How many engine-related complaints does NHTSA have for the 2013 Tesla Model S?

NHTSA lists 43 complaints in the Engine area for the 2013 Model S, which is 9% of the 459 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2013 Tesla Model S engine issue?

No. The data shows no related recalls listed for this Engine problem area on the 2013 Model S.

Did the engine problems cause crashes or injuries?

Yes. NHTSA records 14 crashes and 3 injuries among the complaints filed for this problem area on the 2013 Model S.

At what mileage do these engine problems typically occur?

The median mileage at failure across these complaints is 60,500 miles.

How does the 2013 Model S compare to other years for this problem area?

The 2013 model's 9% share is similar to 2014, 2015, 2019, and 2020, but lower than 2016 (13%) and 2018 (17%).

2013 Tesla Model S Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 43 Engine-area complaints for the 2013 Tesla Model S, 9% of that year's 459 total complaints. These involve 14 crashes and 3 injuries, with a median mileage at failure of 60,500. No related recalls are listed for this area.

Engine complaints: 43; 9% of 459
Crashes reported: 14
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 60,500 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report the car surging or lurching forward suddenly while parking or moving at very low speed with the brake pedal depressed.
Several drivers describe the vehicle accelerating on its own while stationary or nearly stopped, resulting in collisions with parked cars, walls, or structures.
One owner reported shifting problems in reverse and unintended acceleration that occurred specifically in cold weather, with the issue recurring after a dealer reprogrammed the computer system.
One owner described replacing the drive motor and battery pack and then experiencing a faulty onboard charger that prevented the car from charging.
One complaint mentions a burning smell coming through the vents shortly after delivery, strong enough to cause dizziness in occupants.

When 2013 Tesla Model S engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 4, 2013, latest Feb 27, 2026.

43 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2013 to Feb 2026; peak Jul 2020 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2013 Tesla Model S

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Model S model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20122 (3%)
201343 (9%)
201433 (9%)
201557 (9%)
201686 (13%)
201736 (8%)
201828 (17%)
20194 (9%)
20208 (10%)
202116 (9%)
202210 (7%)
20236 (5%)
20240 (0%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine-related complaints does NHTSA have for the 2013 Tesla Model S?: NHTSA lists 43 complaints in the Engine area for the 2013 Model S, which is 9% of the 459 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Tesla Model S engine issue?: No. The data shows no related recalls listed for this Engine problem area on the 2013 Model S.
Did the engine problems cause crashes or injuries?: Yes. NHTSA records 14 crashes and 3 injuries among the complaints filed for this problem area on the 2013 Model S.
At what mileage do these engine problems typically occur?: The median mileage at failure across these complaints is 60,500 miles.
How does the 2013 Model S compare to other years for this problem area?: The 2013 model's 9% share is similar to 2014, 2015, 2019, and 2020, but lower than 2016 (13%) and 2018 (17%).