Is drive unit failure from coolant seal leak a known issue with the 2013 Tesla Model S?

19 NHTSA complaints have been filed about drive unit failure from coolant seal leak on the 2013 Tesla Model S (2020-09 → 2026-06). Reported component: POWER TRAIN. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11670366): "Complete engine failure. Car became disabled and unable to move. Upon investigation, this was drive unit failure due to coolant leaking past the seal. A common issue of Tesla Model S and X with the large drive unit" Source: NHTSA.

Is suspension control arm and subframe failure a known issue with the 2013 Tesla Model S?

21 NHTSA complaints have been filed about suspension control arm and subframe failure on the 2013 Tesla Model S (2020-10 → 2025-06). Reported component: SUSPENSION. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11549906): "Driving at normal speeds and conditions my rear drivers control arm snapped off and wheel almost fell off , if driving at higher speed could have been deadly" Source: NHTSA.

Is door handle failure to present or open a known issue with the 2013 Tesla Model S?

5 NHTSA complaints have been filed about door handle failure to present or open on the 2013 Tesla Model S (2021-04 → 2026-02). Reported component: STRUCTURE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11718480): "I have a 2013 Tesla Model-S, I have so far spent thousands on this car for door handle related problems over its lifetime. And Tesla still keeps charging for any door repairs. As of now, the driver side door doesn't open from outside" Source: NHTSA.

Is high-voltage battery pack failure and corrosion a known issue with the 2013 Tesla Model S?

19 NHTSA complaints have been filed about high-voltage battery pack failure and corrosion on the 2013 Tesla Model S (2021-02 → 2026-01). Reported component: POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11685191): "Premature HV Battery BMS Failure After Tesla Replacement – Safety Risk of Fire and Sudden Power Loss" Source: NHTSA.

Is power steering assist loss a known issue with the 2013 Tesla Model S?

10 NHTSA complaints have been filed about power steering assist loss on the 2013 Tesla Model S (2020-11 → 2023-10). Reported component: STEERING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11552752): "Power steering has failed and the car is dangerous to drive unless you have Arnold Schwarteneggers strength" Source: NHTSA.

2013 Tesla Model S Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is mcu touchscreen and emmc memory failure a known issue with the 2013 Tesla Model S?

93 NHTSA complaints have been filed about mcu touchscreen and emmc memory failure on the 2013 Tesla Model S (2020-09 → 2026-06). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11352878): "THE MAIN TOUCH SCREEN FAILED WITH LIKELY EMMC FAILURE RESULTING IN NO NAVIGATION, NO BACKUP CAMERA, NO TURN SIGNALS OR SOUND, NO AIR OR DEFROSTERS AND NO WAY TO CONTROL HEADLIGHTS OR OTHER SAFETY FEATURES. FAILURE OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS" Source: NHTSA.

The 2013 Tesla Model S carries 11 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering parking brake and inflator module. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “MCU touchscreen and eMMC memory failure.” Tesla vehicles have no engine oil, no transmission fluid, no spark plugs, no timing belt, and no exhaust system to maintain. The schedule below is the entire factory-recommended service list. Tesla does not require dealer-stamped service intervals to maintain warranty — owners can service most items at home or at any qualified shop.

11 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

PARKING BRAKE

Campaign #17V260000 · Apr 19, 2017

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #18V031000 · Sep 1, 2018

Issue: 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.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: 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.

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Campaign #18V204000 · Mar 29, 2018

Issue: 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.

Risk: Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

Campaign #15V780000 · Nov 23, 2015

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Campaign #14V006000 · Jan 13, 2014

Issue: 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.

Risk: An overheated adapter, cord, or wall outlet increases the risk of burn injury and/or fire.

Fix: 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).

SEATS

Campaign #13V249000 · Jun 14, 2013

Issue: 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.

Risk: In the event of a crash, the left hand seat back may not stay mounted, increasing the risk of injury to passengers.

Fix: 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.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Campaign #21V035000 · Jan 29, 2021

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE

Campaign #23V838000 · Dec 12, 2023

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Campaign #24V051000 · Jan 30, 2024

Issue: 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."

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.

Fix: 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.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT

Campaign #24V153000 · Feb 27, 2024

Issue: 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."

Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES

Campaign #24V376000 · May 28, 2024

Issue: 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."

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.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Tesla Model S.

3 active NHTSA investigations

Source: NHTSA

Sudden Unintended Acceleration
Action #DP23002 · opened Jun 29, 2023
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP20-001 on the basis that intermittent high electrical current demands on the vehicles' 12VDC systems may have caused some or all of the incidents examined by ODI in…
View on NHTSA →
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Action #EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 200…
View on NHTSA →
Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness
Action #RQ24009 · opened Apr 25, 2024
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening a Recall Query to assess the remedy adequacy of Recall 23V838. On December 12, 2023, Tesla filed a Defect Information Report (Recall 23V838) applicable to all Tesla models produced and equipped with any version of its Autopilot…
View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

MCU touchscreen and eMMC memory failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

93 NHTSA complaints · 2020-09 → 2026-06

“THE MAIN TOUCH SCREEN FAILED WITH LIKELY EMMC FAILURE RESULTING IN NO NAVIGATION, NO BACKUP CAMERA, NO TURN SIGNALS OR SOUND, NO AIR OR DEFROSTERS AND NO WAY TO CONTROL HEADLIGHTS OR OTHER SAFETY FEATURES. FAILURE OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11352878

“My main center computer touch screen has been leaking a sticky toxic glue for over 5 years. This toxic sticky glue continues to leak all over the interior of my vehicle which regularly needs to be cleaned”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11526128

“BACKING UP MCU FAIL BACKUP CAMERA FAILED ALMOST BACK ON A KID RAN BEHIND MY CAR WHILE I WAS LOOKING DOWN AT A DISABLED SCREEN. DRIVING TO TESLA SERVICE DEPARTMENT MAIN SCREEN FAILED DUE TO COMPUTER CAR CRIPPLED TO MINIMAL SAFETY CONTROL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11389928

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Drive unit failure from coolant seal leak

POWER TRAIN

19 NHTSA complaints · 2020-09 → 2026-06

“Complete engine failure. Car became disabled and unable to move. Upon investigation, this was drive unit failure due to coolant leaking past the seal. A common issue of Tesla Model S and X with the large drive unit”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11670366

“I was just getting off the freeway, into a business area, and all of a sudden car stopped without any warning, with a quick "power reduced flash on the screen, unable to move at all”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11459298

“A loud whining noise from the rear drive unit of my Tesla. The car is a 2013 and has 98,000 miles. The rear drive unit was previously replaced in 2015 at 45,000 miles, and has now been replaced again in 2021”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11424468

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Suspension control arm and subframe failure

SUSPENSION

21 NHTSA complaints · 2020-10 → 2025-06

“Driving at normal speeds and conditions my rear drivers control arm snapped off and wheel almost fell off , if driving at higher speed could have been deadly”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11549906

“BALL JOINT ON FRONT LEFT UPPER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY FAILED PREMATURELY AT APPROXIMATELY 80,000 MILES VEHICLE USAGE; SPECIFICALLY, IT SEPARATED SO AS TO CAUSE THE UCA (UPPER CONTROL ARM) TO DISCONNECT FROM FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11376939

“Component failed: Rear subframe cracked Safety risk: Car not stable to drive at speed, drive unit can twist or flop/drop Confirmed issue w/ dealer who is also manufacturer”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11467055

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door handle failure to present or open

STRUCTURE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2021-04 → 2026-02

“I have a 2013 Tesla Model-S, I have so far spent thousands on this car for door handle related problems over its lifetime. And Tesla still keeps charging for any door repairs. As of now, the driver side door doesn't open from outside”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11718480

“The driver's side rear door handle stuck open and you can't get door open. This is the 3rd driver's side rear handle for this vehicle. Tesla would not cover the repair”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11526460

“DRIVER'S FRONT SIDE DOOR HANDLE FAILED TO PRESENT AND REQUIRED REPAIR. REPAIRED WITH LATEST GENERATION HANDLES. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME A HANDLE HAS HAD ISSUES ON MY CAR (IT IS THE 3RD TIME A HANDLE HAS BEEN REPLACED)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11413453

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

High-voltage battery pack failure and corrosion

POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

19 NHTSA complaints · 2021-02 → 2026-01

“Premature HV Battery BMS Failure After Tesla Replacement – Safety Risk of Fire and Sudden Power Loss”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11685191

“My 2013 Tesla Model S 60 KW didn’t drive on July 2022 and I got a warning on the screen that all electrical systems are shutting down . The car had to be towed to Tesla Service”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11487136

“Battery packs on older Model S are dying WHILE driving. Puts the car non responsive and limp mode. No choice but to try and pull over. No acceleration and car dies”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11485038

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering assist loss

STEERING

10 NHTSA complaints · 2020-11 → 2023-10

“Power steering has failed and the car is dangerous to drive unless you have Arnold Schwarteneggers strength”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11552752

“I lost power steering with 64,850 miles on the odometer. I was told the steering rack ($2750) and the front left body harness assembly ($525) needed to be replaced because of corrosion”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11442371

“THE STEERING RACK MOTOR FAILED CAUSING THE STEERING TO BECOME INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT. TURNING THE WHEELS AT NO OR LOW SPEED TAKES GREAT FORCE AND TURNING THE WHEEL AT FASTER SPEEDS TAKES MODERATE FORCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11399048

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 9 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Tire Rotation

Every 6,250 mi

Rotate tires every 6,250 miles or when tread depth difference exceeds 2/32". Performance models (Model 3 Performance, Model Y Performance) wear front tires faster — rotate at 5,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Fluid Test

On condition / lifetime

Test brake fluid for moisture every 2 years on Model 3/Y, every 4 years on Model S/X. Replace if moisture content exceeds the test threshold. Regenerative braking dramatically extends fluid life vs ICE vehicles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Tire Pressure Check

Every 1,000 mi (monthly)

Check tire pressure monthly. Tesla's range estimates assume manufacturer-spec pressure; under-inflation costs 5-10% range and accelerates tire wear.

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

On condition / lifetime

Model 3 / Model Y: replace every 2 years. Model S / Model X: replace every 3 years (HEPA filter, larger). Sooner in dusty climates or wildfire-prone regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

HEPA Filter (Model S / X with Bioweapon Defense Mode)

On condition / lifetime

Model S and Model X equipped with Bioweapon Defense Mode use a HEPA filter — replace every 3 years.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$130–$210

Shop

~$95–$150

DIY

~$35–$90

HEPA-grade replacement; aftermarket is improving but selection is narrower than standard cabin filters.

High-Voltage Battery — No Service

On condition / lifetime

The high-voltage battery is sealed and has no scheduled maintenance. Tesla's 8-year/100,000-150,000-mile battery warranty covers capacity retention to 70%.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

—

Shop

—

DIY

—

Traction battery service varies dramatically by vehicle ($5k–$20k+). Get a quote — we won't pretend to know.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

7 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Tesla Model S reflects Tesla's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →