CarRecallWatchThe 2012 Tesla Model S has 8 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 61 complaints with NHTSA, including 4 crashes, 1 fire, 6 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (37 reports).
2012 Tesla Model S recalls
Seat belt warning may not sound for unbelted driver
Some Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may have a seat belt warning light and chime that do not activate as intended when the driver is unbelted.
Dashboard brake and ABS warning text too small to read easily
The instrument panel on these Tesla vehicles displays the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights in an incorrect font size.
Driver Misuse Risk With Autosteer Driver-Assist Feature
This recall covers vehicles with Autosteer, an SAE Level 2 driver-assistance feature.
Center Display Can Fail, Losing Rearview Camera and Turn Signals
The center display's storage memory can wear out over time.
Steering Assist May Fail, Making Steering Harder
The aluminum bolts that attach the power steering assist motor to the steering gear housing can corrode and fracture.
Parking brake gear may break, risking vehicle rollaway
The electric parking brake calipers may contain an internal gear that was not manufactured properly, so the gear can fracture when the parking brake is applied or released.
Passenger Airbag Inflator May Rupture, Injuring Occupants
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash.
Front Seat Belt May Not Restrain Occupant in a Crash
Certain Tesla Model S vehicles from model years 2012 through 2015 may have a driver or front passenger seat belt that is improperly connected to the outboard lap pretensioner.
Most common 2012 Tesla Model S problems
Problem areas named in the 61 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 37 |
| Unknown Or Other | 12 |
| Suspension | 9 |
| Power Train | 5 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 5 |
| Exterior Lighting | 5 |
| Equipment | 3 |
| Structure | 2 |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 |
What owners report
In October 2024, I brought my recently purchased used Model S to the Cincinnati Service Center for an antenna inspection, MCU upgrade, and general inspection to ensure the vehicle was safe and operating properly. During the inspection, I was informed that additional issues had been discovered. Wanting the vehicle to be reliable, I authorized the recommended repairs and ultimately paid more than $10,000 for the work performed. When I picked up the vehicle, a technician had to access it because the keys had been locked inside, and the battery had not been adequately charged. Shortly after leaving, I heard unusual noises and, within approximately five miles, discovered the protective underbody
In the evening of [XXX] of this year, the driver door airbag in my 2012 Tesla Model S self-deployed as I opened the car door to exit after parking in my garage. I brought the car to the Tesla dealer in Buena Park California, and they told me they could not fix it because the carâs warranty had already expired. I was not concerned about getting it fixed for free under warranty, but wanted Tesla to acknowledge that this was a serious safety hazard and what could be done to prevent this from happening again, seriously injuring me or someone else driving my car. My concern is that the dealership implied that the ownerâs/driverâs safety is not Teslaâs responsibility after the warranty pe
Motor is starting to make sounds and according to teslamotorsclub.com the motor will fail eventually. Many have to had to have the motor switched out multiple times. It is quite evident that there was a design flaw which Tesla corrected in later years.
The drive unit has water damage from normal driving. The car never went through deep water or was flooded, but the tech at the service center is saying the units are sealed but still can get water in them and corrode. How can a vital sealed part of the vehicle be damaged by normal driving and claim water damage? The car operated just fine the day before. Please advise.
I tried to start the car and got the âCenter Display unavailableâ message. Reset the computer doesnât help. I have to wait for more than 5 minutes for the system to be on.
2012 Tesla Model S questions
Does the 2012 Tesla Model S have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls for the 2012 Tesla Model S: Seat belt warning may not sound for unbelted driver; Dashboard brake and ABS warning text too small to read easily; Driver Misuse Risk With Autosteer Driver-Assist Feature; Center Display Can Fail, Losing Rearview Camera and Turn Signals; Steering Assist May Fail, Making Steering Harder. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Tesla Model S?
Based on 61 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (37), Unknown Or Other (12), Suspension (9).
How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Tesla Model S has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.