ProblemsByVin File / 2018-TESLA-MODEL-S NHTSA data synced 4 days ago

2018 · Tesla

Tesla Model S problems

1 active recall campaign on file, no owner complaints in the NHTSA database. Often that means the recall caught it before the field did.

Reliability score

9.8 / 10

No owner complaints on NHTSA yet, so the reliability score is provisional. 1 active recall on file — read those first.

Critical

Severe

Moderate

Should you avoid this 2018 Model S?

Not enough data for a verdict

Only 0 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first.

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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Buyer's checklist

Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.

Generated from this 2018 Model S's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.

See the checklist ->

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 21V035000 January 29, 2021

Tesla, Inc

The eMMC controller wear-out condition can cause the loss of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Owners should ensure their vehicles are operating firmware release 2020.48.48.12 or newer, which will alert owners if the eMMC is approaching lifetime wear. Tesla will notify owners, and will replace the VCM daughterboard with one containing an enhanced eMMC controller, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-21-001.

Under investigation 6 open at NHTSA

EA Electrical System › Adas · opened March 2026

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA26002 on NHTSA →

PE Electrical System › Adas · opened October 2025

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. PE25012 on NHTSA →

AQ Electrical System › Adas · opened August 2025

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. AQ25002 on NHTSA →

RQ Electrical 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 →

DP Vehicle 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 →

EA Air 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 →

How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →

Common questions

Is the 2018 Tesla Model S reliable?

Limited NHTSA data. Only 0 owner complaints have been filed for the 2018 Tesla Model S, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.

Should you avoid the 2018 Tesla Model S?

Only 0 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2018 Tesla Model S without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.

What's the most common problem on the 2018 Tesla Model S?

No problem area has crossed our reporting threshold yet, which is a good sign for this vehicle.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

Major repair items haven't been flagged often enough on this vehicle to single one out.

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 2018 Tesla Model S?

Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 0 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.

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/2018/Tesla/Model S. 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.