NHTSA Safety Recalls
Tesla Model S Recalls by Year
Every model year from 2012 to 2021, ranked by how many recalls it carries.
Across 4 model years (2012–2021) the Tesla Model S has 52 NHTSA recalls. The worst year is 2021 with 24; the cleanest is 2012 with 8.
- Model years
- 4
- Total recalls
- 52
- Worst year
- 2021
- Cleanest year
- 2012
2012–2021
24 recalls
8 recalls
Recalls by model year
| Year | Recalls | Relative |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model S | 24 | |
| 2014 Tesla Model S | 9 | |
| 2013 Tesla Model S | 11 | |
| 2012 Tesla Model S | 8 |
What gets recalled most on the Tesla Model S
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE5
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE4
- SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES4
- STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM4
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE4
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL4
- SEAT BELTS:FRONT4
- AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE3
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH3
- PARKING BRAKE3
Reading these numbers
A high recall count is not the same as an unreliable car. Recalls are safety defects the manufacturer reports and repairs free; a maker that files many of them is often being more diligent, not less. Older model years also accumulate recalls simply by existing longer.
What matters for a specific car is whether its own VIN is covered by an open campaign. Check it on NHTSA's lookup or call 1-888-327-4236.