Model year
2018 Tesla Model S
NHTSA lists 11 recalls and 170 complaints for the 2018 Tesla Model S (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are UNKNOWN OR OTHER (36), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (32), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (31). NHTSA lists 17 investigations, including 6 investigations with no close date in the file. NHTSA lists crash-test variants for this model year and marks the overall rating Not Rated. EPA rates it 98–103 MPGe combined and 32.6–34.6 kWh/100 mi depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $750–$800, 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…
24V153000 · Feb 27, 2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
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…
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…
23V085000 · Feb 15, 2023
STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING
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…
22V818000 · Nov 1, 2022
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.
22V169000 · Mar 18, 2022
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S, Model X, and 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles equipped with Autopilot Computer 2.5 and operating certain firmware releases. The rearview image may not immediately display when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these…
22V037000 · Jan 27, 2022
STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop…
21V00B000 · Dec 21, 2021
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number…
21V846000 · Oct 29, 2021
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE:SOFTWARE; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC…
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake…
1 more recalls are in the NHTSA file for this name and are not listed here. Campaign numbers above link to NHTSA.
Complaints
170 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 36, fire flag on 3, injury field 21, deaths field 0. 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 |
| DP20001 | Sudden Unintended Acceleration · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY; ELECTRICAL… | Jan 13, 2020 | Jan 8, 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 |
| PE21020 | Autopilot & First Responder Scenes · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS | Aug 13, 2021 | Jun 8, 2022 |
| 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 |
11 more actions are in the file and are not listed in this table.
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P100D 5 HB AWD | Not rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | 5 · possibility 0.057 | — |
| P90D 5 HB AWD | Not rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | 5 · possibility 0.057 | — |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model S 75kWh · Automatic (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 97 | 100 | 98 | 34.2 | 249 | $750 |
| Model S 75D · Automatic (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 102 | 105 | 103 | 32.6 | 259 | $750 |
| Model S 100D · Automatic (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 101 | 102 | 102 | 33.2 | 335 | $750 |
| Model S P100D · Automatic (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 92 | 105 | 98 | 34.6 | 315 | $800 |
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 2018 Tesla Model S at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.