no report yet
Back over prevention: software
NewRisk. A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
2023 Tesla Model SProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 115 owner complaints about the 2023 Tesla Model S, most often about the steering. It is covered by 13 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-172 the manufacturer reports only 73% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 25, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2023 Tesla Model S has problems
115 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
21Steering1 crash/fire/injury
18Forward collision avoidance1 crash/fire/injury
9Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
7Vehicle speed control1 crash/fire/injury
6Service brakes
6Visibility/wiper
5Exterior lighting
5Wheels
4Suspension
2210 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 21 | 1 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 18 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 9 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 7 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 6 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 6 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 0 |
| Wheels | 5 | 0 |
| Suspension | 4 | 0 |
| 10 other systems | 22 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
13 recalls
2023 Tesla Model S recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q2
Air bags
Risk. An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q2
Driver side: cushion
Risk. A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2026 Q2
Electrical system: software
Risk. An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 9 more recalls
repaired · 2026 Q2
Front: warning light/devices
Risk. A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Risk. Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Sensing system: camera
Risk. A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Electrical system: software
Risk. An unlocked door may unlatch and open during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Driver monitoring: software
Risk. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as…
repaired · 2025 Q4
Air bags: frontal
Risk. An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q2
Sensing system: camera
Risk. Safety features that are unavailable without any warning to the driver may increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q2
Seat belts: front
Risk. A detached seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2025 Q1
Steering: automated/adaptive steering
Risk. FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Tesla.
Best & worst years
2023 vs. every other Model S year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Model S median. How we score
'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
10 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2023 Tesla Model S, and the recalls they led to.
- Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting RequirementsOpen
- Defect Petition Interlock RequestNo recall
- Sudden Unintended AccelerationOpen
- Autopilot System Driver ControlsLed to recall 23V-085
- FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility ConditionsOpen
- Front seat belt anchor detachmentLed to recall 23V-488
- FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility ConditionsNo recall
- Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.No recall
- Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engagedOpen
- Recall 23V838 Remedy EffectivenessOpen
In owners' words
What Model S owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
While driving at freeway speed at about 9:15 PM with Full Self-Driving (Supervised) engaged, the car suddenly jerked and told me to take over. Several safety systems then failed at once: ABS disabled (ESP_a025), stability control disabled (DI_a222), traction control disabled (DI_a223), Automatic…
My 2023 Tesla Model S has a horn activated by a small button on the right side of the steering wheel rather than by pressing the center of the steering wheel. During a recent dangerous traffic situation, I needed to use the horn immediately to warn another driver, but I could not locate and…
Tesla just sold me a car with defective front half shafts axles. The car makes a reproducible and very concerning accelerator pedal shudder that makes the entire vehicle front vibrate, including the steering wheel and brake pedals while the car is accelerating between 30-60mph. This interferes with…
Own a 2023 Model S?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.