How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2013 Tesla Model S have?

NHTSA lists 35 complaints in this area for the 2013 Model S, which is 8% of the 459 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for 2013 Tesla Model S transmission or drive unit problems?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the Transmission & Powertrain area on the 2013 Model S.

At what mileage do 2013 Model S drive train problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for these complaints is 110,000 miles, based on NHTSA data.

Did drive train failures on the 2013 Model S cause any crashes or fires?

NHTSA records show 0 crashes and 0 fires and 0 injuries tied to this complaint area for the 2013 Model S.

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

The 2013 Model S has the highest complaint count in this area among the years listed, at 35 complaints and an 8% share, tied with 2012's 8% share on far fewer complaints.

2013 Tesla Model S Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 35 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2013 Tesla Model S, 8% of its 459 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 110,000. No related recalls are listed for this area.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 35; 8% of 459
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 110,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report the rear drive unit failing internally and cutting all power while driving, sometimes described by the service center as a failed "power plant."
Some drivers experienced sudden loss of power on the highway that required towing after the drive train was diagnosed as failed.
Several owners describe erratic shifting, including problems engaging reverse, along with unintended acceleration in cold conditions that recurred after a computer reprogram.
Multiple complaints describe the main touch screen (MCU) failing and the car becoming stuck in park or unable to shift gears as a result.
A few owners report the vehicle being unable to charge past a low percentage after the center screen or MCU died.

When 2013 Tesla Model S transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 30, 2014, latest Jun 24, 2026.

35 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2014 to Jun 2026; peak Aug 2020 (3).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2013 Tesla Model S

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Model S model year

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

20125 (8%)
201335 (8%)
201427 (7%)
201529 (4%)
201617 (3%)
20179 (2%)
20185 (3%)
20193 (7%)
20206 (8%)
20212 (1%)
20223 (2%)
20233 (3%)
20240 (0%)
20252 (33%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission and powertrain complaints does the 2013 Tesla Model S have?: NHTSA lists 35 complaints in this area for the 2013 Model S, which is 8% of the 459 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for 2013 Tesla Model S transmission or drive unit problems?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the Transmission & Powertrain area on the 2013 Model S.
At what mileage do 2013 Model S drive train problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for these complaints is 110,000 miles, based on NHTSA data.
Did drive train failures on the 2013 Model S cause any crashes or fires?: NHTSA records show 0 crashes and 0 fires and 0 injuries tied to this complaint area for the 2013 Model S.
How does the 2013 Model S compare to other years for this problem?: The 2013 Model S has the highest complaint count in this area among the years listed, at 35 complaints and an 8% share, tied with 2012's 8% share on far fewer complaints.