The 2023 Model S is Tesla's flagship sedan with proven drive unit architecture but suffers from quality control issues in build quality and electronic integration. Early life failures in cameras, latches, and ADAS software are more common than powertrain issues.
Premature Drive Unit/Motor Bearing Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: whining or grinding noise during acceleration, clunking on power application, drivetrain vibration at highway speeds, reduced power warnings
Fix: Requires complete drive unit R&R, 6-8 hours labor per unit. Rear drive unit more common on AWD models. Tesla warranty often covers if under 8yr/120k mi powertrain coverage, otherwise full unit replacement needed.
Estimated cost: $7,000-12,000
Camera System Failures (Autopilot/FSD)
Common · medium severity
Symptoms: autopilot unavailable warnings, blind spot monitoring failure, backup camera intermittent or blank screen, automatic emergency braking false alerts
Fix: Multiple NHTSA recalls for camera sensing systems. Typically requires camera module replacement and recalibration, 2-3 hours labor. Often covered under recall or 4yr/50k warranty.
Estimated cost: $800-1,500
Hood and Door Latch Malfunctions
Common · medium severity
Symptoms: hood open warning when closed, door won't open from inside or outside, secondary latch failure, rattling from latch area
Fix: Subject to NHTSA recalls for both hood and door latches. Latch mechanism replacement typically 1-2 hours per latch. Should be covered under recall or basic warranty.
Estimated cost: $400-800
High Voltage Battery Module Degradation/Imbalance
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: range loss exceeding 15-20%, uneven cell voltage warnings, reduced charge rate, random power limitation messages
Fix: Individual module replacement possible but requires complete pack disassembly, 12-16 hours labor. Tesla often replaces entire pack under 8yr/150k warranty. Out-of-warranty battery work extremely expensive.
Estimated cost: $5,000-8,000 per module, $18,000-25,000 full pack
Inverter Coolant Leaks
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: powertrain cooling system low warnings, pink/green coolant pooling under vehicle, reduced power in hot weather, inverter overtemperature warnings
Fix: Inverter cooling circuit uses specific low-conductivity coolant. Leaks typically at hose connections or inverter housing seals. Inverter R&R if housing leak, 4-6 hours labor plus coolant service.
Estimated cost: $1,200-3,500
Air Suspension Compressor/Strut Failures
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: vehicle sits low on one corner, ride height adjustment failure, compressor runs excessively, air suspension fault warnings
Fix: Air struts leak at seals or compressor fails. Strut replacement 2-3 hours per corner, compressor 3-4 hours. Not covered under standard powertrain warranty after 4yr/50k.
Estimated cost: $1,800-2,800 per strut, $2,500-3,500 compressor
12V Battery Premature Failure
Common · medium severity
Symptoms: vehicle won't wake from sleep, accessories fail randomly, touchscreen won't power on, frunk won't open electrically
Fix: Lithium-ion 12V battery (newer models) or lead-acid fails prematurely, often 2-4 years. Simple replacement but requires Tesla-specific battery, 0.5-1 hour labor. Vehicle completely inoperable when failed.
Estimated cost: $300-600
Owner tips
Keep software updated religiously - many camera and ADAS issues resolved via OTA updates
Monitor battery degradation via hidden service menus - warranty claims easier with documented history
Drive unit fluid changes every 100k mi despite Tesla calling it 'lifetime' - extends bearing life significantly
Check all latch recalls have been performed - safety critical and common failure points
Buy CPO with remaining warranty or skip entirely - out-of-warranty repair costs on battery and drive units are financially crippling, and early build quality issues make this a risky used purchase without coverage.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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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.
Consequence: 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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:CUSHION · 24V967000
2024-12-24
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."
Consequence: 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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH · 24V554000
2024-07-24
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
Consequence: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and 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 September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 24V035000
2024-01-22
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model S, X, and Y vehicles equipped with full self-driving computer 4.0 and running a software release version 2023.44.30 through 2023.44.30.6 or 2023.44.100. Software instability may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.
Consequence: A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 22, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-002.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · 23V862000
2023-12-19
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model S and X vehicles. The cabin doors can be unlocked during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
Consequence: An unlocked door may unlatch and open during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-009.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
Consequence: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR · 23V743000
2023-11-03
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and Model X vehicles. An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering wheel was replaced with a different style of yoke or steering wheel.
Consequence: An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and replace the driver air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-20-005.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT · 23V488000
2023-07-14 · PE23006
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles. The front-row seat belts may not be connected properly to the pretensioner anchors, which can cause the seat belts to detach.
Consequence: A detached seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect the front-row seat belts and connect the seat belts to pretensioner anchors, or replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-20-004.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 23V489000
2023-07-14
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The forward-facing camera may be misaligned, causing some of the active safety features such as emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane assist to become unavailable without alerting the driver.
Consequence: Safety features that are unavailable without any warning to the driver may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and adjust the pitch angle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-17-006.
STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING · 23V085000
2023-02-15 · EA22002
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
Consequence: FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
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