Model year
2012 Tesla Model S
NHTSA lists 8 recalls and 61 complaints for the 2012 Tesla Model S (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (37), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12), SUSPENSION (9). NHTSA lists 8 investigations, including 3 investigations with no close date in the file. No NHTSA 5-star rating in the SafetyRatings API is matched to this model year. EPA rates it 89 MPGe combined and 38 kWh/100 mi (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $850, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2012 61 complaints
- 2013 461 complaints
- 2014 366 complaints
- 2015 668 complaints
- 2016 649 complaints
- 2017 428 complaints
- 2018 170 complaints
- 2019 44 complaints
- 2020 80 complaints
- 2021 179 complaints
- 2022 139 complaints
- 2023 114 complaints
- 2024 38 complaints
- 2025 6 complaints
- 2026 7 complaints
Recalls
24V376000 · May 28, 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…
24V051000 · Jan 30, 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…
23V838000 · Dec 12, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING: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…
21V035000 · Jan 29, 2021
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL; 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…
18V204000 · Mar 29, 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…
17V260000 · Apr 19, 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.
17V023000 · Jan 10, 2017
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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…
15V780000 · Nov 23, 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.
Complaints
61 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 4, fire flag on 1, injury field 6, deaths field 1. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP19005 | Battery Management Software Updates · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM):SOFTWARE;… | Oct 1, 2019 | Sep 28, 2021 |
| PE20010 | Loss of rearview camera · BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL | Jun 22, 2020 | Nov 22, 2020 |
| EA20003 | Loss of rearview camera · BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL;… | Nov 12, 2020 | May 2, 2024 |
| EA21002 | Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE | Sep 17, 2021 | No close date in the file |
| EA22002 | Autopilot System Driver Controls · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Jun 8, 2022 | Apr 25, 2024 |
| DP22005 | Pedestrian alert sounds · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM | Jan 27, 2023 | Aug 7, 2023 |
2 more actions are in the file and are not listed in this table.
Safety ratings
No NHTSA 5-star rating in the Safety Ratings API is matched to this model year.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model S · Automatic (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 88 | 90 | 89 | 38.0 | 265 | $850 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2012 Tesla Model S at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.