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Body, doors & structure

Tesla Model S Body problems by year

63 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Tesla Model S's body, doors & structure. Doors, hoods and latches, frame rust, sunroofs, leaks, trim and structural failures.

Body complaints by model year

YearBody complaintsCrashesInjuriesRecalls
20240001
20230002
20220002
202111002
20200001
20190001
20180001
20170001
20160001
20150001
201430511
201320210
20122000

Body recalls

Latest Model S body complaints

2014 Tesla Model SBody, doors & 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 replacement of the hood, windshield, hood latch, striker, hood support struts, and related components. We requested that Tesla review this incident as a potential vehicle safety defect and determine...

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whether it is consistent with any known hood-latch defect or applicable recall condition. We specifically request consideration of the relevance of Recall 21V-00B / Tesla campaign SB-21-11-003, while recognizing that we have not independently established whether our VIN was included in the recall population. Tesla has not provided a substantive response.

Filed Incident Structure · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11773524
2014 Tesla Model SBody, doors & structure

Rear Door handles are inoperable again after repairs made by dealer. The fault is due to design fault with the wiring harness on the door handles. Manufacturer refuses to make repairs under warranty

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11721790
2021 Tesla Model SBody, doors & structure

Tesla Model S 2021 Long Range: Upon closing the rear trunk close button from the app or close button on the hatch, the hatch goes down but won't lock. It gives 3 beeps. Upon pressing open, it won't go up and gives 3 beeps.

Filed Incident Structure · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11692785
2021 Tesla Model SSteeringBody, doors & structure

The wrap on the steering yoke is peeling, already had a steering yoke replacement 18 months ago under warranty, and this replacement steering yoke exibiting same peeling issue. Could be a safety grip issue as the yoke portion is more slippery at the peeled section. Tesla refuses to replace this faulty yoke as a covered safety item.

Filed Incident Steering · StructureNHTSA 11680563
2013 Tesla Model SBody, doors & structure

Front impact bumper separated from mount on one side due to rust. Noticed a noise from front of car when going over small bumps in the road. If we had been in an accident, the impact bumper would not have provided adequate protection for the passengers or vehicle components near the drivers front where the mount had separated from the bar. No other inspections have occurred. Pictures and info can also be found here: [[redacted]] Issue found during replacement of upper control arms. (image has an upper control arm that was removed from the same car at the same time with little/no rust) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11671434
2021 Tesla Model SBody, doors & structure

Front license plate holder is required in California. The bracket that holds the plate on the car is secured to the bumper with adhesive tape only. My bracket became loose, and thankfully we were able to retrieve the plate and bracket upon parking. This would have been an obvious hazard to us and other motorists if it fell off while on the street or highway. Tesla does not have any alternative solutions to fix or repair this issue and advised we purchase an aftermarket bracket. The front bracket on my car must be attached to meet NTSB safety standards.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11652414
2014 Tesla Model SBody, doors & structure

Drivers door handle failed to operate, occupant was locked out of vehicle, safety of operator was compromised as elderly operator has to climb over passenger and center console to enter drivers area. Problem is ongoing as door handle will not operate at all. Vehicle has not been inspected yet. No symptoms, door handle failed and cannot be opened from the outside at all.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11636859
2013 Tesla Model SBody, doors & structure

When parked and opening the drivers door or rear passenger doors, the front passenger door will unlatch. Something is setting off the relay to open the front door when other doors open. Does not happen 100% of the time, but 50%+

Filed Incident Structure · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11618483
2014 Tesla Model SBody, doors & structure

The contact owns a 2014 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park(P), a person approached the driver's side rear door, and the door unintendedly opened slightly. The contact stated that prior to entering the vehicle, the driver's side rear door opened slightly, and while reversing, the door opened completely. The contact closed the door; however, the failure recurred. There were no alerts during the failure; however, afterwards the contact's door was opened, and the App showed a message...

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that the door was opened. The contact stated that all the doors were not opening from inside or outside the vehicle unless the vehicle was in park. The contact stated that the driver's side door was not opening whether in park or drive. The contact added Velcro to the door handle that was used to pull the door handle open. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Filed Incident Structure · Latches / locks / linkagesNHTSA 11584692
2014 Tesla Model SBody, doors & structure

My drivers door will randomly open while driving and or while making turns, yes it is available for inspection if need be. This is put my safety at risk because its very dangerous for a door to open while driving at any speed, and if it happens to a back door items in my back seat could fall out causing a very serious accident. When the problem first started I paid to have a new door handle put in but it did not fix the problem, even after the repair the door would sometimes not close stay closed properly and the...

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tech said he wasn't sure because he never seen a door not close every time, after looking online many people have had the same issues, I again reported this to Tesla and they set up an appointment with me to fix the door handle. I have been dealing with this issue for 6 months now. I would say the vehicle was inspected by my mobile tech, but he advised he never seen anything the issue with the door not closing or staying closed every time, said he would ask around and get back to me, I was told by another rep I had to pay for a new latch, but they couldn't confirm if this is the issue. There are only warning messages when the door opens while driving, also the door will open even if it shows its locked.

Filed Incident Latches / locks / linkagesNHTSA 11581664
2021 Tesla Model SBody, doors & structure

I recently encountered a problem with my Tesla where the drivers door opened on its own while operating the vehicle. Tesla reported it was a faulty door handle. I am concerned that the software interlocks related to the door operation have anomalies that create a safety hazard fo car occupants.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11579075
2021 Tesla Model SElectrical systemSeats & seat beltsBody, doors & structure

The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V051000 (Electrical System), 23V838000 (Electrical System), 23V862000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages, Electrical System) and 23V488000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the recall remedies were over-the air (OTA) software updates, and OTA updates had not been performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a Tesla Service Center,...

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who informed the contact that he needed to pay the diagnostic test fee prior to the recall repairs. The contact declined to pay the fee because recall repairs were free of charge. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Seat belts · Latches / locks / linkagesNHTSA 11572290
2014 Tesla Model SBody, doors & structure

Can't open driver's side door from outside, safety issue for parents/first responders. Online search shows this is a common defect that needs a safety recall, the wiring is defective and costly to repair. Thank you

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11565900

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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