Research · Large Cars

2013 Tesla Model SRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 11 safety recalls and 461 owner complaints for the 2013 Tesla Model S. Most complaints involve electrical system (195) and suspension (92). The EPA rates it 89–95 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
89–95mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
11campaigns
Latest May 2024
Owner complaints
461
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$800est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

11 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Seat belts: warning light

Over-the-air fixFree remedy

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Seat beltsReported May 28, 2024NHTSA 24V376000

Forward collision avoidance: external

Over-the-air fixFree remedy

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."

Forward collision avoidanceReported Feb 27, 2024NHTSA 24V153000

Electrical system: instrument cluster

Over-the-air fixFree remedy

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Electrical systemReported Jan 30, 2024NHTSA 24V051000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

461 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2013 – Oct 2026
  1. Electrical system195
  2. Suspension92
  3. Power train35
  4. Steering29
  5. Vehicle speed control25
  6. Fuel/propulsion system24
  7. Service brakes22
  8. Engine21
  9. Structure19

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 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201259
2013461
2014367
2015646
2016604
2017379
2018128
2022141
2023115
202438
20256
20268
Crashes reported
41
Fires reported
19
Injuries reported
24
Deaths reported
5
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

195 reports7 crashes14 fires
“The vehicle has suffered a catastrophic, intermittent low-voltage network crash caused by a failing Body Control Module (BCM), resulting in multiple dangerous safety-critical failure modes. On a previous occasion, the vehicle woke up with severe network faults and automatically forced itself into Neutral. When the driver stepped out to get the child and shut the door, the system crashed entirely and the exterior electronic door handles failed to present, trapping an infant child inside the running vehicle. Most recently, while driving in a rainstorm, the vehicle suffered a complete failure of the windshield wipers, a total loss of the high-beam headlights, a total loss of the horn, and a total loss of electronic communication to the electronic parking brake system. Most critically, the vehicle experienced an uncommanded propulsion hazard where it hard-locked itself in the 'Drive' gear and absolutely refused to shift into 'Park' or 'Neutral,' forcing the driver to physically maintain heavy hydraulic brake pressure to keep the vehicle from creeping forward. Because the horn failed and the parking brake was disabled, the driver was trapped in the driver's seat…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 24, 2026Steering, Power train, Electrical systemODI 11746345

Suspension

92 reports11 crashes6 fires
“I own a 2013 Tesla Model S. While investigating a knocking noise from the rear of the vehicle, I had a local shop disassemble the affected area and we discovered a crack in the rear subframe near a weld and mounting bracket. The fracture appears clean, with little or no visible corrosion. No previous repairs have been performed in the affected area. Given the location of the failure and the structural function of the component, I request an engineering review to determine the likely failure mechanism and whether similar failures have been documented on early Model S vehicles. My research shows the same failure in NHTSA complaint XXX. Other local shops also describe the same subframe failure on this Model and manufacturing year. Please advise whether any applicable service campaigns, revised replacement components, or goodwill repair assistance are available. I am attaching photographs. My vehicle VIN is [XXX].”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 18, 2026SuspensionODI 11771882

Power train

35 reports
“While driving my 2013 Tesla Model S at normal road speed, the vehicle suddenly lost all propulsion without any warning. I had to coast and maneuver across traffic to avoid being hit before the car came to a stop. After shifting into Park, the vehicle displayed DI_w072 and DI_f072 gate‑drive faults, which indicate inverter/drive‑unit failure and match a pattern reported by other early‑model‑year Tesla owners. This sudden loss of motive power created a serious safety hazard, including risk of rear‑end collision and exposure to oncoming traffic while disabled. • No alerts appeared before the failure • Fault codes appeared only after the vehicle stopped • Vehicle required towing • Incident occurred under normal driving conditions • Tesla has denied responsibility or involvement It was serviced by Tesla a couple days before. During servicing they stated on one side the drive axle was not completely installed upon arrival. They stated they "popped it in for free but the drive unit will likely need replacement soon." Prior to this visit i have had no issues or alerts with these parts or systems, I declined any work to these areas. The next day after receiving my…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 3, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11741781
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Large Cars
Engines
Electric motor
Transmissions
Automatic (A1)
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Electricity
EV range
265 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 10, 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 (60 kW-hr battery pack)
Auto (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive
949795$800—
Model S (40 kW-hr battery pack)
Auto (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive
939694$800—
Model S (85 kW-hr battery pack)
Auto (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive
889089$850—
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Tesla Model S 5 HB RWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
5.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 7769
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

2013 Model S questions

How many recalls does the 2013 Tesla Model S have?

11 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2013 Tesla Model S problems?

Owners filed 461 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (195), suspension (92), power train (35). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2013 Tesla Model S get?

The EPA rates the 2013 Tesla Model S at 89–95 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

How safe is the 2013 Tesla Model S?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 Tesla Model S 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026