Owners have filed 78 complaints
about the 2024 Tesla Model S with NHTSA between 2024 and 2026.
The largest single group is the driver assist & collision avoidance.
Across this model's run it ranks 13 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 10
Against the median year of the Tesla Model S. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 26
5.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Assist
1742.5%
Warning
1537.5%
Software
25.0%
Adaptive Cruise Control
25.0%
Emergency Mechanical Release
12.5%
Adas
12.5%
Software
12.5%
Latch
12.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2024peak 30Apr 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2024 Tesla Model S
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
4
investigations are
still open.
EA26002Opened 18 Mar 2026Still openELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening this Engineering Analysis to evaluate Tesla’s Full Self Driving Beta and Full Self Driving (Supervised) (collectively, FSD) degradation detection system. The focus of this investigation will be to assess the system’s ability, when encountering reduced roadway visibility conditions, to detect degradation and alert the driver with sufficient time to respond. ODI will evaluate the performance of FSD in degraded roadway conditions and the updates or modifications by Tesla to the degradation detection system, including the timing, purpose, and ca...
PE25012Opened 7 Oct 2025Still openELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS
Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged
The Office of Defects Investigation (“ODI”) is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of FSD executing driving maneuvers that constitute traffic safety violations. This investigation concerns versions of FSD that Tesla has labeled as "FSD (Supervised)" and "FSD (Beta)." Tesla characterizes FSD as an SAE Level 2 partial automation system requiring a fully attentive driver who is engaged in the driving task at all times. Level 2 partial automation systems are designed to support and assist the driver in performing certain aspects...
AQ25002Opened 20 Aug 2025Still openELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS
Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements
The Office of Defects Investigation (“ODI”) has identified numerous incident reports submitted by Tesla, Inc. (“Tesla”) in response to Standing General Order 2021-01 (the “SGO”), in which the reported crashes occurred several months or more before the dates of the reports. The majority of these reports involved crashes in which the Standing General Order in place at the time required a report to be submitted within one or five days of Tesla receiving notice of the crash. When the reports were submitted, Tesla submitted them in one of two ways. Many of the reports were submitted as part of a si...
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening a Recall Query to assess the remedy adequacy of Recall 23V838. On December 12, 2023, Tesla filed a Defect Information Report (Recall 23V838) applicable to all Tesla models produced and equipped with any version of its Autopilot system, which Tesla described as an SAE Level 2 (L2) Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Autopilot is the simultaneous engagement of Tesla’s Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) and Autosteer. In describing the safety defect, Tesla’s Defect Information Report (DIR) explained that “the prominence and scope of the...
PE24033Opened 6 Jan 2025Closed 3 Apr 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING
Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.
On January 6, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation 24003 (PE24033) to investigate Actually Smart Summon (Summon) sessions resulting in crashes during active sessions. According to Tesla, Summon is a short-distance SAE Level 2 system, controlled by the user from a cell phone within a certain distance and intended for use in parking lots and on private property. ODI analyzed complaint data provided by Tesla as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers to identify Summon incidents resulting in crashes. ODI's analysis indicates that almost all Sum...
PE24031Opened 17 Oct 2024Closed 18 Mar 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
On October 17, 2024, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24031) of Tesla’s Full Self Driving Beta and Full Self Driving (Supervised) (collectively, FSD) to assess: the ability of the FSD system to detect and respond appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions; whether any other FSD crashes had occurred under degraded roadway visibility conditions that are similar in nature to the four SGO-reported crashes identified in the opening document, and if so, the contributing circumstances for each of those crashes; and any updates or modificatio...
Recalls on the 2024 Tesla Model S
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
25V172000
AIR BAGS
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.
Risk: An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
25V002000
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
24V967000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:CUSHION
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Risk: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
24V554000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
Risk: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
24V376000
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 requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
23V743000
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and Model X vehicles. An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering wheel was replaced with a different style of yoke or steering wheel.
Risk: An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202500224,733 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the computer circuit board to short circuit. If this happens, the rearview camera image may not display. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse gear. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Tesla has released an over-the-air software update to fix this problem. Tesla will notify owners by email. Tesla will also identify vehicles in which the computer circuit board experienced a short circuit, or damage that could lead to a short circuit, prior to the release of software versions 2024.44.25.3, 2024.45.25.6 or a later release. If your vehicle is identified, you will be advised to contact Tesla Service to replace the car computer.
Recall 202478423 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, the driver-front airbag may have been damaged during assembly. As a result, the airbag may not inflate properly in a crash. Safety Risk: An airbag that doesn't inflate properly could create an increased risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: Tesla will notify owners by email and advise you to contact Tesla Service to arrange for an inspection and, if necessary, the replacement of the driver-front airbag.
Recall 2024427179,752 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: On certain vehicles, the hood latch assembly could fail and cause the unlatched hood warning not to display on the instrument panel. As a result, you may not be aware that the hood isn't latched properly. If this happens, the hood could open suddenly while driving. Safety Risk: A hood that opens suddenly while driving can block the driver's view and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Tesla will notify affected owners by email. Tesla has released an over-the-air software update to fix this issue. There is no further action required if your vehicle has software release 2024.20.3 or a later release.
Recall 20242989,435 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Issue: On certain vehicles, the seat belt reminder chime and visual warning may not work when you start the vehicle and your seat belt is not buckled. Canadian regulations require both a seat belt reminder sound and visual telltale when a driver is not wearing their seat belt. Safety Risk: A seat belt warning that doesn't work correctly may not remind you to buckle your seat belt. Not wearing your seat belt can increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: Tesla will notify owners by email and supply an over-the-air software update to activate the seat belt reminder chime and visual warning.
Recall 2024283109,791 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Issue: A previous over-the-air (OTA) software update could cause the vehicle not to display the correct visual warning indicators when there are problems with the brake system or when the parking brake is applied. As a result, the BRAKE, PARK, and antilock brake system (ABS) visual indicators would display as text instead of symbols. Safety Risk: While there is a low risk to safety, Canadian regulations require visual warnings to use common symbols, instead of words, to avoid driver confusion. Corrective Actions: Tesla will notify affected owners by email. Tesla has released an over-the-air software update to fix this problem. There is no further action required if your vehicle has software release 2024.3.25, 2024.14.5, or a release later than 2024.14.5.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
San Francisco, CACrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When parked behind another parallel parked car with no one behind me, it Auto shifted into drive instead of reverse which caused me to collide into the parked car infront of me.
NHTSA complaint #11646100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CA1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was using summon to pull my car forward out of the parking spot and when I let go of the button the car continue driving forward indefinitely until I chased it down and touch the door handle
NHTSA complaint #11642295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was using summon to pull my car forward out of the parking spot and when I let go of the button the car continue driving forward indefinitely until I chased it down and touch the door handle
NHTSA complaint #11642295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesLos Angeles, CACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2024 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while making a right turn, in self-driving mode, the vehicle began accelerating inadvertently and crashed into the front driver area of the other vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. There were no injuries and medical attention was not needed. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
NHTSA complaint #11640433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
San Rafael, CA
WHEELS
2024 Tesla Model S. Repeated rear tire and rear wheel failures with abnormal wear and possible rear alignment or suspension-related defect. Tesla service history shows repeated rear tire replacements beginning at about 5,165 miles, a later four-wheel alignment, a right rear tire replacement for uneven tire wear under the basic vehicle warranty at about 21,594 miles, a documented bent left rear wheel at about 27,047 miles, a left rear wheel replacement due to crack after a low-pressure/PULL OVER SAFELY alert at about 30,489 miles, and then a right rear tire blowout at about 38,358 miles. In the same March 12, 2026 service record, Tesla also noted inner sidewall damage on the opposite rear tire. Concern is an unresolved recurring rear tire, wheel, alignment, or suspension defect creating blowout risk and unsafe operation. Tesla has replaced tires and wheels but has not identified or corrected the root cause.
NHTSA complaint #11732580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Rafael, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2024 Tesla Model S. Repeated rear tire and rear wheel failures with abnormal wear and possible rear alignment or suspension-related defect. Tesla service history shows repeated rear tire replacements beginning at about 5,165 miles, a later four-wheel alignment, a right rear tire replacement for uneven tire wear under the basic vehicle warranty at about 21,594 miles, a documented bent left rear wheel at about 27,047 miles, a left rear wheel replacement due to crack after a low-pressure/PULL OVER SAFELY alert at about 30,489 miles, and then a right rear tire blowout at about 38,358 miles. In the same March 12, 2026 service record, Tesla also noted inner sidewall damage on the opposite rear tire. Concern is an unresolved recurring rear tire, wheel, alignment, or suspension defect creating blowout risk and unsafe operation. Tesla has replaced tires and wheels but has not identified or corrected the root cause.
NHTSA complaint #11732580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Rafael, CA
SUSPENSION
2024 Tesla Model S. Repeated rear tire and rear wheel failures with abnormal wear and possible rear alignment or suspension-related defect. Tesla service history shows repeated rear tire replacements beginning at about 5,165 miles, a later four-wheel alignment, a right rear tire replacement for uneven tire wear under the basic vehicle warranty at about 21,594 miles, a documented bent left rear wheel at about 27,047 miles, a left rear wheel replacement due to crack after a low-pressure/PULL OVER SAFELY alert at about 30,489 miles, and then a right rear tire blowout at about 38,358 miles. In the same March 12, 2026 service record, Tesla also noted inner sidewall damage on the opposite rear tire. Concern is an unresolved recurring rear tire, wheel, alignment, or suspension defect creating blowout risk and unsafe operation. Tesla has replaced tires and wheels but has not identified or corrected the root cause.
NHTSA complaint #11732580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesMeridian, ID
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2024 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that after an update was performed over the air (OTA), the scroll option changed, and the contact was unable to control the speed of the vehicle. There was no longer a maximum speed limit. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
NHTSA complaint #11709357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesMeridian, ID
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
The contact owns a 2024 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that after an update was performed over the air (OTA), the scroll option changed, and the contact was unable to control the speed of the vehicle. There was no longer a maximum speed limit. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
NHTSA complaint #11709357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The design of the emergency opening (No power to normal opening system) of the rear passenger doors is flawed, unsafe and should never have been approved for production. This rear door emergency opening requires an occupant to reach below the seat, remove carpet and pull a manual release cable. During a fire with smoke in the passenger compartment, an occupant may not be able to visually locate the release cable, and has a much higher chance of becoming incapacitated and dying from smoke inhalation, as demonstrated in a Tesla Cybertruck accident with multiple smoke inhalation deaths in California Thanksgiving 2024. Another potential scenario is a frontal impact causing a front seat to move rearward, reducing the floorboard space between the front seat and access to the carpet and release cable. This system needs to be redesigned for this vehicle. If I had known about this system prior to purchase, it would have negatively impacted my buying decision.
NHTSA complaint #11691293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Durham, NC
STEERING
Sometimes while making ordinary and safe traffic maneuvers the Lane Departure Warning system sometimes emits a very loud, distracting, and startling emergency chime. In particular it does this while turning into parking garages or driveways, which are already high-workload moments with high likelihood of nearby pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.
NHTSA complaint #11687621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Durham, NC
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Sometimes while making ordinary and safe traffic maneuvers the Lane Departure Warning system sometimes emits a very loud, distracting, and startling emergency chime. In particular it does this while turning into parking garages or driveways, which are already high-workload moments with high likelihood of nearby pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.
NHTSA complaint #11687621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairfax, VA
SEAT BELTS
My car is displaying a message that the "Front left safety restraint issue". Airbags are off. brought the car in for service, they said they fixed some low voltage pin. Less than a week later the message appeared again. Tesla did not take this issue seriously -- I'm driving around with no airbags? The next available appointment is a month out for Tesla. I've uploaded my Tesla invoice where they fixed it and a photo from today when the message is back again.
NHTSA complaint #11676291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairfax, VA
AIR BAGS
My car is displaying a message that the "Front left safety restraint issue". Airbags are off. brought the car in for service, they said they fixed some low voltage pin. Less than a week later the message appeared again. Tesla did not take this issue seriously -- I'm driving around with no airbags? The next available appointment is a month out for Tesla. I've uploaded my Tesla invoice where they fixed it and a photo from today when the message is back again.
NHTSA complaint #11676291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Today while driving the screen behind the driver steering wheel suddenly shut off and went black. I was unable to see if I am in Drive or reverse or what my speed is.
NHTSA complaint #11647092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Today while driving the screen behind the driver steering wheel suddenly shut off and went black. I was unable to see if I am in Drive or reverse or what my speed is.
NHTSA complaint #11647092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While FSD was engaged. It made a sudden aggressive, swerving maneuver with no warning towards the cars next to us, sounded alarms, and then forcefully disengaged nearly causing an accident
NHTSA complaint #11645936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CACrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When parked behind another parallel parked car with no one behind me, it Auto shifted into drive instead of reverse which caused me to collide into the parked car infront of me.
NHTSA complaint #11646100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CA
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
While FSD was engaged. It made a sudden aggressive, swerving maneuver with no warning towards the cars next to us, sounded alarms, and then forcefully disengaged nearly causing an accident
NHTSA complaint #11645936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Speed offset is set to 10% but it keeps setting the max speed 40% higher, and then furthermore exceeds this max speed
NHTSA complaint #11645730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Speed offset is set to 10% but it keeps setting the max speed 40% higher, and then furthermore exceeds this max speed
NHTSA complaint #11645730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When turning right from [XXX] onto [XXX] using my blinker, it sounded three beeps and jerked the wheel left towards the pedestrians in the crosswalk and the turning cars coming from [XXX] onto [XXX]. I was allegedly driving manually, but the car decided to override my input autonomously. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11644993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When driving it randomly displayed a message that it’s turning AC on automatically to “prevent fogging” which created fogging and reduced visibility to zero.
NHTSA complaint #11644996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CA
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
When turning right from [XXX] onto [XXX] using my blinker, it sounded three beeps and jerked the wheel left towards the pedestrians in the crosswalk and the turning cars coming from [XXX] onto [XXX]. I was allegedly driving manually, but the car decided to override my input autonomously. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11644993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
It randomly turned the AC on automatically “to prevent fogging” which actually caused fogging and panic
NHTSA complaint #11644086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CA1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was using summon to pull my car forward out of the parking spot and when I let go of the button the car continue driving forward indefinitely until I chased it down and touch the door handle
NHTSA complaint #11642295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was using summon to pull my car forward out of the parking spot and when I let go of the button the car continue driving forward indefinitely until I chased it down and touch the door handle
NHTSA complaint #11642295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After updating to FSD 13.2.7 yesterday the vehicle turns left at a particular intersection and then drives on the left side of the road the wrong side of the road. Issue has been present for several versions and has been reported repeatedly.
NHTSA complaint #11642298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesLos Angeles, CACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2024 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while making a right turn, in self-driving mode, the vehicle began accelerating inadvertently and crashed into the front driver area of the other vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. There were no injuries and medical attention was not needed. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
NHTSA complaint #11640433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.