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2013 Tesla Model S: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the 2013 Tesla Model S, most recently filed May 2024. Owners have filed 460 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 5 stars overall.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 11campaigns 4 electrical · 2 seat belt · 1 lighting Source: NHTSA Complaints 460filed Owner reports, 2012–2021 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 5★overall ★★★★★ Frontal 5★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 5★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 95mpg combined $687/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs Electric· Automatic 3 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (11)

NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the 2013 Tesla Model S. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2013 Tesla Model S. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 24V376000 Filed May 28, 2024

Seat Belt Warning System Malfunction/FMVSS 208

Seat belts · front · warning light/devices
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
89.9% repairedof 125,233 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V376000
Listed for 2013 Tesla Model S. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 24V153000 Filed Feb 27, 2024

Muted Pedestrian Warning Sound/FMVSS 141

Electrical system · software
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.
99.3% repairedof 6,557 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V153000
Listed for 2013 Tesla Model S. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 24V051000 Filed Jan 30, 2024

Incorrect Font Size on Warning Lights/FMVSS 105

Electrical system · instrument cluster/panel
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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."
Consequence
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.
Remedy
Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Repair progress not yet reported2,193,869 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V051000
Listed for 2013 Tesla Model S. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 23V838000 Filed Dec 12, 2023

Autopilot Controls Insufficient to Prevent Misuse

Electrical system · adas · driver monitoring · software
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
Consequence
In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
98.8% repairedof 2,031,220 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V838000
Listed for 2013 Tesla Model S. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V035000 Filed Jan 29, 2021

Center Display Can Lose Rearview Camera Image

Back over prevention · software
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center display functions.
Consequence
The eMMC controller wear-out condition can cause the loss of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners should ensure their vehicles are operating firmware release 2020.48.48.12 or newer, which will alert owners if the eMMC is approaching lifetime wear. Tesla will notify owners, and will replace the VCM daughterboard with one containing an enhanced eMMC controller, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-21-001.
87.2% repairedof 134,951 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V035000
Listed for 2013 Tesla Model S. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V204000 Filed Mar 29, 2018

Loss of Power Steering Assist Due to Corrosion

Steering · electric power assist system
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Tesla Model S vehicles equipped with Bosch steering racks. The aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture causing a reduction or complete loss of power steering assist.
Consequence
Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts and add a corrosion-preventative sealer, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-18-32-002.
91.2% repairedof 70,421 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V204000
Listed for 2013 Tesla Model S. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V031000 Filed Jan 9, 2018

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

Air bags · frontal · passenger side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2013 Model S vehicles equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Consequence
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the passenger frontal air bag modules, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2018. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-18-20-001.
89.8% repairedof 17,846 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V031000
Listed for 2013 Tesla Model S. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V260000 Filed Apr 19, 2017

Parking Brake may not Release or Fully Apply

Parking brake
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electric parking brake calipers have an internal gear that may be improperly manufactured, possibly resulting in the gear fracturing during parking brake application or release.
Consequence
If the gear breaks during parking brake release, the vehicle will not be able to be moved. If the gear breaks during parking brake application, the parking brake may not adequately hold the vehicle, potentially resulting in the vehicle rolling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will notify owners, and service centers will replace both the left and right electric parking brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2018. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-17-33-002.
91.7% repairedof 31,709 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V260000
Listed for 2013 Tesla Model S. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V780000 Filed Nov 23, 2015

Front Seat Belts may be Incorrectly Secured

Seat belts · front
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Model S vehicles manufactured May 31, 2012, to November 12, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with driver or front passenger seat belts that may be improperly connected to the outboard lap pretensioner.
Consequence
If the seat belt is not correctly attached to the pretensioner, it may not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
Tesla will notify owners, and service centers will inspect the driver and front passenger seat belts, correcting their connection, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 14, 2015. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-15-20-002.
93.5% repairedof 59,415 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V780000
Listed for 2013 Tesla Model S. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 14V006000 Filed Jan 13, 2014

Plug in vehicle charger/Possible fire

Electrical system · propulsion system · charging · cable/cord · accessory
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2013 Model S vehicles equipped for, and delivered with, certain NEMA 14-50 (240 volt) Universal Mobile Connector (UMC) adapters. During charging, the adapter, cord, or wall outlet could overheat.
Consequence
An overheated adapter, cord, or wall outlet increases the risk of burn injury and/or fire.
Remedy
Tesla will notify owners and provide an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Some owners have already received this update. This update allows the Model S on board charging system to detect any unexpected fluctuations in the input power or higher resistance connections to the vehicle. If detected, the onboard charging system will automatically reduce the charging current by 25%. Tesla owners can verify that they have received the updated software (version 5.8.4 or later) by viewing the vehicle's center information screen. Additionally, Tesla will mail owners a replacement NEMA 14-50 adapter that is equipped with an internal thermal fuse. The recall began on March 14, 2014. Owners may contact Tesla Service Center at 1-877-79-TESLA (1-877-798-3752).
98.5% repairedof 21,081 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V006000
Listed for 2013 Tesla Model S. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 13V249000 Filed Jun 14, 2013

Seat Back Mounting may Fail

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2013 Model S electric vehicles manufactured May 10, 2013, through June 8, 2013. An improper method for aligning the left hand seat back striker to the bracket may have weakened the weld between the bracket and the frame of the vehicle.
Consequence
In the event of a crash, the left hand seat back may not stay mounted, increasing the risk of injury to passengers.
Remedy
Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will inspect the left hand second row strikers. Tesla will add additional mounting hardware to ensure a proper joint between the bracket and the frame, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2013. Owners may contact Tesla at 1-650-681-5000.
Repair progress not yet reported1,228 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 13V249000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Model S years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Tesla Model SAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (460)

460 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The electrical system is mentioned most often.

41involved a crash
19involved a fire
24injuries reported
5deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Tesla Model S, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 460.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2013 compares with other Model S years

Best and worst Model S years →
61 460 365 668 647 426 169 44 80 179
2012201320142015201620172018201920202021
This year (2013)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 5 stars overall

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 5.7%★★★★★
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2013 Tesla Model S 5 hb rwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 95 mpg combined

95
mpg combined
94
city
97
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$800
CO₂ tailpipe
—
EPA class
Large Cars

What it costs you to run

$687per year
$57per month
158gallons a year

Miles ÷ 95 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2013 Tesla Model S configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
Electric · AutomaticRear-Wheel Drive94 / 97 / 95$800—
Electric · AutomaticRear-Wheel Drive93 / 96 / 94$800—
Electric · AutomaticRear-Wheel Drive88 / 90 / 89$850—

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2013 Model S for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Model S years

Where to next

Which Model S years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2014 Tesla Model S report365 complaints · 9 campaigns →2012 Tesla Model S report61 complaints · 8 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2013 Tesla Model S FAQ

How many recalls does the 2013 Tesla Model S have?

NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns: 24V376000 (seat belt), 24V153000 (electrical), 24V051000 (electrical), 23V838000 (electrical), 21V035000 (lighting), 18V204000 (steering), 18V031000 (air bag), 17V260000 (brake), 15V780000 (seat belt), 14V006000 (electrical), 13V249000 (seat). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2013 Tesla Model S problems?

Owners filed 460 complaints with NHTSA. Electrical system (195), Unknown or other (122), Suspension (91) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2013 Tesla Model S get?

EPA rates the Electric · Automatic version at 94 city, 97 highway and 95 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2013 Tesla Model S get?

NHTSA rated the 2013 Tesla Model S 5 hb rwd 5 stars overall, with 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 5 stars rollover (5.7% rollover risk).

How does the 2013 Model S compare with other years?

Among the 2012–2021 Tesla Model S model years at least five years old, the 2019 drew the fewest complaints (44) and the 2015 the most (668). The 2013 drew 460. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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