CarRecallWatchThe 2013 Tesla Model S has 11 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 461 complaints with NHTSA, including 41 crashes, 19 fires, 24 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (195 reports).
2013 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.
Muted pedestrian alert sounds can raise crash risk
A factory reset can mute the Pedestrian Warning System sounds on certain Tesla Model S, Model 3, and Model X vehicles.
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.
Passenger Airbag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in certain vehicles can degrade over time due to long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
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.
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 2013 Tesla Model S problems
Problem areas named in the 461 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 195 |
| Unknown Or Other | 122 |
| Suspension | 92 |
| Power Train | 35 |
| Steering | 29 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 25 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 24 |
| Service Brakes | 22 |
| Engine | 21 |
| Structure | 20 |
What owners report
I own a 2013 Tesla Model S. While investigating a knocking noise from the rear of the vehicle, I had a local shop disassemble the affected area and we discovered a crack in the rear subframe near a weld and mounting bracket. The fracture appears clean, with little or no visible corrosion. No previous repairs have been performed in the affected area. Given the location of the failure and the structural function of the component, I request an engineering review to determine the likely failure mechanism and whether similar failures have been documented on early Model S vehicles. My research shows the same failure in NHTSA complaint XXX. Other local shops also describe the same subframe failur
Mileage: Approximately 177,379 miles Location: California Component: Electric parking brake (EPB) / gear selection Description: My vehicle's electric parking brake intermittently locks the car in place when I come to a stop, such as at a traffic light. This has happened 5 times in the last 4 weeks. When it occurs, the car will not shift into gear and will not move at all. The only way I have been able to recover is to keep trying to shift until it eventually releases, or to put the car into Tow Mode and then take it back out of Tow Mode. There is no way to predict when it will happen or how long it will take to clear. This is a serious safety hazard. When it happens at a stoplight, I am
The vehicle has suffered a catastrophic, intermittent low-voltage network crash caused by a failing Body Control Module (BCM), resulting in multiple dangerous safety-critical failure modes. On a previous occasion, the vehicle woke up with severe network faults and automatically forced itself into Neutral. When the driver stepped out to get the child and shut the door, the system crashed entirely and the exterior electronic door handles failed to present, trapping an infant child inside the running vehicle. Most recently, while driving in a rainstorm, the vehicle suffered a complete failure of the windshield wipers, a total loss of the high-beam headlights, a total loss of the horn, and a tot
This issue appears to be related to a known MCU failure affecting early Tesla Model S vehicles. The touchscreen exhibits screen melting/discoloration and eventually goes blank or becomes inoperative. When this occurs, critical functions including occupant detection indicators, seatbelt warnings, and windshield defrost controls may become unavailable. The loss of these functions creates potential safety risks involving visibility, occupant protection, and driver awareness while operating the vehicle."
This issue appears to be related to a known MCU failure affecting early Tesla Model S vehicles. The touchscreen exhibits screen melting/discoloration and eventually goes blank or becomes inoperative. When this occurs, critical functions including occupant detection indicators, seatbelt warnings, and windshield defrost controls may become unavailable. The loss of these functions creates potential safety risks involving visibility, occupant protection, and driver awareness while operating the vehicle."
2013 Tesla Model S questions
Does the 2013 Tesla Model S have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 11 safety recalls for the 2013 Tesla Model S: Seat belt warning may not sound for unbelted driver; Muted pedestrian alert sounds can raise crash risk; 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. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Tesla Model S?
Based on 461 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (195), Unknown Or Other (122), Suspension (92).
How do I check if a recall on my 2013 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.