2024 Tesla Model S Safety Report

2024 Tesla Model S: Recalls and driver-assist system complaints raise safety concerns despite no reported fatalities.

37Complaints
6Recalls
75/100Reliability Score
2Crash Reports
1Injuries
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other,Lane Departure (12)Unknown Or Other (5)Electrical System (3)Lane Departure (3)Steering,Lane Departure (2)Visibility/Wiper (2)Latches/Locks/Linkages (1)Air Bags,Seat Belts (1)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (1)Unknown Or Other,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2024 Tesla Model S

The 2024 Tesla Model S presents a mixed safety picture based on available NHTSA data. While there are no reported deaths or fires among the 37 complaints, the vehicle has been subject to 6 recalls, indicating potential systemic issues. Notably, recalls address critical safety systems including airbags (incorrect installation and potential tearing), back-over prevention (loss of rearview camera image due to circuit board issues), hood latch integrity, and seat belt warning light functionality. The steering system is also implicated in a recall related to incorrect airbag installation during replacement. Complaint data highlights concerns with the Lane Departure Warning system, which drivers report as overly sensitive, issuing loud and distracting chimes during normal maneuvers, and in some cases, overriding manual driving inputs by jerking the steering wheel. Other reported issues include problems with the electrical system, visibility (screen shutting off), and unintended acceleration or braking, particularly when using driver assistance features. The lack of NHTSA crash test ratings (N/A across all categories) prevents a direct comparison of its performance in standardized crash scenarios.

Reliability Score

The 2024 Tesla Model S receives a reliability score of 75 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.

Known Issues for the 2024 Tesla Model S

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2024 Tesla Model S:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Lane Departure Warning System Malfunction
The Lane Departure Warning system is frequently reported to be overly sensitive, issuing loud and distracting chimes during normal driving and turning maneuvers. In some instances, it has been reported to override manual steering inputs by jerking the wheel, even when disabled.
High Common N/A miles
Airbag System Issues
Recalls indicate potential issues with incorrect horn pad installation on airbags, preventing horn function, and the possibility of driver's side airbags tearing during deployment, compromising occupant protection.
High Occasional N/A miles
Rearview Camera Failure
A recall addresses potential short circuits in the computer circuit board, leading to the loss of the rearview camera image, which can reduce rearward visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Medium Occasional N/A miles
Hood Latch Malfunction
Recalls have been issued for potential failures in the hood latch assembly, which may not properly detect an unlatched hood condition, posing a risk of the hood opening unexpectedly and obstructing the driver's view.
Medium Occasional N/A miles
Seat Belt Warning Light Inoperability
A recall addresses a potential failure of the seat belt warning light and audible alerts for unbelted drivers, which could increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Low Occasional N/A miles
Electrical System Issues
Complaints mention the instrument cluster screen shutting off while driving, and issues with unintended acceleration or braking, particularly when driver assistance systems are engaged.
Medium Occasional N/A miles
Unintended Acceleration/Braking
Several complaints describe the vehicle accelerating inadvertently or braking suddenly, sometimes in conjunction with driver assistance features or during maneuvers like shifting gears.
High Occasional N/A miles
Automatic Ac Activation Causing Fogging
Drivers have reported the automatic activation of the AC system to prevent fogging actually causing fogging and reduced visibility.
Low Occasional N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2024 Tesla Model S:

Lane Departure 32% of complaints

The most frequently cited issue relates to the Lane Departure Warning system, with numerous complaints about its sensitivity, false alerts, and unintended steering interventions.

Electrical System 8% of complaints

Complaints include issues with the vehicle's display screens shutting off and other electrical malfunctions.

Steering 5% of complaints

Issues related to steering interventions, particularly from the Lane Departure system, are noted.

Visibility/Wiper 5% of complaints

Complaints include the instrument cluster screen going black and issues with automatic climate control causing fogging.

Forward Collision Avoidance 3% of complaints

Some complaints involve unintended acceleration or braking, potentially related to the forward collision avoidance systems.

Unknown Or Other 14% of complaints

A portion of complaints fall into a general 'unknown or other' category, making specific pattern identification difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2024 Tesla Model S

Is the 2024 Tesla Model S safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2024 Tesla Model S has a significant number of recalls (6) affecting critical safety systems like airbags and braking. While there are no reported fatalities or fires, numerous complaints highlight issues with driver-assistance systems, particularly the Lane Departure Warning, which can lead to unexpected steering inputs and distractions. The lack of official NHTSA crash test ratings makes a definitive safety assessment challenging.

What are common problems with the 2024 Tesla Model S?

The most reported issues involve the Lane Departure Warning system, which drivers find overly sensitive and prone to causing unintended steering actions. Other common problems include electrical system malfunctions, such as display screens going black, and issues with forward collision avoidance systems leading to unintended acceleration or braking.

What recalls affect the 2024 Tesla Model S?

The 2024 Tesla Model S is subject to recalls concerning airbags (incorrect installation and potential tearing), rearview camera failure due to circuit board issues, hood latch integrity, and seat belt warning light functionality.

How does the 2024 Tesla Model S perform in crash tests?

NHTSA has not provided crash test ratings for the 2024 Tesla Model S. Ratings for Overall, Frontal, Side, and Rollover safety are listed as N/A.

Are there safety concerns with Tesla's driver-assistance features?

Yes, there are significant concerns raised in complaints regarding Tesla's driver-assistance features, particularly the Lane Departure Warning system. Drivers report it can override manual inputs, cause sudden steering jerks, and issue distracting alerts, even when reportedly disabled.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Consider the numerous recalls and frequent complaints about driver-assistance systems; ensure all recall work is completed and be aware of potential issues with the Lane Departure Warning system before purchasing.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2024 Tesla Model S

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2024 Tesla Model S. The data includes 37 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 1 reported injuries, 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.