How many Structure & Body complaints does NHTSA have for the 2013 Tesla Model S?

NHTSA lists 23 Structure & Body complaints for the 2013 Model S, which is 5% of the 459 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall related to Structure & Body issues on the 2013 Model S?

Yes. Recall 13V249000, reported June 14, 2013, covers an improper method of aligning the left-hand second-row seat back striker to its bracket, and Tesla Service Centers inspect and address the striker.

At what mileage do these structure and body problems tend to show up?

The median mileage at failure for Structure & Body complaints on the 2013 Model S is 30,000 miles.

Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these complaints?

NHTSA data shows 2 crashes and 2 injuries associated with Structure & Body complaints on the 2013 Model S, with no fires reported.

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

The 2013 Model S had 23 Structure & Body complaints (5% share), lower than the 2014 (30 complaints, 8% share) and 2015-2016 model years (37 complaints each, 6% share).

2013 Tesla Model S Structure & Body Problems

NHTSA lists 23 Structure & Body complaints for the 2013 Tesla Model S, 5% of its 459 total complaints that year. The median mileage at failure was 30,000 miles, and one related recall (13V249000) covers a seat-back striker alignment issue. Two crashes and two injuries were reported in this area.

Structure & Body complaints: 23; 5% of 459
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 30,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical body and structure symptoms owners report

Door handles fail to present, extend too far, or stop opening the door, sometimes prompting the car to unlock or pop open unexpectedly.
Rear or side doors have been reported opening on their own while driving, including with children in the back seat.
Owners report a sudden, unintended surge of the vehicle at low speed while parking or turning into a driveway, in one case ending in a crash.
Structural bumper hardware was found loose or not fully tightened from the factory, raising concern about crash-crumple performance.
Rear-end impacts have shown seat-back collapse and broken quarter panel or rocker panel components after suspension damage.
Third-row ventilation was described as inadequate, making the area too hot for child passengers.

When 2013 Tesla Model S body and structure complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 17, 2013, latest Jul 6, 2025.

23 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2013 to Jul 2025; peak Jan 2020 (2).

Structure & Body recalls for the 2013 Tesla Model S

NHTSA 13V249000Jun 14, 2013Structure & Body1,228 vehicles
Seats
Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2013 Model S electric vehicles manufactured May 10, 2013, through June 8, 2013. An improper method for aligning the left hand seat back striker to the bracket may have weakened the weld between the bracket and the frame of the vehicle.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the left hand seat back may not stay mounted, increasing the risk of injury to passengers.
Remedy: Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will inspect the left hand second row strikers. Tesla will add additional mounting hardware to ensure a proper joint between the bracket and the frame, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2013. Owners may contact Tesla at 1-650-681-5000.

Structure & Body complaints by Model S model year

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

20122 (3%)
201323 (5%)
201430 (8%)
201537 (6%)
201637 (6%)
201720 (5%)
201816 (10%)
20194 (9%)
20208 (10%)
202113 (7%)
20229 (7%)
20236 (5%)
20242 (5%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many Structure & Body complaints does NHTSA have for the 2013 Tesla Model S?: NHTSA lists 23 Structure & Body complaints for the 2013 Model S, which is 5% of the 459 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall related to Structure & Body issues on the 2013 Model S?: Yes. Recall 13V249000, reported June 14, 2013, covers an improper method of aligning the left-hand second-row seat back striker to its bracket, and Tesla Service Centers inspect and address the striker.
At what mileage do these structure and body problems tend to show up?: The median mileage at failure for Structure & Body complaints on the 2013 Model S is 30,000 miles.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these complaints?: NHTSA data shows 2 crashes and 2 injuries associated with Structure & Body complaints on the 2013 Model S, with no fires reported.
How does the 2013 Model S compare to other years for this problem area?: The 2013 Model S had 23 Structure & Body complaints (5% share), lower than the 2014 (30 complaints, 8% share) and 2015-2016 model years (37 complaints each, 6% share).