NHTSA (USA)Low Risk
This page covers 12 recalls, 362 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2014 Tesla Model S.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Suspension and electrical problems dominate what 2014 Model S owners report. On the suspension side, owners frequently describe unexpected failures, noises, and handling changes, many noting the issues appear at higher mileages. The electrical system draws the second-largest share of complaints, with owners reporting a range of failures including drive unit problems, 12-volt battery issues, and loss of vehicle function sometimes tied to software updates. Exterior lighting rounds out the top three, with a recurring pattern around door handles, owners report that the motorized handles fail to present or retract properly, and in some cases doors open unexpectedly when parked. Handle failures appear to repeat even after dealer repairs, with some owners noting the wiring harness in the door is the source of the recurring fault.
362
Total Complaints
51
Crash-Related
9
Fire-Related
16
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Tesla Model S has 12 recalls, the most serious being a passenger-side airbag inflator that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
A separate airbag recall covers propellant degradation from prolonged heat and humidity exposure that can cause the airbag to deploy with excessive force. Two recalls address the same front trunk hood latch problem: the latch assembly can be misaligned so the secondary catch never engages, allowing the hood to fly open while driving and block the driver's view entirely. On the restraint side, the front seatbelts on some vehicles may not be properly connected to the pretensioner, meaning the belt may not hold an occupant in a crash. The electric power steering rack uses aluminum bolts that can corrode and fracture, requiring significantly more steering effort, particularly at low speeds. There is also an electric parking brake recall where an internal gear can break during application or release, leaving the vehicle immobilized.
Several software and electronics recalls round out the list. The center display's memory chip can wear out and knock out the rearview camera, defroster controls, and turn signal indicators. The Autosteer driver assistance system previously allowed drivers to remain inattentive for too long before intervening. A factory reset could mute the pedestrian warning sound the car emits at low speeds. The seatbelt unbuckled warning chime and light may fail to activate, and brake warning lights on the instrument panel display at a font size too small to read clearly.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
The seat belt warning light and chime may not activate when the driver is unbelted, failing to alert the driver to fasten their seat belt.
What the fix does
Tesla will send a software update over the air to fix the warning system so it activates properly for unbelted drivers.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A factory reset can silence the Pedestrian Warning System sounds, which alert pedestrians to the vehicle's presence. The vehicle then fails to meet federal sound requirements for electric vehicles.
What the fix does
Tesla releases a free software update (2023.44.30.14) over-the-air to restore the Pedestrian Warning System sounds.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System warning lights on the instrument panel display in an incorrect font size, which does not meet federal brake system safety standards.
What the fix does
Tesla is releasing a free over-the-air software update to correct the warning light font size display.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Autosteer controls may not be prominent or clear enough to prevent drivers from misusing this advanced driver-assistance feature when it's engaged.
What the fix does
Tesla will send a free software update over the air to improve how Autosteer controls are displayed and managed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front trunk hood latch may be misaligned, preventing the secondary latch from holding the hood closed. If the primary latch releases, the hood could open unexpectedly while driving.
What the fix does
Tesla will inspect the secondary hood latch and, if needed, reassemble and reposition the latch mechanism to ensure proper closure.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, which can prevent the secondary hood latch from engaging properly.
What the fix does
Tesla Service will inspect the latch assembly and reposition it as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The center display's memory storage device wears out over time and eventually loses data integrity, causing some display functions to stop working.
What the fix does
Tesla will replace the display control board with one containing an upgraded memory device that lasts longer, at no cost to owners.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The propellant in the passenger-front airbag may degrade over time due to heat and humidity exposure, potentially causing the airbag to deploy with excessive force or rupture, scattering fragments.
What the fix does
The passenger-front airbag inflator will be replaced at a Tesla service center.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Passenger air bag inflators may explode during a crash due to propellant breaking down from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Tesla Service Centers will replace the passenger frontal air bag modules at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Aluminum bolts holding the power steering motor to the steering gear can corrode and break, reducing or eliminating power steering assist.
What the fix does
Replace the steering gear mounting bolts and apply corrosion-preventative sealer to protect against future corrosion.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The internal gear in the electric parking brake calipers may be defectively manufactured and could break when you apply or release the parking brake.
What the fix does
Tesla will replace both the left and right electric parking brake calipers at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver or front passenger seat belt may be improperly connected to the outboard lap pretensioner, affecting its function during a crash.
What the fix does
Service centers will inspect both seat belts and correct the connection to the pretensioner if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
