82 of the
546 complaints about the 2014 Tesla Model S are about the
other systems — 15% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
60,000 miles.
D
82
Complaints
9
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Unknown OR Other
82100.0%
Other & Unspecified across every Tesla Model S year
Dashboard is leaking glue out the bottom center causing the computer screen and dash control panels to move. I'm not feeling safe driving as I'm not sure if they will drop down or stop functioning at any point. Tesla wants $1500 to fix, and I don't have that money being retired. How can Tesla glue their cars together, and it only last for about 10 yrs?? I feel like this is a safety issue that they should be fixing.
NHTSA complaint #11750141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orange, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This issue appears to be related to a known MCU failure affecting early Tesla Model S vehicles. The touchscreen exhibits screen melting/discoloration and eventually goes blank or becomes inoperative. When this occurs, critical functions including occupant detection indicators, seatbelt warnings, and windshield defrost controls may become unavailable. The loss of these functions creates potential safety risks involving visibility, occupant protection, and driver awareness while operating the vehicle."
NHTSA complaint #11744089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bay Point, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The rear door handle has failed and now the door pops open when parked.
NHTSA complaint #11720129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Walnut, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
After a high-voltage junction box repair performed by Tesla, the vehicle shut down 15 miles after leaving the service center. Tesla replaced the high-voltage harness at no cost but provided no explanation. After the HV harness replacement, new proximity/sensor alerts began triggering that were not present before their HV work. Multiple reasonable diagnostic procedures were refused, including bench-testing the sensors. Tesla is pressuring me to take possession of the vehicle without providing written confirmation that it is safe to operate following the HV system failure and subsequent replacement of HV components. I am concerned the vehicle may have unresolved high-voltage or wiring issues that could pose a safety hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11701015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bucharest, PR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The main touchscreen (MCU1) and instrument cluster on my 2014 Tesla Model S frequently freeze, reboot, or go blank while driving. When this happens, I lose access to defrost, turn signals, backup camera, and speed display. I contacted Tesla Service, but they refused to repair or replace the unit under recall EA20-003 or the extended warranty, even though the symptoms match the known eMMC 8GB memory failure. The black screen and frozen instrument cluster create a clear safety risk. Tesla should cover this issue under the recall or provide an equivalent MCU2 replacement if MCU1 parts are unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11695537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clarksville, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
the recirculation button takes 3 presses to engage/disengage or 1. sometimes 2. it's supposed to be an "intelligent" design. I'm sure there's software programming that determines when 2 presses are required vs 3 or 1 but to a driver it can be dangerous while focusing on the road. It should just be 1 press engages or disengages recirculation PERIOD just like other vehicles. Also, those buttons should be on the main page of the ipad screen. it shouldn't take opening 2-3 different pages on the screen to get to the recirculation button. Buttons that should be on the main page that you don't need to open several pages to get to: 1. recirculation button 2. AC button (it is a serious safety issue when trying to defrost on a humid day but it takes pressing several different buttons to get to the AC button that should just be out in the open like any other car. 3. suspension height (sometimes you need to quickly change for clearance and if distracted by opening several pages to get to the suspension button, it is a safety issue) All those buttons should be lined up on the far left edge of the screen closest to the driver and preferably towards the top. It's a serious safety issue to be distracted by fidgeting around on the screen to get to those buttons that are supposed to be "right there".
NHTSA complaint #11663654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Allows driving without speedometer, was just showing Tesla branding in place.
NHTSA complaint #11577698 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicles MCU storage files are 100% full, and unable to read or write new data.the caches and nodes to have been cleared several times to restore data storage and writing capabilities. 12v power resets have also been Performed as well as factory reset to eliminate potentially corrupt data and free storage space.while at Tesla they Reformatted gateway SD card. The Vehicle is still unable to take firmware update and unable to unlock vehicle gateway, therefore, a new key fob is not able to be programmed to vehicle. Tesla Tested vehicle app remote start capabilities and verified proper functionality. The tech had me uninstall then reinstall the Tesla mobile app, then pair phone to vehicle. They then informed me that a new Key fob will not be able to be paired to vehicle until infotainment upgrade is performed. no further repairs possible until info upgrade. To which that isn’t right and my car is inoperable for the second time because of this issue
NHTSA complaint #11571804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Topeka, KS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I ran out of wiper fluid. This is the 9th time I’ve had to pour a whole gallon of wiper fluid into this car in 289,309 miles. I’m starting to get really frustrated. Also, my friend keeps telling me I have to get the blinker fluid checked.
NHTSA complaint #11539597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Voorhees, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Air conditioning was stopped working 2x.
NHTSA complaint #11526738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Downey, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
As a concerned vehicle owner, I would like to draw your attention to the recent recall related to the front trunk hood of my vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, if the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash. This recall specifically impacts my vehicle, and I am deeply concerned about the safety risks it poses to me and other drivers on the road. While I understand that recalls are a common occurrence in the automotive industry, I believe that the responsible party should take full responsibility for addressing this issue and ensuring that all affected vehicles are repaired in a timely and effective manner. The safety of drivers and passengers should always be the top priority, and I strongly believe that the responsible party should bear the cost of repairing this potentially dangerous defect. I urge you to take immediate action to address this recall and ensure that my vehicle is repaired as soon as possible. I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to a prompt resolution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all drivers on the road." My hood latch unexpectedly has opened during a drive on the freeway and street. I almost crashed and had to pull over multiple times to get it fixed. There is an active recall for this vehicle 2014 tesla model s front hood latch, but apparently my vehicle does not qualify. Its a known issue and would like to speak to tesla to add this year and model to the recall and reimburse me for the charges.
NHTSA complaint #11518749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palo Alto, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
So this is actually a complaint about how an existing recall was processed - I’m not sure if this is the right place to submit, if not please let me know. My car is subject to EMMC recall and I had the recall service done at the dealer a week ago. When I picked up the car the touchscreen had bubbles and was leaking; they were not there when I brought it in. They claim that the touchscreen problem is age and temperature related and just a coincidence that it happened while in their service center. The cost to repair the touchscreen (which was fine before recall service) is $800+. It feels to me as though they are trying to surreptitiously charge $800+ for a recall that is supposed to be free, by damaging something else and denying responsibility.
NHTSA complaint #11514032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TXCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car was parked in a lot for 15 minutes and suddenly accelerated, jumping the curb and hitting a structure. The car seemed possessed.
NHTSA complaint #11504176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Banos, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Traveling on the interstate, car shut down unexpectedly at 70 mph in the fast lane was barely able to clear right most (slow) lane before car cut off, not even safely clearing the shoulder. Warning that brake and gas were both activated at same time which was not done by me. Insufficient time from warning until total failure less than 5 minutes, almost hit by diesel traveling northbound on I-5 Power reduced so no ability to use caution to warn surrounding drivers. Currently 5 months pregnant and this failure could have caused bodily injury to myself, unborn baby and others on the road. Tesla performed diagnosis and said that the internal rear drive unit failed and there were no symptoms, alert or prior indication besides unexpected power failure. There are quite a few complaints of drive unit failures with Tesla
NHTSA complaint #11502897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Both the main lcd computer screen and the speed display have leaked the liquid crystal fluid out from the displays due to high cabin heat even with the cabin heat protection feature enabled. This has been brought to teslas attention and they are requesting I pay $1750 to upgrade the entertainment system which replaces both screens but I have not asked for an upgraded entertainment system. I am asking that the flat lcd panels do not leak from heat in the first place !
NHTSA complaint #11496060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Menlo Park, CACrash1 injured4 killed
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On Hwy 156, a farm country road near Hollister, California, a motorist travelling immediately behind a white Tesla reported that the Tesla suddenly and inexplicably accelerated from 55 mph to 65 mph and crossed the double yellow lines. It made no apparent attempt to cross back into the original lane. In less than 3 seconds -- 170 feet by CHP ground measurement -- the Tesla collided head-on with a semi traveling in the opposite direction. All four occupants in the Tesla were killed instantly. The truck driver was injured, but not seriously. The four deceased occupants were my daughter (53), my twin granddaughters (14), and my grandson (12). According to the CHP report, all wore seat-belts. The airbag for the driver did not deploy, but the other three did. My grandson was ejected and dismembered but the other three were not. His seatbelt status is therefore questionable. Her grief-stricken and angry ex-husband, father of the three children, accused the driver of deliberately committing suicide and took the lives of the three children with her. Yet from the CHP investigation, the four had just enjoyed a pleasant outing in their favorite restaurant and shops for several hours with no sign of anyone distraught. The restaurant receipt shows no alcohol was consumed. They had texted people and showed nothing out of the ordinary. Forty minutes later, they all perished. Her mother and step-father, her boyfriend, her best friend, and other close acquaintances, were all surprised by her sudden death. No suicide note was found anywhere, not in her journal and not in her media posts. No despondent communication of any kind was conveyed to anyone. Her extreme devotion to the children would make her willfully taking their lives very uncharacteristic. If not suicide, what made the Tesla behave so strangely and deliberately? NHTSA has been investigating Tesla crashes involving sudden left turns into oncoming traffic. Please use your expertise and resources to investigate this.
NHTSA complaint #11491988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Osage Beach, MO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
During my ownership of the car I have experienced very severe issues with the door handles. in total I have replaced 5 door handles in just my ownership. Meaning that I have replaced the same door handle more than once. One particular instance I had an issue while I was on a job where both the door handles on the driver side failed at one time. One was a mechanical malfunction and the other was a software related problem. I ended having to climb across the car for 3 weeks before they could get me into my appointment. Tesla has the ability to fix the problem. They have stated several times to me that it is just an outdated door handle with poor parts that they used on the first generation. if you have a child locked in the car it could be a serious issue.
NHTSA complaint #11478000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesa, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The door handles on my car get excessively hot in warmer weather. My 7 year old daughter burnt her hand attempting to open the door. I’m unsure of what material they are made out of, however it is impossible to open without using something to put over them first. I will be getting a temperature on them today. I’ve never had this be an issue with any other vehicle previously.
NHTSA complaint #11475148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fountain Hills, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Driver's door handle does not function. When car is unlocked, the door handle pops out BUT the door will not open. I had this same issue two years ago with the front passenger door handle and see that this is a recall item on my model (S) for vehicles starting in year 2016. Don't know why the 2014 sedan is not included in this recall, as it should be. It is a safety concern.
NHTSA complaint #11465987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Etiwanda, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
noticed very loud HVAC fan noise when car trying to cool off battery during moderate to warm weather. taken to tesla service center found to have broken front vent louvers which were replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11453310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Puyallup, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle was part of the eMMc recall, we paid out of pocket, approved for reimbursement but Tesla refuses to actually pay
NHTSA complaint #11440969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dalton, GACrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We have owned this car for a couple of months. Today, when I pulled into a parking spot at my office, the car accelerated quickly as soon as I made the turn to get into the parking spot. It jumped the curb and I barely missed hitting the office building. My feet were not on the gas pedal, the car did this on its own. None of the sensors went off to warn me of the curb like it normally does too. You can see from the skid marks how hard I had to slam on the brakes. Car damaged on front, assuming the windshield wiper fluid line was also cut with the fluid on the ground. Pictures attached.
NHTSA complaint #11419332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesSAN Antonio, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
21V035 RECALL ID UNIT DID NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY FOR 5Y. WAS SUMMARILY DISMISSED BY TESLA SERVICE. FINALLY FAILED, PAID FOR REPAIR . THEN RECALL. NO REIMBURSEMENT DESPITE CLAIM MADE MONTHS AND MONTHS AGO. WAS A MAJOR HAZARD FROM FIRST YEAR. VERY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #11414068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesWestlake Hills, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY VEHICLE HAS HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE MULITMEDIACARD (EMMC) FOR YEARS. I HAVE ALL THE DOCUMENTATION FROM PREVIOUS REPORTS. I WAS NOTIFIED FINALLY BY TESLA THAT A RECALL IS UNDERWAY, BUT THEY HAVE NOT SCHEDULED THE REPAIR, AND WHEN I ENTER MY VIN NUMBER ON TESLA'S VIN RECALL SEARCH, I GET THIS MESSAGE ERROR LOOKING UP VIN. ERROR CODE 91". THERE IS NO WAY TO CALL TESLA, AS THEY REQUIRE PEOPLE TO SCHEDULE IN THE APP. BUT THERE IS NO WAY TO SCHEDULE THIS SERVICE IN THE APP AT THIS TIME. MY CAR SPONTANEOUSLY BLACKS OUT WHILE I AM DRIVING AND SEVERAL OF THE INTENDED FUNCTIONS DO NOT WORK 100% OF THE TIME. I AM BECOMING CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING THIS CAR AT ALL. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP?
NHTSA complaint #11413560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,884 milesDiamond BAR, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DUE TO THE RECENT RECALL OF THE 2014 TESLA MODAL S COMPUTER SCREEN. I HAVE PAID OVER $3,700 DOLLARS TO REPLACE MY SCREEN AND NOW TESLA WROTE AN EMAIL SAYS THEY WILL NOT REIMBURSE ME FOR THE SCREEN. MY TESLA MODAL S COMPUTER DID NOT TURN ON AND CANNOT CONTROL ANY FUNCTION OF THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11413204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,500 milesLOS Gatos, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY 2014 MODEL S TESLA ONLY HAS 61,000 MILES ON IT. YET THE MCU CONTINUALLY FREEZES AND CRASHES. ESPECIALLY ON LONG TRIPS. TESLA CLAIMS MY 8GB EMMC IN THE MCU IS NOT MALFUNCTIONING DUE TO ACCUMULATED WEAR. BUT THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE WHAT IS WRONG. I READ THE JAN 13TH NHTSA RECALL WITH INTEREST. ALTHOUGH THE SYMPTOMS ARE SIMILAR, EXCESS "READ/WRITES" OF THE EMMC CHIP DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM IN MY MCU. THERE ARE OTHER REASONS THAT THE MCU IN MY 2014 TESLA S IS MALFUNCTIONING AND CRASHING. I HAVE VIDEOS TO SHOW THE PROBLEM BUT I CANNOT LOAD VIDEOS ON THIS SITE.
NHTSA complaint #11403361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oxnard, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE TOUCHSCREEN OF MY TESLA IS LEAKING THE GLUE THAT IS BETWEEN THE GLASS TOUCHSCREEN. THE GLUE STARTED AS LITTLE AIR BUBBLES, THEN HAS GROWN TO HALF THE SCREEN. IT CONTINUALLY LEAKS ONTO THE CENTER CONSUL. FROM A GOOGLE SEARCH, IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH OLDER TESLA'S.
NHTSA complaint #11399537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,800 milesRockville, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAVE HAD REPEATED FAILURES RELATED TO THE MAIN DISPLAY (MCU) ON MY TESLA MODEL S, INCLUDED FAILURE TO START WHEN THE CAR WAS POWERED UP, "CRASHING" DURING DRIVING, "LOCKING" OR "FREEZING" OF ENTERTAINMENT SCREENS ONTO THE DISPLAY THAT REMAIN EVEN WHILE DRIVING, AND SLOW RESPONSE TO INSTRUCTIONS. IT WAS INITIALLY REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY WITH A REMANUFACTURED MCU1 UNIT IN FEBRUARY 2020. THE CAR CONTINUED TO HAVE PROBLEMS AND I SCHEDULED SERVICE TWO MORE TIMES DURING 2020 AND TESLA REFUSED TO REPLACE THE HARDWARE EACH TIME. THEY SAID THEY "CLEARED THE MEMORY" AND "RESET THE FIRMWARE". THIS SOLVED THE IMMEDIATE PROBLEMS BUT THE PROBLEMS RETURNED, SOMETIMES WITHIN DAYS. I HAVE HEARD ANECDOTALLY THAT TESLA REDUCED DATA LOGGING TO TRY AND PRESERVE THE LIFE OF THESE UNITS; IRONICALLY, I BELIEVE, THIS RESULTS IN TESLA SAYING THERE WAS NOTHING LOGGED AND THUS REFUSING TO REPLACE THE HARDWARE. IN JANUARY OF 2021, OUT OF CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF MY CAR, I PAID $2500 TO UPGRADE FROM MCU1 TO MCU2 BASED ON STAFF SAYING THAT WOULD SOLVE MY PROBLEMS. IT HAS NOT. IN THE 10 DAYS SINCE THE UPGRADE, IT HAS "CRASHED" 2 MORE TIMES WHILE DRIVING AND "FROZE" PART OF THE DISPLAY ANOTHER TIME WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE LOST UNEXPECTEDLY : NAVIGATION IN THE MIDDLE OF A COMPLICATED INTERCHANGE, THE REAR CAMERA NEEDED TO REVERSE SAFELY, MANY CONTROLS INCLUDING LIGHTS, HEATING, AC, AND CHARGING. WITH THE MCU2 CRASH, I ALSO LOST THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY (E.G. SPEED). FINALLY, THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DISPLAY OF THE REAR CAMERA IN MCU2 (THE REAR CAMERA IS THE SAME) IS BAD - AT NIGHT THE DISPLAY IS SO DARK IT IS ALMOST USELESS. THIS IS A STEP BACKWARDS. I HAVE BEEN REPEATEDLY TOLD AN IMPENDING FIRMWARE UPDATE WILL FIX THE PROBLEMS. I HAVE RECEIVED SEVERAL UPDATES, BUT NONE FIXED THE PROBLEMS. THE ATTACHED PHOTO IS THE MOST RECENT CRASH OF THE NEW MCU2.
NHTSA complaint #11391066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesWA, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TWO PROBLEMS: MY CAR IS GIVING OFF WARNINGS ABOUT THE SUSPENSION. AND SO FAR TESLA REFUSES TO FIX IT EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY. 2) THE CENTER CONTROL UNIT IS SLOWING DOWN AND SOME OF THE FUNCTIONS AREN'T WORKING. SO FOR EXAMPLE, MY BACKUP CAMERA WOULD NOT COME ON TODAY. AGAIN TESLA IS REFUSING TO FIX THIS AND SUGGESTING THAT I WAIT FIRMWARE FIX. AND THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR THE BETTER PART OF A YEAR.
NHTSA complaint #11390424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,547 milesWest Bridgewater, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
IN 2019 MY MAIN COMPUTER SCREEN WENT BLANK.AND DIDN'T COME BACK ON. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE BUT HAD NO DEFOGGER OR OTHER SAFETY FEATURES. TESLA REPLACED AN MCU COMPUTER MODULE. IT HAPPENED AGAIN IN 2020. I BROUGHT IT BACK JANUARY 14 2021 AND INSTEAD OF REPLACING THE UNIT WITH A 64 GB UNIT (THE ORIGINAL WAS A 6 GB UNIT) THEY EMPTIED OUT SOME INFORMATION TO MAKE MORE ROOM. I SEE THIS AS A TEMPORARY FIX.I AM NOT CONFIDENT THIS WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN. MY CAR IS STILL UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY.
NHTSA complaint #11388591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.