How common are engine problems in the 2018 Tesla Model S?

NHTSA lists 28 engine-area complaints for the 2018 Model S, which is 17% of all 168 complaints filed for that year.

Is there a recall for the 2018 Tesla Model S engine issue?

No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this engine complaint area.

At what mileage do these engine problems tend to occur?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 7,255 miles.

Do these engine complaints involve crashes?

Yes, NHTSA data shows 16 crashes, 10 injuries, and 1 fire associated with the engine-area complaints for the 2018 Model S.

Is the 2018 Model S worse than other years for this issue?

The 2018 model year's engine-area complaints make up 17% of its total complaints, the highest share among all model years listed in the data, though the 2016 model year had more raw complaints at 86.

2018 Tesla Model S Engine Problems

The 2018 Tesla Model S has 28 engine-area complaints, 17% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 7,255 miles. No related recall is listed for this issue.

Engine complaints: 28; 17% of 168
Crashes reported: 16
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 10
Median mileage: 7,255 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden unintended acceleration while parking or making low-speed maneuvers, often crashing into walls, buildings, or trees.
Several drivers describe the vehicle moving backward or forward on its own while shifting into or out of park.
Multiple complaints mention the vehicle failing to respond to brake pedal input during the unintended acceleration event.
A few owners using Autosummon report the car moving forward and striking a wall without warning.
Some incidents resulted in airbag deployment and injuries, with one report also noting smoke smell after a collision.

When 2018 Tesla Model S engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 6, 2018, latest May 22, 2026.

28 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2018 to May 2026; peak Feb 2020 (4).

Engine recalls for the 2018 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 common are engine problems in the 2018 Tesla Model S?: NHTSA lists 28 engine-area complaints for the 2018 Model S, which is 17% of all 168 complaints filed for that year.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Tesla Model S engine issue?: No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this engine complaint area.
At what mileage do these engine problems tend to occur?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 7,255 miles.
Do these engine complaints involve crashes?: Yes, NHTSA data shows 16 crashes, 10 injuries, and 1 fire associated with the engine-area complaints for the 2018 Model S.
Is the 2018 Model S worse than other years for this issue?: The 2018 model year's engine-area complaints make up 17% of its total complaints, the highest share among all model years listed in the data, though the 2016 model year had more raw complaints at 86.