2013 Tesla Model S: recalls and complaints

No tracked figure of this page changed in a data update. What the log tracks

All updates to the register

• 24V37600028 May 2024Seat Belts / Front / Warning Light/Devices
• 24V15300027 Feb 2024Forward Collision Avoidance / Warnings / External/Pedestrian Alert
• 24V05100030 Jan 2024Electrical System / Instrument Cluster/Panel
• 23V83800012 Dec 2023Electrical System / Adas / Driver Monitoring / Software
• 21V03500029 Jan 2021Visibility / Defroster/Defogger/HVAC System
• 18V20400029 Mar 2018Steering / Electric Power Assist System
• 18V0310009 Jan 2018Air Bags / Frontal / Passenger Side / Inflator Module
• 17V26000019 Apr 2017Parking Brake
• 15V78000023 Nov 2015Seat Belts / Front
• 14V00600013 Jan 2014Electrical System / Propulsion System / Charging / Cable/Cord / Accessory
• 13V24900014 Jun 2013Seats

1. 24V376000Received 28 May 2024. 125,233 units.

   Seat Belts / Front / Warning Light/Devices

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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."

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   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, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by Tesla, Inc.. Manufacturer campaign number SB-24-00-008. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 26 Jul 2024.

2. 24V153000Received 27 Feb 2024. 6,557 units.

   Forward Collision Avoidance / Warnings / External/Pedestrian Alert

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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."

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.

   Report filed by Tesla, Inc.. Manufacturer campaign number SB-24-00-006. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 27 Apr 2024.

3. 24V051000Received 30 Jan 2024. 2,193,869 units.

   Electrical System / Instrument Cluster/Panel

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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."

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   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, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by Tesla, Inc.. Manufacturer campaign number SB-24-00-003. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 21 Feb 2024.

4. 23V838000Received 12 Dec 2023. 2,031,220 units.

   Electrical System / Adas / Driver Monitoring / Software

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   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, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by Tesla, Inc.. Manufacturer campaign number SB-23-00-008. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 10 Feb 2024.

5. 21V035000Received 29 Jan 2021. 134,951 units.

   Visibility / Defroster/Defogger/HVAC System

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   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, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by Tesla, Inc.. Manufacturer campaign number SB-21-21-001. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 29 Mar 2021.

6. 18V204000Received 29 Mar 2018. 70,421 units.

   Steering / Electric Power Assist System

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by Tesla, Inc.. Manufacturer campaign number SB-18-32-002. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 7 May 2019.

7. 18V031000Received 9 Jan 2018. 17,846 units.

   Air Bags / Frontal / Passenger Side / Inflator Module

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

   Remedy, in the NHTSA record

   Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the passenger frontal air bag modules, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2018. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-18-20-001.

   Report filed by Tesla, Inc.. Manufacturer campaign number SB-18-20-001. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 28 Feb 2018.

8. 17V260000Received 19 Apr 2017. 31,709 units.

   Parking Brake

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   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, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by Tesla Motors, Inc.. Manufacturer campaign number SB-17-33-002. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 6 Mar 2018.

9. 15V780000Received 23 Nov 2015. 59,415 units.

   Seat Belts / Front

   Defect, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Consequence, in the NHTSA record

   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, in the NHTSA record

   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.

   Report filed by Tesla Motors, Inc.. Manufacturer campaign number SB-15-20-002. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 14 Dec 2015.

10. 14V006000Received 13 Jan 2014. 21,081 units.

    Electrical System / Propulsion System / Charging / Cable/Cord / Accessory

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    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, in the NHTSA record

    An overheated adapter, cord, or wall outlet increases the risk of burn injury and/or fire.

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    Tesla will notify owners and provide an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Some owners have already received this update. This update allows the Model S on board charging system to detect any unexpected fluctuations in the input power or higher resistance connections to the vehicle. If detected, the onboard charging system will automatically reduce the charging current by 25%. Tesla owners can verify that they have received the updated software (version 5.8.4 or later) by viewing the vehicle's center information screen. Additionally, Tesla will mail owners a replacement NEMA 14-50 adapter that is equipped with an internal thermal fuse. The recall began on March 14, 2014. Owners may contact Tesla Service Center at 1-877-79-TESLA (1-877-798-3752).

    Report filed by Tesla Motors, Inc.. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 14 Mar 2014.

11. 13V249000Received 14 Jun 2013. 1,228 units.

    Seats

    Defect, in the NHTSA record

    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.

    Consequence, in the NHTSA record

    In the event of a crash, the left hand seat back may not stay mounted, increasing the risk of injury to passengers.

    Remedy, in the NHTSA record

    Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will inspect the left hand second row strikers. Tesla will add additional mounting hardware to ensure a proper joint between the bracket and the frame, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2013. Owners may contact Tesla at 1-650-681-5000.

    Report filed by Tesla Motors, Inc. Owner notification date in the NHTSA record: 19 Jun 2013.

The campaign number opens the NHTSA record. Each quotation is the text of the NHTSA recall file.

Recall campaign: One recall in the NHTSA recall file, with one campaign number. A campaign can name many makes, models and model years.

Units: The number of vehicles or products that a recall can include. The manufacturer or the firm reports the number to the agency.

A complaint can name more than one component. Each component that a complaint names is one component mention. The figure per 1,000 component mentions shows how many of each 1,000 mentions name the component.

• 2013 Tesla Model S
• All 2013 vehicles

The table shows the 10 components with the most mentions, of 25.

Complaints that report a crash

41

Complaints that report a fire

19

Injuries in the complaints

24

Deaths in the complaints

5

Date of the newest complaint

24 Jun 2026

These figures are the entries of the persons who sent the complaints.

Complaint: A report about a possible safety problem that a person sends to NHTSA. This site shows the number of complaints and not their text.

Investigation: A study of a possible safety defect by the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. An investigation with no closing date in the NHTSA file is open.

1. 20128
2. 201311
3. 20148
4. 20158
5. 20169
6. 20178
7. 201810
8. 20199
9. 202010
10. 202122
11. 202220
12. 202313
13. 20246
14. 20252
15. 20260

A year without a link has fewer than 2 campaigns and fewer than 25 complaints. It has no page.

• Tesla Model S: all model years
• Tesla: 6 model lines

Follow by RSS:Tesla recallsVehicle recalls

• NHTSA VIN lookupNHTSA shows the unrepaired recalls of one vehicle from its VIN or its license plate.
• NHTSA: report a safety problemThe NHTSA form for a complaint about a vehicle, a tire, a child seat or equipment.
• NHTSA page of the 2013 Tesla Model SThe recalls, the complaints and the investigations that NHTSA shows for this model year.

How many units are in the recall campaigns for the 2013 Tesla Model S?

4,693,530 units in 11 campaigns. A campaign can name other models and model years, and its units include them.

How many recall campaigns does the Tesla Model S have for all model years?

NHTSA lists 37 recall campaigns for the Tesla Model S, model years 2012 to 2026. 11 of them name the 2013 model year.

Which component do the complaints about the 2013 Tesla Model S name most often?

Electrical System: 195 of 677 component mentions, or 288 per 1,000. For all 2013 vehicles the figure is 124.7 per 1,000.

Is an NHTSA investigation of the 2013 Tesla Model S open?

3 investigations have no closing date in the NHTSA file, of 12 that name this model year.