Research · Large Cars

2018 Tesla Model S P100DRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 128 owner complaints for the 2018 Tesla Model S P100D. Most complaints involve electrical system (32) and forward collision avoidance (23). The EPA rates it 98 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
98mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
128
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$800est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2018 Tesla Model S P100D as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

128 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2018 – Jul 2025
  1. Electrical system32
  2. Forward collision avoidance23
  3. Suspension20
  4. Vehicle speed control19
  5. Service brakes11
  6. Steering10
  7. Lane departure8
  8. Structure7
  9. Exterior lighting7

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Model S P100D model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2018128
201932
Crashes reported
29
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
15
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

32 reports7 crashes1 fire
“This is very comment of tesla not responding to customer about the power reduced in the car is safe concerns is lot of people with the same problem and tesla want Pay for all the repairs of the car even with my car still Warranty”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 1, 2025Power train, Electrical systemODI 11670670

Forward collision avoidance

23 reports4 crashes
“While driving in Autopilot mode, approx 70 mph in light rain the vhicle began to drift side to side almost crossing over the lane dividing line. Upon grabbing the wheel to take control the vehicle entered multiple 360 degree spins crashing into "K" rail. In the past I have noticed when taking control of the vehicle from Autopilot the wheel jerks.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 10, 2024Forward collision avoidance, Lane departureCrash reportedODI 11629913

Suspension

20 reports3 crashes1 fire
“Rear suspension on 2020 and older model s and x is not adjustable for alignment. Factory camber comes 2 aggressive which burns only the very inner part of the tire at a rapid pace. Upon checking tread depth with gauge you will not see this wear and tires will appear to be good. Tire wear is not visible unless you crawl under vehicle and inspect visually. Many Many reports of blow out tire due to this issue. Look it up. To top it off the vehicle does not come with a spare.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 24, 2023SuspensionODI 11523654
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Large Cars
Engines
Electric motor
Transmissions
Automatic (A1)
Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Electricity
EV range
315 mi (EPA)

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Model S P100D
Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive
9210598$800—
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Tesla Model S P100D as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 12781
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Tire rotation6,000–8,000 mi6–12 monthsEVs wear tires faster (weight, torque)
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–4 yearsRegen braking spares the pads, not the fluid
Battery coolantPer manualPer manualIntervals vary widely by maker
12V battery—3–5 years
  • Tire rotation6,000–8,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–4 years
  • Battery coolantPer manual
    Per manual
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2018 Model S P100D questions

How many recalls does the 2018 Tesla Model S P100D have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.

What are the most common 2018 Tesla Model S P100D problems?

Owners filed 128 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (32), forward collision avoidance (23), suspension (20). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2018 Tesla Model S P100D get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Tesla Model S P100D at 98 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026