The 2024 Tesla Model S is associated with 38 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 6 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE, accounting for 12 reports (32% of total complaints). EPA records certify all-electric efficiency of 96 to 122 MPGe with an estimated driving range of 320–402 miles across 3 certified vehicle configurations. Detailed NHTSA crash-test ratings are not available in the current AutoUtility dataset for this model year.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 38 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 6 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE (12 / 32%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 2 crash / 0 fire / 1 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: Not rated by NHTSA
- • EPA Efficiency: 96–122 MPGe (3 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Model S 100% Electric | Electric Motor | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 127 MPGe | 116 MPGe | 122 MPGe | 402 mi | $600 / yr |
| Model S Plaid (19in wheels) 100% Electric | Electric Motor | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 111 MPGe | 103 MPGe | 107 MPGe | 359 mi | $700 / yr |
| Model S Plaid (21in wheels) 100% Electric | Electric Motor | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 100 MPGe | 91 MPGe | 96 MPGe | 320 mi | $800 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
Electric Range & Charging: The 2024 Tesla Model S provides an official EPA-rated driving range of up to 402 miles on a single battery charge.
NHTSA 5-Star NCAP laboratory crash evaluations are not currently on file for the 2024 Tesla Model S.
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Not Specified and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Not Specified in official NHTSA records for tested 2024 Tesla Model S models.
View complete 2024 Tesla Model S crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2024 Tesla Model S problems & component breakdown (17 categories) →
Affected Component: AIR BAGS
Defect Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-20-001.
Affected Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Defect Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-001.
Affected Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:CUSHION
Defect Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.
View all 2024 Tesla Model S recalls & campaign history (6 campaigns) →