2013 Tesla Model S Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2013 Tesla Model S has a Complaint Index of 69, ranking 5th worst out of 14 model years, and earns a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 459 complaints, 11 recalls, and 19 reported fires, with the Electrical System the top problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 69/100
- #5 of 14 Model S years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 459
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 11
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 41
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 19
- Injuries
- 24
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 94
- 93 city / 96 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 24 / 5
Top 2013 Tesla Model S problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System203 (44%)
- Other126 (27%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires98 (21%)
- Engine43 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain35 (8%)
- Brakes29 (6%)
- Steering29 (6%)
- Fuel System24 (5%)
- Structure & Body23 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers22 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Charging cords and adapters reportedly overheated, melted, or caught fire while the car was plugged in at home.
- Owners describe sudden unintended forward surges from a stop, in one case causing a low-speed collision.
- Front suspension ball joints reportedly separated from the steering knuckle without prior collision damage, in some cases followed by fire.
- Several complaints describe friction brakes losing effectiveness for several seconds in wet conditions, including after rain, snow, or car washes.
- Multiple electrical system complaints involve vehicle fires linked to crashes, including fatal incidents.
2013 Tesla Model S recalls
11 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V376000May 28, 2024Seat Belts125,233 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Seat belts:front:warning light/devices
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
- NHTSA 24V153000Feb 27, 2024Collision Avoidance & Cameras6,557 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Forward collision avoidance: warnings:external/pedestrian alert
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.
- NHTSA 24V051000Jan 30, 2024Electrical System2,193,869 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
2013 Tesla Model S fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 93 MPG
- Highway
- 96 MPG
- Combined
- 94 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Electricity
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2013 compared with other Model S years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Tesla Model S reliable?
- Compared with other Model S years, 2013 ranks 5th worst of 14 with a Complaint Index of 69 and a Caution verdict. NHTSA logged 459 complaints and 19 fires for this year.
- What is the main problem area for the 2013 Tesla Model S?
- The Electrical System accounts for 44% of complaints (203 of 459), with a median failure mileage of 70,000 miles reported for the vehicle overall.
- Does the 2013 Tesla Model S have a recall?
- NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns tied to the 2013 Model S, covering areas including airbags, steering, seat belts, electrical system, and collision avoidance cameras. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2013 Model S compare to other years?
- 2013's Complaint Index of 69 is lower than 2015 (92), 2016 (100), and 2017 (85), all rated Avoid, but higher than 2012 (15) and 2019 (8), both rated Best.
- Are there fire reports for the 2013 Tesla Model S?
- NHTSA lists 19 fire-related complaints for the 2013 Model S, including several tied to charging equipment overheating and crash-related fires.