEN WAS BLANK, HAS TO USED THE MOBILE APP TO START THE CAR TO DRIVE.…"~198,000 mi, complaint #1719970
  3. #3

    suspension struts shocks

    1 stranded, 64 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    66
    incidents
    Typical range: 2,000–26,000 mi

    Median 5,000 mi, based on 66 reports (12% had no usable mileage)

    • "HERE IS A REPORT OF TWO TESLAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH: HTTPS://TESLAMOTORSCLUB.COM/TMC/THREADS/JUST-SAW-TWO-TESLAS-IN-A-CRASH-ONE-NEW-WITHOUT-PLATES.74465/ "SOCAL JIMMY, TODAY AT 2:55 PM DRIVING DOWN PCH IN REDONDO BEACH AND SAW THIS, TWO TESLA'S APPEAR TO HA…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1302882
    • "YET ANOTHER TESLA IN THE JUNKYARD WITH COLLAPSED SUSPENSION: HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/40321857/PHOTOS NO AIR-BAGS DEPLOYED. NO COLLISION DAMAGE. JUST MINOR BODYWORK DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE WHEELS JAMMING UP IN THE WHEEL WELLS. IT IS BEYOND RIDICULOUS THAT…"~4,000 mi, complaint #1436381
    • "THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE FRAGILE TESLA SUSPENSIONS. PLEASE NOTE THAT I HAVE USED A VIN FROM A JUNKYARD TESLA TO SATISFY YOUR WEBSITE REQUIREMENTS. I DO NOT HAVE THE VIN OF THE CAR THAT IS THE SUBJECT OF THIS ALARMING VIDEO. LINK: HTTPS://TWITTER.COM/ME…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1617591
    • "VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE ON A FAULTY AIR SUSPENSION 5+ TIME IN A YEAR OF OWNERSHIP. FAULT CONTINUES AND THE SUSPENSION IS LOCKED IN ITS LOWEST SETTING WHEN FAULT HAPPENS. NO RHYME OR REASON WAS TO WHEN THE FAULT HAPPENS, STATIONARY OR MOVING, EXPERIENCE…"~28,000 mi, complaint #1639859
    • "The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that approximately six days after purchasing the vehicle, while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle drove over a bump in the road, and a grinding sound was heard coming from the vehicle. The conta…"~108,000 mi, complaint #2216687
  4. #4

    control module

    57 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    59
    incidents
    Typical range: 40,000–78,000 mi

    Median 61,000 mi, based on 99 reports (30% had no usable mileage)

    • "THOUGH I INDICATED TODAY'S DATE FOR THE EVENT, HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES (AT LEAST 15) SINCE I TOOK DELIVERY OF THE CAR IN SEPTEMBER. I WOULD SAY ON AVERAGE IT OCCURS APPROX 1X PER WEEK, WHEN MANY SYSTEMS FAIL AND I GET MULTIPLE WARNINGS SCROLLING ACROSS TH…"~500 mi, complaint #1347317
    • "THE MAIN SCREEN ON MY 2016 TESLA MODEL S HAS GONE OUT AND I AM BEING TOLD IN HIS A KNOWN BAD MCU ISSUE. MY CAR IS 52 MONTHS OLD WITH 50,361 MILES. THIS NEEDS TO BE DECLARED A DEFECT SO TESLA IS RESPONSIBLE FOR FIXING THIS ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE REPAIR…"~50,361 mi, complaint #1680324
    • "HANDLE ON PASSENGER SIDE FAILED, COULD NOT OPEN DOOR. TOUCHSCREEN FAILURE, LOSS OF ALL SYSTEMS EXCEPT BASIC DRIVING FUNCTIONS, THIS HAPPENED AFTER TURNING ON CLIMATE MODE. NOW CLIMATE MODE IS CONSTANTLY ON RUNNING THE A/C FOR THE LAST 2 WEEKS"~62,000 mi, complaint #1681945
    • "MCU COMPUTER IS BLACKING OUT AND REQUIRES CONSTANT RESETS. CONNECTION TO THE APP IS SPOTY. COMPUTER SHOWING SIGNS IF NOT WORKING PROPERLY. REPORTED TO TESLA. WAS TOLD THEY CLEARED MY MEMORY AND THEY ARE 'DIVERTING MY CONCERNS'"~72,800 mi, complaint #1678798
    • "AFTER THE SHOCK (BECAUSE OF THE FAILED AUTOPILOT), ALL THE LIGHTS TURNED OFF AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO TURN THEM ON BY USING THE WHICH NEAR THE WHEEL. TO TURN THEM ON, I HAD TO RESET THE CAR FROM THE CENTRAL CONSOLE. THE DASHCAM FOOTAGE IS AVAILABLE HERE: HTT…"~139,000 mi, complaint #1609769
  5. #5

    adas autonomous driving system

    35 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    36
    incidents
    Typical range: 2,000–5,000 mi

    Median 5,000 mi, based on 83 reports (6% had no usable mileage)

    • "THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE TESLA AUTOPILOT MADE IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC SAFETY. THE VIN IS NOT THE ACTUAL VEHICLE INVOLVED. HERE IS A FRESHLY POSTED YOUTUBE VIDEO IN WHICH AN OWNER DRIVES HANDS FREE FOR ALMOST AN HOUR WITHOUT RECEIVING ANY "HOLD STEERIN…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1277716
    • "THIS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE TESLA AUTOPILOT. THIS VIDEO HAS JUST BEEN UPLOADED. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=VCC7JH8UX-E HERE IS AN OWNER DRIVING HANDS FREE AT HIGH SPEED WHILE WAVING HIS ARMS AROUND AND EVEN CROSSING HIS ARMS ACROSS HIS CHEST. THE I…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1315706
    • "THIS IS YET ANOTHER COMPLAINT ABOUT THE AUTOPILOT. PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO IN FULL. IT SHOWS HOW AN INTELLIGENT AND WELL EDUCATED DRIVER CHOOSES TO USE THE AUTOPILOT WITHOUT HAVING ANY IDEA THAT HE IS PLACING HIS OWN LIFE AND THAT OF OTHER ROAD USERS IN EXTR…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1316256
    • "THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE TESLA AUTOPILOT. HERE IS A THREAD IN WHICH THE ORIGINAL POSTER AND MANY OTHER DRIVERS COMPLAIN THAT THE AUTOPILOT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS: HTTPS://TESLAMOTORSCLUB.COM/TMC/THREADS/AUTOPILOT-2-0-IS-DANGEROUS.89985/ THE OWNER STA…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1374555
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TESLA MODEL S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH, THE AUTO PILOT ENGAGED ON ITS OWN AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN IT OFF. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A BARRIER WALL AS HE WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE VEHICLE BA…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1457338
  6. #6

    adas collision warning

    29 unsafe

    29
    incidents
    Typical range: 2,000–43,000 mi

    Median 11,000 mi, based on 28 reports (56% had no usable mileage)

    • "THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE TESLA AUTOPILOT. THIS REPORT HAS JUST BEEN POSTED ON THE TMC FORUM. HTTPS://TESLAMOTORSCLUB.COM/TMC/THREADS/AUTOPILOT-CRASH-TODAY-TESLA-RESPONSE-LESS-THAN-STELLAR.80594/ I I TOOK MY FRIEND TO A LOCAL TESLA STORE AND WE WE…"~500 mi, complaint #1332483
    • "I PURCHASED THE TESLA MODEL S ON 10/17 WITH 'AUTOPILOT' HARDWARE AND FEATURES I'VE CONSISTENTLY USED AUTOPILOT ON THE HIGHWAY DURING THE FIRST MONTH I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE. THE AUTOPILOT FEATURE USES CAMERAS AND SENSORS TO MAINTAIN SPEED AND LANE AND AVOID COLL…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1330077
    • "TAKATA RECALL THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO REVIEW THIS COMPLAINT. I AM SENDING IT DUE TO TWO MAIN REASONS: 1 - THIS IS THE SECOND RECALL I'VE RECEIVED FOR THE SAME CAR; 2 - I AM HAVING SAFETY ISSUES WITH MY TESLA SINCE NOVEMBER 2018. AFTER SEVERAL E…"~16,000 mi, complaint #1549714
    • "I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE IN AUTOPILOT MODE GOING 50MPH SOUTHBOUND IN THE LEFT LANE ON A DIVIDED [REDACTED ADDRESS], ROUTE 1 IN DELAWARE. IT WAS CLEAR AND SUNNY, NO FOG. ALL THESE CONDITIONS ARE PREFERRED WHEN USING AUTOPILOT ON MY VEHICLE. A WHITE FORD F150 PE…"~34,884 mi, complaint #1470051
    • "The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact depressed the brake and the vehicle kept rolling forward.…"~79,000 mi, complaint #2081057
  7. #7

    unintended acceleration

    29 unsafe

    29
    incidents
    Typical range: 5,000–39,500 mi

    Median 26,000 mi, based on 33 reports (43% had no usable mileage)

    • "HERE IS A REPORT OF A TESLA CRASH IN CHINA THAT INJURED 2 PEOPLE. HTTPS://TRANSLATE.GOOGLE.COM.AU/TRANSLATE?SL=AUTO&TL=EN&JS=Y&PREV=_T&HL=EN&IE=UTF-8&U=HTTP%3A%2F%2FHK.APPLE.NEXTMEDIA.COM%2FNEWS%2FART%2F20160621%2F19662689&EDIT-TEXT=&ACT=URL THE CAR SUFFER…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1340852
    • "MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING MY CAR, WE ARRIVED AT THE PARKING LOT AND AS HE WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND COMING TO A STOP, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT HIGH SPEED, WENT OVER THE CEMENT BUMPER FOR THE SPACE, OVER THE ONE FOR THE SPACE IN FRONT AND HIT A P…"~4,960 mi, complaint #1444389
    • "The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that after releasing the brake pedal while parking, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and lurched forward crashing into the rear of a second vehicle. During the incident, no injur…"~25,000 mi, complaint #1753460
    • "MY WIFE WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT AT HER SCHOOL AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED (AS SHE WAS PARKING BETWEEN 2 CARS). THE VEHICLE WAS IN CHILL MODE, WHICH MEANS THAT IT CANNOT ACCELERATE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. WHEN SHE WAS ROUGHLY OF THE WAY INTO THE PARKIN…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1621967
    • "I WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN WITH MY FOOT LIFTED ABOVE BOTH PEDALS (BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR) WHEN MY CAR ACCELERATED FORWARD. I HAD ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT MOST OF THESE UNINTENDED ACCELERATIONS WERE DUE TO A DRIVER HITTING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL INSTEAD OF THE BRAK…"~63,440 mi, complaint #1638940
  8. #8

    other

    13 unsafe, 8 annoyance

    21
    incidents

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

    • "UPDATE TO THE INDIANAPOLIS CRASH THAT KILLED TWO PEOPLE. THIS REPORT CLAIMS THAT BOTH OCCUPANTS WERE INTOXICATED. HTTP://WWW.CBSNEWS.COM/NEWS/TESLA-DRIVER-DOUBLE-FATAL-CRASH-INTOXICATED-INDIANAPOLIS-POLICE/ HOWEVER, THIS OTHER REPORT SUGGESTS THAT TESTS ON…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1354786
    • "THERE IS A PENDING RECALL FOR THIS VIN. I WAS DELIVERED THIS USED VEHICLE BY TESLA IN APR 2019. I ASKED THEM TO COMPLETE THE RECALL AT THAT TIME. I WAS TOLD THE PART IS BACKORDERED. SEVERAL REMINDERS AND 9 MONTHS LATER IT SEEMS TESLA IN NOT INTERESTED IN ADDR…"~31,000 mi, complaint #1635502
    • "The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the hood inadvertently opened and blocked the windshield. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road while the windshield was blocked. The hood was secu…"~131,700 mi, complaint #2234008
  9. #9

    wheel or rim

    20 unsafe

    20
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=23, median 22,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "HERE IS A REPORT OF A CRASH IN GERMANY. HTTP://BNN.DE/LOKALES/BRUCHSAL/TESLA-SCHLAEGT-IN-SPERRWAND-EIN THE FRONT TIRE IS PEELED OFF THE RIM. THAT COULD ONLY HAVE HAPPENED BEFORE THE COLLISION AND IS ALMOST CERTAINLY CAUSED BY FAILURE OF THE SUSPENSION. IT…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1337048
    • "AND ANOTHER TESLA FRESHLY ARRIVED IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/50206827 GUESS WHAT? THE BACK WHEEL WENT WHOMPY. GIVEN THE RELATIVELY SMALL NUMBER OF TESLAS SOLD COMPARED TO MAINSTREAM MANUFACTURERS THE NUMBER OF THESE CARS IN THE WRECKERS…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1451537
    • "HERE IS A MODEL S IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/60431229 THE DRIVER HAS ESCAPED DEATH BY A FEW INCHES WHEN THE CAR RAN INTO A WOODEN POLE WHICH HAS ENTERED THROUGH THE WINDSCREEN AND SPEARED THROUGH INTO THE BACK SEAT. A SHARP EYED INVESTIGATO…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1634526
    • "The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH and making a right turn there was an abnormal sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact stated then started to smell a burning rubb…"~60,348 mi, complaint #2153140
    • "The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, he heard an abnormally loud sound come from the driver’s side wheel. The contact pulled over and inspected the wheel but did not see an issue. The contact stated…"~140,466 mi, complaint #1840728
  10. #10

    ev drive unit or inverter

    19 unsafe

    19
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=18, median 51,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "CAR KEEPS SHUTTING OFF. PAID $7K FOR FULL SELF DRIVING. TESLA REFUSES TO CHANGE CHIP TO MCU 2 WITHOUT PAYING $2500 PLUS TAX. MCU1 FAILS WITH CAR SHUTTING OFF, NOT STARTING AT ALL, PHONE DISCONNECTED, APP DISCONNECTED, AC DEAD. YOU MUST FORCE TESLA TO CHANGE TO…"~21,000 mi, complaint #1695851
    • "TESLA HAS RECALL TO CHANGE MCU SINCE DECEMBER OF 2020. I HAVE CONTACTED THEM SEVERAL TIMES AND ANSWER IS ALWAYS PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE YET. I THINK THIS IS DELAY TACTICS. MY CAR SCREEN WENT BLANK SEVERAL TIMES AND I NOTIFIED THEM."~35,000 mi, complaint #1735715
    • "ON 11/25/2020, AT APPROXIMATELY 12:00PM, WHILE IN LINE FOR THE DRIVE THROUGH CAR WASH OF A MOBIL GAS STATION (LOS SERRANOS COUNTRY CLUB DR), MY VEHICLE, A WHITE 2016 TESLA MODEL S, PARTIALLY TURNED OFF. I COULD NO LONGER STEER THE CAR NOR COULD I RESTART T…"~50,787 mi, complaint #1708931
    • "THE MCU FAILED RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE."~68,000 mi, complaint #1674172
    • "MCU1 FAILURE. NOT ABLE TO HAVE ACCESS TO CONTROL PANEL FOR AC, POWER CHARGING, MAIN CONTOL SCREEN IS BLACK AND UNRESPONSIVE"~108,130 mi, complaint #1681071
  11. #11

    door latch and hinge

    15 unsafe

    15
    incidents

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

    • "PASSENGER DOOR AUTOMATICALLY OPENED WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. NO PASSENGER WAS OCCUPYING THE SEAT."~42,200 mi, complaint #1687927
    • "DOORS RANDOMLY POP OPEN. WHEN ENTERING THE CAR FROM ANY DOOR, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR POP OPEN. THE DOORS ALSO POP OPEN ANYTIME THE CAR IS PUT INTO PARK. SOMEIMES IT IS NECESSARY TO PUT THE CAR INTO PARK WHILE IN TRAFFIC A…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1629777
    • "REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE FAILS TO OPEN DOOR. THIS HAS BEEN A ON-GOING ISSUE WITH TESLA MODEL S VEHICLES. MY FIRST 2013 MODEL S HAD OVER 15 DOOR HANDLES REPLACED DUE TO FAILURE. MY CURRENT 2016 MODEL S HAS HAD AROUND 6. THE LAST WAS FRONT PASSENGER DOOR HANDL…"~72,000 mi, complaint #1522228
    • "DOOR HANDLE FAILURE. THE DOOR PHYSICALLY OPENS BY ITSELF ONCE THE VEHICLE IS PLACED IN PARK AND HANDLE EXTENDS. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD MULTIPLE HANDLES REPLACED ALREADY, EITHER DUE TO NOT EXTENDING, SO NO ABILITY TO USE AND OPEN CAR DOOR AT ALL, EXTENDING BUT…"~96,000 mi, complaint #1671953
  12. #12

    instrument cluster

    13 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    14
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "THE CENTRAL CLUSTER DISPLAY DIED COMPLETELY, BLACK SCREEN. NO AC, NO TURN SIGNAL AVAILABLE."~47,000 mi, complaint #1678820
    • "MAIN DISPLAY FAILURE. UNABLE TO VISUALIZE CONTROLS. TEMP OVER 100 DEGREES IN CAR. COULD NOT DEFOG WINDOWS. UNABLE TO OUT CAR IN DRIVE OR REVERSE"~49,000 mi, complaint #1678506
    • "MY INSTRUMENT PANEL AND BIG SCREEN GOES OUT AND IT STARTS TO BOOT LOOP WHILE I'M EITHER DRIVING OR WHEN I GET IN AND I TRY AND DRIVE OFF. MY TURN SIGNALS DON'T WORK AND I CAN'T SEE MY SPEED."~60,000 mi, complaint #1695721
    • "MY 2016 TESLA (MANUFACTURED IN 01/2017, MILEAGE OF 60,400) HAD THE ISSUES WITH THE INSTRUMENT SCREEN BLACKOUT SEVERAL TIMES. EACH TIME, I LOST CONTROL OF THE TOUCH SCREEN, WHICH CAUSED THE LOSS OF REAR CAMERA VIEW, AC, LIGHT AND DRIVE CONTROL, ETC., ESPECIALLY…"~60,569 mi, complaint #1723900
  13. #13

    steering electric assist

    13 unsafe

    13
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "WE WERE DRIVING TESLA S NORTHBOUND ON HIGHWAY 101 GOING FROM NOVATO TO PETALUMA, WE WERE ON AUTO STEERING WHEN THE DRIVER (MY SON) SAW THE CAR MERGING STRAIT ON US, HE TRIED TO AVOID THE ACCIDENT AND SWUNG TO THE LEFT, BUT BECAUSE IT WAS ON AUTO STEERING THE S…"~1,250 mi, complaint #1391153
    • "THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE POWER ASSISTED STEERING IN THE TESLA MODEL S AND IT ALSO APPLIES TO THE MODEL X. THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE REPORTS ON THE TESLA FORUMS OF OWNERS HAVING A FAILURE PF THE POWER ASSISTANCE CAUSED BY A BROKEN WIRE OR LOOSE CONNECTION.…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1380703
    • "HERE IS A THREAD ON THE TESLA MOTORS CLUB FORUM IN WHICH SEVERAL POSTERS PROVIDE DETAILED PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE THAT THE ELECTRIC STEERING MOTOR IS FALLING APART DUE TO CORROSION. HTTPS://TESLAMOTORSCLUB.COM/TMC/THREADS/POWER-STEERING-FALLING-APART.100951/…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1443150
    • "I AM REQUESTING THAT THE NHTSA INVESTIGATE TESLA'S UNEXPLAINED SWERVING ON THE HIGHWAY, FOLLOWED BY ITS FAILURE TO RESPOND TO THE DRIVER'S INPUTS TO THE STEERING, RESULTING IN A SINGLE CAR CRASH. I WAS DRIVING MY TESLA MODEL S IN THE LEFTMOST LANE OF THE NOR…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1517694
    • "STIFF STEERING WHEEL. SPORADICALLY THE STEERING WHEEL GETS EXTREMELY STIFF AND MAKING TURNS ESPECIALLY MINOR COURSE ADJUSTMENT VERY DIFFICULT ON BOTH DIRECTIONS. IT MAYBE RELATED TO HIGH SPEED BUT DOES HAPPEN WHEN I DRIVE ABOUT 30 - 40 MILES AN HOUR OR EVEN SL…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1567476
  14. #14

    adas lane keeping

    12 unsafe

    12
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=19, median 5,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE TESLA AUTOPILOT. PLEASE WATCH THIS VIDEO: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=WYRWNXZRNAI THE DRIVER STARTS OFF CAUTIOUSLY KEEPING HIS HANDS NEAR THE WHEEL. BY ABOUT 7 MINUTES INTO THE VIDEO HE HAS BECOME SO TRUSTING IN THE AUTOPIL…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1338830
    • "THIS IS ANOTHER COMPLAINT ABOUT THE TESLA AUTOPILOT TO TRY AND BRING ATTENTION TO THE DANGER POSED TO ALL ROAD USERS. HERE IS A FORUM POST DISCUSSING HOW TO AVOID THE NAG. PEDRISCOLL, TODAY AT 2:51 PM GAVIN.BELSON SAID: ↑ I HAVE THIS EXACT SAME EXP…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1319939
    • "THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT TESLA AUTOPILOT THAT APPLIES TO ALL MODELS OF TESLA. I HAVE USED THE VIN OF A JUNKYARD TESLA IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THIS FORM. HERE IS A DISCUSSION THREAD IN WHICH AN OWNER COMPLAINS THAT FOLLOWING A RECENT OVER THE AIR UPDATE THE C…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1634639
    • "ON IH90 BETWEEN GILLETTE WY AND BILLINGS MT ON AUG 8, 2016 I WAS DRIVING AT 75 MPH WITH AUTOSTEER ENGAGED. THE DAY WAS CLEAR, IT WAS ABOUT 9AM, AND THE ROAD LANES WERE CLEARLY MARKED. AS I WAS GOING AROUND A MODERATE CURVE (NO SPEED REDUCTION SUGGESTED) IN T…"~11,000 mi, complaint #1308583
    • "AUTOPILOT FEATURE IS EITHER NOT DETECTING ROAD CONSTRUCTION CONES OR DETECTS BUT THE SOFTWARE IGNORES THEM AND FOLLOW THE WHITE LINES. THE DASHCAM VIDEO IS AVAILABLE AT [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 5…"~139,000 mi, complaint #1609760
  15. #15

    software or update

    11 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 52,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "VEHICLE MAIN COMPUTER LAGS, REBOOTS, AND COMES UP WITH A BLACK OR GARBLED SCREEN REGULARLY, INCLUDING WHILE DRIVING, ESPECIALLY WHEN A USB STICK IS INSERTED AND/OR THE DASHCAM FUNCTIONALITY IS IN USE. TESLA SERVICE INSISTS IT IS A SOFTWARE ISSUE (FOR OVER 1…"~47,000 mi, complaint #1708549
    • "THE EMMC FLASH MEMORY IS FAILING, LEADING TO THE MAIN SCREEN BLACKING OUT FOR SEVERAL MINUTES HAPPENS RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN AT STOP AND WHEN THE CAR IS BOOTING UP. THIS PREVENTS ADJUSTMENT OF SEVERAL COMPONENTS INCLUDING CLIMATE CONTROL, MANUAL LIGHT…"~52,500 mi, complaint #1696298
    • "RE: NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: DP19005 - INVESTIGATION SUBJECT : BATTERY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE UPDATES"~59,000 mi, complaint #1700731
    • "PRIOR TO 10/2/2020 NUMEROUS REBOOTS USUALLY AFTER BEING PARKED. HAD TO WAIT EXCESSIVE TIME SINCE I HAD PIN TO DRIVE ENABLED. DISABLED PIN TO DRIVE SINCE I WAS GETTING STUCK. IT IS EMBARRASSING AND NOT A GOOD REFLECTION ON TESLA PRODUCTS TO HAVE TO WAIT 5 MINU…"~71,000 mi, complaint #1715462
  16. #16

    lighting exterior

    8 unsafe, 1 broken, 1 annoyance

    10
    incidents

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

    • "DRL BURN OUT REPEATEDLY. THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE FOR 2016-2020 MODEL S HEADLIGHTS. HEADLIGHTS NEED TO BE REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME IN JUST 50K MILES. *TR"~51,000 mi, complaint #1664547
    • "ONE OF THE LIGHTS DOES NOT TURN ON AUTOMATICALLY OR AUTOMATICALLY TURNS OFF. A MANUAL RESET FROM THE MAIN CONTROL SCREEN IS NEEDED TO TURN THEM ON. THE VIDEO FOOTAGE IS AVAILABLE HERE: HTTPS://WWW.DROPBOX.COM/S/RNJE8Y4TC3GRXG3/TESLA_LIGHTS_BUG.MP4?DL=0"~139,000 mi, complaint #1609768
  17. #17

    driveshaft axle cv

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "THERE ARE MANY TESLAS IN THE WRECKING YARDS WITH BROKEN FRONT SUSPENSIONS. OWNERS ARE COMPLAINING ON THE FORUMS OF VIBRATION PROBLEMS THAT ARE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE DRIVE SHAFTS. TESLA SEEMS UNABLE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AND IT MAY BE CREATING A RISK OF SUDDEN…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1329180
    • "THIS IS ANOTHER COMPLAINT ABOUT THE TESLA SUSPENSION WEAKNESS. HERE ARE 3 MORE EXAMPLES OF BACK WHEELS THAT HAVE SKEWED OVER WITHOUT HAVING BEEN IN ANY COLLISION. THERE IS A DISCUSSION THREAD ON THE NORWEGIAN FORUM ELBILFORUM.NO GOOGLE - SKREVET AV EMNE: B…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1342181
    • "HERE IS A TESLA IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/40106857/PHOTOS THE BACK WHEEL AND SUSPENSION HAS SNAPPED OFF. THE BRAKE HOSE HAS BEEN TORN OFF. THERE IS NO IMPACT DAMAGE TO THE BODYWORK AND NO AIR-BAGS HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED. THE CLOSE UP PHOTO…"~14,000 mi, complaint #1414170
    • "MODEL S IN JUNKYARD AND GUESS WHAT! THE BACK WHEEL HAS FALLEN OFF. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/34900296/2 NO AIR-BAGS DEPLOYED, NO IMPACT DAMAGE. THE SUSPENSION LINKS ARE STRETCHED UNTIL THEY HAVE SNAPPED AND THEN THE WHOLE SHEMOZZLE HAS EXITED T…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1636016
  18. #18

    steering rack mechanical

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "HERE IS A TESLA BEING WRECKED FOR PARTS IN A UK JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.CAR-TRANSPLANTS.CO.UK/BREAKING-VEHICLES/DETAILS/TESLA-MODELS-ELECTRIC-AUTOMATIC/46510 THE CAR HAS ONLY DONE 1000 MILES AND IS IN NEAR PERFECT CONDITION APART FROM THE FRONT WHEELS AND SU…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1412973
    • "HERE IS A TESLA IN THE JUNKYARD: HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLE?ITEMID=25357151&ROWNUMBER=7&LOADRECENT=TRUE IT DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN IN A COLLISION, NO AIR-BAGS HAVE DEPLOYED. THE FRONT RH STEERING KNUCKLE HAS SNAPPED IN HALF. THE SUSPENSION HAS COL…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1388040
    • "HERE IS A DISCUSSION THREAD IN WHICH AN OWNER COMPLAINS THAT HIS STEERING HAS FAILED COMPLETELY: HTTPS://TESLAMOTORSCLUB.COM/TMC/THREADS/MODEL-S-STEERING-FAILED.109021/ ****SNIP*** I WAS DRIVING HOME TONIGHT (2016 70D)AND IT SOUNDED LIKE I HAD A FLAT TIRE…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1449082
    • "HERE IS A TESLA IN THE SALVAGE YARD. HTTPS://M.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETENC.ASPX?AUCTIONID=0&ITEMID=23919966&ROWID=7&PAGESOURCE=VEHICLERESULTS# THE FRONT LH WHEEL IS SKEWED INWARDS AND OVER AT AN ANGLE WHILST THE RH WHEEL IS POINTING STRAIGHT FORWARD. THIS IND…"~7,000 mi, complaint #1343988
    • "I WAS BACKING UP SLOWLY, 1-3 MPH, AND THE FRONT DRIVER TIRE GOT BURIED IN THE BACK OF THE WHEEL WELL. I WAS ONLY TURNING SLIGHTLY, AND THE GROUND WAS RELATIVELY FLAT. THERE WAS NO SOUND OR ANYTHING, THE CAR JUST STOPPED BECAUSE THE WHEEL WAS JAMMED IN THE WHEE…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1724122
  19. #19

    hv battery and range

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE FIRE ISSUE ON TESLA CARS. THERE HAS BEEN A RECENT FIRE IN FRANCE HTTP://ARSTECHNICA.COM/CARS/2016/08/TESLA-MODEL-S-FRANCE-BATTERY-FIRE/ THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN TWO BURNED OUT TESLA THAT HAVE SHOWN UP IN THE SALVAGE YARDS (PHOTOS…"~500 mi, complaint #1311400
    • "PLEASE ADD THIS INCIDENT TO YOUR TESLA BATTERY FIRES INVESTIGATION. I HAVE USED THE VIN FROM ANOTHER WRECKED TESLA SINCE I DO NOT HAVE THE VIN FOR THE TESLA WHICH BURNED TO A CRISP IN THIS INCIDENT. HERE IS A REPORT AND VIDEO FROM THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT HT…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1675999
    • "I HAVE A 90D THAT IS NOW SEEM TO BE A 75D. TESLA UPDATE 10 HAS TAKEN AWAY VOLTAGE. THE CAR NOW DRIVES IN THE LOW 300S WHEREAS IT USED TO BE MID 250S. THEY'VE TAKEN AWAY RANGE. BEFORE UPDATE 10, I GOT 277 MILES AT 90%. TWO SUPER CHARGERS AGO, AFTER LOADING…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1624159
    • "THERE ARE TWO THINGS. FIRST THE BATTERY PACK DOES NOT HAVE THE ORIGINAL PERFORMANCE AS TESLA SLOWED DOWN SUPERCHARGING AND NOT GETTING THE MILES THE BATTERY IS SUPPOSED TO GET WITH A SAFETY UPDATE. SECOND THE TOUCH SCREEN GLITCHES AND HAS TO BE RESET MANY TIME…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1673102
  20. #20

    throttle and pedal

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

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

    • "THIS IS ANOTHER COMPLAINT ABOUT THE TESLA AUTOPILOT. JUST TOUCHING THE STALK CAN MAKE THE CAR GO TO FULL THROTTLE. HTTPS://FORUMS.TESLA.COM/FORUM/FORUMS/NEW-CRUISE-CONTROL-STALK NEW CRUISE CONTROL STALK THE NEW CRUISE CONTROL STALK THAT HAS BEEN MODIFI…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1325297
    • "WHILE ACCELERATING AT A FREEWAY ON-RAMP FROM A STAND STILL, THE ACCELERATOR PEDDLE SNAPPED OFF AT FULL THROTTLE. NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED, WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY SAFELY BY PRESSING ON THE REMAINING PEDDLE WITH HAND."~5,904 mi, complaint #1305393
    • "I WAS TRAVELING ON A TWO-LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY WHEN I ACCELERATED TO PASS A VEHICLE TO MY RIGHT. AS I PASSED THE VEHICLE AND RELEASED MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, MY CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. UNSURE OF THE REASON FOR THIS CONTIN…"~22,500 mi, complaint #1645343
  21. #21

    airbag system

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

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

    • "TAKATA RECALL. I HAVE A TESLA MODEL S 2016 AND I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ABOUT THE AIRBAG INFLATORS OVER A MONTH AGO. I EMAILED TESLA SERVICE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT AND OVER A MONTH LATER (TODAY) THEY RESPONDED THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE A SERVICE CENTER NEAR…"~18,000 mi, complaint #1552833
    • "MY TESLA P90D 2016 WAS HIT BY A SPRINKLER TRUCK ON DRIVER SIDE,LUCKILY ,I WAS FINE AND I AM PRETTY SURE THE DOOR WAS VERY FIRM.HOWEVER, THE SIDE AIR BAG DIDN'T WORK AND THE DOOR'S SHAPE HAD OBVIOUS CHANGE AND TIGHTLY AGAINST ME.I WILL ATTACH PHOTOS BELOW. I CO…"~39,000 mi, complaint #1519033
  22. #22

    brake hydraulics

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "TAKATA RECALL. A SERIOUS INCIDENT HAPPENED TO MY TESLA MODEL S IN DECEMBER 16, 2016 WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AT PARKING SPOT. THE VEHICLE KEPT RUNNING OVER A CONCRETE BARRIER AND HIT A WALL WHICH RESULTED IN A SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE T…"~7,757 mi, complaint #1385893
    • "ON 1/18/20, I WAS TRAVELLING IN MY 2016 TESLA MODEL S P100D EASTWARD ON ANDERSON HILL ROAD TOWARD THE INTERSECTION WITH PURCHASE STREET. THE STOP LIGHT WAS RED. I WAS DRIVING 1MI UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT OF 35MPH. THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS AROUND FREEZING, A…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1638542
    • "REFERENCE COMPLAINT ID #11142878 FOR MORE DETAIL. THIS IS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE COMPLAINT ID#11142878. I BELIEVE THAT MY VEHCILE FAILED TO STOP IN A REASONABLE DISTANCE AS FOUND IN SEVERAL DRIVE TESTS OF MODEL S BY AUTOMOTIVE REVIEW SITES. MANY…"~46,000 mi, complaint #1512001
  23. #23

    hv system fault reduced power

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

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

    • "THE ?STALLING? PROBLEM HAPPENED TO MY MODEL S SINCE I STARTED TO DRIVE THE NEW CAR IN 03/16. I GOT KICKED FROM ?D?/?R? TO ?P? AT BEGINNING STAGE WHEN I START TO PRESS THE ACCELERATOR, AROUND 50% OF THE TIME WHEN I STARTED OR CHANGED MY SITTING POSITION. THE PR…"complaint #1290601
    • "2 problems: 1.) the eMMC chip for the screen has not yet been replaced due to supply issue? 2.) the battery heater stopped working causing driving ability issues. This should be a recall. the car lost both acceleration and braking power and made it danger…"complaint #1775580
    • "While driving reduced power light came on. On Highway speed reduced to a crawl."complaint #1894733
    • "On Friday, June 2, 2023, I was traveling at highway speed in the left lane south on Interstate 15 just south of Temecula, California. With no warning my vehicle speed started dropping quickly, and did not respond to pressing the accelerator pedal. I immediat…"complaint #1899444
    • "While driving in traffic, the vehicle displayed warnings stating “Unable to drive — Pull over safely.” The vehicle progressively lost power and became unable to propel itself, requiring me to stop in traffic. Additional warnings indicated reduced acceleration…"complaint #2180030
  24. #24

    parking brake

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

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

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TESLA MODEL S. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE PARKING BRAKE BECAME LOOSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE WAS ABLE TO MOVE AROUND FREELY PRIOR TO ENGAGING THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR. TESLA ([REDACTED ADDRESS], BURLINGAME…"~25,944 mi, complaint #1509505
    • "MY PARKING BRAKE ACTUATOR HAS FAILED. TESLA HAS REFUSED TO REPLACE IT UNDER THE RECALL. THEY CLAIM THAT MY CAR WAS BUILT ONE MONTH AFTER THE RECALL ENDED, AND IS NOT IMPACTED. HOWEVER WHEN ASKED FOR THE DIFFERENT PART#'S THEY DID NOT PROVIDE HOW THEY DETERMINE…"~54,291 mi, complaint #1688742
  25. #25

    ev charging system

    2 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    4
    incidents

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

    • "MY CAR IS SUPPOSED TO CHARGE AT A RATE OF 120KW AT THE TESLA SUPERCHARGERS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY BUT TESLA HAS THROTTLED MY MAX POSSIBLE SPEED TO 93KW. THEY ARE SAYING THAT MY BATTERY IS DEFECTIVE AND HAS DEGREDATED TO A POINT OF WHICH IT CANNOT CHARGE AT FUL…"~29,000 mi, complaint #1610850
    • "RE: NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: DP19005 - INVESTIGATION SUBJECT : BATTERY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE UPDATES STARTING WITH A SOFTWARE UPDATE IN MAY 2019, TESLA CAPPED THE MAX VOLTAGE THE HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY WOULD CHARGE TO. THEY CLAIM THEY DID THIS "OUT OF AN ABUNDANCE…"~43,000 mi, complaint #1610820
  26. #26

    battery and charging

    1 stranded, 2 unsafe

    3
    incidents

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

    • "HERE IS ANOTHER BURNED OUT TESLA IN THE SALVAGE YARD HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/34875876/PHOTOS?RESULTINDEX=14&TOTALRECORDS=21&BACKTO=%2FLOTSEARCHRESULTS%2F%3FFREE%3DTRUE&QUERY=TESLA&QUERY=TESLA&DISPLAYSTR=SEARCH%20RESULTS TESLA CLAIMS THE FIRE PROBLEM HAS…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1327167
    • "AT APPROXIMATELY 3000 MILES AFTER BUYING IT BRAND NEW, A WARNING MESSAGE ON THE DASH STATED THAT THE 12V BATTERY NEEDED TO BE SERVICED. WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN TO THE SERVICE CENTER, THEY STATED THAT IT HAD TO BE REPLACED."~3,000 mi, complaint #1393813
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TESLA MODEL S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE LOW 12-VOLT BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY PACK WAS NOT IN SYNC AND NEEDED TO…"~5,500 mi, complaint #1288985
  27. #27

    power windows and locks

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

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

    • "Immediately after purchase of the vehicle from Tesla and on my way home from the dealer, I rolled my driver-side window down, then attempted to roll the window up upon entering the freeway. The window went half-way up, then rolled back down automatically. I at…"complaint #1786692
    • "Windows both on passenger and driver side won’t close once open. They close halfway and go back. It takes multiple attempts to close them. It is happening for more than 3 years."complaint #1860880
    • "The passenger door handle and locking mechanism was not functioning properly. The front passenger door handle was not presenting. Also, every time I parked the car or unlocked the car, the door would pop open. Also, while in drive and when the car was in motio…"complaint #1965546
  28. #28

    backup camera

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

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

    • "REAR VIEW CAMERA STOPPED WORKING, DO TO MEMORY BEING FULL."~53,000 mi, complaint #1726868
  29. #29

    brake pads and rotors

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

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

    • "THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT SEIZED BRAKE CALIPERS ON THE MODEL S AND THE FAILURE OF TESLA SERVICE TO DETECT OR REMEDY THE PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM ON TESLAS CAUSED BY ROAD DIRT THROWN ONTO THE INSIDE OF THE BRAKE ROTORS. HERE IS ONE OF M…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1314118
  30. #30

    glass and windshield

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

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

    • "FRONT WINDSHIELD HAS GHOSTING AFFECT WHEN VIEWING LIGHTS AT NIGHT. THIS IS MOST VISIBLE WITH LED LIGHTS SUCH AS NEW CAR TAIL LIGHTS AND NEWER TRAFFIC LIGHTS. LIGHTS APPEARS TO HAVE MULTIPLE VERSION OF THE SAME IMAGE WITH AN ADDITIONAL SET BEING ABOVE THE ACTUA…"~42,000 mi, complaint #1631356
  31. #31

    interior trim

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

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

    • "The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that over time, the adhesive for both the forward display and center console had degraded to the point that both components were able to move freely. The contact stated that the center console eventuall…"~58,000 mi, complaint #1914752
  32. #32

    noise or vibration unspecified

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

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

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TESLA MODEL S. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A LOUD HUMMING AND KNOCKING NOISE OCCURRED AND THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. THE ORIGIN OF THE NOISE WAS UNKNOWN AND THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TESLA (…"~19,232 mi, complaint #1576570
  33. #33

    seat mechanism

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

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

    • "The drivers seat has a rocking issue. When braking and accelerating the seat rocks forward and backward which Tesla states they do not have a fix for and which their engineers claim is not a safety concern. I had to make a hard stop recently to avoid a colli…"complaint #1762557
    • "The driver’s seat back will only rise partly from the reclined position. All other driver seat functions seem to be normal. I estimate the maximum upright angle to be 30 degrees from vertical, making driving difficult and sometimes painful. The manual states t…"complaint #1858700
  34. #34

    steering column

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

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

    • "I was driving straight down a road at 10 mph approaching a stop sign. When I lost complete control of steering, the steering wheel was completely free. Moving with no response to the wheels. There was zero warning lights or check engine notifications. The inte…"complaint #2218608
    • "While driving my vehicle straight approaching an intersection, I lost complete steering capability and feedback from the steering wheel. The lower intermediate shaft on the steering column complete separated from the splines on the rack and pinion. If I wasn't…"complaint #2228100
  35. #35

    trunk or liftgate

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

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

    • "EXPERIENCING MAJOR AND PAINFUL PRESSURE BUFFETING FROM THE LIFT GATE OF THE MODEL S. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN WELL DOCUMENTED AMONGST MANY OWNERS AND THE RESOLUTION IS TO ADJUST THE RUBBER DISCS THAT COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE PLASTIC ADJUSTABLE SHIMS OF THE CAR BO…"~26,000 mi, complaint #1643327
  36. #36

    wheel bearing

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

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

    • "HERE IS A MODEL S IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/35797112/6 FRONT WHEEL WHOMPY, BACK WHEEL VERY WHOMPY. THIS WOULD BE AMUSING IF IT WERE NOT SO SERIOUS. PLEASE DO YOUR JOB AND HAVE THESE DEATH TRAPS RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. THANK YOU.…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1655412
    • "THIS ISSUE HAPPENED OUT OF NOWHERE, NO COLLISION, NO POTHOLES, AND NO EXTERIOR FORCE. ALL OF A SUDDEN I NOTICED A CLANGING NOISE IN THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL HOUSING. THIS ONLY HAPPENS WHEN GOING AT LOW SPEEDS (5 TO 15 MPH). THIS NOISE IS ESPECIALLY APPARENT WHEN G…"~57,000 mi, complaint #1679314
  37. #37

    wiper and washer

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

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

    • "INTERMITTENT WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY FAIL. HAS HAPPENED TWICE, VIDEO CAPTURED FOR SECOND EVENT. HEADLIGHTS HAVE TURNED OFF ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING IN DARK. MOST RECENT EVENT WAS CAPTURED ON DASHCAM, AS WELL AS IPHONE VIDEO, WITH MULTIPLE TES…"~7,500 mi, complaint #1385123
  38. #38

    ac compressor and refrigerant

    1 broken

    1
    incident

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

    • "Notes from service center: AC will only work when driving found condenser fans were not turning on, found condenser fan relay melted recommend harness replacement and recheck, harness fixed and ac is working at this time, (Possible ac compressor wear/damage du…"complaint #1767428
  39. #39

    adas adaptive cruise

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "TESLA HAS RELEASED A VERSION OF ITS "ENHANCED AUTO PILOT" THAT IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE FOR PUBLIC USE. IT DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN TESTED. (1) ON LOCAL ROADS, AT LOW SPEED, IT'S AUTO STEERING FUNCTION WILL OFTEN DRIVE ACROSS A DOUBLE YELLOW LINE WITH NO WAR…"~2,300 mi, complaint #1368599
  40. #40

    alignment and pull

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "Tesla vehicles suffer excessive “toe-in” wear on all tires. Tesla claims it is a function of the vehicle being heavy and that it is “normal” Tires have to be replaced every 12-24 months as a result of the inner portion showing cord, wire, and losing air. The t…"complaint #1859308
  41. #41

    engine cooling

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE FIRE DANGER IN TESLA VEHICLES. THE LATEST CRASH IN LAKE FOREST SHOWS THAT BURNING FLUID IS ESCAPING FROM BENEATH THE CAR AND IS NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO EXTINGUISH. HTTP://WWW.NBCLOSANGELES.COM/NEWS/LOCAL/TESLA-LAKE-FOREST-HOME-FIRE-4…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1403775
  42. #42

    engine internal

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "WHILE DRIVING AT [REDACTED ADDRESS] FRONT MOTOR SHORTED LOOSING POWER AND CAR SLOWED TO A HALT AT A UNSAFE HIGHWAY LOCATION."~3,000 mi, complaint #1308943
  43. #43

    engine stall or no start

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V035000 (Back Over Pretention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the loc…"complaint #1751759
  44. #44

    fluid leak unspecified

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that the display screen was leaking fluid into the vehicle. The contact stated he sustained respiratory issues and medical attention was provided. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not…"~79,000 mi, complaint #1832477
  45. #45

    heater core and blower

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "At 22 degrees fahrenheit, the vehicles cabin heat shut off after hearing a noise. The Noise appeared to be a broken cabin heating element. The window screen quickly fogged, and water began attaching to the outside of the windscreen, building up as ice. The wi…"complaint #1861682
  46. #46

    mirror

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "THE VANITY MIRRORS CAN EASILY FELL OFF FROM THE SUN VISORS. I GOT THIS PROBLEM, AND FOUND THE HEAVY MIRROR IS GLUED BY WHITE DOUBLE SIDED ADHESIVE TAPE WHICH WILL LOSS ADHESION AT HIGH TEMPERATURES. THEN THE MIRROR FELL BECAUSE OF GRAVITY. ALTHOUGH, THERE IS…"~24,000 mi, complaint #1745606
  47. #47

    power steering hydraulic

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "HERE IS A DISCUSSION THREAD IN WHICH SEVERAL OWNERS REPORT A BROKEN GROUND CONNECTION CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER ASSISTED STEERING AND POWER ASSISTED BRAKING. HTTPS://FORUMS.TESLA.COM/FORUM/FORUMS/ALERT-LOSS-STEERING-AND-BRAKING-WHILE-DRIVING ALSO A YOUTUBE V…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1372624
  48. #48

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "WHEN VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, FRONT PASSENGER USES A SEAT-BELT TO FASTEN. AFTER IT LATCHES ON AND PASSENGER LEANS FORWARD, IT LOCKS AND THE PASSANGER IS NO LONGER ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD NO BACKWARD. THE CAR IS STILL STATIONARY AND NOT TURNED ON. PASSENGER CAN NO L…"~40,647 mi, complaint #1708523
  49. #49

    tire failure

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "OWNERS ARE STILL REPORTING EXTREME AND RAPID WEAR OF REAR TIRES ON THE HIDDEN INSIDE EDGE THAT CAN GO UNNOTICED UNTIL THE TIRE BLOWS OUT. HERE IS A THREAD FROM THE ELBILFORUM IN NORWAY ELBILFORUM.NO/FORUM/INDEX.PHP?BOARD=49.0 SAMPLE: A: REAR WORN OUT…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1331918
  50. #50

    transmission automatic

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

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

    • "On April 9th, 2022, the vehicle in traffic went from the drive gear to the park. vehicles were coming behind me at 55mph and I could not maneuver to safety. It took up to 4mins before I got moving. The incident occurred again on April 25th, while my kids and I…"complaint #1811730

NHTSA investigations

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