2023 Tesla Model S: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2023 Tesla Model S: 13 recalls, 114 owner complaints and up to 120 mpg combined.
Recalls
13 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #23V085000 · 2023 · 362,758 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.â 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge.â owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.â
Seat belts Vehicle recall #23V488000 · 2023 · 15,869 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A detached seat belt May not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: 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.
Forward collision avoidance Vehicle recall #23V489000 · 2023 · 1,337 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Safety features that are unavailable without any warning to the driver May increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla service will inspect and adjust the pitch angle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2023.
Steering, Airbags Vehicle recall #23V743000 · 2023 · 194 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Tesla service will inspect and replace the driver air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024.
Electrical Vehicle recall #23V838000 · 2023 · 2,031,220 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
Electrical, Latches & locks Vehicle recall #23V862000 · 2023 · 120,423 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: An unlocked door May unlatch and open during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2024.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #24V035000 · 2024 · 199,575 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 22, 2024.
Electrical Vehicle recall #24V051000 · 2024 · 2,193,869 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #24V376000 · 2024 · 125,233 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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.
Electrical, Latches & locks Vehicle recall #24V554000 · 2024 · 1,849,638 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024.
Airbags Vehicle recall #24V967000 · 2024 · 487 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: A torn air bag May not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025.
Airbags, Electrical Vehicle recall #25V172000 · 2025 · 91 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An inoperative horn May prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #26V283000 · 2026 · 218,868 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Other / unknown (58): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (3).
- Steering (20): the most common themes are steering problems (18).
- Forward collision avoidance (17): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (9): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2023 Tesla Model S has 114 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 15 Model S model years for complaints (well below the 227 average). Complaints peaked in 2024 (64 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 83,166 miles. Neighboring years: 2022 (139 complaints, 20 recalls), 2024 (38 complaints, 6 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric (247 and 247 kW AC 3-Phase) | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 124e | 115e | 120e | Electricity |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2023 Tesla Model S.
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FAQ
Does the 2023 Tesla Model S have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 13 vehicle recalls for the 2023 Tesla Model S. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2023 Tesla Model S problems?
Owners have filed 114 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are other / unknown (58), steering (20), forward collision avoidance (17).
What gas mileage does the 2023 Tesla Model S get?
EPA ratings run up to 120 mpg combined, across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2023 Tesla Model S repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.