2023 Tesla Model S Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
46/100
#8 most-complained of 14 Model S years
NHTSA lists 113 complaints and 13 recalls for the 2023 Tesla Model S, with a complaint index of 46, ranking 8th worst of 14 model years — a Good rating relative to other Model S years.
- Complaints
- 113
- Recalls
- 13
- Crashes / fires
- 8 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 120
- 124 city / 115 hwy
Top 2023 Tesla Model S problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Steering yoke horn button is hard to locate and activate during sudden stops or near-collisions, unlike a traditional wheel-mounted horn.
- Backup and pillar cameras intermittently lose connection, disabling driving functions tied to car positioning and cruise control.
- Adaptive cruise control has triggered sudden, aggressive braking with no obstacle present, sometimes hard enough to throw passengers into their seatbelts.
- Some owners report the vehicle rapidly accelerating instead of slowing when lifting off the accelerator for regenerative braking, leading to a crash.
- A passenger door reportedly popped open on its own while driving, with a warning that the emergency release had been pulled despite no one touching it.
- Front and rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, and forward collision mitigation have failed to work as expected on some vehicles.
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?
- Relative to other Model S years, 2023 rates Good, with a complaint index of 46 and rank of 8th worst out of 14 model years tracked.
- What are the most common problems on the 2023 Tesla Model S?
- Steering issues account for 18% of complaints (20 cases), followed by Collision Avoidance & Cameras at 16% (18 cases) and Electrical System issues at 12% (14 cases).
- Does the 2023 Tesla Model S have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 13 recalls for the 2023 Model S, covering areas including Collision Avoidance & Cameras, Airbags, Electrical System, and Seat Belts. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2023 Model S compare to other Model S years?
- With a complaint index of 46, the 2023 Model S ranks better than years like 2016 (index 100, Avoid) and 2015 (index 92, Avoid), but not as strong as 2019 or 2024, both rated Best.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Tesla Model S?
- The 2023 Model S has an EPA combined rating of 120 MPG-e, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $650.