VehicleVerdict

2013 Tesla Model S electrical system problems

The 2013 Tesla Model S has 203 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 30% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

203

Electrical System complaints

30%

Share of year

7

Crash-involved

3

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

Model S electrical system complaints by model year290 complaints2012: 40 complaints2013: 203 complaints2014: 138 complaints2015: 290 complaints2016: 160 complaints2017: 118 complaints2018: 38 complaints2019: 5 complaints2020: 7 complaints2021: 25 complaints2022: 15 complaints2023: 8 complaints2024: 8 complaints
Model S electrical system complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

24V051000Electrical SystemJanuary 30, 2024 · 2,193,869 units

Defect

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.

23V838000Electrical SystemDecember 12, 2023 · 2,031,220 units

Defect

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.

14V006000Electrical SystemJanuary 13, 2014 · 21,081 units

Defect

Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2013 Model S vehicles equipped for, and delivered with, certain NEMA 14-50 (240 volt) Universal Mobile Connector (UMC) adapters. During charging, the adapter, cord, or wall outlet could overheat.

Consequence

An overheated adapter, cord, or wall outlet increases the risk of burn injury and/or fire.

Remedy

Tesla will notify owners and provide an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Some owners have already received this update. This update allows the Model S on board charging system to detect any unexpected fluctuations in the input power or higher resistance connections to the vehicle. If detected, the onboard charging system will automatically reduce the charging current by 25%. Tesla owners can verify that they have received the updated software (version 5.8.4 or later) by viewing the vehicle's center information screen. Additionally, Tesla will mail owners a replacement NEMA 14-50 adapter that is equipped with an internal thermal fuse. The recall began on March 14, 2014. Owners may contact Tesla Service Center at 1-877-79-TESLA (1-877-798-3752).

What owners report

MANY TESLA OWNERS HAVE BEEN ALLEGED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR TESLA POWER PLUGS AND OR ADAPTERS FOR THEIR CHARGERS. HERE IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE. QUOTE:"I PLUGGED IN THE MODELS TODAY AND THE POWER RING TURNED RED. LOOKED AT THE UNIVERSAL WALL CONNECTOR AND IT WAS RED. I TRIED UNPLUGGING IT AND…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 30, 2013 · fire

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2013 Tesla Model S have?

NHTSA has 203 complaints about the 2013 Tesla Model S electrical system — 30% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2013 Tesla Model S electrical system?

Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the electrical system: 14V006000, 23V838000, 24V051000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.