Summary
The Tesla Model S has 43 recalls spanning 2012 through 2024, with the most serious being a Takata-style airbag inflator defect on 2012–2016 models where the passenger-side frontal airbag inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
On the current and most recent generation, 2021–2024 models have a software defect where the hood latch sensor can fail to detect an unlatched front trunk lid, allowing it to fly open while driving and block the driver's view. The same generation, 2021–2024, has a separate recall where an incorrect airbag may have been installed during steering yoke or steering wheel replacements, causing the airbag to deploy improperly in a crash. Front-row seat belts on 2021–2023 models can be improperly attached to the pretensioner anchors and detach in a crash. Curtain airbags on 2021–2022 models may have been assembled incorrectly, causing delayed or improper deployment. On 2021 models, the driver's airbag can catch on the steering wheel cover during deployment and tear, and a separate 2022 issue with the front bumper carrier structure can cause the passenger airbag to fire incorrectly in low-speed crashes. Doors on 2022–2023 models can unlock during a side impact and swing open. Also on 2021–2022 models, the infotainment processor can overheat during fast charging, blanking the center screen and disabling the rearview camera, wiper controls, and defroster settings. A software fault on 2021–2022 models can trap refrigerant in the heat pump and reduce defrost performance. On 2023 models with specific software versions, the rearview camera can fail to display while reversing. A software error on 2017–2021 models can cause the automatic emergency braking system to trigger unexpectedly. Electric power steering on 2017–2021 models can lose assist after hitting a rough patch of road.
Going further back, 2014–2021 models have a front trunk latch misalignment that can prevent the secondary latch from engaging, leaving the hood held by only the primary latch. The 2012–2018 center display, when equipped with a specific Nvidia processor and 8GB flash memory chip, can wear out over time and lose the rearview camera image, defroster controls, and turn signal indicators. Power steering bolts on 2012–2016 models can corrode and fracture, causing partial or complete loss of steering assist. Front seatbelt pretensioner connections on 2012–2015 models may be incorrectly attached, allowing the belt to pull free in a crash. On 2016 models, an internal gear in the electric parking brake caliper can fracture during use, leaving the vehicle immovable. A 2013-only recall covers passenger-side NEMA 14-50 charging adapters that can overheat during use and create a fire risk.
Across nearly the full production run, 2012–2024 models have a compliance recall for brake, park, and ABS warning lights displayed at an incorrect font size on the instrument panel. A seat belt warning chime and light that may not activate when the driver is unbelted affects 2012–2024 vehicles.
