Tesla Model S Complaints

470 consumer complaints on file.

#11597014June 26, 2024
SUSPENSION
Air Suspension system throws an error. Car attempts to lift but it feels like a limit switch or some upper bound is not working properly, as the car lifts in the rear, then suddenly kicks back down before trying to lift again. This process repeats 5-6 times before stopping. Initially, I could hear a motor or compressor running for about 30 seconds while initially driving the car. Since then, I've not heard any sounds from the suspension and it consistently says that the suspension is either not available or not functional in the driver heads up screen. Tesla is forcing me to pay for this repair, it is uncertain or unclear whether this should be covered under a recall, especially considering the issues on Suspension faced in China. Tesla has ridiculous wait times at their service centers - it will take me at least until late July to get this fixed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11596842June 26, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
My Tesla was parked unlocked in my garage. I came out to drive it and all the doors were locked and would not open with my key card. It also would not unlock with my cell phone app. Tesla customer service also could not remotely unlock it. The vehicle had to be towed to a Tesla Service Center where they forced open the window to gain access. They stated the car needed a new control panel. I have read where Teslas have locked up with children in the car and parent could not gain access to the car. These situations need to be looked into since the Teslas locking up are not isolated incidences.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11595940June 22, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Driving on straight section of highway at dusk. No autopilot or other features on. Road slightly damp from earlier rain. Driving approximately 60mph. Without me moving my hands or feet then car suddenly slammed on the brakes and speed decreased to approximately 20mph. I pulled over and reset the car computer by pressing the two buttons on the wheel and no further problems but had someone been behind me there would have been a terrible crash and my daughter was in the backseat. Looking online it seems Tesla "phantom braking" is not uncommon. I am frightened to drive my car ever again but have a 7 hour drive home tomorrow.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11595765June 21, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When driving I was cut off and reached for the horn. Due to the small button for the horn and the replacement, I couldn't use the horn in the emergency and almost had a very bad accident Tesla refuses to fix the problem
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11595486June 20, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The steering wheel Tesla is using is causing a lot of safety concerns. The horn is now a button and not located in the center of the steering wheel. It's not very easy to find, especially in a stressful situation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593314June 9, 2024
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, VISIBILITY/WIPER
I received a letter from Tesla in Jan 2024 detailing recall 24V-035 for my Model S 2023 vehicle. This recall indicates the vehicle is not in compliance with FMVSS No. 111, S5.5.3. and promised an over-the-air software update to remedy the issue. However, it is now June 2024 and my vehicle continues to show no updates are available to fix this safety issue. My vehicle continues to run software version 2023.44.30.6 while the fix is only available in version 2023.44.30.7 and later. I am concerned the Tesla is either incapable of fixing the problem via software updates and is dragging its feet, or lacks the expertise to fix the problem via said software update.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593247June 8, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Frunk latch does not open with the first tap due to misdesigned frunk liner trim piece. The only way to open the frunk is after first tap to simultaneously tapping open and pulling the hood upward. It is only feasible using the phone app as the vehicle comes with key-card. This creates a safety concern due to fire crew would have an issue reaching a first responder loop to disconnect a battery located under the hood in case of an accident. The issue was reproduced to Tesla service team but they claimed that it is yet impossible to repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593197June 8, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The horn on this car is a small button next to the windshield wiper button. I had a truck cut me off and tried to honk the horn and I pushed the windshield wiper button by mistake. The horn requires you to use your thumb and is very difficult to use in an emergency situation. My car is a 2023 with the steering wheel horn set up and now the 2024 Tesla model S has fixed this problem with a regular horn. I would like my steering wheel replaced with the 2024 steering wheel that has fixed this problem. Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11592398June 4, 2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
I had a software update on my Tesla Model S for minor fixes (s/w version # 2024.14.9) and when I came to start the car the following systems are now working; 1/ All camera's are not working including review view camera. 2/ All ADAS systems are not working 3/ Windscreen wipers are not working 4/ Navigation is not working The biggest concern is the camera system and all the safety system associated with this are now not active on the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11592339June 4, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This model has a small horn button on the right hand side of the steering wheel, rather than the traditional location of a large horn in the middle of the steering wheel. This is a VERY dangerous location for a feature that needs to be easily and quickly located to prevent dangerous accidents. The main use of a horn is to warn another driver that they may hit you. With a small button in the right side of the steering wheel, it's not possible to have to look down onto the steering wheel and find the button when encountering these dangerous situations. Tesla has since changed the steering wheel, moving the horn to the center of the steering wheel, however, there are a number of Tesla cars, like mine, which still have this issue. I believe these cars should be recalled and Tesla should replace the steering wheel free of charge so it is safe.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11591841May 31, 2024
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Windshield with distortions causing driving distractions and headaches. I am on my third windshield with the same problem. This seems to be a widespread issue in reviewing online forums.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11590908May 27, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
being total disabled and driving over 46 years tesla moved horn from it’s original place they want 1,800.00 put back in middle of steering wheel this is hardship and safety issue
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11590545May 24, 2024
STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
I have lane departure, avoidance in lane departure assist both turned off in the settings. Despite this, The alarms are constantly going off (Even when I am not departing a lane). It even overrides my steering inputs incorrectly! 8:28am 5/24/2024 for example, I am pulling into my garage and it’s yanking the steering wheel trying to crash me into the wall. I immediately verified the settings are all still turned off. I have an open service ticket with Tesla where I am supplying them dates and times every time it happens and no one is responding. Previously had them replaced the whole vehicle (lemon law), and it still happening.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11589894May 21, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car lacks a turn signal stalk. The turn signal buttons on the steering wheel move with the wheel, making it almost impossible to figure out where to press when the wheel is turned, without taking your eyes off the road. It's not a good idea to take your eyes off the road while turning. This makes signalling while exiting a round-a-bout essentially impossible. In addition, even when going straight, it is easy to press the wrong button & signal left when you intend to turn right and vice versa, unless you look at the buttons. I don't think it is a good idea to keep looking away from the road for this purpose. I thought I'd get used to this & be able to operate them easily after a few thousand miles. So far, after 2,000 miles I still press the wrong button occasionally. This is not safe. This is a distraction.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11587733May 8, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Tesla has a very tiny horn button that is not in the center of the steering wheel. The button is off to the right with other buttons for the wipers and auto cruise. It is extremely hard to find in normal situations, but impossible to find in emergency situations because the button moves with the steering wheel. Someone tried to change lanes into me. I could not both honk and avoid him. Very scary and dangerous. I thought you should know.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11587618May 8, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STEERING
The horn button is located on the side of the steering wheel spoke, extremely difficult to find, especially in an emergency. I have had several incidents in which I was unable to locate the small button when needed to avoid a collision.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11587563May 7, 2024
VISIBILITY/WIPER
My new car has severe distortion of the windshield and the tailgate glass which could make driving the car unsafe by distorting the lane markings, cars and streets, and/or by inducing dizziness. I took the car to Tesla service and was told that the issue is within specifications and that all other similar Teslas have the same glass issue and replacing the glass would not help the issue. It seems that the glass supplier that Tesla is using has a poor manufacturing quality. The company does not seem to care. I hope you can investigate the issue and request that Tesla address the defective glass with the current supplier or switch to a better quality supplier.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11586722May 3, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The horn activation placement is not in the center of the steering wheel under the pad. It is on a thumb activated button to the right side of the wheel. It is a design flaw which was changed due to the negative fallout with the 2024 car model. Tesla wants over $2000 to correct this safety hazard. I have had several times when a panic use of the horn was missed due to it not being placed where it has been since the invention of the automobile. Thanks for your time in this matter. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11585652April 28, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving suddenly in the middle of the road the car stopped with the warning Pull over immediately. Rear motor disabled. The biggest safety issue was the vehicle would not respond to any shift in gear drive , reverse or neutral. It wouldn’t move at all. I had to call 911 and cops also tried but the vehicle would not respond to any movement
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11585101April 24, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The horn button is too small and in a non-standard location that makes it difficult to reliably locate and push it when it is needed. Several times I have tried to locate the horn to avoid an accident or alert other drivers I am nearby, but I cannot locate or hit the small button in time. I have had to swerve out of my lane several times because of this. Fortunately, no cars have been behind me in the new lanes, but how much longer can I rely on that?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Tesla Model S