2023 Tesla Model S Safety Report
2023 Tesla Model S: Numerous Recalls and High Complaint Volume Indicate Potential Safety Concerns
AI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Tesla Model S
Reliability Score
The 2023 Tesla Model S receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2023 Tesla Model S
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Tesla Model S:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horn Activation Difficulty The relocation of the horn to a small, difficult-to-locate button on the steering wheel, especially with yoke steering, is frequently cited as a safety hazard, making it hard to alert other drivers in emergencies. |
Medium | Common | All miles |
| Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunctions Complaints indicate the system can falsely detect objects (like leaves) or fail to operate, increasing the risk of a crash. Some recalls also address camera misalignment affecting these systems. |
High | Occasional | All miles |
| Steering Wheel And Yoke Design Issues Beyond the horn, issues with turn signal activation on the yoke and potential airbag installation problems related to steering wheel replacements are noted. |
Medium | Common | All miles |
| Autopilot/Adas System Failures Recalls and complaints mention the complete failure of ADAS systems, including emergency braking and cruise control, without warning, and software issues related to autonomous driving features. |
High | Occasional | All miles |
| Airbag System Defects Multiple recalls address incorrect airbag installations, potential tearing of the driver's airbag during deployment, and incorrect airbag installations with replacement steering yokes/wheels, all increasing injury risk in a crash. |
High | Occasional | All miles |
| Hood Latch Malfunction A recall addresses a potential failure of the hood latch assembly to detect an unlatched condition, which could lead to the hood opening and obstructing the driver's view, increasing crash risk. |
High | Occasional | All miles |
| Door Latch Failure In Crashes Recalls indicate that cabin doors may unlock during a crash, potentially unlatching and opening, which increases the risk of occupant injury. |
High | Occasional | All miles |
| Instrument Cluster Font Size A recall addresses an incorrect font size on the instrument cluster, which could make critical safety information difficult to read, increasing crash risk. |
Medium | Occasional | All miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Tesla Model S:
The largest category of complaints, indicating a broad range of issues not specifically categorized by NHTSA.
Complaints related to steering, including issues with horn activation and turn signals on the yoke.
Issues with the automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning systems, including false activations and failures.
A combination of steering-related issues and other unspecified problems.
Complaints related to exterior lighting systems.
Issues related to the vehicle's speed control systems.
Complaints concerning the vehicle's suspension system.
General electrical system complaints.
A combination of exterior lighting issues and other unspecified problems.
Complaints linking service brakes with forward collision avoidance system performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Tesla Model S
Is the 2023 Tesla Model S safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 Tesla Model S has a high number of complaints (102) and recalls (12), some of which address critical safety systems like airbags and collision avoidance. The lack of official NHTSA crash test ratings prevents a standardized safety performance assessment.
What are common problems with the 2023 Tesla Model S?
The most reported issues are categorized under 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' (43 complaints), followed by 'STEERING' (9 complaints) and 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' (4 complaints). Many owners also report difficulty locating and using the horn button, especially with the yoke steering wheel.
What are the main safety concerns highlighted by recalls?
Key recalls involve potential airbag malfunctions, a hood latch that may not detect being unlatched, door latches that could unlock in a crash, and issues with forward collision avoidance camera alignment and ADAS software, all of which could increase crash risk or injury severity.
Does the 2023 Tesla Model S have good crash test ratings?
The 2023 Tesla Model S does not have any official NHTSA crash test ratings available for Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover safety.
Are there specific design flaws that impact safety?
Yes, the placement and design of the horn button on the steering wheel (especially the yoke) is frequently cited as a safety hazard due to its difficulty to locate in emergencies. Issues with turn signal activation on the yoke are also noted.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Consider the high volume of recalls and complaints, particularly concerning steering and collision avoidance systems, and the absence of official crash test ratings before purchasing. Ensure all recall work has been completed.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Tesla Model S
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Tesla Model S. The data includes 102 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 12 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 7 reported crashes, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.