2013 Tesla Model S Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 203 electrical system complaints for the 2013 Tesla Model S, 44% of all 459 complaints filed for the year. This is tied to charging equipment overheating and a related recall for the NEMA 14-50 adapter, with 14 fires reported and a median failure mileage of 90,000.
- Electrical System complaints
- 203
- 44% of 459
- Crashes reported
- 7
- Fires reported
- 14
- Injuries reported
- 11
- Median mileage
- 90,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Owners report the NEMA 14-50 (240 volt) charging adapter overheating, melting, or catching fire while the vehicle charges in a garage.
- Some describe the charge cord or wall connector turning hot to the touch, with the connector's indicator ring turning red before smoke appeared.
- Several say a software update issued after the recall did not stop the overheating, and replacement adapters also failed or melted.
- Owners report smoke detectors triggering during overnight charging, with fire departments called to investigate the charging circuit.
- One report describes a vehicle found burned out with no impact damage, raising questions about an electrical or fire origin unrelated to a crash.
When 2013 Tesla Model S electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Jul 4, 2013, latest Jun 24, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2013 Tesla Model S
- 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.
- NHTSA 23V838000Dec 12, 2023Electrical System2,031,220 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Electrical system:adas:driver monitoring:software
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
Risk: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
- NHTSA 14V006000Jan 13, 2014Electrical System21,081 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Electrical system:propulsion system:charging:cable/cord:accessory
Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2013 Model S vehicles equipped for, and delivered with, certain NEMA 14-50 (240 volt) Universal Mobile Connector (UMC) adapters. During charging, the adapter, cord, or wall outlet could overheat.
Risk: An overheated adapter, cord, or wall outlet increases the risk of burn injury and/or fire.
Remedy: Tesla will notify owners and provide an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Some owners have already received this update. This update allows the Model S on board charging system to detect any unexpected fluctuations in the input power or higher resistance connections to the vehicle. If detected, the onboard charging system will automatically reduce the charging current by 25%. Tesla owners can verify that they have received the updated software (version 5.8.4 or later) by viewing the vehicle's center information screen. Additionally, Tesla will mail owners a replacement NEMA 14-50 adapter that is equipped with an internal thermal fuse. The recall began on March 14, 2014. Owners may contact Tesla Service Center at 1-877-79-TESLA (1-877-798-3752).
Electrical System complaints by Model S model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical system complaints does the 2013 Tesla Model S have?
- NHTSA lists 203 electrical system complaints for the 2013 Model S, which is 44% of the 459 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2013 Tesla Model S charging adapter?
- Yes. Recall campaign 14V006000 covers 2013 Model S vehicles equipped with the NEMA 14-50 (240 volt) Universal Mobile Connector adapter, which Tesla addressed with an over-the-air software update.
- Did the 2013 Model S electrical issues cause fires?
- NHTSA data tied to this problem area for the 2013 Model S shows 14 fires, 7 crashes, and 11 injuries reported.
- At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2013 Model S?
- The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints on the 2013 Model S is 90,000 miles, though some sample complaints describe issues appearing much earlier.