Worst 2018 Tesla Model S Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Electrical Faults
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2018 Tesla Model S.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 31 | 6 | 2 | 20,819 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 30 | 4 | — | 19,700 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 27 | 4 | — | 40,500 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 26 | 15 | 1 | 7,705 mi | |
| Brakes | 24 | 6 | 1 | 6,499 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 20 | 3 | 1 | 17,356 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 15 | 4 | 1 | 20,071 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 10 | 2 | — | 45,000 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 8 | — | — | 16,003 mi | |
| Body Structure | 8 | 1 | 1 | 23,233 mi | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch | 5 | 2 | — | 7,410 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 5 | 1 | — | 20,000 mi | |
| Airbags | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Warning | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Backup Camera | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Adas:Autonomous/Self Driving | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Adas:Parking Assist:Software | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment:Electrical:Infotainment:Video (Touch)Screen/Monitor/Unit | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward-Collision Avoidance Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control:Software | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Lane Keep: Automatic Steering | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Tesla Model S. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2018 Tesla Model S
11 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~5,091,694 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 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 intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
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.
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 vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
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 intersection without first coming to a stop.
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 113, "Hood Latch System."
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 (AEB) system.
+ 1 more recalls
Other Tesla Model S Years
2018 Tesla Model S — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2018 Tesla Model S reliable?
What are common problems with the 2018 Tesla Model S?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Tesla Model S?
How safe is the 2018 Tesla Model S?
Does the 2018 Tesla Model S have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2018 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 2018 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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