Problems · by component

2014 Tesla Model S structure problems

27 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2014 Tesla Model S cite structure, 7% of all 367 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
27
7% of all complaints
Crashes
5
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the structure

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The vehicle's front hood unexpectedly released and struck the windshield while driving at full speed on the interstate. I was able to pull over safely. After stopping, the vehicle displayed a warning indicating that it could not detect whether the front trunk was latched. The resulting collision repairs included replacement of the hood, windshield, hood latch, striker, hood support struts, and related components. We requested that Tesla review this incident as a potential vehicle safety defect and determine whether it is consistent with any known hood-latch defect or applicable recall condition. We specifically request consideration of the relevance of Recall 21V-00B / Tesla campaign SB-21-11-003, while recognizing that we have not independently established whether our VIN was included in the recall population. Tesla has not provided a substantive response.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 25, 2026Structure, Unknown or otherODI 11773524
“Rear Door handles are inoperable again after repairs made by dealer. The fault is due to design fault with the wiring harness on the door handles. Manufacturer refuses to make repairs under warranty”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 3, 2026StructureODI 11721790
“Drivers door handle failed to operate, occupant was locked out of vehicle, safety of operator was compromised as elderly operator has to climb over passenger and center console to enter drivers area. Problem is ongoing as door handle will not operate at all. Vehicle has not been inspected yet. No symptoms, door handle failed and cannot be opened from the outside at all.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 19, 2025StructureODI 11636859
“The contact owns a 2014 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park(P), a person approached the driver’s side rear door, and the door unintendedly opened slightly. The contact stated that prior to entering the vehicle, the driver’s side rear door opened slightly, and while reversing, the door opened completely. The contact closed the door; however, the failure recurred. There were no alerts during the failure; however, afterwards the contact's door was opened, and the App showed a message that the door was opened. The contact stated that all the doors were not opening from inside or outside the vehicle unless the vehicle was in park. The contact stated that the driver's side door was not opening whether in park or drive. The contact added Velcro to the door handle that was used to pull the door handle open. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 23, 2024Structure, Latches/locks/linkagesODI 11584692
“Can't open driver's side door from outside, safety issue for parents/first responders. Online search shows this is a common defect that needs a safety recall, the wiring is defective and costly to repair. Thank you”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 16, 2024StructureODI 11565900
“Three separate reports from car to Tesla: Traction Control Disabled Stability Control Disabled Automatic Emergency Braking Disabled Two hours later my car caught on fire while parked at my home. It was declared a total loss.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 19, 2023Electrical system, Air bags, StructureFire reportedODI 11545459

Showing 6 of 27 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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