Worst 2013 Tesla Model S Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Electrical Faults
Suspension Failures
Transmission / Drivetrain
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2013 Tesla Model S.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 188 | 7 | 13 | 87,739 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 91 | 11 | 6 | 47,073 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 31 | — | — | 100,319 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 28 | 2 | 1 | 61,277 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 25 | 13 | — | 49,240 mi | |
| Fuel System | 23 | 3 | 1 | 91,036 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 21 | 3 | — | 72,834 mi | |
| Brakes | 21 | 10 | — | 46,727 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 18 | — | — | 89,945 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 15 | — | — | 86,640 mi | |
| Body Structure | 14 | 2 | — | 33,995 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 7 | — | — | 58,250 mi | |
| Airbags | 6 | 3 | 1 | 66,333 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 6 | — | — | 132,500 mi | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 5 | — | — | 99,234 mi | |
| Backup Camera | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Other Equipment | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Propulsion System:Charging:Cable/Cord:Accessory | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Propulsion System:Traction Battery | 1 | — | — | — |
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Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Tesla Model S. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2013 Tesla Model S
11 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~4,693,530 vehicles.
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."
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 Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
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 such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
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 prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
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 lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center display functions.
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 assist.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2013 Model S vehicles 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 deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
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.
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.
Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2013 Model S vehicles equipped for, and delivered with, certain NEMA 14-50 (240 volt) Universal Mobile Connector (UMC) adapters. During charging, the adapter, cord, or wall outlet could overheat.
+ 1 more recalls
Other Tesla Model S Years
2013 Tesla Model S — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2013 Tesla Model S reliable?
What are common problems with the 2013 Tesla Model S?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Tesla Model S?
How safe is the 2013 Tesla Model S?
Does the 2013 Tesla Model S have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2013 Tesla Model S?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Tesla Model S reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2013 Tesla Model S
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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