2014 Tesla Model S recalls and problems

9 recalls and 367 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2014 Tesla Model S.

9
recalls
367
owner complaints
52
complaints mentioning a crash
9
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2014 Tesla Model S recalls

Seat belts: front, warning light/devices

NHTSA campaign 24V376000 · reported May 28, 2024 · Tesla, Inc. · 125,233 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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."
The risk
A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix
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.

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel

NHTSA campaign 24V051000 · reported January 30, 2024 · Tesla, Inc. · 2,193,869 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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."
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

Electrical system: ADAS, driver monitoring, software

NHTSA campaign 23V838000 · reported December 12, 2023 · Tesla, Inc. · 2,031,220 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

Latches/locks/linkages: hood, latch

NHTSA campaign 21V00B000 · reported December 21, 2021 · Tesla, Inc. · 130,441 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113, "Hood Latch System."
The risk
If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Tesla Service will inspect and reposition the latch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-11-003.

Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system · Exterior lighting: turn signal · Back over prevention: software

NHTSA campaign 21V035000 · reported January 29, 2021 · Tesla, Inc. · 134,951 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center display functions.
The risk
The eMMC controller wear-out condition can cause the loss of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Owners should ensure their vehicles are operating firmware release 2020.48.48.12 or newer, which will alert owners if the eMMC is approaching lifetime wear. Tesla will notify owners, and will replace the VCM daughterboard with one containing an enhanced eMMC controller, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-21-001.

Air bags: frontal, passenger side, inflator module

NHTSA campaign 19V002000 · reported January 7, 2019 · Tesla, Inc. · 68,673 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2014-2016 Model S vehicles equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the passenger frontal air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began May 29, 2019. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-19-20-001.

Steering: electric power assist system

NHTSA campaign 18V204000 · reported March 29, 2018 · Tesla, Inc. · 70,421 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Tesla Model S vehicles equipped with Bosch steering racks. The aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture causing a reduction or complete loss of power steering assist.
The risk
Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts and add a corrosion-preventative sealer, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-18-32-002.

Parking brake

NHTSA campaign 17V260000 · reported April 19, 2017 · Tesla Motors, Inc. · 31,709 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electric parking brake calipers have an internal gear that may be improperly manufactured, possibly resulting in the gear fracturing during parking brake application or release.
The risk
If the gear breaks during parking brake release, the vehicle will not be able to be moved. If the gear breaks during parking brake application, the parking brake may not adequately hold the vehicle, potentially resulting in the vehicle rolling, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Tesla will notify owners, and service centers will replace both the left and right electric parking brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2018. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-17-33-002.

Seat belts: front

NHTSA campaign 15V780000 · reported November 23, 2015 · Tesla Motors, Inc. · 59,415 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Model S vehicles manufactured May 31, 2012, to November 12, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with driver or front passenger seat belts that may be improperly connected to the outboard lap pretensioner.
The risk
If the seat belt is not correctly attached to the pretensioner, it may not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix
Tesla will notify owners, and service centers will inspect the driver and front passenger seat belts, correcting their connection, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 14, 2015. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-15-20-002.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 25, 2026 · Structure

The vehicle's front hood unexpectedly released and struck the windshield while driving at full speed on the interstate. I was able to pull over safely. After stopping, the vehicle displayed a warning indicating that it could not detect whether the front trunk was latched. The resulting collision repairs included…

Oct 11, 2026 · Electrical system

The main battery failed without warning/notice. it will not charge anymore. the tesla service center in louisville kentucky did not disclose the exact cause for the failure. one day the car displayed a message stating the car is unable to charge, contact service center and never charged again.

Jul 13, 2026 · Unknown or other

Dashboard is leaking glue out the bottom center causing the computer screen and dash control panels to move. I'm not feeling safe driving as I'm not sure if they will drop down or stop functioning at any point. Tesla wants $1500 to fix, and I don't have that money being retired. How can Tesla glue their cars together…

Jun 15, 2026 · Air bags

This issue appears to be related to a known MCU failure affecting early Tesla Model S vehicles. The touchscreen exhibits screen melting/discoloration and eventually goes blank or becomes inoperative. When this occurs, critical functions including occupant detection indicators, seatbelt warnings, and windshield defrost…

May 31, 2026 · Service brakes · crash reported

I have been driving my Model S Tesla for 13 years. On 30 April as I was pulling into a parking space at my local grocery store, I applied the brakes to ease into the space and my car surged forward with unintended acceleration. I smashed into the concrete base of a light pole, the airbags deployed and my car…

Model S model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2012 86141
2013 114614119
2014 9367529
2015 96687012
2016 106499212
2017 9429554

Across all years, the 2015 Model S has the most complaints (668). All Tesla Model S years →

Questions

Does the 2014 Tesla Model S have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2014 Tesla Model S, the most recent reported on May 28, 2024 (Seat belts: front, warning light/devices). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Tesla Model S?
Owners have filed 367 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (133 complaints), followed by suspension (90).
How many 2014 Tesla Model S complaints mention a crash or fire?
52 of 367 complaints report a crash and 9 a fire; 19 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 25, 2026.