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ProblemsByVinFile / 2013-TESLA-MODEL-SNHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2013 · Tesla
Tesla Model S problems
1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 456 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.
Reliability score
6.0 / 10
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
1
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 Model S?
Avoid — the electrical system
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced.
2 fatality reports and 12 fire-related complaints on the electrical system
Steering: 28 complaints, classified critical, failures cluster 20,000–100,000 mi
Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average
3 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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The contact owns a 2013 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive and electrical power. A warning message stating that the vehicle was about to shut off was illuminated. The contact swerved to the right, attempting to…
Here is a Tesla in the junkyard. Https://m.iaai.com/vehicledetenc.aspx?auctionid=0&itemid=23837634&rowid=31&pagesource=vehicleresults the back rh wheel assembly has torn off and exited through the rear of the car tearing off the back bumper. The car has then had a major…
Allegedly: a Tesla owner awoke to the smell of burning electrical. She called 911. A fire fighter was injured responding to the garage fire. Fire investigators suspect that the origin of the fire was the wall socket or the Tesla universal mobile connector from the Tesla charging…
Had a problem with your 2013 Tesla Model S?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
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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.
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.
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).
Under investigation
3 open at NHTSA
RQElectrical System › Adas · opened April 2024
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. RQ24009 on NHTSA →
DPVehicle Speed Control · opened June 2023
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. DP23002 on NHTSA →
EAAir Bags › Frontal · opened September 2021
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10 based on 456 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Tesla Model S has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2013 Tesla Model S?
On the NHTSA data, the 2013 Tesla Model S is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the electrical system was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 2 fatality reports and 12 fire-related complaints on the electrical system; Steering: 28 complaints, classified critical, failures cluster 20,000–100,000 mi; Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 Tesla Model S?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 168 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 87,390 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 87,390 miles. 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 2013 Tesla Model S?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 456 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, 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 are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Tesla/Model S.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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