Common problems

Tesla Model S Common Problems

We grouped the top NHTSA owner-complaint categories across 8 Tesla Model S model years, then counted how often each issue recurs. The result shows patterns worth inspecting without pretending every vehicle will have them.

Data updated April 2026

Owner complaints
4,606

8 model years

Top recurring issue
Unknown Or Other

8 affected years

Crash reports
550

Owner-reported severity signal

Fire reports
32

367 injuries · 108 deaths

Pattern overview

Most reported Tesla Model S problem categories

#1

Unknown Or Other

568complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 8 model years; highest in 2023.

#2

Vehicle Speed Control

514complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 8 model years; highest in 2021.

#3

Electrical System

490complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 8 model years; highest in 2021.

#4

Forward Collision Avoidance

963complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 7 model years; highest in 2021.

#5

Steering

495complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 7 model years; highest in 2023.

#6

Service Brakes

261complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 6 model years; highest in 2021.

#7

Suspension

113complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2018.

#8

Back Over Prevention

25complaints represented

Appears among the leading issues for 1 model year; highest in 2024.

What owners reported

Issue summaries by Tesla Model S model year

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Owners of the 2021 Tesla Model S frequently report issues with phantom braking, particularly when using cruise control or autopilot features. Typical symptoms include sudden and unexpected braking at highway speeds, often with no apparent obstacles, which raises the risk of rear-end collisions. Complaints suggest that these issues have been ongoing since vehicle delivery, with some owners experiencing multiple incidents during single trips. Safety implications are significant, with 13 reported crashes and 1 injury linked to these events. Buyers considering a used Model S should be aware of these recurring braking issues and the potential for sudden vehicle control loss.

Severity signals: 13 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Owners report frequent issues with the forward collision avoidance system in the 2022 Tesla Model S, particularly concerning "phantom braking" events. Complaints often describe the vehicle unexpectedly applying brakes while using cruise control or Autopilot, even when no obstacles are present. This behavior is notably common on two-lane highways, especially when passing or encountering large vehicles like semi-trucks. Some reports mention these incidents occurring within the first few weeks of ownership, with mileage as low as 50 miles. Safety implications include the risk of rear-end collisions, as 10 complaints involve crashes and two report injuries. Buyers should be aware of these recurring issues when considering this model.

Severity signals: 10 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

STEERING

Owners report several steering-related issues with the 2023 Tesla Model-S. A common issue involves the steering wheel locking or becoming unresponsive, often without warning, which has led to crashes and injuries. Complaints frequently mention steering wheel design flaws, such as the confusing placement of the horn button and turn signals, which drivers find difficult to use in emergencies. Some owners describe problems with suspension components, like bolts detaching, causing sudden steering loss. These issues often occur at varying mileages, with some incidents happening shortly after purchase. Safety implications include loss of vehicle control and frequent mentions of crashes, making these issues critical for potential buyers to consider.

Severity signals: 27 crash, 0 fire, 16 injury reports

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Owners report frequent issues with the 2023 Tesla Model-S related to the forward collision avoidance system, particularly involving phantom braking. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle abruptly decelerating without any apparent obstacles, often during adaptive cruise control or autopilot use, creating a risk of rear-end collisions. These incidents occur at various speeds and in diverse driving conditions, with some owners noting multiple events within short timeframes. Crashes are reported in 13 cases, with 4 resulting in injuries, highlighting potential safety implications. For prospective buyers, these issues often arise even at low mileages, suggesting they may occur early in the vehicle's life.

Severity signals: 13 crash, 0 fire, 4 injury reports

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners report several issues with the 2023 Tesla Model-S, particularly concerning the horn's placement and functionality. Complaints frequently mention difficulty locating the horn button, which is not centrally located on the steering wheel, leading to challenges in emergency situations. Multiple owners describe unintended braking events while using cruise control, with incidents occurring at highway speeds around 70 mph, posing potential safety risks. There are also reports of the vehicle's Full Self-Driving (FSD) system making unsafe maneuvers, such as moving forward at red lights and sudden lane changes. These issues are associated with crashes and injuries, emphasizing the need for potential buyers to consider these factors when evaluating the vehicle.

Severity signals: 20 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Owners of the 2021 Tesla Model S frequently report issues with "phantom braking" where the vehicle unexpectedly applies brakes while using adaptive cruise control or Autopilot, even in the absence of any apparent obstacles. This sudden and aggressive braking often occurs on highways and two-lane roads, especially in response to oncoming traffic or shadows, and poses a risk of rear-end collisions. Some complaints also highlight unintended acceleration incidents during low-speed maneuvers, such as parking, which have led to crashes. Safety implications are significant, with reports of 12 crashes, 7 injuries, and 1 fire among the complaints. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with some owners experiencing problems shortly after delivery.

Severity signals: 12 crash, 1 fire, 7 injury reports

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Owners report frequent issues with the 2023 Tesla Model Y's vehicle speed control, notably "phantom braking" where the vehicle unexpectedly applies emergency braking while using adaptive cruise control or autopilot. This behavior is described as occurring without warning or apparent cause, often on highways and at speeds between 65-75 mph, leading to near rear-end collisions and substantial safety risks. Some complaints also involve unintended acceleration, particularly in self-driving mode, and malfunctioning of the curvature assist feature, which may cause abrupt braking. The incidents often occur in vehicles with mileage ranging from 5,000 to 35,000 miles. Among the 141 complaints, 20 involve crashes, and 5 report injuries, highlighting significant safety implications for potential buyers.

Severity signals: 20 crash, 0 fire, 5 injury reports

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners report several issues with the 2021 Tesla Model S, particularly related to software and control systems. Commonly mentioned problems include malfunctioning rear cameras after software updates, climate control failures in cold weather, and difficulties with the horn due to its location on the steering yoke. Complaints frequently highlight the touchscreen and instrument panel going black, leading to a loss of critical driving information. Safety concerns are evident as 15 complaints involve crashes, with some attributed to unintentional acceleration and autopilot malfunctions. These issues often occur shortly after software updates or in specific conditions like cold weather, suggesting potential reliability concerns for buyers considering this model.

Severity signals: 15 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

Pre-purchase inspection

What to check on a used Tesla Model S

When problems are reported to begin

  • Electrical system failures — 0–1,000 miles on the 2025 model-year record
  • Windshield cracking — 14,000 miles on the 2025 model-year record
  • Suspension tire wear — 0–10,000 miles on the 2025 model-year record
  • AP4 computer failures — 0–3,000 miles on the 2024 model-year record
  • Phantom braking — 1,000–25,000 miles on the 2024 model-year record
  • Rear tire wear — 15,000–25,000 miles on the 2024 model-year record
  • Suspension failures — 19,000–38,000 miles on the 2023 model-year record
  • Electrical system failures — 59,000–78,000 miles on the 2023 model-year record

Buyer red flags

  • Inspect windshield for cracks, especially if defrost mode was used in cold weather
  • Test all cameras and sensors for functionality, including backup and collision avoidance systems
  • Check for any signs of electrical system failures, such as non-functioning screens or alerts
  • Verify the operation of the Full Self-Driving system, ensuring it does not disengage unexpectedly
  • Inspect tires for uneven wear due to potential suspension issues
  • Test the horn to ensure it functions in wet conditions
  • Ensure the vehicle does not unexpectedly shift to 'Park' during slow maneuvers
  • Test for phantom braking during adaptive cruise control

How to interpret the counts

Complaint totals are not failure rates

A popular or older model can accumulate more complaints simply because more vehicles exist and have spent longer on the road. The categories above aggregate the counts embedded in each model year's leading issues. Use recurrence across years and severity signals to decide what to inspect; use the VIN and a mechanical inspection to judge one car.

Source trail

Where this Tesla Model S data comes from

VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Tesla Model S research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.

Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.

Buyer questions

Tesla Model S research FAQ

What is the most common Tesla Model S problem?

Unknown Or Other is the broadest recurring complaint category in the available model-year records, appearing among the top issues for 8 years with 568 complaints represented.

Which Tesla Model S year has the most reported problems?

The 2023 has the largest unknown or other count among the years where that category appears. Compare the full year record because a different year may lead on another problem category.

Do NHTSA complaints prove a Tesla Model S has a defect?

No. Owner complaints are unverified reports and can be duplicated or influenced by sales volume and vehicle age. They are useful patterns to investigate alongside recalls, service records, inspection results and the exact VIN.

Check the actual car

Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.

Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Tesla Model S you are considering.