Tesla Model S owners filed 2,502 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2015–2025 (see the Car Problem Index for all 60 models), and NHTSA lists 35 recall campaigns for the same years. The 2015 Tesla Model S drew the most complaints (667); across all years, owners complain most about electrical system (25% of complaints).
Key findings
- Worst model year: 2015, with 667 complaints, led by electrical system (265) and 9 recalls.
- Complaints vs recalls: Electrical system drew 630 complaints and 7 recalls.
- Over-the-air fixes: recalls 24V554000, 24V376000, 24V153000, 24V051000, 24V035000, 23V862000, 23V838000, 23V085000, 22V818000, 22V702000, 22V296000, 22V235000, 22V169000, 22V063000, 22V050000, 22V045000, 22V037000, 21V846000 can be repaired by a software update, without a dealer visit (18 of 35).
- Spike years, compared with a typical model year: 2015 (4.8 times as many complaints), 2016 (4.7 times as many complaints), 2017 (3.1 times as many complaints).
- Earliest-failing area: steering complaints came at a median 5k mi.
- Fire and crash reports: 33 complaints mention a fire and 299 a crash, with 152 injuries and 13 deaths reported.
Tesla Model S complaints and recalls by model year
| Model year | Complaints | Top problem areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 9 recalls | 667 | Electrical system (265), Suspension (149), Steering (51) median 49k mi · 70 crashes · 12 fires |
| 2016 10 recalls | 646 | Suspension (209), Electrical system (149), Steering (86) median 27k mi · 92 crashes · 12 fires |
| 2017 9 recalls | 424 | Electrical system (113), Suspension (107), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (66) median 24k mi · 55 crashes · 4 fires |
| 2018 11 recalls | 168 | Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (49), Electrical system (34), Speed control / acceleration (27) median 16k mi · 36 crashes · 3 fires |
| 2019 10 recalls | 44 | Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (12), Suspension (8), Brakes (7) median 5k mi · 4 crashes |
| 2020 11 recalls | 80 | Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (23), Suspension (14), Steering (10) median 3k mi · 16 crashes |
| 2021 24 recalls | 178 | Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (47), Steering (29), Electrical system (25) median 6k mi · 13 crashes · 2 fires |
| 2022 20 recalls | 138 | Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (34), Steering (21), Electrical system (16) median 10k mi · 3 crashes |
| 2023 13 recalls | 113 | Steering (20), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (16), Electrical system (9) median 150k mi · 8 crashes |
| 2024 6 recalls | 38 | Lane departure assist (19), Electrical system (7), Steering (4) median 5k mi · 2 crashes |
| 2025 2 recalls | 6 | Suspension (2), Transmission / powertrain (2), Wipers / visibility (1) |
One recall campaign often covers several model years, so the recall column adds up to 125, more than the 35 separate campaigns. Newer years have had less time to collect reports.
Most-reported Tesla Model S problems, and what they cost to fix
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Recalls | Median mileage | Estimate the repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 630 | 25% | 7 | 49k mi | Alternator / electrical repair cost |
| Suspension | 540 | 22% | 0 | 11k mi | Shock / strut replacement cost |
| Automatic emergency braking / collision warning | 319 | 13% | 3 | 45k mi | — |
| Steering | 288 | 12% | 4 | 5k mi | Power steering repair cost |
| Speed control / acceleration | 224 | 9% | 0 | 7k mi | — |
| Brakes | 169 | 7% | 0 | 11k mi | Brake repair cost |
| Exterior lights | 148 | 6% | 0 | 54k mi | Headlight replacement cost |
| Body structure | 111 | 4% | 0 | 27k mi | — |
Top problem areas only; one complaint can count twice.
What Tesla Model S owners report
Owners’ own words; dollar figures are what they reported.
Electrical system
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 is over $2,000. Consumer stated telsa refuses to repair the vehicle under warranty.
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11341898
Media control unit screen went blank while vehicle was in motion. Vehicle still drives, but driver is unable to use navigation or media functions. No turn signal feedback. No backup camera. Worse, unable to control AC that was running at the time of incident. Air conditioning still runs after vehicle supposed to be stopped, draining battery.
2015 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11339567
Related recalls: 24V051000 (2015–2023): Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash. 23V838000 (2015–2023): In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash. 22V037000 (2016–2022): Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
630 owners reported electrical system problems; the alternator / electrical repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Suspension
My car has only 50,000 miles but suspension is making noise. Tesla dealer is saying they need to replace the links - front suspension - lower - aft -lh/rh. Tesla is charging me $1,828.87 to replace these links. I see in the internet that lot of 2016/2017 made cars has this defect. I strongly believe this is manufacturing defect and Tesla is responsible for fixing this issue for all effected customers.
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11482467
Car rattles when driven and makes loud sounds when going over bumps. Took to Tesla with 50K miles on it and they said it needs new air spring modules on front left and right. Did not do repair as it was over $3000. My car was built in the fremont factory, the same as the cars in china that were recalled for the same reason. My car was a Tesla fleet car when I purchased it may of this year.
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11632238
None of these 540 suspension complaints is matched by a recall on these model years, so a repair is covered only by warranty or paid by the owner.
540 owners reported suspension problems; the shock / strut replacement cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Automatic emergency braking / collision warning
Wheel speed sensor kept getting disconnected. When it does, systems like ABS, traction control, and other anti-collisions systems are disabled immediately. This resulted in lost of vehicle control on wet pavement. The service center replaced the sensor twice but the problem continues to pop up randomly.
2015 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11452255
Ever since I purchased this car I have suffered from phantom braking when using cruise control. As a result, I am unable to use any of the advanced autopilot features. I spent $10,000 for something that has never even begun to work. Phantom braking occurs seemingly at random, with no vehicles in front, nothing on the road and no overpasses or shadows.
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11452895
Related recalls: 21V846000 (2017–2021): Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash. 24V153000 (2018–2021): Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash. 23V489000 (2023): Safety features that are unavailable without any warning to the driver may increase the risk of a crash.
Tesla Model S recalls
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for your car’s open recalls.
| Campaign | Announced | Model years | System | Risk (NHTSA's wording) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V283000 | 2026-05-05 | 2021–2023 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V172000 | 2025-03-19 | 2021–2024 | Air bags | An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V002000 | 2025-01-07 | 2024–2025 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V967000 | 2024-12-24 | 2021–2025 | Air bags | A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 24V554000 (OTA) | 2024-07-24 | 2021–2024 | Latches and locks | An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V376000 (OTA) | 2024-05-28 | 2015–2024 | Seat belts | A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash. |
| 24V153000 (OTA) | 2024-02-27 | 2018–2021 | Automatic emergency braking / collision warning | Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V051000 (OTA) | 2024-01-30 | 2015–2023 | Electrical system | Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V035000 (OTA) | 2024-01-22 | 2023 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash. |
| 23V862000 (OTA) | 2023-12-19 | 2022–2023 | Latches and locks | An unlocked door may unlatch and open during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 23V838000 (OTA) | 2023-12-12 | 2015–2023 | Electrical system | In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash. |
| 23V743000 | 2023-11-03 | 2021–2024 | Steering | 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. |
| 23V488000 | 2023-07-14 | 2021–2023 | Seat belts | A detached seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 23V489000 | 2023-07-14 | 2023 | Automatic emergency braking / collision warning | Safety features that are unavailable without any warning to the driver may increase the risk of a crash. |
| 23V085000 (OTA) | 2023-02-15 | 2016–2023 | Steering | FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash. |
| 22V818000 (OTA) | 2022-11-01 | 2017–2021 | Steering | A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22E092000 | 2022-11-01 | 2021 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | When using the incorrect mirrors, the driver may misjudge the distance of other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V702000 (OTA) | 2022-09-19 | 2021–2022 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 22V526000 | 2022-07-21 | 2022 | Air bags | A passenger air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury. |
| 22V296000 (OTA) | 2022-05-03 | 2021–2022 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A lagging or restarting CPU may prevent the center screen from displaying the rearview camera image, gear selection, windshield visibility control settings, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V235000 (OTA) | 2022-04-12 | 2020–2022 | Electrical system | Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V169000 (OTA) | 2022-03-18 | 2018–2019 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V104000 | 2022-02-23 | 2021–2022 | Air bags | An incorrectly assembled inflator can cause a delayed or improper deployment of the side curtain air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. |
| 22V063000 (OTA) | 2022-02-04 | 2020–2022 | Electrical system | Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V050000 (OTA) | 2022-02-02 | 2021–2022 | Electrical system | Decreased defrosting performance may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V045000 (OTA) | 2022-02-01 | 2021–2022 | Electrical system | The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. |
| 22V037000 (OTA) | 2022-01-27 | 2016–2022 | Electrical system | Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 21V00B000 | 2021-12-21 | 2015–2021 | Latches and locks | If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V868000 | 2021-11-09 | 2021 | Air bags | A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing their risk of injury. |
| 21V846000 (OTA) | 2021-10-29 | 2017–2021 | Automatic emergency braking / collision warning | Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V035000 | 2021-01-29 | 2015–2018 | Backup camera / rear sensors | The eMMC controller wear-out condition can cause the loss of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 19V002000 | 2019-01-07 | 2015–2016 | Air bags | An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. |
| 18V204000 | 2018-03-29 | 2015–2016 | Steering | Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash. |
| 17V260000 | 2017-04-19 | 2015–2016 | Parking brake | If the gear breaks during parking brake release, the vehicle will not be able to be moved. If the gear breaks during parking brake application, the parking brake may not adequately hold the vehicle, potentially resulting in the vehicle rolling, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 15V780000 | 2015-11-23 | 2015 | Seat belts | If the seat belt is not correctly attached to the pretensioner, it may not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury. |
What this data can and can't tell you
2,502 unverified owner reports, not adjusted for sales. Method.
Other Tesla models in the index
- Tesla Model 3 (4,295)
- Tesla Model Y (3,783)
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation consumer complaint files (nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-09-25; NHTSA recalls database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), retrieved 2026-09-23. Model years 2015–2025. Free to cite with a link to this page.