At the shop, Tesla transmission and driveline issues have a recognizable signature. 160 documented complaints across 14 year-model entries from 2012 to 2026 is consistent with what we see come in. 2013 Tesla Model S tops the list, but the pattern repeats across years. Multiple generations are affected. 7 injury reports on the record — not a category to wave off. Repair exposure averages $2,500, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Pull a transmission fluid sample if you can. Color and smell tell you more than mileage alone. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, walk.
ProblemsByVin TESLA / POWERTRAIN
14 model-year entries · 2012–2026
Tesla powertrain problems
160 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Tesla vehicles for powertrain issues. See powertrain across all makes →
Complaints
160
Recalls
0
Year-models
14
Avg fix
$2,500
13crashes
1fire
7injuries
Worst-affected Tesla model-years for powertrain Top 14 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
2013 Tesla Model S
31 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2018 Tesla Model 3
24 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2014 Tesla Model S
24 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2021 Tesla Model 3
15 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2024 Tesla Cybertruck
12 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2022 Tesla Model 3
10 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2019 Tesla Model 3
9 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2020 Tesla Model 3
8 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2023 Tesla Model 3
7 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2026 Tesla Model Y
5 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2020 Tesla Model Y
5 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2012 Tesla Model S
4 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2024 Tesla Model 3
3 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2022 Tesla Model X
3 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
Common questions
How many Tesla powertrain complaints are on file with NHTSA?
160 complaints across 14 model-year entries from 2012 to 2026. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for Tesla.
Which Tesla model has the most powertrain complaints?
The 2013 Tesla Model S leads with 31 complaints in this category. Next: 2018 Model 3 (24) and 2014 Model S (24).
What does it cost to fix Tesla powertrain problems?
Independent shops average $2,500 for powertrain repairs across the Tesla lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Tesla powertrain recalls?
No active NHTSA recalls currently cover powertrain issues on Tesla vehicles. The complaints are owner-reported and have not risen to a manufacturer recall.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Shop Foreman, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Tesla.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.