← All Tesla Model S years

2023 Tesla Model S VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2023 Tesla Model S has poor reliability. There are 43 recalls and 1307 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Tesla Model-S. Severity signals include 153 crash-related complaints and 5 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (239), Forward Collision Avoidance (214), Unknown Or Other (205).

Model S reliability snapshot

32/100
Latest model-year reliability score
2.0/5
RepairPal rating (overall)

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Tesla Model S before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Years to avoidThe weakest years and stronger alternativesCommon problemsComplaint patterns across model yearsRecall historyNHTSA campaigns grouped by model year

Most-reported 2023 Tesla Model S issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Steering239
  • Forward Collision Avoidance214
  • Unknown Or Other205
  • Vehicle Speed Control137
  • Electrical System96
  • Service Brakes70

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2023 Tesla Model S

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Inspect suspension bolts for looseness or detachment
  • Test adaptive cruise control for phantom braking
  • Check touchscreen and infotainment system functionality
  • Verify tire wear patterns and alignment issues
  • Ensure all safety features, including AEB, are operational
  • Confirm there are no unexpected noises from the suspension
  • Test drive to check for any unintended acceleration or braking

2023 Model S recalls (23)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2023 Model S. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. STEERINGNHTSA 25V092000Feb 14, 2025

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles operating software prior to 2023.38.4. The printed circuit board for the electronic power steering assist may experience an overstress condition, causing a loss of power steering assist when the vehicle reaches a stop and then accelerates again.

    Consequence: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-004.

  2. SEATS, SEAT BELTSNHTSA 23V130000Feb 27, 2023

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Model Y vehicles. The bolts securing the second-row seat back frames may not have been securely tightened.

    Consequence: A loose seat frame bolt may reduce the seat belt system's performance, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla Service Centers will inspect and tighten the bolts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-13-001.

  3. AIR BAGSNHTSA 22V843000Nov 15, 2022

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model X vehicles. The restraint control module (RCM) calibration may cause the front passenger air bag to deploy incorrectly during certain low speed crashes. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Consequence: A passenger air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury during a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the RCM, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-015.

  4. BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 25V002000Jan 7, 2025

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-001.

  5. TIRESNHTSA 24V935000Dec 17, 2024

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

    Consequence: Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.

  6. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 24V554000Jul 24, 2024

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.

    Consequence: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.

  7. SEAT BELTSNHTSA 24V376000May 28, 2024

    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: 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.

  8. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 24V051000Jan 30, 2024

    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: 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.

  9. BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 24V035000Jan 22, 2024

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model S, X, and Y vehicles equipped with full self-driving computer 4.0 and running a software release version 2023.44.30 through 2023.44.30.6 or 2023.44.100. Software instability may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.

    Consequence: A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 22, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-002.

  10. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 23V838000Dec 12, 2023

    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 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.

  11. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCENHTSA 23V489000Jul 14, 2023

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The forward-facing camera may be misaligned, causing some of the active safety features such as emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane assist to become unavailable without alerting the driver.

    Consequence: Safety features that are unavailable without any warning to the driver may increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla Service will inspect and adjust the pitch angle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-17-006.

  12. ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 23V434000Jun 19, 2023

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The pyrotechnic battery disconnect may be defective.

    Consequence: A defective battery disconnect may not isolate the vehicle's high voltage battery after a crash or fault detection, increasing the risk of electrical shock and injury.

    Remedy

    Tesla Service will replace the pyrotechnic battery disconnect, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-16-005.

  13. STEERINGNHTSA 23V385000May 30, 2023

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Model Y vehicles. The steering wheel fastener may be loose.

    Consequence: A loose fastener may allow the steering wheel to disconnect from the steering column, which can cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla Service will inspect and replace the fastener as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were be mailed July 28, 2023. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-32-001.

  14. STEERINGNHTSA 23V085000Feb 15, 2023

    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.

    Consequence: FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.  Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.  Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.  Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.

  15. SUSPENSIONNHTSA 22V895000Dec 5, 2022

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model Y vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may not have been properly attached to the sub-frame.

    Consequence: A loose fastener can allow the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla Service will tighten or replace the fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 7, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-31-002.

  16. EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNHTSA 22V844000Nov 15, 2022

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate.

    Consequence: A taillight that fails to illuminate may reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-016.

  17. AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 25V172000Mar 19, 2025

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.

    Consequence: An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-20-001.

  18. AIR BAGSNHTSA 24V967000Dec 24, 2024

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windshield Mounting."

    Consequence: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.

  19. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 23V862000Dec 19, 2023

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model S and X vehicles. The cabin doors can be unlocked during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."

    Consequence: An unlocked door may unlatch and open during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-009.

  20. STEERING, AIR BAGSNHTSA 23V743000Nov 3, 2023

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and Model X vehicles. An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering wheel was replaced with a different style of yoke or steering wheel.

    Consequence: An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla Service will inspect and replace the driver air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-20-005.

  21. SEAT BELTSNHTSA 23V488000Jul 14, 2023

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles. The front-row seat belts may not be connected properly to the pretensioner anchors, which can cause the seat belts to detach.

    Consequence: A detached seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    Tesla Service will inspect the front-row seat belts and connect the seat belts to pretensioner anchors, or replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-20-004.

  22. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 23V679000Oct 11, 2023

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model X vehicles. The vehicle controller may fail to detect low brake fluid and will not display a warning light. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

    Consequence: Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-005.

  23. BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 23V244000Apr 5, 2023

    Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model X vehicles equipped with a full self-driving computer 4.0 and running software release version 2023.2.200. Weak camera signal strength may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

    Consequence: A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

    Remedy

    Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. All affected vehicles have been remedied. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.

2023 Tesla Model S on the road

26,701 2023 Tesla Model S units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2023 Tesla Model S stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Reliability: 76/100·Rivalry score: 90
Compare vs 2023 Tesla Model S →
BMW 5-Series
Reliability: 71/100·Rivalry score: 90
Compare vs 2023 Tesla Model S →
Audi E-Tron-GT
Reliability: 75/100·Rivalry score: 85
Compare vs 2023 Tesla Model S →
Volvo S90
Reliability: 75/100·Rivalry score: 70
Compare vs 2023 Tesla Model S →

Reliability verdict for the 2023 Tesla Model S

The 2023 Tesla Model-S demonstrates a significant reliability risk, scoring well below the segment average with a score of 29 out of 100. This model's reliability issues are broadly distributed, with notable concentrations in steering, forward collision avoidance, and vehicle speed control. Such distribution suggests systemic challenges rather than isolated defects.

The volume of complaints, coupled with an elevated recall count of 43, indicates persistent and potentially unresolved issues. The model's eleventh year in its generation does not appear to have mitigated these concerns, suggesting limited improvements in addressing core reliability problems over time.

Overall, the 2023 Tesla Model-S presents an elevated risk level for potential buyers, with reliability far below industry norms.

What you get in a 2023 Tesla Model S report

NMVTIS title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

Check a 2023 Tesla Model S now

Confirm exact options, recall completion, accident history, and odometer accuracy in minutes.

2023 Tesla Model S — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2023 Tesla Model S reliable?

The 2023 Tesla Model-S demonstrates a significant reliability risk, scoring well below the segment average with a score of 29 out of 100. This model's reliability issues are broadly distributed, with notable concentrations in steering, forward collision avoidance, and vehicle speed control. Such distribution suggests systemic challenges rather than isolated defects.

How many recalls does the 2023 Tesla Model S have?

23 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2023 Tesla Model S. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2023 Tesla Model S problems?

The most-reported 2023 Tesla Model S problem areas are: Steering (239), Forward Collision Avoidance (214), Unknown Or Other (205).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2023 Tesla Model S?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2023 Tesla Model S, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.