TESLA MODEL S · model year

2013 TESLA MODEL S

661 NHTSA complaints, 61 crash reports, and 11 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2013TESLAMODEL S carries 661 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 61 crashes, 27 fires, 45 injuries, and 10 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 5/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2013 MODEL S is electrical system with 188 filings, followed by unknown or other (120) and suspension (91). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 11 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 6 investigation files overlapping the 2013 MODEL S. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

661
Complaints
61
Crashes
27
Fires
45
Injuries
10
Deaths
2013 TESLA MODEL S — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2013 TESLA MODEL S. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 5.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

661 filings

Crashes Reported

61 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 5/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM188
UNKNOWN OR OTHER120
SUSPENSION91
POWER TRAIN31
STEERING28
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL25
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM23
SERVICE BRAKES21
ENGINE20
VISIBILITY/WIPER18
STRUCTURE:BODY14
EXTERIOR LIGHTING14
WHEELS7
AIR BAGS6
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)6

Recalls (11)

24V05100030/01/2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

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 vehicle

18V20400029/03/2018

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

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.

21V03500029/01/2021

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

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

24V37600028/05/2024

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES

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 requirem

24V15300027/02/2024

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT

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 Sta

15V78000023/11/2015

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

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.

17V26000019/04/2017

PARKING BRAKE

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.

13V24900014/06/2013

SEATS

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.

14V00600013/01/2014

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

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.

23V83800012/12/2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE

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

18V03100009/01/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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

Recent Complaints

20260217UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have a 2013 Tesla Model-S, I have so far spent thousands on this car for door handle related problems over its lifetime. And Tesla still keeps charging for any door repairs. As of now, the driver side door doesn't open from outside and this is a serious safety hazard in case of an accident

20260123VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

On [XXX], at approximately [XXX], I was driving my 2013 Tesla Model S (VIN: [XXX] ) on [XXX] in Barrow County, Georgia when the instrument cluster/speedometer display went completely blank while driving. This is an intermittent issue that occurs without warning - the display turns off and sometimes freezes. Because the speedometer was not displaying, I had no way to know my actual speed. I was pulled over by Barrow County Sheriff’s Office and cited for speeding. I explained the instrument cluster malfunction to the officer at the scene and showed him the blank display. I took my vehicle to Tesla Service Center in Duluth, GA (3380 Satellite Blvd) on November 4, 2025 - as soon as I could get an appointment after the incident. Tesla cleared the filesystem caches but did NOT inform me about the existing eMMC recall (SB-21-21-001) that affects my vehicle, nor did they perform the recall repair. My 2013 Model S is equipped with the MCU1 with the 8GB eMMC that is subject to NHTSA Recall 21V

20260123ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On [XXX], at approximately [XXX], I was driving my 2013 Tesla Model S (VIN: [XXX] ) on [XXX] in Barrow County, Georgia when the instrument cluster/speedometer display went completely blank while driving. This is an intermittent issue that occurs without warning - the display turns off and sometimes freezes. Because the speedometer was not displaying, I had no way to know my actual speed. I was pulled over by Barrow County Sheriff’s Office and cited for speeding. I explained the instrument cluster malfunction to the officer at the scene and showed him the blank display. I took my vehicle to Tesla Service Center in Duluth, GA (3380 Satellite Blvd) on November 4, 2025 - as soon as I could get an appointment after the incident. Tesla cleared the filesystem caches but did NOT inform me about the existing eMMC recall (SB-21-21-001) that affects my vehicle, nor did they perform the recall repair. My 2013 Model S is equipped with the MCU1 with the 8GB eMMC that is subject to NHTSA Recall 21V

20260121ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While charging my 2013 Tesla Model S, the vehicle experienced a charging system failure and would no longer charge. Upon inspection, I discovered water intrusion and corrosion on the lower portion of the charging-related electronic circuit board at the bottom of the charging port and right where the High Voltage cables are located as well. The affected electronics are located in an area that is not normally exposed to water and is not owner-serviceable. Later model Tesla Model S vehicles (2014 and newer) include a drain in this exact location, which this vehicle does not have. This design change appears to directly address the same water accumulation issue that caused the failure in my vehicle. The failure results in loss of the vehicle’s ability to charge, rendering the vehicle inoperable. Tesla declined to repair the issue, stating the vehicle is out of warranty, despite acknowledging the design change in later models. This appears to be a latent design issue related to water in

20251231ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The screen abruptly shuts down and that is a safety hazard. Tesla has refused to fix this issue.

20251120ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

November 20, 2025 To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation Subject: Safety Defect Complaint – Tesla Model S I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious and dangerous safety defect involving my Tesla Model S. Safety Defect Summary:    •   After the high-voltage battery failed, the vehicle would not enter Neutral.    •   I had to use Tow Mode in the middle of a street on a hill to avoid blocking traffic.    •   Once in Tow Mode, the car could not enter Park and the emergency/parking brake would not engage.    •   The car became completely free-rolling, posing danger to myself, other drivers, and pedestrians.    •   When Tesla returned the car to my home, their technicians also could not get the vehicle into Park or activate any emergency braking system.    •   The car is currently stuck in Tow Mode in my driveway with physical objects placed behind the wheels to prevent it f

20251120FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

November 20, 2025 To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation Subject: Safety Defect Complaint – Tesla Model S I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious and dangerous safety defect involving my Tesla Model S. Safety Defect Summary:    •   After the high-voltage battery failed, the vehicle would not enter Neutral.    •   I had to use Tow Mode in the middle of a street on a hill to avoid blocking traffic.    •   Once in Tow Mode, the car could not enter Park and the emergency/parking brake would not engage.    •   The car became completely free-rolling, posing danger to myself, other drivers, and pedestrians.    •   When Tesla returned the car to my home, their technicians also could not get the vehicle into Park or activate any emergency braking system.    •   The car is currently stuck in Tow Mode in my driveway with physical objects placed behind the wheels to prevent it f

20251120UNKNOWN OR OTHER

November 20, 2025 To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation Subject: Safety Defect Complaint – Tesla Model S I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious and dangerous safety defect involving my Tesla Model S. Safety Defect Summary:    •   After the high-voltage battery failed, the vehicle would not enter Neutral.    •   I had to use Tow Mode in the middle of a street on a hill to avoid blocking traffic.    •   Once in Tow Mode, the car could not enter Park and the emergency/parking brake would not engage.    •   The car became completely free-rolling, posing danger to myself, other drivers, and pedestrians.    •   When Tesla returned the car to my home, their technicians also could not get the vehicle into Park or activate any emergency braking system.    •   The car is currently stuck in Tow Mode in my driveway with physical objects placed behind the wheels to prevent it f

20251025ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The instrument panel went blank permanently posing a safety hazard due to loss of vehicle function status indicators such as speed, direction, gauges, warnings, and signaling.

20251024ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2013 Model S VIN [XXX] : 'Voltage sense open detected' poses shutdown risk on May 2021 replacement battery. Tesla claims 4-year warranty vs. standard 8-year; local service redirects without resolution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20250905ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Premature HV Battery BMS Failure After Tesla Replacement – Safety Risk of Fire and Sudden Power Loss

20250905POWER TRAIN

Premature HV Battery BMS Failure After Tesla Replacement – Safety Risk of Fire and Sudden Power Loss

20250721CrashSERVICE BRAKES

- Vehicle accelerated while I was pressing the brake on my 2013 Model S Tesla Car - My vehicle rammed into another vehicle waiting at the traffic light resulting in damage to both the cars as well trauma for the female driver in the other car - I see exact complaints have been filed by many others - Tesla has rejected these complaints and blamed it on the driver - There were no warning indications

20250706STRUCTURE:BODY

Front impact bumper separated from mount on one side due to rust. Noticed a noise from front of car when going over small bumps in the road. If we had been in an accident, the impact bumper would not have provided adequate protection for the passengers or vehicle components near the drivers front where the mount had separated from the bar. No other inspections have occurred. Pictures and info can also be found here: [XXX] Issue found during replacement of upper control arms. (image has an upper control arm that was removed from the same car at the same time with little/no rust) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20250630ENGINE

Complete engine failure. Car became disabled and unable to move. Upon investigation, this was drive unit failure due to coolant leaking past the seal. A common issue of Tesla Model S and X with the large drive unit. I believe that this is a design flaw and should be a class action type situation. Can you help?

20250617SUSPENSION

Driver's side rear control arm failure. The outside knuckle of the control arm cracked and is missing a portion. Tesla agrees this is SB-19-31-001 and will not repair without payment, due to the age of the vehicle. Vehicle has been serviced by Tesla multiple times without comment that this should be replaced.

20250124VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The contact owns a 2013 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the message "Take to Service" was displayed. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer by Tesla Insurance to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the drive unit was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure via email and a letter. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

20250124POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2013 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the message "Take to Service" was displayed. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer by Tesla Insurance to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the drive unit was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure via email and a letter. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

20250101SUSPENSION

When driving my vehicle the rear axle snapped causing the vehicle to fishtail. When checked by insurance company for repairs they found the Air suspension and rear axle snapped. It took out the air ride suspension, and bent 2 rims. It caused damage to the front fender as well as both interior wheel wells on the driver's side. Due to the suspension issue it caused a rock to come up and cracked windshield. The issue caused my vehicle to leave the road as I could not control the vehicle.

20250101STEERING

When driving my vehicle the rear axle snapped causing the vehicle to fishtail. When checked by insurance company for repairs they found the Air suspension and rear axle snapped. It took out the air ride suspension, and bent 2 rims. It caused damage to the front fender as well as both interior wheel wells on the driver's side. Due to the suspension issue it caused a rock to come up and cracked windshield. The issue caused my vehicle to leave the road as I could not control the vehicle.

Compare 2013TESLAMODEL S to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2013 TESLA MODEL S have?
The 2013 TESLA MODEL S has 661 NHTSA complaints, 61 crashes, 27 fires, 45 injuries, and 10 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2013 TESLA MODEL S?
The 2013 TESLA MODEL S received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 5/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2013 TESLA MODEL S?
Yes, the 2013 TESLA MODEL S has 11 recall(s). The most common affected component is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 TESLA MODEL S?
The most-complained component for the 2013 TESLA MODEL S is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 188 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and SUSPENSION.
Is the 2013 TESLA MODEL S safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2013 TESLA MODEL S has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.