Model-year record
2012 Tesla Model S
See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.
This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.
The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.
Complaints filed
59
Reports to NHTSA, 2012
Safety recalls
8
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Not rated
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
89
EPA estimate
Known issues
Electrical System issues lead owner complaints (58% of 59 reports), followed by suspension (14%).
+ 3 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 59 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11495377, ODI 11488480, ODI 11468855, ODI 11444023, ODI 11442524.
Individual complaint reports(59)
Showing the 50 most recent reportsEngineMar 2023 · ODI 11512319Details +Close −
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.
- Reported
- Mar 2023
- Incident date
- Feb 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainMar 2023 · ODI 11510630Details +Close −
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.
- Reported
- Mar 2023
- Incident date
- Jan 2023
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemNov 2022 · ODI 11495377Details +Close −
I tried to start the car and got the “Center Display unavailable” message. Reset the computer doesn’t help. I have to wait for more than 5 minutes for the system to be on.
- Reported
- Nov 2022
- Incident date
- Nov 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemOct 2022 · ODI 11488480Details +Close −
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 to pull power out of the burnt line for 11 days all the while further depleting the battery. I discovered my car a 0% battery range with a dead 12 volt as well just as it had depleted and discovered the burnt up wires. I charged the 12 volt and got the car to take a charge. The 20 amp charge setting upon starting the car had changed itself to 50 amps. I lowered the setting and began charging the car. I was then able to move my car to a faster 50 amp circuit because the 120 v 10 amp circuit was going to take 3-4 days to charge the car or longer. I plugged the car into the 50 amp circuit set at 40 amps and let the car charge. An update was then pushed to the car. After the update completed. I got a charging error message via the app. I went to the screen and checked my charger. My Gen 2 wall charger indicated an overvoltage error and my car screen showed it tried to pull 80 amps off my 50 amp circuit. I lowered the amps back down and reset my wall charger. It appears after updates or at random, the car is changing the charge amps and sometimes exceeding the amperage the outlets and wires can provide. If the in house breaker or circuit in the wall charger doesn't trip, the car will pull in more amps than the circuit can handle and may cause a fire. This is a dangerous potential problem that I luckily narrowly avoided. I contacted Tesla about this issue. The car is set for evaluation at my expense since it is out of warranty. I have burnt wires, almost lost my high voltage battery to zero'ing its charge, and could have lost my shop or life.
- Reported
- Oct 2022
- Incident date
- Sep 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJun 2022 · ODI 11468855Details +Close −
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 doors and windows functions could not be performed. it could not even be jumped to start the computer enabling it to be towed or put in neutral to even remove the vehicle from the roadway. The manufacturer has confirmed an inner fault within the High Voltage battery pack. I have since purchased and replaced this entire battery pack as it was said to be unserviceable.
- Reported
- Jun 2022
- Incident date
- Mar 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemDec 2021 · ODI 11444023Details +Close −
I appears that Tesla had capped my battery. I have lost significant range for no reason and they have no explanation.
- Reported
- Dec 2021
- Incident date
- Nov 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemDec 2021 · ODI 11442524Details +Close −
The vehicle was not experiencing display or review view camera display issues but was out of caution serviced nuder Manufacturer Recall Number SB2121001 (NHTSA Recall Number 21V035) for no charge. The vehicle is not under warranty. There was no charge for the initial "repair". When the vehicle was returned, the rear view camera did not function (black screen and/or serious flicker when video was partially displayed). Also bubbles were introduced into the front display panel. On questioning the repair, I was strongly encouraged by technician and then by manager to get an updated "infotainment with an upgraded MCU" (which is unclear but perhaps a superset of the VCM and display components that are under recall), for a cost of $2000 and $500 for it to include FM radio (that I already have and always worked fine). The manager offered a deal for $1000 + $500 to include FM radio. An appointment was set up and the estimate for approval was $1500 for "infotainment upgrade" and $500 for "Radio upgrade", and $120 taxes for a total of $2120.00 I will cancel the upgrade and inquire again if the recall work is able to return the vehicle in working order without it needing a $2000 upgrade to resolve an issue related to loss of viability and backup camera (cited under the recall) and to charge me $500 for an FM radio I already have that works fine.
- Reported
- Dec 2021
- Incident date
- Dec 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemNov 2021 · ODI 11441219Details +Close −
MCU failure after 12 months replacement that I paid for at time of replacement. Service center cannot schedule a service for 2 weeks.
- Reported
- Nov 2021
- Incident date
- Nov 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemOct 2021 · ODI 11435793Details +Close −
As the car drains the battery pretty quickly, I have turned on energy saving mode. In this mode the car enters a deeper sleep, consuming less power. Sometimes in this mode when starting the vehicle, the turn signals will not work (this appears to happen when the car sits for a while and the miles left on the battery is under 120 or so). After a quick stop (2 minutes out of the car), the turn signals will start working, and the driver display will show the blinking turn signal when they work, but it will not display when they do not work. Another issue is that after entering the car and "turning it on", by pressing the break, sometimes the driver display (which shows speed and current drive mode, PRND indicator) will be blank, not showing any information, despite the ability to operate the car, etc.
- Reported
- Oct 2021
- Incident date
- Oct 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Exterior LightingSep 2021 · ODI 11434130Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2012 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting). The contact stated that the center display screen failed to operate as needed. The dealer had been notified about the recall; however, the contact was informed that he did not qualify for the recall despite having received a letter for the recall. The manufacturer had not been notified of the issue. The contact stated that recently the center display screen started to operate as needed. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Reported
- Sep 2021
- Incident date
- Sep 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainSep 2021 · ODI 11434069Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2012 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle independently shifted to neutral. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure recurred daily while driving whenever he depressed the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
- Reported
- Sep 2021
- Incident date
- Aug 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemSep 2021 · ODI 11432144Details +Close −
This is related to NHTSA recall 21V-035. Tesla replaced the 8Gb memory card with a 64Gb memory card (so I'm told) but the main car display screen still does not function most of the time. This results in; -unavailability of the rearview camera display -defrost/defog control settings unavailable for purposes of ensuring visibility -and exterior turn signal lighting may increase the risk of a crash I've had this to Tesla twice now but it has not been fixed.
- Reported
- Sep 2021
- Incident date
- Feb 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemSep 2021 · ODI 11431339Details +Close −
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 Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting). The day after the recall repair was performed, several unknown warning lights appeared on the EMMC while driving at various speeds. One of the messages that appeared on the EMMC was for the "loss of power voltage to the system, take the vehicle to a nearest service center". Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed back to the service center where he was informed that his drive unit needed to be replaced again. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 110,380.
- Reported
- Sep 2021
- Incident date
- Aug 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJul 2021 · ODI 11426091Details +Close −
I recently had my Tesla Model S serviced due to the touchscreen going blank (losing functionality of defrosting, temperature, sunroof, and a list of other issues). Driving with a fogged up window is dangerous. Thank you to the NHTSA for forcing Tesla to replace it free of charge. Unfortunately, it appears that Tesla is not replacing it with a new unit. Instead it is a refurbished unit. Just days after servicing I got in the car to drive and the following error comes up on the touchscreen: "Center display memory storage device is degraded. Without repair, center display may enter limited functionality mode and only display rear view camera. When in limited functionality mode, it may be required to press brake for 30 seconds or press key fob unlock to authorize drive. Please use the Tesla Mobile App to schedule service." I find this quite troublesome and felt it worthy to apprise the NHTSA that Tesla is clearly not abiding by its requests.
- Reported
- Jul 2021
- Incident date
- Jul 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainJun 2021 · ODI 11422548Details +Close −
The contact owns a 2012 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal humming sound detected coming from the drive unit. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed that the drive unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
- Reported
- Jun 2021
- Incident date
- Sep 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemMay 2021 · ODI 11418413Details +Close −
Tesla has rejected my claim for repayment for the emmc repair that I paid for that was performed by their Toledo, OH Service Center prior to the recall. I've tried contacting them as outlined in their recall correspondence but haven't received an explanation as to why I don't qualify. The repair was performed on 8/28/2020 on repair order#3000s0001353764.
- Reported
- May 2021
- Incident date
- Aug 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherMay 2021 · ODI 11417617Details +Close −
In December 2018 our 2012 Tesla Model S experienced a failure that was later identified as part of a recall. Tesla Service replaced the MCU at our expense - a bill that ran to more than $2400. When the recall was announced it was claimed that owners would be reimbursed for expenses related to the recall, but we have been unable to get Tesla to acknowledge the claim. Their automated site claims we have no covered repairs, and all attempts to contact Tesla support are rebuffed with form letters directing us to the same automated service.
- Reported
- May 2021
- Incident date
- Dec 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemMay 2021 · ODI 11417527Details +Close −
eMMU seem to have caused "Console display not available error"
- Reported
- May 2021
- Incident date
- May 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemApr 2021 · ODI 11408600Details +Close −
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY OVER THE HILL THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN ON ME AND IT WAS 43% ON THE BATTERY AND IT KEEPS SHOWING THE YELLOW ON THE DASH SAYING THAT BATTERY IS OVERHEATING
- Reported
- Apr 2021
- Incident date
- Apr 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemApr 2021 · ODI 11408097Details +Close −
I REACHED OUT TO TESLA ABOUT THE EMMC RECALL. I BOOKED AN APPOINTMENT, PROVIDED PHOTOS OF VARIOUS BLACKOUT, SCREEN FREEZING AND LOSS OF CONNECTIVITY ISSUES. TESLA INSTRUCTED ME TO UPDATE THE FIRMWARE (WHICH I DID) AND CANCELLED MY APPOINTMENT AND TOLD ME I DID NOT TO BRING IN THE CAR. THEY ALSO SAID THEY WOULD CONTACT ME IF MY EMMC NEEDED REPLACEMENT. HOWEVER, I CONTINUED TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND LEFT A MESSAGE IN THE TESLA AND DID NOT GET A RESPONSE.
- Reported
- Apr 2021
- Incident date
- Mar 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Back Over PreventionFeb 2021 · ODI 11397709Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TESLA MODEL S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STICKY SUBSTANCE COMING OUT OF THE CENTER DISPLAY WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON OR OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER TESLA (135 US-22, SPRINGFIELD, NJ 07081, (973)921-0925) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE CENTER DISPLAY TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V035000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION, VISIBILITY, EXTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 32,000.
- Reported
- Feb 2021
- Incident date
- Jun 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemFeb 2021 · ODI 11397299Details +Close −
ON NOVEMBER 23RD 2020 I TOOK MY MODEL S ([XXX]) TO TESLA SERVICE CENTER LANCASTER, PA FOR THE TESLA WARRANTY ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM WHICH WAS ANNOUNCED ON NOVEMBER 9TH AND RELATED TO MALFUNCTIONING TOUCHSCREEN DUE TO A MALFUNCTIONING EMMC. THIS IS THE RESULT OF THE SERVICE VISIT; 1) TESLA LANCASTER, PA SERVICE CENTER TOLD ME MY VEHICLE IS NOT IN THE WARRANTY PARAMETERS (THE TESLA WARRANTY ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM STATED 8YEARS/100K MILES. MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 100K MILES AND INITIAL DELIVERY WAS NOVEMBER 24TH 2012 - SO TESLA LANCASTER, PA WAS WRONG ABOUT THIS AS SERVICE DATE WAS NOVEMBER 23RD, 2020) 2) TESLA LANCASTER, PA SERVICE CENTER STATED "THE VEHICLE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE EMMC" (A 2012 MODEL S HAS TO HAVE SOME TYPE OF MEMORY DEVICE IN IT - I WOULD EXPECT IT TO BE AN EMMC OF SOME SORT. THE NOVEMBER "WARRANTY ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM" STATED NO-COST REPAIRS FOR MALFUNCTIONING EMMC BUT LANCASTER, PA SERVICE CENTER DID NOT REPAIR MY CAR.) SO IN SHORT WHEN I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR NOVEMBER WARRANTY ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM RELATED TO SCREEN GOING BLANK INTERMITTENTLY TESLA WOULD NOT FIX IT. MY SCREEN IS STILL BLANK INTERMITTENTLY BECAUSE TESLA WOULD NOT REPAIR IT AND NOW WITH THE FEBRUARY 2021 NHTSA RECALL 21V035 RELEASED I WOULD LIKE THIS SCREEN ISSUE FIXED PROPERLY AND PERMANENTLY. REGARDLESS OF WHAT EMMC OR MEMORY DEVICE IS IN THE CAR THE NHTSA SAFETY CONCERNS STILL APPLY (UNAVAILABILITY OF THE REARVIEW CAMERA DISPLAY, DEFROST/DEFOG CONTROL SETTINGS FOR PURPOSES OF ENSURING VISIBILITY, AND EXTERIOR TURN SIGNAL LIGHTING MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH). I AM REQUESTING THE MCU BE REPLACED WITH MCU V2 FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE TESLA STATED MY 2012 MODEL S DOES NOT HAVE THE 8GB EMMC AND BECAUSE OF SAFETY CONCERNS WITH THE CURRENT STATE OF THE MCU. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
- Reported
- Feb 2021
- Incident date
- Nov 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EquipmentFeb 2021 · ODI 11395449Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TESLA MODEL S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MEDIA CONTROL UNIT WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER TESLA SERVICE CENTER (11163 SANTA MONICA BLVD, LOS ANGELES, CA 90025, (310) 473-8337) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE MEDIA CONTROL UNIT AND MOTHERBOARD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V035000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VISIBILITY, BACK OVER PREVENTION) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE TO AN AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER FOR ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.*DT*JB
- Reported
- Feb 2021
- Incident date
- Oct 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherJan 2021 · ODI 11389454Details +Close −
THERE IS A KNOW PROBLEM WITH THE TESLA INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM FAILING SO I HAD MINE UPGRADED. NOW THE REAR CAMERA IS NEARLY USELESS. IT IS SO DARK IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I HAVE CONTACTED TESLA AND THEY ARE AWARE AND HAVE NO PLANS TO FIX.
- Reported
- Jan 2021
- Incident date
- Jan 2021
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemDec 2020 · ODI 11385791Details +Close −
THE HEATER AND DEFROSTER STOPPED WORKING IN THIS COLD WEATHER AS WE WERE DRIVING HOME WITH MY SONS. THEY WERE FREEZING AND COLD. I WAS NOT ABLE TO SEE CLEARLY RATHER VERY FOGGY WINDSHIELD DUE TO NON-WORKING CABIN HEATER AND DEFROSTER. THIS ISSUE HAD HAPPENED TO MANY MANY TESLA OWNERS, INFACT MODEL S LIKE MINE AND EVEN THE BRAND NEW TESLA MODEL 3 AND MODEL Y WITH JUST LESS THAN 10O MILES. THIS CLEARLY IS A HUGE NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF TESLA NOT WANTING TO FIX THE ISSUE. HOWEVER, NOW RIGHT AFTER GETTING THE CONTROL TOUCH SCREEN ISSUE ADDRESSED, THE SAME DAY TESLA TOLD ME THE CAR IS READY AND THAT I CAN PICK IT UP. THIS WAS VERY NEGLIGENT ON TESLA AUGORAHILLS SERVICE CENTER PART. THE HEATER WAS NOT WORKING ONCE I STARTED DRIVING THE CAR BACK HOME. TESLA SHOULD HAVE UNDER SAFETY PROTOCOL FIXED THE VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY TOOL SUCH AS THE CLIMATE CONTROL AND NEVER SHOULD HAVE RELEASED THE CAR TO ME TO DRIVE LAST NIGHT 12/28/2020. ONCE I PICKED UP THE CAR AND DRIVING BACK HOME WITH MY SONS WE WERE VERY COLD, TO NOTICE THE HEATER IS NOT WORKING/OPERABLE. THIS BECAME MORE CHALLENGING ONCE THE VISIBILITY WAS HINDERED WITH FOGGING EFFECT AND THE SAME NIGHT IT WAS RAINING HERE IN AUGORAHILLS AREA CA AND IN SANTA CLARITA AREA CA. IN MANY CASES WHERE THE FOLKS ONLINE HAVE DISCOVERED THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE HEATER CORE ITSELF WHICH IS CALLED THE PTC IS NOT PROPERLY SEALED WHICH ALLOWS IN MOISTURE AND SHORTS CIRCUITS THE DC-DC CONTROL JUNCTION BOX WHICH HOLDS 3 - FUSES. ONE FUSE FOR A/C , ANOTHER FUSE FOR HEATER, THIRD FUSE FOR BATTERY HEATER. PLEASE PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE. TESLA TELLS ME THE FUSES BLOW IN THE DC-DC CONVERTER CAUSING THIS. THEY ARE AWARE.
- Reported
- Dec 2020
- Incident date
- Dec 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SuspensionDec 2020 · ODI 11384728Details +Close −
YOU ARE INVESTIGATING TESLA FRONT SUSPENSION FAILURES. YOU SHOULD ALSO INVESTIGATE TESLA REAR SUSPENSION FAILURES. HERE IS JUST ONE RECENT EXAMPLE.HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/38453571?ROWNUMBER=39 THE SUSPENSION LINK HAS SNAPPED LIKE A PRETZEL CAUSING THE SUSPENSION TO FLOP DOWN LIKE A BAD CASE OF BREWER'S DROOP. PHOTO IS ATTACHED WITH THIS SUBMISSION. DESPITE TESLA ISSUING TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS ABOUT THIS AND HAVING FITTED A SLIGHTLY IMPROVED LINK TO LATER MODELS THESE LETHAL WEAK LINKS ARE STILL FITTED ON THOUSANDS OF CARS AROUND THE WORLD AND POSE A DANGER TO TESLA OCCUPANTS AND OTHER ROAD USERS. FOR MANY MORE EXAMPLES PLEASE VISIT THE WHOMPY WHEELS ALBUM HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/38453571?ROWNUMBER=39 THANK YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY AND BAN THESE CONTRAPTIONS FROM THE ROADS OF THE WORLD. YOUR FRIEND KEEF
- Reported
- Dec 2020
- Incident date
- Nov 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SuspensionDec 2020 · ODI 11383785Details +Close −
HERE IS A TERDSLA IN THE JUNKYARD HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/38424109?ROWNUMBER=4 FRONT SUSPENSION HAS COLLOLOPSED. TIRE HAS RUBBED AGAINST THE INSIDE OF THE FENDER AND WORN A HOLE THROUGH IT. LUCKILY FOR THE OWNER HE WAS NOT DRIVING NEAR A CLIFF AT THE TIME OR HE WOULD HAVE BEEN BRANDED A SUICIDE LIKE THE OTHER CASES WERE. PLEASE GET THESE CONTRAPTIONS RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. THANKS KEEF
- Reported
- Dec 2020
- Incident date
- Nov 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
SuspensionNov 2020 · ODI 11376392Details +Close −
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 THE VEHICLE. REPAIRS ARE COSTLY DUE THE MAIN HIGH VOLTAGE BATTERY NEEDING TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO REMOVE THE SUSPENSION LINK BOLTS.
- Reported
- Nov 2020
- Incident date
- Oct 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemOct 2020 · ODI 11362733Details +Close −
MCU FAILURE. VEHICLE NOT SAFELY DRIVEABLE
- Reported
- Oct 2020
- Incident date
- Jan 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemAug 2020 · ODI 11349303Details +Close −
MAIN INFOTAINMENT SCREEN FAILS TO RESPOND AND NEEDS TO BE REBOOTED FREQUENTLY
- Reported
- Aug 2020
- Incident date
- Aug 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJul 2020 · ODI 11339621Details +Close −
THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM IS FREEZING WHICH DOESN'T ALLOW YOU TO USE ANY FEATURES OF THE CAR EXCEPT BASIC DRIVING FUNCTIONS. THIS HAS BEEN ATTRIBUTED TO A CHIP FAILURE IN THE MCU.
- Reported
- Jul 2020
- Incident date
- Jul 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJul 2020 · ODI 11338928Details +Close −
THE TOUCH SCREEN ON THE TESLA IS BLACK AND WILL NOT TURN ON. IT'S AS IF THE COMPUTER IS DEAD. IT WAS WORKING I PARKED AT UPS DELIVERY GOT OUT, DROPPED OFF A PACKAGE GOT BACK I. THE CAR LIKE NORMAL WITH THE KEY FOB, SAT DOWN PRESSED THE BRAKE AND NOTICED NOTHING MOVED, IN OTHER WORDED THE SEAT, AND THE TOUCH SCREEN STAYED OFF. NOTHING CAME BACK AFTER THAT...
- Reported
- Jul 2020
- Incident date
- Jul 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJul 2020 · ODI 11331913Details +Close −
THE MCU ON MY 2012 TESLA MODEL S FAILED IN JUNE OF 2019, WHEN MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE CENTER SCREEN WENT AND STAYED BLANK. AMONG OTHER THINGS, I HAD NO WAY TO TURN ON THE AC DURING 90 DEGREE DAYS, BACKUP CAMERA WAS NO LONGER VISIBLE MAKING MANEUVERING THIS LARGE CAR WHEN PARKING VERY DANGEROUS, AND THE CAR WAS SO SLOW TO START UP THAT I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT AS I WAS NOT SECURE THAT IT WOULD START AGAIN WHEN I WAS AWAY FROM HOME. I HAD TO PAY $2,287 TO HAVE IT REPLACED. *TR
- Reported
- Jul 2020
- Incident date
- Jun 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJun 2020 · ODI 11331856Details +Close −
THE MAIN COMPUTER IN CAR - MEDIA CONTROL UNIT - MALFUNCTIONED... IT CRASHED AND CAUSED NO TURN SIGNALS, NO REAR VIEW CAMERA, AND NO HVAC. CONTROLS FOR HEADLIGHTS ALSO GONE
- Reported
- Jun 2020
- Incident date
- Jun 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJun 2020 · ODI 11331465Details +Close −
WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE THE MCU RANDOMLY SHUTS DOWN I LOSE MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SPEEDOMETER AND OTHER FUNCTIONS UNTIL THIS REBOOTING TAKES PLACE I HAVE HAD IT INTO TESLA FOUR TIMES EACH TIME THEY PERFORM SOME COMPUTER UPDATE WHICH DOES NOT WORK TO SOLVE MY PROBLEM. THEY HAVE ASKED ME TO TAKE VIDEOS OF THIS HAPPENING AND TIME STAMPS SO THEY CAN LOOK INTO IT AND I HAVE DONE THIS NUMEROUS TIMES THIS IS UNSAFE FOR ME TO BE DOING BUT I AM TRYING TO COOPERATE WITH THEM. THE MCU WAS DEFECTIVE AND THEY ARE STONEWALLING ME ON A REPLACEMENT.
- Reported
- Jun 2020
- Incident date
- Jun 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJun 2020 · ODI 11331529Details +Close −
MY MAIN COMPUTER WENT OUT AS I GOT HOME. SCREEN JUST WENT BLACK AS I PULLED IN GARAGE. AC RAN ALL NIGHT, WOULDN'T TURN OFF. HAD TO SCHEDULE AN APPT AT WESTCHASE SERVICE CENTER. DROVE THERE WITH A BLACK SCREEN.
- Reported
- Jun 2020
- Incident date
- Mar 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherJun 2020 · ODI 11331602Details +Close −
W MCU GOING OUT CONCERNING I CANNOT SAFELY OPERATE VEHICLE. NO WAY TO CONTROL DEFROSTING. ALSO DOOR HANDLES STICK AND PINCH MY FINGERS EACH TIME I OPEN DOOR. SCREEN IS STARTING TO BUBBLE, HASN'T FAILED YET. *TR
- Reported
- Jun 2020
- Incident date
- Jun 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJun 2020 · ODI 11331627Details +Close −
MCU FAILURE CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, NO BACKUP CAMERA, NO DEFROST CONTROLS, AND INABILITY TO ACCESS ANY OTHER FUNCTIONS ASIDE FROM HAZARD LIGHTS. THIS FAILURE HAPPED WHEN I STOPPED TO RECHARGE THE CAR. AFTER A WHILE AND A SYSTEM RESET, I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN. STILL SEEING INTERMITTENT FAILURES.
- Reported
- Jun 2020
- Incident date
- Jun 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJun 2020 · ODI 11331103Details +Close −
AROUND JUNE 2018 THE MEDIA CONTROL UNIT (MCU) OF MY MODEL S COMPLETELY FROZE BEFORE I LEFT MY HOME FOR WORK. THE SCREEN DID NOT UPDATE AND DID NOT RESPOND TO ANY TOUCH. I REBOOTED THE MCU WHILE DRIVING BUT THE SCREEN REMAINED BLACK. I COULD NO LONGER USE BACK-UP CAMERA, DON'T KNOW IF TURN SIGNALS WORK, TURN ON HEADLIGHTS, CHANGE CLIMATE CONTROL, ETC. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO WORK SAFELY AND TRIED TO USE THE CHARGEPOINT STATIONS OFFERED AT WORK. THE CAR WAS STUCK IN SCHEDULED CHARGING, SO I COULDN'T CHARGE FROM WORK. I EVEN LEFT WORK TO TRY TO USE THE SUPERCHARGER AT THE FREMONT HUB IN CA, THINKING IT WOULD BYPASS THE SCHEDULED CHARGING. THAT DID NOT WORK EITHER. THIS WAS BAD AS I REMEMBER HAVING ABOUT 30% OF CHARGE LEFT. SINCE IT WAS AN EMERGENCY, THE TESLA REP WAS KIND ENOUGH TO LET ME SKIP APPOINTMENTS AND ALLOWED ME TO BRING MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE IMMEDIATELY. I END UP PAYING A TOTAL OF $2,270.50 TO REPLACE THE MCU. THEY REPLACED IT WITH THE SAME MCU MODEL THAT WILL EXHIBIT THE SAME PROBLEM DOWN THE ROAD. *TR
- Reported
- Jun 2020
- Incident date
- Jun 2018
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJun 2020 · ODI 11330717Details +Close −
LOSS OF REAR VIEW CAMERA. THE MIDDLE TOUCH SCREEN OR MCU QUIT WORKING. THIS IS MY 3RD MCU. THE CAR HAS 41K MILES. THE LAST ONE LASTED JUST OVER 1 YEAR, JUST OUT OF A 1 YEAR WARRANTY. THE MCU CONTROLS ALMOST ALL FEATURES OF THE CAR, INCLUDING THE REAR CAMERA FOR BACKING UP. *TR
- Reported
- Jun 2020
- Incident date
- Dec 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJun 2020 · ODI 11330739Details +Close −
MULTIPLE TIMES MY MASTER CONTROL UNIT IN MY CAR IS FREEZING AND LOCKING UP. IT REQUIRES A HARD REBOOT WHICH TAKES SEVERAL MINUTES TO COME BACK TO LIFE. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 5 TIMES IN THE LAST WEEK WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION ON PUBLIC ROADWAYS. I HAVE NO CONTROL OF ANY FUNCTION THAT THE MCU IS IN CHARGE OF WHILE THIS HAPPENS. IT IS EXTREMELY DISTRACTING TO HAVE HAPPEN WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING. IT IS NOT ALWAYS IN SAFE PLACE I.E. THE FREEWAY WHERE I CAN PULL OFF AND RESTART IT. ONE TIME IT HAPPENED WHILE PARKED STARTING MY CAR AND A MESSAGE POPPED UP TO PUSH BOTH SCROLL WHEELS ON THE STEERING WHEEL BECAUSE THE MCU WAS UNRESPONSIVE. IT WOULD NOT ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE. *TR
- Reported
- Jun 2020
- Incident date
- Jun 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Power TrainJun 2020 · ODI 11330814Details +Close −
CAR WON'T START, COMPUTER PROBLEMS ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, AFTER MULTIPLE CALLS TESLA HAD NO RECORD OF PRIOR COMPLAINTS AND NO REMEDY. LEFT STRANDED MULTIPLE TIMES. *TR
- Reported
- Jun 2020
- Incident date
- Mar 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJun 2020 · ODI 11330840Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TESLA MODEL S. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE MEDIA CONTROL UNIT (MCU) FAILED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED, RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF THE USE OF TOUCHSCREEN FUNCTIONS. THE CONTACT MANUALLY ACTIVATED THE MCU USING THE CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. TESLA (1200 OLD SKOKIE VALLEY RD, HIGHLAND PARK, IL 60035) WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE REPAIR WAS STILL PENDING. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED.
- Reported
- Jun 2020
- Incident date
- Apr 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
EquipmentJun 2020 · ODI 11330877Details +Close −
THE VEHICLE'S MAIN DISPLAY, WHICH SHOWS THE BACKUP CAMERA, FREEZES/LOCKS WHEN TURNING ON THE VEHICLE. THE ERROR MESSAGE ON THE DRIVERS DISPLAY IS THAT THE LARGE DISPLAY IS "UNRESPONSIVE". THEN, WHEN RESTARTING THE DISPLAY'S OPERATING SYSTEM (BY HOLDING THE TWO BUTTONS DOWN ON THE CAR'S STEERING WHEEL), THE SYSTEM REBOOTS AND THE DISPLAY GOES PERMANENTLY BLANK UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS PARKED, THE VEHICLE POWERS OFF. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE FOR A SECOND TIME, THE SAME ISSUE OCCURS. SO I NO LONGER HAVE A BACKUP CAMERA. GIVEN MY MODEL S YEAR DOES NOT HAVE ANY SENSORS OTHER THAN THE VISUAL BACKUP CAMERA, I AM MISSING MY SAFEST METHOD TO BACKUP. I AM ALSO MISSING CONTROLS TO CHARGE MY VEHICLE, MAP MY ROUTING, AND ALL OTHER APPLICATIONS THAT THE VEHICLE HAS. THERE ARE NO ISSUE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. *TR
- Reported
- Jun 2020
- Incident date
- Jun 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJun 2020 · ODI 11330507Details +Close −
EACH TIME THE TESLA S IS STARTED THE LARGE TOUCH DISPLAY SCREEN IS INOPERATIVE. NO FUNCTION ON THE SCREEN WORKS. THE REARVIEW CAMERA, CELL PHONE OR ANY FUNCTION-HAVE,SUNROOF,GARAGE DOOR CLOSE, ETC. THE SCREEN HAS TO BE RESET TAKING 5 MINUTES. THE CAR CAN BE DRIVEN BY ALL SCREEN FUNCTIONS INCLUDING CHARGING ARE IMPACTED. *TR
- Reported
- Jun 2020
- Incident date
- May 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJun 2020 · ODI 11330611Details +Close −
TOUCHSCREEN LOCKS UP AND PERIODICALLY NEEDS TO BE REBOOTED WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. GETTING WORSE, ALSO NEEDS TO BE REBOOTED EACH MORNING WHEN STARTING. SEVERAL TIMES THE TOUCHSCREEN NEEDS TO BE REBOOTED MULTIPLE TIMES IN A ROW. DID ASK A TESLA SERVICE PERSON ABOUT IT TODAY, THEY SEEM WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT FIX SINCE THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I CONSIDER IT A SAFETY ISSUE, DO NOT FEEL SAFE REBOOTING WHILE DRIVING. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AT SALVAGE WITH SOME BODY DAMAGE, FIX MYSELF ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO. IN NO WAY IS THIS ISSUE RELATED. HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE CAR 2 YEARS AND 53,000 MILES SINCE I FIXED IT. TESLA CANCELS WARRANTIES AND OTHER ON ANY CAR INVOLVED IN ANY TYPE OF INCIDENT SO I MOSTLY FIX MYSELF. *TR
- Reported
- Jun 2020
- Incident date
- Jun 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherJun 2020 · ODI 11330643Details +Close −
THE TOUCHSCREEN ON MY 2012 TESLA MODEL S BECOMES UNRESPONSIVE EACH TIME I START THE CAR. THIS DRAMATICALLY LIMITS THE CAR'S FUNCTIONALITY AND REQUIRES A SEVERAL MINUTE LONG RESET PROCESS. THE CAR IS STATIONARY AS IT HAPPENS WHEN I FIRST TRY TO START IT. *TR
- Reported
- Jun 2020
- Incident date
- Jun 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Electrical SystemJun 2020 · ODI 11330651Details +Close −
ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO MY MEDIA CONTROL UNIT (MCU) AND TOUCHSCREEN FAILED, REQUIRING A REPLACEMENT. I JUST READ AN ARTICLE THAT YOU ARE INVESTIGATING THESE FAILURES AND WANTED TO GIVE YOU SOME MORE EXAMPLES IF DESIRED. AS YOU PROBABLY WELL KNOW, IT SOUNDS LIKE A COMMON PROBLEM. BEFORE REPLACEMENT, NOT ALL VEHICLE FUNCTIONALITY AND SETTINGS WERE AVAILABLE, AND THE MCU COULD NO LONGER GET SOFTWARE UPDATES, WHICH TESLA PERSONNEL STATED WOULD EVENTUALLY BE A SAFETY CONCERN. *TR
- Reported
- Jun 2020
- Incident date
- Jan 2020
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Vehicle Speed ControlJan 2020 · ODI 11300279 · crashDetails +Close −
CAUSE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED JUST BEFORE ENTERING INTO A HEAD IN PARKING SPACE WHEN WITH THE BRAKE DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY AND UNCONTROLLABLY CAUSING IT TO JUMP THE CURB AND TAKE DOWN A RETAINING WALL. IT CONTINUED THROUGH THE WALL UNTIL IT WAS STOPPED BY A TREE. VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. VEHICLE SETTINGS AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT WERE AS FOLLOWS: THERE IS NO AUTOPILOT ON THIS MODEL S AND CRUISE CONTROL WAS OFF. ADDITIONALLY, THE CAR WAS SET WITH CREEP MODE OFF. HVAC WAS ON.
- Reported
- Jan 2020
- Incident date
- Aug 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- Crash
StructureJan 2020 · ODI 11296639Details +Close −
SLOWLY BACKING UP AND REAR SUB FRAME MOTOR MOUNT BROKE. ON A CITY STREET UNDER 5MPH
- Reported
- Jan 2020
- Incident date
- Sep 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
This page shows the latest 50 reports to keep it usable. The count above includes every complaint NHTSA has returned for this model year.
Recalls(8)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Electrical SystemDec 2023 · 23V838000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Air BagsOct 2017 · 17V023000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Tesla will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2017. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Seat Belts · 15V780000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: Tesla will notify owners, and service centers will inspect the driver and front passenger seat belts, correcting their connection, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 14, 2015. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-15-20-002.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Parking Brake · 17V260000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: Tesla will notify owners, and service centers will replace both the left and right electric parking brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2018. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-17-33-002.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Steering · 18V204000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts and add a corrosion-preventative sealer, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-18-32-002.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Back Over Prevention · 21V035000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: Owners should ensure their vehicles are operating firmware release 2020.48.48.12 or newer, which will alert owners if the eMMC is approaching lifetime wear. Tesla will notify owners, and will replace the VCM daughterboard with one containing an enhanced eMMC controller, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-21-001.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Electrical System · 24V051000Details +Close −
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."
Risk: 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.
Remedy: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Seat Belts · 24V376000Details +Close −
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."
Risk: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Open full NHTSA recall record →A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
8 NHTSA investigations on record
Investigations are agency reviews, not findings that a vehicle is defective.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening a Recall Query to assess the remedy adequacy of Recall 23V838. On December 12, 2023, Tesla filed a Defect Information Report (Recall 23V838) applicable to all Tesla models produced and equipped with any version of its Autopilot system, which Tesla described as an SAE Level 2 (L2) Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Autopilot is the simultaneous engagement of Tesla’s Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) and Autosteer. In describing the safety defect, Tesla’s Defect Information Report (DIR) explained that “the prominence and scope of the system’s controls may be insufficient to prevent driver misuse,” and Tesla committed to the deployment of a multipart remedy aimed at improving system and engagement controls and reducing mode confusion. EA22002 (upgraded from PE21020) was opened to investigate whether Tesla’s Autopilot contained a defect that created an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and involved extensive crash analysis, human factors analysis, vehicle evaluations, and assessment of vehicle control authority and driver engagement technologies. The work conducted in these investigations aligns with Tesla’s conclusion in its 23V838 recall filing. During EA22002, ODI identified at least 13 crashes involving one or more fatalities and many more involving serious injuries in which foreseeable driver misuse of the system played an apparent role. Tesla filed Recall 23V838 to address concerns regarding the Autopilot system investigated in EA22002. Following deployment of the remedy in Recall 23V838, ODI identified concerns due to post-remedy crash events and results from preliminary NHTSA tests of remedied vehicles. Also, Tesla has stated that a portion of the remedy both requires the owner to opt in and allows a driver to readily reverse it. Tesla has also deployed non-remedy updates to address issues that appear related to ODI’s concerns under EA22002. This investigation will consider why these updates were not a part of the recall or otherwise determined to remedy a defect that poses an unreasonable safety risk. ODI is therefore opening this Recall Query investigation to further evaluate the adequacy of the remedy for recall 23V838.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP20-001 on the basis that intermittent high electrical current demands on the vehicles' 12VDC systems may have caused some or all of the incidents examined by ODI in DP20-001. The petitioner bases this information on a review of open-source research and the DP20-001 denial. The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number: 11528471.
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) upgraded PE21020 to EA22002 on June 8, 2022, to extend work and deepen the PE21020 crash analysis, to supplement that analysis with additional data, and to perform vehicle evaluations to understand how Tesla’s Autopilot system may exacerbate human factors or behavioral safety risks by undermining the effectiveness of the driver’s supervision. To support this work, ODI collected additional crash information and assessed vehicle control authority, driver engagement technologies, and related human factors considerations associated with partial automation via analysis of peer vehicle data and hands-on vehicle evaluation, assessments from NHTSA human factors subject matter experts, and reviews of related publications dedicated to partial driving automation. Autopilot is the simultaneous use of the features that Tesla calls Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) and Autosteer. TACC is a type of adaptive cruise control that, like traditional cruise control, maintains a set speed but also slows or accelerates as necessary to maintain the vehicle’s following distance from a vehicle in front. As designed, Autosteer detects lane markings and the presence of other nearby vehicles and objects to keep the vehicle in its driving lane. Autopilot is characterized by Tesla as an SAE Level 2 (“L2 system”) partial driving automation system that provides driver assistance through steering, propulsion, and braking within a specified driving environment under direct supervision of the driver. L2 systems should be designed to support the driver’s need to monitor the system in response to the constantly changing driving environment and, if necessary, take over the dynamic driving task. To ensure sufficient driver engagement, vehicles with L2 systems should employ driver engagement systems and usage controls that are appropriate and sufficient for the L2 system design and driver expectations. ODI completed an analysis of 956 crashes reported up to August 30, 2023. In approximately half (489) of those crashes, ODI found: 1.) that there was insufficient data to make an assessment; 2.) the other vehicle was at fault; 3.) Autopilot was found to not be in use; or 4.) the crash was otherwise unrelated to EA22002. Of the remaining 467 crashes, ODI identified trends resulting in three categories: collisions in which the frontal plane of the Tesla struck another vehicle or obstacle with adequate time for an attentive driver to respond to avoid or mitigate the crash (211), roadway departures where Autosteerwas inadvertently disengaged by the driver’s inputs (111), and roadway departures in low traction conditions such as wet roadways (145). ODI observed this pattern across all Tesla models and hardware versions. Crash and human factors assessment showed that Autopilot controls did not sufficiently ensure driver attention and appropriate use. At the same time, peer analysis and vehicle evaluations established that Autopilot invited greater driver confidence via its higher control authority and ease of engagement. This mismatch of weak usage controls and high control authority was evident in these crash categories, which included indications of driver disengagement from the driving task. This mismatch was also evident in roadway departures when the system was engaged in low traction conditions outside of Tesla’s recommendations.Additional information regarding NHTSA’s crash analysis is available in the EA22002 file. ODI reviewed these findings with Tesla during several conversations in Quarter 4 of 2023. On December 12, 2023, Tesla filed a Defect Information Report (DIR) (Recall 23V838) applicable to all Tesla models produced and equipped with any version of its Autopilot system. Tesla’s DIR described the functionality of this system, stated that the prominence and scope of the system’s controls may be insufficient to prevent driver misuse, and described a remedy to improve the effectiveness of driver warnings and to reduce mode confusion. ODI completed an extensive body of work via PE21020 and EA22002, which showed evidence that Tesla’s weak driver engagement system was not appropriate for Autopilot’s permissive operating capabilities. This mismatch resulted in a critical safety gap between drivers’ expectations of the L2 system’s operating capabilities and the system’s true capabilities. This gap led to foreseeable misuse and avoidable crashes. During EA220002, ODI identified at least 13 crashes involving one or more fatalities and many more involving serious injuries, in which foreseeable driver misuse of the system played an apparent role. ODI’s analysis conducted during this investigation, which aligns with Tesla’s conclusion in its Defect Information Report, indicated that in certain circumstances, Autopilot’s system controls and warnings were insufficient for a driver assistance system that requires constant supervision by a human driver. Given Tesla’s recall (23V838) of all vehicles equipped with Autopilot for insufficient controls to prevent misuse, ODI is closing EA22002. Concurrent with that closing, ODI has opened a Recall Query (RQ24009) to assess the effectiveness of the 23V838 remedy. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
On November 20, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA) 20-003 to investigate incidents of media control unit (MCU) failures resulting in loss of rearview camera in model year (MY) 2012-18 Tesla Model S and model year (MY) 2016-2018 Tesla Model X vehicles equipped with the NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor with an integrated 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. During its investigation, ODI learned that the expected usage life rating for the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device is approximately 3,000 “P/E” or Program-Erase cycles, after which the eMMC NAND flash memory device would become fully consumed and no longer be operational, leading to a failure of the media control unit (MCU). At a daily cycle usage rate of 1.4 per block, accumulation of 3,000 P/E cycles would take only 5-6 years. Historically, the expected life of a vehicle generally far exceeds 5-6 years of service. ODI believes that a 5- or 6-year life expectancy for a component integral to providing the driver with safety functions is insufficient. During our review of the data, Tesla provided confirmation that all units will inevitably fail given the memory device’s finite storage capacity. Tesla provided its own statistical model showing the number of projected weekly MCU repairs from 2020 to 2028, estimating that replacement rates for MCU failures will peak in early 2022 and gradually decline until (near) full part turnover has been accomplished in 2028. According to Tesla, for subject vehicles equipped with the NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor with an integrated 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device, the eMMC NAND cell hardware will fail when reaching lifetime wear, for which the eMMC controller has no available memory blocks necessary to recover. With this failure mode, the only recovery available is a replacement of the eMMC device, achieved by physical part replacement of either the MCU assembly or visual control module subcomponent. Tesla provided information concerning the effects of MCU failure on vehicle function, which include in loss of rearview/backup camera and loss of HVAC (defogging and defrosting) setting controls (if the HVAC status was OFF status prior to failure). The failure also affects the Autopilot advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) and turn signal functionality due to the possible loss of audible chimes, driver sensing, and alerts associated with these vehicle functions. Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on January 13, 2021. The RRL was based on ODI’s tentative conclusion that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists in the subject vehicles because the eMMC NAND flash devices have a finite lifespan based upon the number of program/erase (P/E) cycles, after which the MCU fails due to memory wear-out, which constitutes a premature failure of safety-critical part. Tesla responded to the Recall Request Letter (RRL) on January 27, 2021, and disputed the tentative findings of the RRL. Nevertheless, on January 29, 2021, Tesla filed a safety recall (21V-035), recalling (MY) 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and (MY) 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. In this recall, Tesla is providing a free hardware remedy in addition to the over-the-air (“OTA”) firmware updates that the company had previously implemented. NHTSA will continue to monitor the issue as part of its ordinary processes for overseeing the effectiveness of recalls. However, based on available information, at this time, Tesla’s recall appears to address the unreasonable risk to motor safety presented by the premature failure of the component. Accordingly, the investigation is closed. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
On June 22, 2020, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE20-010 to investigate incidents of media control unit (MCU) failures resulting in loss of rearview camera in model year (MY) 2012-2015 Tesla Model S vehicles equipped with the NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor with an integrated 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. EMMC NAND flash devices have a finite lifespan based upon the number of program/erase (P/E) cycles. The subject MCU allegedly fails prematurely due to memory wear-out of the eMMC NAND flash. Tesla used the same MCU with the Tegra 3 processor in approximately 159 thousand 2012-2018 Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles built by Tesla through early-2018. In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) for PE20-010, Tesla provided ODI with 2,399 complaints and field reports, 7,777 warranty claims, and 4,746 non-warranty claims related to MCU replacements. The data show failure rates over 30 percent in certain build months and accelerating failure trends after 3 to 4 years-in-service.According to Tesla, for subject vehicles equipped with the NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor with an integrated 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device, the eMMC NAND cell hardware can fail when reaching lifetime wear, for which the eMMC controller has no available blocks to recover. With this failure mode, the only recovery available is a replacement of the eMMC device, achieved by physical part replacement of either the MCU assembly or visual control module subcomponent. Tesla provided the effects of MCU failure on vehicle function which result in loss of rearview/backup camera, loss of HVAC (defogging) setting controls (if the HVAC status was OFF status prior to failure.) There is also an impact on the advanced driver assistance support (ADAS) Autopilot system, and turn signal functionality due to the possible loss of audible chimes, driver sensing, and alerts associated with these vehicle functions. There are precedents for addressing defects that result in loss of either backup camera, defogging, or turn signal functions under safety recalls.Tesla has implemented certain Over-The-Air or OTA updates to subject vehicles to mitigate the effects of MCU failure. These updates include firmware changes to reduce memory usage of the subject memory card, improve eMMC error correction and storage management strategies, changing the control logic for turn signal activation, and defaulting the HVAC system to Auto (71.6F) for drives after MCU failure to address windshield defogging. Tesla indicated that the MCU failures are likely to continue to occur in subject vehicles as vehicles continue to operate and use available memory in the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory until 100% of units have failed. This investigation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA20-003). The VOQs associated with the upgrade of this investigation are identified in the attachment to this resume.
In a letter dated September 17, 2019, Mr. Edward Chen petitioned the NHTSA to initiate a defect investigation of certain Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles that received revised battery management software in one or more over-the-air (OTA) updates from Tesla, beginning in May 2019. The petitioner bases his request on vehicle fires that took place worldwide and OTA software updates Tesla made to the Battery Management System (BMS) of certain Tesla vehicles that resulted in loss of available vehicle mileage range and increased charging durations.On October 1, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened DP19-005 to evaluate the petitioner?s request. Information provided by Tesla in response to ODI's information request letter for DP19-005 indicated that a firmware update that may limit maximum voltage was installed in certain MY 2012 through 2016 Model S vehicles (subject vehicles). The voltage limiting firmware is a dynamic algorithm that is enabled in vehicles with high Supercharging use histories, which contributes to high usage stress to the high-voltage (HV) battery. Tesla sold approximately 61,781 subject vehicles in the United States and, through August 2021, the voltage limiting firmware had been enabled in approximately 2,062 vehicles. Through December 2020, ODI identified 59 complaints from consumers alleging reductions in battery capacity (52) or charging speed (7) in the subject vehicles. Log data from these vehicles showed that the voltage limiting firmware had been enabled in about 58 percent (30 of 52) of the complaints alleging range loss. Subsequent updates have restored some or all of the battery capacity to vehicles affected by the voltage limiting firmware coupled with updates enhancing BMS battery brick monitoring algorithms. None of the complaint vehicles have reported any thermal incidents or other safety hazards related to the HV battery.The five non-crash fires referenced in the petition include two fires that occurred in China in early 2019 involving vehicles that: 1) had recently completed Supercharging sessions; 2) were at a high state-of-charge (SOC) of the HV battery; 3) were parked with the battery cooling system shutoff; and 4) had histories of high-stress usage for the HV batteries. The three fires that occurred outside China did not involve the same fact patterns regarding vehicle state and charging history. The two fires that occurred in the United States include one involving a vehicle with no Supercharging history that was driving when the fire occurred and another in which the origin of the fire was external to the HV battery. The fifth fire, which also originated external to the HV battery, involved a vehicle in Germany that had been parked at a low SOC for an extended period. To date, incidents of fires involving parked vehicles with recent Supercharging and histories of high-stress use have only been observed in China, where high-stress use factors appear to be more common. NHTSA is authorized to issue an order requiring notification and remedy of a defect if the Agency?s investigation shows a defect in the design, construction, or performance of a motor vehicle that presents an unreasonable risk to safety. 49 U.S.C. ?? 30102(a)(9), 30118. Given the absence of any incidents in the United States related to fast charging, and the absence of any such incidents globally since May 2019, it is unlikely that an order concerning the notification and remedy of a safety-related defect would be issued due to any investigation opened as a result of granting this petition. Therefore, upon full consideration of the information presented in the petition, and the potential risks to safety, th
Crash-test ratings
No NHTSA crash test is on record for this year. Some vehicles and model years were not tested or do not have a published NCAP result.
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model S | — | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 88 | 90 | 89 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
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2012 Tesla Model S: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2012 Tesla Model S?
Owners filed 59 NHTSA complaints about the 2012 Tesla Model S. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.
What are the most common problems on the 2012 Tesla Model S?
The most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (58% of complaints) and suspension (14%).
How many recalls does the 2012 Tesla Model S have?
8 recalls have been issued that affect the 2012 Tesla Model S, covering components such as electrical system. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Tesla Model S get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Tesla Model S at 89 mpg combined.