How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2017 Tesla Model S?

NHTSA lists 36 Engine-category complaints for the 2017 Model S, which is 8% of the 424 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2017 Tesla Model S engine problems?

No. The data lists no related recalls tied to the Engine complaints for the 2017 Model S.

At what mileage do these engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 11,000 miles.

Are these engine complaints linked to crashes?

Yes. Of the 36 Engine complaints, 16 involved a crash and 11 involved reported injuries, with no fires recorded.

How does the 2017 Model S compare to other years for engine complaints?

The 2017 model's 8% share is lower than 2016 (13%) and 2018 (17%), but higher than 2012 (3%), based on NHTSA's per-year complaint share data.

2017 Tesla Model S Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 36 Engine-category complaints for the 2017 Tesla Model S, 8% of that year's 424 total complaints. Most describe sudden unintended acceleration at low speed, with a median mileage at failure of 11,000 miles. No related recall is listed.

Engine complaints: 36; 8% of 424
Crashes reported: 16
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 11
Median mileage: 11,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report the car suddenly accelerating on its own while parking or moving at low speed, resulting in a collision.
Some describe the vehicle lurching or creeping forward even with the brake pedal fully depressed.
Several complaints mention the car crashing into a garage door, house, curb, or parked vehicle during a slow-speed maneuver.
A few owners report the vehicle making unexpected steering or lane-change movements while Autopilot was engaged, just before the acceleration event.
One complaint describes repeated uncontrollable acceleration incidents within a few months, including one that caused injury.

When 2017 Tesla Model S engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 17, 2017, latest Nov 13, 2025.

36 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2017 to Nov 2025; peak May 2018 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2017 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 complaints does NHTSA have for the 2017 Tesla Model S?: NHTSA lists 36 Engine-category complaints for the 2017 Model S, which is 8% of the 424 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2017 Tesla Model S engine problems?: No. The data lists no related recalls tied to the Engine complaints for the 2017 Model S.
At what mileage do these engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 11,000 miles.
Are these engine complaints linked to crashes?: Yes. Of the 36 Engine complaints, 16 involved a crash and 11 involved reported injuries, with no fires recorded.
How does the 2017 Model S compare to other years for engine complaints?: The 2017 model's 8% share is lower than 2016 (13%) and 2018 (17%), but higher than 2012 (3%), based on NHTSA's per-year complaint share data.