Tesla Model S Fuel/propulsion System Problems
Owners have filed 110 complaints with NHTSA about fuel/propulsion system problems on the Tesla Model S across 10 model years. The 2015 model year has the most (32). The words owners use most often: “software update” (22% of reports).
- 110fuel/propulsion system complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 18mention a crash
- 8mention an injury
- 0related recalls
- 28%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Software update: mentioned in 24 of 110 complaints (22%)
- Battery management: mentioned in 13 of 110 complaints (12%)
- Action DP19005: mentioned in 12 of 110 complaints (11%)
- Investigation subject: mentioned in 12 of 110 complaints (11%)
At what mileage do fuel/propulsion system problems happen?
Based on 74 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 110 complaints, 18 mention a crash, 12 a fire, 8 an injury.
Tesla Model S fuel/propulsion system complaints by model year
| Model year | Fuel/propulsion System complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Model S | 2 | 2% | — |
| 2020 Model S | 1 | 1% | 2,000 |
| 2019 Model S | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2018 Model S | 2 | 1% | 14,000 |
| 2017 Model S | 8 | 2% | 7,000 |
| 2016 Model S | 15 | 2% | 5,900 |
| 2015 Model S | 32 | 5% | 48,350 |
| 2014 Model S | 23 | 6% | 61,500 |
| 2013 Model S | 24 | 5% | 93,000 |
| 2012 Model S | 2 | 3% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (0)
No safety recall lists fuel/propulsion system for the Tesla Model S. A pattern of complaints does not always lead to a recall.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
While I have not experienced this issue personally yet, it is highly possible that it affects all 2012â2020 Tesla Model S vehicles equipped with the large induction motor. The issue appears to involve a manufacturing/design defect that allows coolant to leak into the motor due to a failed seal…
On 6/11/26, around 2:10 pm, when i was slowly pulling over to park on a road side, the car suddenly rushed forward unexpectedly. It was so powerful, at the time I could only hear the panic reactions from the two passengers and sense the imminent collision with the parked bmw in the front of several…
While driving my 2013 Tesla Model S at normal road speed, the vehicle suddenly lost all propulsion without any warning. I had to coast and maneuver across traffic to avoid being hit before the car came to a stop. After shifting into Park, the vehicle displayed DI_w072 and DI_f072 gateâdrive…
Following a coolant rapid mate replacement performed by an authorized Tesla service center, the vehicle experienced a complete shutdown on a public road the same evening it was returned. The high-voltage cooling system was not properly purged of air following the service. This caused low coolant…
While driving in traffic, the vehicle displayed warnings stating âUnable to drive â Pull over safely.â The vehicle progressively lost power and became unable to propel itself, requiring me to stop in traffic. Additional warnings indicated reduced acceleration and performance. The vehicle…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Tesla Model Ss have fuel/propulsion system problems?
No. NHTSA has 110 owner complaints about fuel/propulsion system for the Tesla Model S. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Tesla Model S fuel/propulsion system?
No recall currently lists fuel/propulsion system for this vehicle.
What do owners say about fuel/propulsion system problems on the Tesla Model S?
The most frequent phrase is “software update”, in 24 of 110 complaints, followed by “battery management” (13).
Other Tesla Model S problems
See all Tesla Model S problems.