2013 TESLA MODEL S Recalls — Canada & USA

The 2013 Tesla Model S has 12 recalls, the most serious being exploding passenger airbag inflators that can send metal fragments into the cabin, and a charging adapter that can overheat and cause burns or fire. The airbag issue stems from propellant that degrades over time in high heat and humidity, causing the inflator to rupture with excessive force. On the charging side, the NEMA 14-50 adapter can develop abnormally high electrical resistance, creating a risk of overheating at the adapter, cord, or wall outlet during charging. Several recalls affect occupant restraint. Front seatbelts on some vehicles may not be correctly attached to the pretensioner, meaning they may not hold an occupant properly in a crash. The left rear seat back latch bracket can also separate in a crash, reducing protection for rear seat passengers. On the mechanical side, the electric parking brake contains an internal gear that can fracture, potentially leaving the vehicle immobile. The power steering bolts can corrode and break, making the steering wheel significantly harder to turn, especially at low speeds. A failing center display processor can cause the rearview camera, defrost controls, and exterior turn signals to stop working. Two lower-severity recalls address instrument panel warning lights: brake and ABS warning text may be too small to read clearly, and the seatbelt reminder chime and light may not activate when the driver is unbelted.