Tesla Model S recalls and complaints, 2015–2016, 2020, 2022, 2024
Every tracked model year in one table: NHTSA recalls, owner complaints and what they are about.
NHTSA lists 30 recall campaigns and 1,506 owner complaints for the Tesla Model S model years VinSnap tracks (2015–2016, 2020, 2022, 2024). The most-recalled systems are electrical system (7), air bags (5) and back over prevention (4). Owners complain most about the electrical system (423), suspension (376) and steering (167). The 2015 model year has the most complaints (646, next is 2016 with 604); raw counts are not adjusted for sales or years on the road. Complaints report 179 crashes, 23 fires, 102 injuries and 12 deaths.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints databases
Tesla Model S recalls and complaints by model year
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 9 | 646 | 69 | 11 | 29 | 4 |
| 2016 | 10 | 604 | 89 | 12 | 64 | 8 |
| 2020 | 11 | 80 | 16 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| 2022 | 20 | 138 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | 6 | 38 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Recall and complaint counts per model year from NHTSA. Crash, fire, injury and death figures are what owners reported in their complaints, not confirmed findings. Year links open that year's specs, recall list and complaint breakdown.
Most-recalled systems
| System | Recall campaigns | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 7 | 2015–2016, 2020, 2022 |
| Air bags | 5 | 2015–2016, 2022, 2024 |
| Back over prevention | 4 | 2015–2016, 2022, 2024 |
| Steering | 4 | 2015–2016, 2020, 2022, 2024 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 3 | 2015–2016, 2020, 2022, 2024 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 2015–2016, 2020, 2022, 2024 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 | 2020 |
| Parking brake | 1 | 2015–2016 |
| Visibility | 1 | 2022 |
Most-complained-about components
| Component | Complaints | Share | Year with most |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 423 | 28% | 2015 (256) |
| Unknown or other | 398 | 26% | 2015 (184) |
| Suspension | 376 | 25% | 2016 (204) |
| Steering | 167 | 11% | 2016 (81) |
| Vehicle speed control | 130 | 9% | 2016 (74) |
| Forward collision avoidance | 113 | 8% | 2022 (34) |
| Exterior lighting | 99 | 7% | 2016 (49) |
| Service brakes | 84 | 6% | 2016 (51) |
| Structure | 70 | 5% | 2015 (29) |
| Visibility/wiper | 60 | 4% | 2015 (29) |
A complaint can name more than one component, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Which NHTSA model names are counted
NHTSA files recalls and complaints under exact model names. This page adds up: MODEL S, MODEL S (ALL VARIANTS), MODEL S 60, MODEL S 60D, MODEL S 60KWH, MODEL S 70, MODEL S 70D, MODEL S 75, MODEL S 75D, MODEL S 85, MODEL S 85D, MODEL S 85KWH, MODEL S 90, MODEL S 90D, MODEL S P100D, MODEL S P85D, MODEL S P90D.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Tesla Model S have?
NHTSA lists 30 recall campaigns across the Tesla Model S model years 2015–2016, 2020, 2022, 2024, most often for the electrical system (7), air bags (5) and back over prevention (4).
Which Tesla Model S year has the most complaints?
Of the years VinSnap tracks, the 2015 Tesla Model S has the most NHTSA complaints (646), ahead of the 2016 (604). Counts are not adjusted for how many were sold or how long they have been on the road.
What do Tesla Model S owners complain about most?
Across 2015–2016, 2020, 2022, 2024, NHTSA complaints most often name the electrical system (423 complaints), suspension (376 complaints) and steering (167 complaints).
Are Tesla Model S recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are done free of charge by franchised Tesla dealers. Recalls apply to specific build ranges, so check your VIN to see which campaigns cover your vehicle.