Model S (1st)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Reliability Overview
The first-generation Tesla Model S logged 2,786 distinct NHTSA complaints across its 2012-2020 production run after the pipeline removed duplicate-ODI records that were inflating the prior count. Recall volume is the more telling number: 21 federal campaigns spanning air bags, steering, electrical, parking brake, latches, seat belts, and forward collision avoidance, on a generation that defined what a mass-market luxury BEV looks like. Tesla owners file complaints at rates above the segment baseline, which lifts the complaint count, but recall counts are regulatory facts.
The safety-incident totals remain heavy for a single nameplate: 349 crash reports, 188 injuries, 58 fire reports, and 31 deaths in the NHTSA dataset for the generation. Fire reports concentrate on high-voltage battery and charging incidents that drove the early Tesla reputation for thermal events. The crash and death counts pull in Autopilot misuse cases that became the subject of the 2023 Autosteer recall covering 2012-2023 Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y under campaign 23V-838. The numbers do not settle the safety question on their own, but they explain why regulatory attention has been sustained.
Electrical issues lead the complaint categories at 920 records, roughly a third of the total. The pattern centers on the MCU1 NVIDIA Tegra eMMC flash wear failure that NHTSA forced into a recall in 2021, covering 2012-2018 Model S and 2016-2018 Model X with the 8GB eMMC NAND module. When the flash exhausts its write endurance the center display loses backup camera, defrost controls, charging interface, and turn-signal sound. Suspension complaints at 681 trace to front and rear upper control arm bushings that wear at 50,000 to 80,000 miles and produce a clunk over expansion joints. A 2017 NHTSA preliminary evaluation closed without a recall, leaving owners to absorb the repair.
Safety-systems issues at 365 and steering at 208 round out the critical categories. Safety-systems complaints cluster on Autopilot phantom braking and on the 2022 forward-collision-warning false-alert campaign tied to firmware release 2021.36.5.2. Steering complaints overlap a 2023 recall on 2017-2021 Model S and Model X for electronic power assist loss on rough roads, and a 2024 recall on 2012-2016 Model S for Bosch steering rack mounting bolts that can corrode and fracture. Brakes complaints at 119 are lower volume but include the 2024 instrument-panel font-size recall affecting brake-warning telltales across the Tesla lineup.
A 2012-2020 Model S remains a defensible used buy for owners who want the car that built the segment and accept that early production hardware carries early production compromises. The retractable door handles, the panoramic roof on early cars, the air suspension on performance trims, and the MCU1 infotainment hardware are all known-cost line items rather than surprises. Pricing on 2012-2014 cars has compressed to the point where the value math works for buyers who treat battery state-of-health as the most important spec on the window sticker. The harder sell is the middle of the price ladder, where the same money lands a 2021-onward Refresh Model S with hardware-revision benefits a first-generation car cannot match.
Engine Reliability Ratings
Tesla Model S Unidentified Engine
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Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3 Phase A/C Induction (Single Motor)
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Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Battery & Propulsion Reliability
Battery Electric (BEV)
Battery & propulsion complaint analysis for the 2012-2020 Tesla Model S
That's roughly 14.8x the typical rate for BEVs in this dataset (median 5.5 per year). This generation has materially more battery & propulsion complaints than its peers, even after accounting for sales volume.
What kind of battery complaint?
Among the 732 battery-related complaints, here's the type mix. These percentages describe what the complaints are about — not how reliable the vehicle is overall.
Propulsion battery defects, capacity loss, BMS faults, replacement claims.
Loss of power, drive unit, inverter, traction motor, DC-DC converter.
Charge port, cable, mobile connector, or session failures.
Low-voltage battery deaths, common on EVs and hybrids that use a 12V for accessories.
Battery fires, smoke, thermal runaway. Includes any complaint with fire reported.
Regen brake feel, one-pedal driving, B-mode complaints.
Battery & propulsion recalls (1)
Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2013 Model S vehicles equipped for, and delivered with, certain NEMA 14-50 (240 volt) Universal Mobile Connector (UMC) adapters. During charging, the adapter, cord, or wall outlet could overheat.
Consequence: An overheated adapter, cord, or wall outlet increases the risk of burn injury and/or fire.
Sample complaint excerpts
High-Voltage Battery
- [2012] I charge my Model S on a 30 amp circuit with the car location amperage set to 20 amps to avoid overheating the circuit. Around Sept 12 while plugged in to the 30 amp, the car pulled in 50 amps off the line causing a melting of the wires and a near fire based on the damages later found. The car is supposed to send charging error alerts or problems via the Tesla app. Instead it continued to try
- [2012] Both the 12 volt system and High voltage battery system or a component communicating between the two failed. I received a warning message that my vehicle may not restart and within 30 seconds it completely shutdown while driving in the middle of the road. The vehicle was essentially dead weight at this point. None of its features worked, the ability to unlock it, the ability to use electronic do
- [2012] THE MCU - MEDIA CONTROL UNIT IS SLOW TO RESPOND TO INPUTS AND SLOW TO STARTUP WHEN ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THE SCREEN HAS LOCKED UP SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING WHICH LEAVES THE TURN INDICATORS UNUSABLE AND THE DEFROSTER DEACTIVATED UNTIL THE MCU RESETS. THE HAZARD INDICATORS ARE INACTIVE WHEN THE MCU TURNS OFF. THE FRONT SUSPENSION LINKS WEAR OUT PREMATURELY DUE TO A POOR DESIGN AND THE WEIGHT OF
Electric Propulsion
- [2020] This is a follow up to my previous complaint about corroded ground connections causing loss of power steering on Tesla Model Y. Having done more research it is certain that this problem affects all Tesla models. Here is a thread on the Tesla Motors Forum. [XXX] "Mar 28, 2023 #1 About 2 weeks ago, while reversing in my driveway, during a hard turn left, I lost power steering and received the ser
- [2012] 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.
- [2012] The contact owns a 2012 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding noise without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a service center where they replaced the drive unit under warranty. Recently, the contact had taken the vehicle to a service center for the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prev
Charging System
- [2012] THIS COMPLAINT MAY REFER TO THE REFERENCE NUMBER PROVIDED BELOW: NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: DP19005 - INVESTIGATION SUBJECT: BATTERY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE UPDATES TO WHOM IT MIGHT CONCERN, BACK TO MAY 2019, TESLA PUSHED A SOFTWARE UPDATE, FIRMWARE NUMBER 2019.16.2, TO MY CAR VIA OVER-THE-AIR(OTA) METHOD. RIGHT AFTER INSTALLING IT IN MY CAR, I NOTICED THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN THE CAR'S RANGE.
- [2013] While charging my 2013 Tesla Model S, the vehicle experienced a charging system failure and would no longer charge. Upon inspection, I discovered water intrusion and corrosion on the lower portion of the charging-related electronic circuit board at the bottom of the charging port and right where the High Voltage cables are located as well. The affected electronics are located in an area that is n
- [2013] The contact owns a 2013 Tesla Model S. The contact stated upon attempting to remove the charger from the vehicle charging port, the charger remained plugged in. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and sent a certified technician who assisted in releasing the charger. The certified technician diagnosed that the charging port and the charger cord had melted and needed to be replaced. The ma
12V Auxiliary Battery
- [2020] This is a follow up to my previous complaint about corroded ground connections causing loss of power steering on Tesla Model Y. Having done more research it is certain that this problem affects all Tesla models. Here is a thread on the Tesla Motors Forum. [XXX] "Mar 28, 2023 #1 About 2 weeks ago, while reversing in my driveway, during a hard turn left, I lost power steering and received the ser
- [2013] The contact owns a 2013 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that the parking brake seized while leaving a charging station, and the vehicle screeched into oncoming traffic and stalled. The parking brake warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle had not been charged prior to a snowstorm, and the battery became fully drained. The vehic
- [2013] While driving on the freeway at 70 MPH with 39 miles of range left, the vehicle abruptly slowed down to 20 MPH...cars behind us almost hit us due to the car slowing down despite me accelerating. We pulled to the right shoulder, rest the car and then was only able to go up to 20MPH...range still said 39 miles. Shortly after the car stopped, there was a warning displayed, and the car turned off and
Thermal Events
- [2013] RE: NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: DP19005 - INVESTIGATION SUBJECT : BATTERY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE UPDATES AFTER MOST RECENT FIRMWARE UPDATE (EXACT DATE UNKNOWN -- SOMETIME LATE THIS SUMMER)-- SUPERCHARGING SPEED APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN LIMITED. IT NOW TAKES 2-3X THE AMOUNT OF TIME TO CHARGE WHEN TRAVELING. I TESTED MULTIPLE SUPERCHARGERS FOR MY TRIP WHICH OCCURRED ON DURING THE WEEKEND OF 9/2. I AM FULLY
- [2013] THIS IS IN REGARDS TO NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: DP19005 - INVESTIGATION SUBJECT : BATTERY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE UPDATES TESLA PUSHED A SOFTWARE UPDATE TO OUR CARS IN APRIL/MAY OF THIS YEAR THAT SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCES RANGE AND POWER USING A VOLTAGE CAP THAT ALSO REMOVED ABOUT $30,000 WORTH OF PAID UPGRADES TO RANGE AND HORSEPOWER (ELECTRIC CARS NEED VOLTS FOR BOTH RANGE AND POWER, SO TESLA'S REDUCTION
- [2013] ON OR ABOUT JUNE 24, 2019, MY PARKED CAR'S SOFTWARE WAS FORCIBLY UPDATED WITHOUT MY PRIOR KNOWLEDGE, WITHOUT ANY PRIOR NOTIFICATION AND WITHOUT MY AUTHORIZATION. THIS FORCED SOFTWARE UPDATE REDUCED THE NOMINAL CAPACITY OF MY BATTERY BY 16.02%. ON JUNE 23, 2019, MY 100% STATE OF CHARGE (SOC) WOULD CHARGE EACH CELL IN MY BATTERY PACK TO 4.2 VOLTS, RESULTING IN A RATED RANGE OF 256 MILES. UPON ENTERI
Regenerative Braking
- [2013] THIS IS A TELSLA MODEL S IN THE JUNKYARD THAT IS JUST ONE OF MANY WHICH HAVE RUN INTO THE BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLE?ITEMID=22544553&ROWNUMBER=3&LOADRECENT=TRUE THERE APPEARS TO BE A DISPROPORTIONATE NUMBER OF TESLAS APPEARING IN SALVAGE YARDS WITH HEAVY FRONT END DAMAGE. IT SEEMS PROBABLE THAT THE HABIT OF "ONE PEDAL DRIVING" THAT TESLA OWNERS BRAG ABOUT ON THE F
- [2016] A newer Tesla will come to a complete stop with the one pedal operation, however my older car does not. It will roll through a stop sign or red light. This has been fixed on full self driving cars but should be fixed on single pedal operation cars.
- [2016] A newer Tesla will come to a complete stop with the one pedal operation, however my older car does not. It will roll through a stop sign or red light. This has been fixed on full self driving cars but should be fixed on single pedal operation cars.
Source: classified from NHTSA complaint and recall data. "Battery-related" includes high-voltage propulsion battery, charging system, hybrid drivetrain, electric propulsion, regenerative braking, 12V auxiliary battery, and thermal-event complaints. Other complaints (suspension, steering, brakes, infotainment) appear in the engine and vehicle-level sections. Rates are absolute counts, not normalized per-VIN — high-volume models naturally produce more raw complaints than low-volume ones. Self-reported death and injury counts are capped per complaint to limit form abuse.
Battery: Tesla 18650 (Panasonic NCA, Legacy S/X)
Pack overview
Known issues
How this pack ages (industry context)
Industry fleet aggregates: 2.3% average annual capacity loss across 22,700 EVs / 21 models (Geotab, 2026), and 95% range retention at 5 years on average across 30,000+ vehicles (Recurrent, 2026).
OEM warranty floor on this pack: 8 yr / 150k mi to 70% capacity.
Public per-pack degradation curves are not available for most models. Individual results vary materially with climate, charging behavior, and DC fast-charge frequency.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Tesla Model S regardless of engine variant.
Buyer's Guide
The conservative used choice in the first generation is a 2017-2020 facelift car with the larger battery pack and the MCU2 upgrade applied retroactively or available as a paid retrofit. Cars built before April 2018 shipped with MCU1 and the 8GB eMMC module covered by the 2021 NHTSA recall; verify the eMMC replacement was completed and confirm whether the owner paid for the MCU2 upgrade. Battery state-of-health matters more than mileage. Request a service-center max-range readout against original EPA range and treat anything below 85% retention as a price negotiation rather than a deal-breaker.
Three inspections matter before signing. Pull the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup and confirm every open campaign is closed, paying attention to the air bag inflator recalls on 2012-2016 cars, the Bosch steering rack bolt campaign on 2012-2016, the eMMC flash recall on 2012-2018, and the Autosteer recall on 2012-2023. Drive the car over broken pavement at 30 to 50 mph and listen for front upper control arm clunk; a fix runs $800 to $1,400 at an independent shop. Cycle every door handle and the front trunk latch, and confirm the rearview camera image displays cleanly when shifting to reverse.
The strongest value case is at the bottom of the price ladder, where a 2014-2016 car can be budgeted with one MCU upgrade and one upper control arm repair across a five-year hold. The weaker case is the middle, where a 2018-2020 car competes against early 2021-onward Refresh cars with the heat pump that improves cold-weather range 20 to 30% and the structural pack architecture that simplifies service. Shoppers focused on range, charging speed, or resale velocity should weigh the same money against the second-generation car first.
Recalls (21)
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."
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."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted 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."
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.
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.
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.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S, Model X, and 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles equipped with Autopilot Computer 2.5 and operating certain firmware releases. The rearview image may not immediately display when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
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."
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."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center display functions.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113, "Hood Latch System."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2014-2016 Model S vehicles equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Tesla Model S vehicles equipped with Bosch steering racks. The aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture causing a reduction or complete loss of power steering assist.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2013 Model S vehicles equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electric parking brake calipers have an internal gear that may be improperly manufactured, possibly resulting in the gear fracturing during parking brake application or release.
Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2012 Model S vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Model S vehicles manufactured May 31, 2012, to November 12, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with driver or front passenger seat belts that may be improperly connected to the outboard lap pretensioner.
Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2013 Model S vehicles equipped for, and delivered with, certain NEMA 14-50 (240 volt) Universal Mobile Connector (UMC) adapters. During charging, the adapter, cord, or wall outlet could overheat.
Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2013 Model S electric vehicles manufactured May 10, 2013, through June 8, 2013. An improper method for aligning the left hand seat back striker to the bracket may have weakened the weld between the bracket and the frame of the vehicle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2012-2020 Tesla Model S problems?
The 2012-2020 Tesla Model S has accumulated 2,786 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Suspension, Safety Systems. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Tesla Model S engine is most reliable?
The 2012-2020 Tesla Model S was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the ?L ?-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2012-2020 Tesla Model S a good used car?
The 2012-2020 Tesla Model S can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 2,786 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012-2020 Tesla Model S have?
The 2012-2020 Tesla Model S has 2,786 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2012-2020 Tesla Model S?
There are 21 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2012-2020 Tesla Model S vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Tesla Model S?
Before buying a used Tesla Model S, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Suspension, Safety Systems, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Model S?
The 2020 Tesla Model S received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 5 stars (5.7% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,786 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.