2014 Tesla Model S Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 132 2 crash 5 fire 2 injury 2 death

“REPORTEDLY: ON 5-8-18 ABOUT 7 PM IN FORT LAUDERDALE FLORIDA ALONG THE 1300 BLOCK OF SEABREEZE BOULEVARD; TWO TEENAGERS WERE TRAPPED AND BURNED TO DEATH AFTER CRASHING A TESLA MODEL S. A THIRD TEENAGER WAS EJECTED AND SERIOUSLY INJURED. IT WAS A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT. EXCESSIVE SPEED IS THOUGHT TO BE A FACTOR. FRIENDS OF THE VICTIMS WERE FOLLOWING THE TESLA IN ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND SAID THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES PREVENTING WOULD BE RESCUERS FROM PULLING THE TRAPPED TEENAGERS FROM THE VEHICLE. ONLOOKERS WATCHED THEIR VICTIMS STRUGGLE AS THEY BURNED TO DEATH. THERE IS VIDEO OF THE TRAPPED V…”
NHTSA complaint #11092655, 2018 · crash · fire · 2 death(s)

“The contact owns a 2014 Tesla Model S. The contact noticed that there was acid leaking from the vehicle onto the contact’s foot causing the foot to burn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the screen seal failed which cause the screen to leak and both screens needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11444576, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“Three separate reports from car to Tesla: Traction Control Disabled Stability Control Disabled Automatic Emergency Braking Disabled Two hours later my car caught on fire while parked at my home. It was declared a total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #11545459, 2023 · fire

Suspension 90 29 crash 1 fire 6 injury 5 death

“Please note that this complaint is about a fatal crash involving a 2014 Tesla Model S but because I do not know the VIN I have used the VIN of a wrecked car in a junkyard. Please also note that I have supplied my full name and contact details in this submission but I have used a dummy USA address to satisfy your website requirements. I have been informed that is OK for a non-Tesla owner and a non-US resident to file a complaint particularly when it is regarding a defect that is a danger to the public. There has been a quadruple fatality crash today in which a Tesla veered into the front of an…”
NHTSA complaint #11479483, 2022 · crash · 4 death(s)

“HERE IS A TESLA IN THE JUNKYARD: HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLE?ITEMID=27142707&ROWNUMBER=46&LOADRECENT=TRUE IT HAS BEEN IN A MASSIVE COLLISION. IT HAS BIO-HAZARD STICKERS AND JUDGING BY THE CONDITION OF THE WRECK IT IS ALMOST CERTAIN THAT PEOPLE HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE FRONT END IS COMPLETELY SMASHED UP BUT THE BACK RH WHEEL AND SUSPENSION HAS COMPLETELY FALLEN OFF EVEN THOUGH THERE IS ZERO IMPACT DAMAGE TO THAT PART OF THE CAR. GIVEN THE LARGE NUMBER OF REPORTS THAT HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED TO NHTSA SHOWING STRONG EVIDENCE THAT TESLAS HAVE FREQUENT SUSPENSION FAILURES IT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED…”
NHTSA complaint #11062854, 2017 · crash · 1 death(s)

“HERE IS A TESLA IN THE WRECKING YARD HTTPS://M.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETENC.ASPX?AUCTIONID=0&ITEMID=22737590&ROWID=16&PAGESOURCE=VEHICLERESULTS# IT HAS BEEN IN A HEAVY FRONT END COLLISION BUT THE REAR END OF THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN HIT. THE ENTIRE LH BACK SUSPENSION HAS SNAPPED OFF AND IS LYING ON THE GROUND. THE BROKEN SUSPENSION LINKAGES CAN CLEARLY BE SEEN. THE WHEEL AND TIRE ARE UNDAMAGED THIS IS JUST ONE OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF TESLAS THAT HAVE HAD SIMILAR FAILURES OF THE FRONT OR REAR SUSPENSIONS. THE ALLOY COMPONENTS ARE OBVIOUSLY NOT STRONG ENOUGH FOR THE WEIGHT AND POWER OF THIS VEHICL…”
NHTSA complaint #10895795, 2016 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

Unknown Or Other 82 9 crash 1 fire 3 injury 6 death

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11491988, 2022 · crash · 4 death(s)

“REPORTEDLY: ON 5-8-18 ABOUT 7 PM IN FORT LAUDERDALE FLORIDA ALONG THE 1300 BLOCK OF SEABREEZE BOULEVARD; TWO TEENAGERS WERE TRAPPED AND BURNED TO DEATH AFTER CRASHING A TESLA MODEL S. A THIRD TEENAGER WAS EJECTED AND SERIOUSLY INJURED. IT WAS A SINGLE CAR ACCIDENT. EXCESSIVE SPEED IS THOUGHT TO BE A FACTOR. FRIENDS OF THE VICTIMS WERE FOLLOWING THE TESLA IN ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND SAID THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES PREVENTING WOULD BE RESCUERS FROM PULLING THE TRAPPED TEENAGERS FROM THE VEHICLE. ONLOOKERS WATCHED THEIR VICTIMS STRUGGLE AS THEY BURNED TO DEATH. THERE IS VIDEO OF THE TRAPPED V…”
NHTSA complaint #11092655, 2018 · crash · fire · 2 death(s)

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE 15N FREEWAY ABOUT 1 MILE SOUTH OF THE HW 78 ON FEB 10 2020 AT APROX 07:30AM. I HAD AUTOPILOT ENGAGED AND I WAS DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE (NOT CHANGING LANES) AT NORMAL FREEWAY SPEEDS, SUDDENLY I WAS SPINNING OUT AND HIT THE RIGHT SIDE WALL OF THE FREEWAY TOTALING MY CAR. UNFORTUNATELY I DON'T HAVE A CLEAR MEMORY OF HOW THE EVENT STARTED, I JUST REMEMBER RUNNING IN AUTOPILOT ON MY WAY TO WORK THEN SPINNING OUT AND HITTING THE WALL. ONCE THE EVENT STARTED IT WAS UNRECOVERABLE, AND WAS OVER IN A FEW SECONDS.”
NHTSA complaint #11309000, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Exterior Lighting 27 1 crash

“MY TESLA DID AN UNCOMMANDED ACCELERATION, JUMPED THE CURB AND HIT A CHICK-FIL-A RESTAURANT ON 9/04/2019: 1) FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, I AM 100% CERTAIN THAT I DID NOT TOUCH THE ACCELERATOR OR IN ANY WAY CAUSE THE UNCOMMANDED AND UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE DRIVEN CARS AND TRUCKS WELL OVER A MILLION MILES AND NEVER ONCE ACCIDENTALLY PRESSED AN ACCELERATOR OR JUMPED A CURB WHEN PARKING. 2) I HAVE BEEN DRIVING MY TESLA DAILY FOR FOUR MONTHS AND I AM VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE VEHICLE AND IT'S SYSTEMS AND CONTROLS. I AM ALSO VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE SPECIFIC PARKING…”
NHTSA complaint #11302849, 2019 · crash

“Motor suddenly failed after a required update while driving, nearly causing a crash with multiple commercial vehicles and pedestrians, leaving brake lights dangerously always on and alarm sounding, killed 12v as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11735218, 2026

“I am the current owner of a 2014 Tesla Model S equipped with MCU1. While driving, including at freeway speeds, the center touchscreen has rebooted unexpectedly, showing only the Tesla logo before recovering. During these reboots, critical vehicle functions are unavailable, including the rearview camera, HVAC/defrost controls, and other essential features. This failure matches the exact safety defect described in NHTSA Recall 21V-035 related to the MCU/eMMC failure. I reported this safety issue to Tesla Service and provided photo evidence of the screen rebooting while driving. Tesla has refus…”
NHTSA complaint #11705673, 2025

Power Train 27 1 crash 1 injury

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY GOING APPROXIMATELY 60MPH WHEN I SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL ON A SLIGHT TURN TO TRANSFER FREEWAYS. I SWIPED INTO THE RIGHT FREEWAY WALL AND SPUN OUT DOING A COMPLETE 180 AND ENDED UP ON THE LEFT FREEWAY WALL. I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND HOW I LOST CONTROL WHEN I WAS NOT GOING THAT FAST, AND THE TURN WAS NOT AT ALL ABRUPT NOR SEVERE IN ANGLE. THE SIDE AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED, AND WHEN I EXITED THE VEHICLE, THE REAR RIGHT TIRE AND AXLE WAS COMPLETELY DISLODGED. I NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT, AND I COULDN'T UNDERSTAND HOW THAT WOULD HAPPEN.”
NHTSA complaint #10874898, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Motor suddenly failed after a required update while driving, nearly causing a crash with multiple commercial vehicles and pedestrians, leaving brake lights dangerously always on and alarm sounding, killed 12v as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11735218, 2026

“**Incident / Defect Description for NHTSA Safety Complaint** **Vehicle Information** - Make: Tesla - Model: Model S - Year: 2014 - VIN: [XXX] - Approximate Mileage: 148,129 miles - Date of Discovery / Failure: 04/23/2026 **Description of the Defect** This vehicle is equipped with Tesla’s Large Drive Unit (LDU / rear drive unit), which was used in the majority of 2012–early 2020 Model S vehicles (RWD and Performance models). The LDU design routes coolant through the hollow rotor shaft. Over time, the rotor seal fails and allows ethylene glycol coolant to leak internally into the mot…”
NHTSA complaint #11734270, 2026

Steering 27 5 crash 1 injury 4 death

“Please note that this complaint is about a fatal crash involving a 2014 Tesla Model S but because I do not know the VIN I have used the VIN of a wrecked car in a junkyard. Please also note that I have supplied my full name and contact details in this submission but I have used a dummy USA address to satisfy your website requirements. I have been informed that is OK for a non-Tesla owner and a non-US resident to file a complaint particularly when it is regarding a defect that is a danger to the public. There has been a quadruple fatality crash today in which a Tesla veered into the front of an…”
NHTSA complaint #11479483, 2022 · crash · 4 death(s)

“The contact owned a 2014 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on the highway, the vehicle exited into a tunnel. The contact stated that his hands were on the steering wheel and that the steering wheel did not move; however, the vehicle inadvertently made a sharp left turn, and the passenger-side headlight struck the tunnel wall. The vehicle spun rapidly, and the contact's head snapped to the right. The air bags did not deploy. The contact received medical attention for whiplash. Police were made aware of the crash but did not arrive on the scene. There w…”
NHTSA complaint #11717659, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“This is a follow up to my last two complaints of sudden swerves that are probably causd by suspension failure. It is in my opinion highly probable that the suspension is likely to snap when brakes are suddenly slammed on hard at speed. This is known as Tesla "Phantom Braking" and you have hundreds of complaints about this on file. This situation is extremely dangerous. Not only might a Tesla that Phantom Brakes be run over by a following truck but if the suspension snaps it can cause the Tesla to veer into the oncoming lane with fatal results. As a precautionary measure I believe you should…”
NHTSA complaint #11480299, 2022 · crash

Structure 26 5 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“I WAS PARKING MY CAR I HEARD AND FELT THE CAR BEGIN TO ACCELERATE. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND STEP FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE PEDDLE.THEN OF IT OWN VOLITION IT MOUNTED THE ADJOINING EMBANKMENT AND COLLIDED WITH THE TREE. THIS CAUSED EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE.”
NHTSA complaint #10982961, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Three separate reports from car to Tesla: Traction Control Disabled Stability Control Disabled Automatic Emergency Braking Disabled Two hours later my car caught on fire while parked at my home. It was declared a total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #11545459, 2023 · fire

“BECAUSE THE COMPUTER IN THE TESLA MODEL S FROM 2014 WAS BROKEN, THE CAR WAS VERY LOW IN SUSPENSION. TESLA KNEW ABOUT IT IN MAY 2020, BUT DID NOT OFFER A REPAIR EVEN IF I PAID $2,500. EVENTUALLY THE FRAME OF THE CAR TOUCHED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AND THE TIRE EXPLODED AND THE WHEEL WAS SO LOW THAT IS BENT THE FRAME AND BIG PIECES OF THE FRAME OF THE CAR AS THE BASE OF THE CAR WAS TOUCHING THE STREET. THE CAR WAS DEEMED A TOTAL AND MY COMPENSATION FROM AAA DID NOT EVEN ALLOW ME TO BUY A USED MODEL S. THE CAR AT THE TIME WAS IN MOTION ON THE 380 FREEWAY AND I HAD TO DRIVE SEVERAL YARDS TO GET TO…”
NHTSA complaint #11408046, 2020 · crash

Fuel/Propulsion System 23 2 crash 2 fire 1 injury 2 death

“TESLA S AND X BATTERIES ARE A DESIGN FLAW. TESLA'S PANASONIC CELLS ARE MADE WITH THIN METAL CASINGS SO THAT THE HEAT FROM ONE BURNING CELL CAUSES THE NEIGHBORING CELLS TO BURST ESPECIALLY WHEN EXPOSED TO AIR IN AN ACCIDENT. THESE FIRES EMIT TOXINS SUCH AS FLORINE GAS. THESE CARS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND THE BATTERIES REPLACED WITH A SAFER DESIGN. THE RECENT ACCIDENT IN FLORIDA SHOWS THE NEED FOR THIS RECALL.”
NHTSA complaint #11093601, 2018 · crash · fire · 2 death(s)

“HERE IS A TESLA IN THE JUNKYARD: HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/39926687/PHOTOS IT HAS BEEN TOTALLY DESTROYED BY FIRE. THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION INTO TESLA FIRES BACK IN 2014 AND IT WAS CLAIMED THAT FIRES WERE CAUSED BY ROAD DEBRIS PUNCTURING THE BATTERY PACK AND THIS PROBLEM WAS SOLVED BY FITTING A BATTERY SHIELD. TESLAS ARE STILL CATCHING FIRE AT AN ALARMING RATE. I BELIEVE THAT THE CAUSE OF MANY OF THESE FIRES IS NOT THAT THE LITHIUM BATTERY CATCHES FIRE FIRST BUT THAT THE ETHYLENE GLYCOL LEAKS OUT AND CATCHES FIRE. THE ATTACHE PHOTOGRAPH OF A 2013 FIRE CLEARLY SHOWS THE COOLANT BLAZING…”
NHTSA complaint #11041379, 2017 · fire

“MY TESLA DID AN UNCOMMANDED ACCELERATION, JUMPED THE CURB AND HIT A CHICK-FIL-A RESTAURANT ON 9/04/2019: 1) FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, I AM 100% CERTAIN THAT I DID NOT TOUCH THE ACCELERATOR OR IN ANY WAY CAUSE THE UNCOMMANDED AND UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE DRIVEN CARS AND TRUCKS WELL OVER A MILLION MILES AND NEVER ONCE ACCIDENTALLY PRESSED AN ACCELERATOR OR JUMPED A CURB WHEN PARKING. 2) I HAVE BEEN DRIVING MY TESLA DAILY FOR FOUR MONTHS AND I AM VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE VEHICLE AND IT'S SYSTEMS AND CONTROLS. I AM ALSO VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE SPECIFIC PARKING…”
NHTSA complaint #11302849, 2019 · crash

Vehicle Speed Control 22 12 crash 7 injury

“I have been driving my Model S Tesla for 13 years. On 30 April as I was pulling into a parking space at my local grocery store, I applied the brakes to ease into the space and my car surged forward with unintended acceleration. I smashed into the concrete base of a light pole, the airbags deployed and my car ricocheted back about 8 feet. There were no warning messages. I was taken to the emergency room and had whiplash and a burn on my leg from the airbag. No one else was hurt. I know it was the car that malfunctioned because my foot was still on the brake after the collision and the airbags…”
NHTSA complaint #11741164, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“2014 TESLA P85. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INTO THE WALL OF THE GARAGE, WHILE HER FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR WALL AND THE FRONT WALL OF THE GARAGE WERE BADLY DAMAGED. THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11412733, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“THE ACCIDENT TOOK PLACE ON 7/9/20 AROUND 9:15 AM. POLICE REPORT # 20-1291-AC I DROVE MY CAR INTO THE PARKING LOT OF 4519 POST ROAD (FACING POST ROAD) AND TURNED INTO THE DOCTOR'S PARKING SPOT. THE CAR HAD JUST ABOUT STOPPED AND MY FOOT WAS NOT YET OFF THE BRAKE WHEN I SUDDENLY FELT THE CAR ACCELERATING. IT WENT RIGHT THROUGH THE HEDGE IN FRONT (ABOUT 1 FOOT AWAY) THEN WENT SMASHING THROUGH THE OFFICE MARQUEE, OVER THE STONE WALL AND ON TO THE STREET. MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, I WAS TRYING FRANTICALLY TO STOP. THE CAR STOPPED. RELIEVED, I THOUGHT I SHOULD QUICKLY GET OUT OF THE CAR. TO MY H…”
NHTSA complaint #11340986, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Visibility/Wiper 15

“I am the current owner of a 2014 Tesla Model S equipped with MCU1. While driving, including at freeway speeds, the center touchscreen has rebooted unexpectedly, showing only the Tesla logo before recovering. During these reboots, critical vehicle functions are unavailable, including the rearview camera, HVAC/defrost controls, and other essential features. This failure matches the exact safety defect described in NHTSA Recall 21V-035 related to the MCU/eMMC failure. I reported this safety issue to Tesla Service and provided photo evidence of the screen rebooting while driving. Tesla has refus…”
NHTSA complaint #11705673, 2025

“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 unavail…”
NHTSA complaint #11695537, 2025

“Tesla has, by design, altered a safety feature in existing cars (via a software update) that decreases safety when defogging is needed. When I purchased my 2014 Tesla Model S, the defog could be turned on or off with the press of a button that was always visible on the touchscreen. Recently, Tesla made a major change to the user interface (version 11), that cannot be reverted, which removed the defog button. It now takes about 4-7 steps to activate and then turn off the defog. The new system also requires viewing pop-up window(s) while driving. Now, when you notice visibility is decreasing…”
NHTSA complaint #11496015, 2022

Air Bags 13 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury 4 death

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11491988, 2022 · crash · 4 death(s)

“Three separate reports from car to Tesla: Traction Control Disabled Stability Control Disabled Automatic Emergency Braking Disabled Two hours later my car caught on fire while parked at my home. It was declared a total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #11545459, 2023 · fire

“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, 2026

Engine 12 1 fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 TESLA MODEL S. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE CHARGING, IT CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND POLICE AND FIRE REPORTS WERE FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A RESEARCH CENTER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BECAUSE IT WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SENT AN INVESTIGATOR TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11278643, 2017 · fire

“Motor suddenly failed after a required update while driving, nearly causing a crash with multiple commercial vehicles and pedestrians, leaving brake lights dangerously always on and alarm sounding, killed 12v as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11735218, 2026

“This is regarding a 2014 Model S fully electric vehicle. Any reference to an 'engine' simply implies the motor. Accelerator pedal became unresponsive and abruptly lost drive power while going ~55mph on the highway. The PRND display on the display panel went red. Car was towed to the service center Immediately after this malfunction, I somehow cruised along towards the shoulder with just with brakes and hazard lights. Total loss of motor power caused vehicle to slow down and vehicles behind me had to slow down (and honk). After coming to complete stop and shifting to Park the PRND display tu…”
NHTSA complaint #11718369, 2026

Service Brakes 10 4 crash 2 injury

“I have been driving my Model S Tesla for 13 years. On 30 April as I was pulling into a parking space at my local grocery store, I applied the brakes to ease into the space and my car surged forward with unintended acceleration. I smashed into the concrete base of a light pole, the airbags deployed and my car ricocheted back about 8 feet. There were no warning messages. I was taken to the emergency room and had whiplash and a burn on my leg from the airbag. No one else was hurt. I know it was the car that malfunctioned because my foot was still on the brake after the collision and the airbags…”
NHTSA complaint #11741164, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I WAS PARKING MY CAR I HEARD AND FELT THE CAR BEGIN TO ACCELERATE. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND STEP FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE PEDDLE.THEN OF IT OWN VOLITION IT MOUNTED THE ADJOINING EMBANKMENT AND COLLIDED WITH THE TREE. THIS CAUSED EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE.”
NHTSA complaint #10982961, 2017 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“This is a follow up to my last two complaints of sudden swerves that are probably causd by suspension failure. It is in my opinion highly probable that the suspension is likely to snap when brakes are suddenly slammed on hard at speed. This is known as Tesla "Phantom Braking" and you have hundreds of complaints about this on file. This situation is extremely dangerous. Not only might a Tesla that Phantom Brakes be run over by a following truck but if the suspension snaps it can cause the Tesla to veer into the oncoming lane with fatal results. As a precautionary measure I believe you should…”
NHTSA complaint #11480299, 2022 · crash

Forward Collision Avoidance 9

“I was driving my car on the freeway on cruise control, when there was a sudden/automatic violent break of 65 MPH to 0 MPH. There was no car in front of me, and there was nothing above my car (no direction sign, no bridge, no FASTRAK billboard, nothing). This was a "phantom break" and it was violent and sudden. Tesla needs to fix this!”
NHTSA complaint #11651183, 2025

“Have experienced phantom braking at high speeds which could cause a rear end collision involving the vehicle or vehicles behind me. The phantom braking occurs about once per 500 to 750 miles and always occurs while traveling on the freeway at 60 to 70 mph. Approximately 80% of the time, it occurs at exactly the same place just before a large freeway sign. The occurrences are regardless of surrounding traffic. Sometimes it occurs with many other cars (at safe distance from me), sometimes with a few cars around me and sometimes with no cars within 100 yards in any direction. This one locat…”
NHTSA complaint #11484896, 2022

“When using Autopilot / TAC cruise control the vehicle sometimes applies the brakes for no reason.”
NHTSA complaint #11449988, 2022

Wheels 6 2 crash 1 injury

“I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY GOING APPROXIMATELY 60MPH WHEN I SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL ON A SLIGHT TURN TO TRANSFER FREEWAYS. I SWIPED INTO THE RIGHT FREEWAY WALL AND SPUN OUT DOING A COMPLETE 180 AND ENDED UP ON THE LEFT FREEWAY WALL. I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND HOW I LOST CONTROL WHEN I WAS NOT GOING THAT FAST, AND THE TURN WAS NOT AT ALL ABRUPT NOR SEVERE IN ANGLE. THE SIDE AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED, AND WHEN I EXITED THE VEHICLE, THE REAR RIGHT TIRE AND AXLE WAS COMPLETELY DISLODGED. I NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT, AND I COULDN'T UNDERSTAND HOW THAT WOULD HAPPEN.”
NHTSA complaint #10874898, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“BECAUSE THE COMPUTER IN THE TESLA MODEL S FROM 2014 WAS BROKEN, THE CAR WAS VERY LOW IN SUSPENSION. TESLA KNEW ABOUT IT IN MAY 2020, BUT DID NOT OFFER A REPAIR EVEN IF I PAID $2,500. EVENTUALLY THE FRAME OF THE CAR TOUCHED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AND THE TIRE EXPLODED AND THE WHEEL WAS SO LOW THAT IS BENT THE FRAME AND BIG PIECES OF THE FRAME OF THE CAR AS THE BASE OF THE CAR WAS TOUCHING THE STREET. THE CAR WAS DEEMED A TOTAL AND MY COMPENSATION FROM AAA DID NOT EVEN ALLOW ME TO BUY A USED MODEL S. THE CAR AT THE TIME WAS IN MOTION ON THE 380 FREEWAY AND I HAD TO DRIVE SEVERAL YARDS TO GET TO…”
NHTSA complaint #11408046, 2020 · crash

“While driving, my back wheel fell off. I had the car in for suspension work twice in Q4 2023, and then on March 7, 2024 my back wheel fell off. When speaking with Tesla, they said that this sometimes happens and they have seen this issue before. The also told me that they think it only happens at low speeds, but I have found articles where people were on the highway and their wheel fell off. China has made Tesla do a recall for suspension and wheel issues, why haven't we? I now have had my vehicles suspension worked on at least 4 times, this is dangerous and scary.”
NHTSA complaint #11577340, 2024

Back Over Prevention 5 1 crash

“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, 2021 · crash

“The contact owns a 2014 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the digital screen intermittently blacked out and several safety features were inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the resort block remained at 90%, and the same EMMC ID that should have been covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The fail…”
NHTSA complaint #11680333, 2023

“The contact owns a 2014 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, the part to the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated she was unable to start the vehicle and the battery was replaced. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. Parts distribution disconnect…”
NHTSA complaint #11451931, 2021

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 5 1 crash 1 injury

“FROM A COASTING POSITION IN AN UNDERGROUND GARAGE, I TURNED RIGHT TO ROUND A 90 DEGREE CORNER. AFTER COMPLETING THE TURN MY CAR BEGAN TO SPEED UP RAPIDLY. WHEN I FIRST NOTICED THE ACCELERATION BEGINNING, I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, WHICH HAD NO EFFECT. THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE OVER A DISTANCE OF ABOUT 50 FEET AND COLLIDED HEAD-ON WITH A CONCRETE WALL. FRONT AIRBAGS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DEPLOYED AND MY BODY STRUCK THEM: FACE, CHEST, AND LOWER LEGS. I HAVE INJURIES FROM THE INCIDENT.”
NHTSA complaint #11300905, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TESLA CPU FAILURE IS CAUSING CAR TO HAVE ISSUES. BLUETOOTH WILL NOT CONNECT, CAR WILL NOT UNLOCK, LIGHTS DO NOT WORK- EITHER ARE STUCK ON OR OFF, BLINKERS DO NOT WORK, BACK UP CAMERA DOES NOT WORK, AIR CONDITIONING IS STUCK ON WHICH DRAINS BATTERY, CANNOT CHARGE THE CAR WHEN IT IS NOT RESPONDING AS CHARGING PORT WILL NOT UNLOCK. CAR HAS ESSENTIALLY TURNED INTO A BRICK WITH <60,000 MILES. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN TESLA. THESE HAPPEN BOTH WHEN VEHICLE IS MOVING AND STATIONARY.”
NHTSA complaint #11363349, 2020

“THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH TESLA MEDIA CONTROL UNIT (MCU) DEAD OR WON'T TURN ON DUE TO POOR DESIGN OF THE EMMC MEMORIES. THE UNIT EVENTUALLY DIES ONCE THE MEMORIES ARE FULL AND THE UNIT WON'T TURN ON ANYMORE. SINCE THIS MCU IS THE HEART OF THE TESLA VEHICLE, ALL THE SAFETY FEATURES WILL BE DISABLE LIKE COLLISION SENSORS, HAZARD ALERT/NOTIFICATION, UNLOCK THE DOOR/WINDOWS FROM THE INSIDE, MOST OF THE GAUGES ON THE DASHBOARD ARE DISABLE, EVEN THE LANE TURN SIGNALS ARE DISABLE AND THE BACKUP CAMERA. MY UNIT WENT OUT SINCE MAY 2020, TESLA WILL NOT COVER THE DEFECTED UNIT, IT THEY WILL CHARGE M…”
NHTSA complaint #11343973, 2020

Latches/Locks/Linkages 4

“The contact owns a 2014 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park(P), a person approached the driver’s side rear door, and the door unintendedly opened slightly. The contact stated that prior to entering the vehicle, the driver’s side rear door opened slightly, and while reversing, the door opened completely. The contact closed the door; however, the failure recurred. There were no alerts during the failure; however, afterwards the contact's door was opened, and the App showed a message that the door was opened. The contact stated that all the doors were not opening…”
NHTSA complaint #11584692, 2023

“My drivers door will randomly open while driving and or while making turns, yes it is available for inspection if need be. This is put my safety at risk because its very dangerous for a door to open while driving at any speed, and if it happens to a back door items in my back seat could fall out causing a very serious accident. When the problem first started I paid to have a new door handle put in but it did not fix the problem, even after the repair the door would sometimes not close stay closed properly and the tech said he wasn't sure because he never seen a door not close every time, aft…”
NHTSA complaint #11581664, 2023

“The contact owns a 2014 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that her husband had buckled their son in the rear passenger’s seat and closed the door; however, while her husband was attempting to open the driver’s side door, the vehicle locked independently. The contact’s husband attempted to unlock the vehicle with the key fob however, the vehicle would not unlock. The contact stated that her husband downloaded the Tesla App to attempt to unlock the vehicle but the vehicle remained locked. The contact’s son also attempted to unlock the vehicle from the inside however, the vehicle failed to unlock…”
NHTSA complaint #11485910, 2022

Visibility 3

“The contact owns a 2014 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the digital screen intermittently blacked out and several safety features were inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the resort block remained at 90%, and the same EMMC ID that should have been covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The fail…”
NHTSA complaint #11680333, 2023

“The contact owns a 2014 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, the part to the recall repair was unavailable. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated she was unable to start the vehicle and the battery was replaced. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. Parts distribution disconnect…”
NHTSA complaint #11451931, 2021

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TESLA MODEL S. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V035000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION, VISIBILITY, EXTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TESLA (5544 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33417) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.”
NHTSA complaint #11416483, 2021

Seat Belts 2 1 crash 1 injury 4 death

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11491988, 2022 · crash · 4 death(s)

“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, 2026

Equipment 1

“EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED IN YOUR OPEN INVESTIGATION, NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE20010. THE TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY WENT BLACK ON 02/23/20, NO TOUCHSCREEN-RELATED FUNCTIONS WORKED (INCLUDING CAMERA DISPLAYS, NAVIGATION, CHARGING, ETC). TESLA SERVICE STATION REPLACED THE MCU (3/10/20-3/20/20), AT MY EXPENSE, EVEN THOUGH THIS FLASH DEVICE FAILS BECAUSE OF TESLA'S OWN EXTREMELY HIGH NUMBER OF PROGRAM-ERASE CYCLES -- AND THAT MASSIVE DATA TRANSFER BENEFITS ONLY TESLA, NOT THE CAR OWNER. THEY INSTALL MCUS THAT FAIL DUE TO THE HIGH DEMANDS PLACED ON THEM BY THE COMPANY, FOR THE COMPANY. THEN THEY CHARGE THE CONS…”
NHTSA complaint #11330870, 2020

Fuel System 1

“BEGINNING IN JUNE, THE SUBJECT VEHICLE SUFFERED FROM A SEVERE AND SUDDEN DECREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF RANGE AVAILABLE AS A DIRECT RESULT OF SOFTWARE UPDATES ISSUED BY TESLA WITHOUT DISCLOSURE TO OWNERS. PRIOR TO THE UPDATES, THE SUBJECT VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 255 RATED MILES AVAILABLE. FOLLOWING UPDATES 2019.16.1 AND 2019.16.2, THE SUBJECT VEHICLE SUFFERED IMMEDIATELY FROM A RANGE DROP TO 225 AVAILABLE MILES. THE SUBJECT VEHICLE HAS ALSO BEEN UNABLE TO CHARGE FULLY AND NOW SUFFERS FROM DECREASED CHARGING SPEEDS. THE OWNER OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE WENT TO NCDS ARBITRATION, SEEKING A MANUFAC…”
NHTSA complaint #11246771, 2019

Lane Departure 1

“MY FRONT SUSPENSION FAILED, CAUSING A WHEEL MISALIGNMENT AND UNEVEN TIRE WEAR. THE CONTROL ARMS AND THE SUSPENSION BALL JOINTS FAILED, CAUSING THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL TO BE LOOSE. I HAVE KEPT THE PARTS AND THE EXPENSIVE REPAIR BILL. IT APPEARS THAT THE RUBBER GASKETS FAILED AND WATER ENTERED THE JOINTS CAUSING PREMATURE WEAR. WITH THE LANE KEEP (AUTOPILOT FUNCTION) ON HIGHWAY 40 BETWEEN LAWRENCE AND TOPEKA, THE CAR STEERS ITSELF EITHER TOWARD THE DITCH OR TOWARD ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHEN APPROACHING THE TOP OF A HILL. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS. 10”
NHTSA complaint #11377252, 2020

Seats 1

“MY 2 DAY OLD P85D SUDDENLY DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION: TESLA BUILT THESE P85D CARS WITH FAULTY ELECTRICAL CONTACTORS THAT IT WAS SECRETLY RECALLING THROUGH ITS FORUMS. THE FAULTY CONTACTORS CAUSED SOME NEWLY RELEASED P85D CARS TO LOSE ALL POWER WITHIN FIRST 100 MILES. TESLA SHOULD ISSUE A PUBLIC RECALL TO REPLACE THE FAULTY CONTACTORS. TESLA SHIPPED THE P85D CARS WITH OLD SEATS , EVEN WHEN IT CHARGED CUSTOMERS FOR NEXT GENERATION SEATS. TESLA NEEDS TO IMPROVE ITS PROCESSES AND MAKE SURE IT RELEASES CARS ONLY WHEN SAFE FOR PUBLIC ROADS. I SHOULDN'T BE PAYING OVER $100K TO GO THRO…”
NHTSA complaint #10690952, 2015