2023 Tesla Model S Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2023 Tesla Model S has a complaint index of 46 and ranks 8th worst out of 14 model years, earning a 'Good' verdict relative to other Model S years. NHTSA lists 113 complaints, 13 recalls, and 8 crashes tied to this year, with steering the top problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 46/100
- #8 of 14 Model S years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 113
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 13
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 8
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Steering
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 120
- 124 city / 115 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2023 Tesla Model S problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other58 (51%)
- Steering20 (18%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras18 (16%)
- Electrical System14 (12%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (7%)
- Engine6 (5%)
- Structure & Body6 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers6 (5%)
- Brakes5 (4%)
- Lane Departure4 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the steering yoke horn is hard to locate quickly during a near-collision, unlike a traditional center-mounted horn.
- Some drivers describe the car braking suddenly and hard with adaptive cruise control engaged, even with no obstacle ahead.
- Several complaints describe pillar or rear cameras losing connection, disabling features tied to car positioning and cruise control.
- Owners report the backup camera intermittently stops working, with service centers reportedly calling it a convenience issue rather than a safety one.
- One complaint describes a passenger door popping open on its own while driving, triggering an emergency door release warning.
- Some drivers describe unexpected rapid acceleration when lifting off the accelerator expecting regenerative braking instead.
2023 Tesla Model S recalls
13 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V283000May 4, 2026Collision Avoidance & Cameras218,868 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Back over prevention:software
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.
- NHTSA 25V172000Mar 19, 2025Airbags91 vehicles
Air bags
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.
Risk: An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-20-001.
- NHTSA 24V967000Dec 23, 2024Airbags487 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:cushion
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Risk: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.
2023 Tesla Model S fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 124 MPG
- Highway
- 115 MPG
- Combined
- 120 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $650
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Electricity
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2023 compared with other Model S years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2023 Tesla Model S reliable?
- Compared to other Model S years, the 2023 model ranks 8th worst out of 14 years tracked, with a complaint index of 46 and a 'Good' verdict relative to the rest of the lineup.
- What problems does the 2023 Tesla Model S have?
- NHTSA data shows steering complaints (18% share) as the top problem area, followed by collision avoidance and camera issues (16%) and electrical system complaints (12%).
- Does the 2023 Tesla Model S have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns tied to the 2023 Model S, covering airbags, electrical systems, seat belts, and collision avoidance cameras, none marked do-not-drive.
- How does the 2023 Model S compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 46, the 2023 Model S performs much better than years like 2015 and 2016, which scored 92 and 100 and carry 'Avoid' verdicts.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Tesla Model S?
- EPA rates the 2023 Model S at 120 MPGe combined (124 city, 115 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $650.