Tesla Model S problems
0 safety recalls. 361 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
WHILE DRIVING WITH MY SON ON LOCAL ROADS, WITH NO UNUSUAL BUMPS OR POTHOLES, I EXPERIENCED AN ALARMING LOSS OF STABILITY. I SLOWED MY SPEED DOWN AND MADE IT HOME. ONCE THE CAR WAS IN THE DRIVEWAY, I SAW THAT THE REAR WHEEL WAS CANTILEVERED ABOUT 15 DEGREES FROM VERTICAL. ONCE I…
WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEED AND TURNING THE CAR OVER SLIGHTLY UNEVEN SURFACES LIKE A DRIVEWAY OR CAR PARKS THE FRONT SUSPENSION MAKES A CLUNKING AND CLICKING SOUND. VIBRATION AND THUDS CAN BE FELT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL AND FOOTWELLS OF THE CAR. I BROUGHT TO TESLA AND…
This vehicle has a faulty parking break that will enable it to roll when placed in park. Tesla previously recalled this issue on Model S and X but wants us to pay $1486.66 to have this repaired.
The TPMS system has failed and has been a known issue with Telsa since 2014. The system will not reset and Telsa has said it has to be upgraded for 1000. The warning light comes on randomly and goes away after the car drives for a while or gets parked.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2014 Tesla Model S reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 361 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2014 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 2014 Tesla Model S?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 118 complaints filed. 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. 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 2014 Tesla Model S?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 361 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 aren't always better value.