2023 Tesla Model S reliability record
Every consumer complaint and recall the U.S. government (NHTSA) has on file for the 2023 Tesla Model S — the repair risk behind the ownership cost.
- NHTSA complaints
- 158
- 158 in the last 5 years
- Top problem area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- 57 complaints
- Recalls on record
- 13
- see below
- Reported harm
- 11 reported crashes
How this record compares
raw NHTSA counts, not defect ratesComplaint rank
#3,075
of 4,194 vehicle records
Vs Tesla median
-325
median 483 across 33 Tesla records
Vs 2021-2025
-40
median 199 complaints in 350 records
Top component share
36%
Unknown Or Other: 57 complaints
What owners report fails — 2023 Tesla Model S
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER 57
- STEERING 19
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL 12
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING 8
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 6
13 recalls on record for the 2023 Tesla Model S
- NHTSA 26V283000 · 2026 · BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- NHTSA 24V967000 · 2025 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:CUSHION A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- NHTSA 25V172000 · 2025 · AIR BAGS An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
- NHTSA 23V743000 · 2024 · STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasi
- NHTSA 23V838000 · 2024 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operatio
Estimate the 5-year cost to own a 2023 Tesla Model S
A vehicle's complaint record hints at the repair and maintenance budget you'll need. Add your state, purchase price, and mileage to the TCO calculator for the full picture.
Open TCO calculatorThese are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated defect rates, and not adjusted for how many 2023 Tesla Model S units were produced or sold. High-volume and older vehicles naturally accumulate more complaints. Use this as one research signal, not a verdict on any individual vehicle. Data as of 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain).
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2023 Tesla Model S reliable?
NHTSA has 158 consumer complaints on record for the 2023 Tesla Model S and 13 recalls. The most-reported problem area is unknown or other (57 reports). These are unverified consumer reports filed with the government, not validated failure rates, and are not adjusted for how many 2023 Tesla Model S units were produced — popular vehicles naturally accumulate more reports.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Tesla Model S?
Owners most often report problems with: unknown or other (57), steering (19), forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control (12), forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking (8). Each figure is the number of complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
How much does it cost to own a 2023 Tesla Model S?
Ownership cost depends on your state taxes, insurance, fuel, and the maintenance the vehicle's reliability record implies. Use the CarOutlay 5-year TCO calculator to estimate the full cost including the repair risk this complaint record suggests.