Tesla Model S: Complaints & Recalls

As an all-electric luxury vehicle first sold in 2012, the Tesla Model S is the most popular model available from the storied manufacturer. Since its conception, the Model S has consistently been one of the best-selling plug-in electric vehicles in the world each year.

Though it’s a popular seller, drivers have found a few imperfections in the vehicle. If you believe your Model S may have been sold to you with a known defect, reach out to us at 833.422.7529 for a free consultation and we will investigate the problem.

Yearly Tesla Model S Complaints, Investigations, and Recalls

If you purchased a new Model S in the last few years, here’s what you should know, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

2015 Tesla Model S

Drivers have made complaints about:

The investigation was for:

  • Automatic vehicle control systems

Reasons for recalls include:

  • Loss of power steering assist due to corrosion. This requires higher steering effort, and could lead to a crash.
  • Parking brake may not fully apply or release. With the brake stuck in place, the car won’t move. If it can’t be applied, the vehicle may be unable to stop in an emergency.
  • Front seat belts may be incorrectly secured. Without properly secured seat belts, passengers may be at greater risk of injuries.

2016 Tesla Model S

The investigation was for:

  • Automatic vehicle control systems

Reasons for recalls include:

  • Loss of power steering assist due to corrosion. This requires higher steering effort, and could lead to a crash.
  • Parking brake may not fully apply or release. With the brake stuck in place, the car won’t move. If it can’t be applied, the vehicle may be unable to stop in an emergency

2017 Tesla Model S

Drivers have made complaints about:

2018 Tesla Model S

Seek Legal Assistance for Your Tesla Model S

If you’ve experienced one of the problems above, or something similar, you can report it directly to the NHTSA so they can compile your complaint in their database. If they receive enough complaints on the same topic, they may launch an investigation into the matter.

Report your problem within the original manufacturer’s warranty period and you will  have the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act working in your favor. This federal law was designed to protect consumers from unethical warranty practices. If a dealership failed to fix a warrantable defect within three or more attempts and/or your vehicle was out of service for 20 or more days, you may have a viable suit against the manufacturer for breach of warranty.

You may also have state lemon laws on your side. Like the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, these laws exist to extend extra protection to you, the consumer.

Don’t drive your Tesla Model S back to the dealership for repairs. Robison Lemon Law Group LLC can help you navigate both the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and state lemon laws to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.

Scroll to Top