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ProblemsByVin File / 2012-TESLA-MODEL-S
2012 · tesla

tesla Model S problems

1 safety recall. 59 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.4 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

1
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 3 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
34 reports · avg $850
moderate
suspension
8 reports · avg $900
critical
powertrain
4 reports · avg $2,500
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2012 Model S · electrical
THE HEATER AND DEFROSTER STOPPED WORKING IN THIS COLD WEATHER AS WE WERE DRIVING HOME WITH MY SONS. THEY WERE FREEZING AND COLD. I WAS NOT ABLE TO SEE CLEARLY RATHER VERY FOGGY WINDSHIELD DUE TO NON-WORKING CABIN HEATER AND DEFROSTER. THIS ISSUE HAD HAPPENED TO MANY MANY TESLA…
12/31/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11385791.0
2012 Model S · electrical
THIS COMPLAINT MAY REFER TO THE REFERENCE NUMBER PROVIDED BELOW: NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: DP19005 - INVESTIGATION SUBJECT: BATTERY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE UPDATES TO WHOM IT MIGHT CONCERN, BACK TO MAY 2019, TESLA PUSHED A SOFTWARE UPDATE, FIRMWARE NUMBER 2019.16.2, TO MY CAR VIA…
12/27/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11291614.0
2012 Model S · suspension
YOU ARE INVESTIGATING TESLA FRONT SUSPENSION FAILURES. YOU SHOULD ALSO INVESTIGATE TESLA REAR SUSPENSION FAILURES. HERE IS JUST ONE RECENT EXAMPLE.HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/38453571?ROWNUMBER=39 THE SUSPENSION LINK HAS SNAPPED LIKE A PRETZEL CAUSING THE SUSPENSION…
12/23/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11384728.0
2012 Model S · electrical
I appears that Tesla had capped my battery. I have lost significant range for no reason and they have no explanation.
12/16/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11444023.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

critical NHTSA 17V023000 10/01/2017

Tesla Motors, Inc

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Tesla will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2017. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.

Common questions

Is the 2012 Tesla Model S reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Tesla Model S is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2012 Tesla Model S?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 34 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The suspension is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $900 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Tesla Model S has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Tesla Model S?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 59 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $900, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with tesla. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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