Is autopilot phantom braking on adaptive cruise control a known issue with the 2014 Tesla Model S?

5 NHTSA complaints have been filed about autopilot phantom braking on adaptive cruise control on the 2014 Tesla Model S (2022-02 → 2025-03). Reported component: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11449988): "When using Autopilot / TAC cruise control the vehicle sometimes applies the brakes for no reason" Source: NHTSA.

Is power steering loss while driving a known issue with the 2014 Tesla Model S?

6 NHTSA complaints have been filed about power steering loss while driving on the 2014 Tesla Model S (2021-04 → 2026-02). Reported component: STEERING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11414861): "THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING" Source: NHTSA.

2014 Tesla Model S Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is mcu/emmc failure disabling turn signals and camera a known issue with the 2014 Tesla Model S?

65 NHTSA complaints have been filed about mcu/emmc failure disabling turn signals and camera on the 2014 Tesla Model S (2020-07 → 2026-06). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11695537): "The main touchscreen (MCU1) and instrument cluster on my 2014 Tesla Model S frequently freeze, reboot, or go blank while driving. When this happens, I lose access to defrost, turn signals, backup camera, and speed display. I contacted Tesla Service, but they refused to repair or" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is suspension control arm and fore link failure a known issue with the 2014 Tesla Model S?

34 NHTSA complaints have been filed about suspension control arm and fore link failure on the 2014 Tesla Model S (2020-10 → 2025-08). Reported component: SUSPENSION. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11552027): "Our right rear lower control arm broke off at the outer end. The wheel and hub dropped and cambered out away from the vehicle and the vehicle could not be driven. Fortunately this occurred entering our driveway at low speed. The car was taken to Tesla and we believe should have" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is retractable door handle failure a known issue with the 2014 Tesla Model S?

11 NHTSA complaints have been filed about retractable door handle failure on the 2014 Tesla Model S (2020-08 → 2026-03). Reported component: STRUCTURE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11636859): "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" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is large drive unit coolant leak into motor a known issue with the 2014 Tesla Model S?

11 NHTSA complaints have been filed about large drive unit coolant leak into motor on the 2014 Tesla Model S (2021-04 → 2026-04). Reported component: POWER TRAIN. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11622039): "The rotor seal on the Large Drive Units on Tesla Model S and X fail, causing coolant to leak into the drive unit, flooding it and damaging the inverter. This leads to a replacement cost from Tesla for approximately $7 - $8,000. As this is a design failure this should be a recall" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is instrument display adhesive delamination and leak a known issue with the 2014 Tesla Model S?

10 NHTSA complaints have been filed about instrument display adhesive delamination and leak on the 2014 Tesla Model S (2020-10 → 2026-07). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11589771): "LCD dashboard is bubbling and liquid seems to be leaking within the dashboard screen. In some online research, there are concerns that contaminants can infilitrate the cabin when this happens. The problem seems to be pervasive for cars made by Tesla from 2012 to 2014. There were" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is unintended acceleration at low speed a known issue with the 2014 Tesla Model S?

7 NHTSA complaints have been filed about unintended acceleration at low speed on the 2014 Tesla Model S (2020-07 → 2026-05). Reported component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11412733): "2014 TESLA P85. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INTO THE WALL OF THE GARAGE, WHILE HER FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR WALL AND THE FRONT WALL OF THE GARAGE WERE BADLY DAMAGED. THE CONSUMER" Source: NHTSA.

The 2014 Tesla Model S carries 9 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering inflator module and parking brake. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “MCU/eMMC failure disabling turn signals and camera.” 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.

9 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #19V002000 · Jul 1, 2019

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2014-2016 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 began May 29, 2019. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-19-20-001.

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.

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.

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.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Campaign #21V00B000 · Dec 21, 2021

Issue: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113, "Hood Latch System."

Risk: If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and reposition the latch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-11-003.

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.

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 2014 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/eMMC failure disabling turn signals and camera

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

65 NHTSA complaints · 2020-07 → 2026-06

“The main touchscreen (MCU1) and instrument cluster on my 2014 Tesla Model S frequently freeze, reboot, or go blank while driving. When this happens, I lose access to defrost, turn signals, backup camera, and speed display. I contacted Tesla Service, but they refused to repair or”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11695537

“LARGE SCREEN STOPPED RESPONDING, TURN SIGNALS STOPPED WORKING. HAD TO PULL OVER AND REBOOT. NEXT DAY SCREEN SHOWED A LOT OF ARTIFACTS AND I HAD TO REBOOT AGAIN TO REMEDY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11361613

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Suspension control arm and fore link failure

SUSPENSION

34 NHTSA complaints · 2020-10 → 2025-08

“Our right rear lower control arm broke off at the outer end. The wheel and hub dropped and cambered out away from the vehicle and the vehicle could not be driven. Fortunately this occurred entering our driveway at low speed. The car was taken to Tesla and we believe should have”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11552027

“Front control arms left and right FR SUSP FORE LINK ASSY , only the replacement is available for inspection upon request. The safety that was put at risk is unknown. It was repaired by Tesla at my expense. There were no warning lamps, messages the only symptoms was noise, metal”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11566620

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Retractable door handle failure

STRUCTURE

11 NHTSA complaints · 2020-08 → 2026-03

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11636859

“The front passenger door handle has not extended for more than 90 days. The right rear door handle was replaced on 3/22/21 and has also failed. Tesla apparently has a giant parts shortage and has thus been unable to replace this door handle for months. All four door handles have”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11424104

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Large Drive Unit coolant leak into motor

POWER TRAIN

11 NHTSA complaints · 2021-04 → 2026-04

“The rotor seal on the Large Drive Units on Tesla Model S and X fail, causing coolant to leak into the drive unit, flooding it and damaging the inverter. This leads to a replacement cost from Tesla for approximately $7 - $8,000. As this is a design failure this should be a recall”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11622039

“Coolant ingress found on second Model S large drive unit in rear. After this leak destroyed my first vehicle, second was checked as a precaution and was found to have coolant leaking into drive unit as well”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11676492

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Instrument display adhesive delamination and leak

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 NHTSA complaints · 2020-10 → 2026-07

“LCD dashboard is bubbling and liquid seems to be leaking within the dashboard screen. In some online research, there are concerns that contaminants can infilitrate the cabin when this happens. The problem seems to be pervasive for cars made by Tesla from 2012 to 2014. There were”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11589771

“The contact owns a 2014 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was delaminating and distorted. The contact was unable to see the messages and sensors. The contact stated that the liquid crystal fluid was leaking. The local dealer was not contacted. The”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11470279

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Autopilot phantom braking on adaptive cruise control

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2022-02 → 2025-03

“When using Autopilot / TAC cruise control the vehicle sometimes applies the brakes for no reason”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11449988

“My car has severe phantom breaking due to adaptive cruise control. When I use my Tesla's cruise control on the freeway, on a complete flat straight away that has no vehicle in front of me, no sign/bridge in front of me, and no items/object in front of me, my vehicle while”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11492996

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration at low speed

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

7 NHTSA complaints · 2020-07 → 2026-05

“2014 TESLA P85. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INTO THE WALL OF THE GARAGE, WHILE HER FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR WALL AND THE FRONT WALL OF THE GARAGE WERE BADLY DAMAGED. THE CONSUMER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11412733

“On February 11, 2024, as I was entering my house garage at a very low speed, the car suddenly accelerated and hit the wall of my garage, causing damage to the garage and interior of my house. The car was insured by State Fram. It was towed to a shop for repair at which time the”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11575320

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering loss while driving

STEERING

6 NHTSA complaints · 2021-04 → 2026-02

“THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11414861

“The steering assist failed while driving. Causing near collision and very difficult to drive”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11600876

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 10 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)

9 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 2014 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.

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