Every 2012 Tesla Model S recall
Each campaign as NHTSA published it: what is wrong, what can happen, and the fix. Newest first.
Seat Belts · NHTSA 24V376000
May 28, 2024Seat Belts:Front:Warning Light/DevicesOver-the-air fix
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Full recall details for 24V376000 →Electrical System · NHTSA 24V051000
Jan 30, 2024Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/PanelOver-the-air fix
- Problem
- 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."
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 24V051000 →Electrical System · NHTSA 23V838000
Dec 12, 2023Electrical System:Adas:Autonomous/Self Driving:SoftwareOver-the-air fix
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 23V838000 →Back Over Prevention · NHTSA 21V035000
Jan 29, 2021Back Over Prevention:Software
- Problem
- Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center display functions.
- Risk
- The eMMC controller wear-out condition can cause the loss of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Owners should ensure their vehicles are operating firmware release 2020.48.48.12 or newer, which will alert owners if the eMMC is approaching lifetime wear. Tesla will notify owners, and will replace the VCM daughterboard with one containing an enhanced eMMC controller, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-21-001.
Full recall details for 21V035000 →Steering · NHTSA 18V204000
Mar 29, 2018Steering:Electric Power Assist System
- Problem
- Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Tesla Model S vehicles equipped with Bosch steering racks. The aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture causing a reduction or complete loss of power steering assist.
- Risk
- Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts and add a corrosion-preventative sealer, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-18-32-002.
Full recall details for 18V204000 →Air Bags · NHTSA 17V023000
Oct 1, 2017Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module
- Problem
- Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2012 Model S vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Fix
- Tesla will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag, free of charge. The recall began September 12, 2017. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Full recall details for 17V023000 →Parking Brake · NHTSA 17V260000
Apr 19, 2017Parking Brake
- Problem
- Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electric parking brake calipers have an internal gear that may be improperly manufactured, possibly resulting in the gear fracturing during parking brake application or release.
- Risk
- If the gear breaks during parking brake release, the vehicle will not be able to be moved. If the gear breaks during parking brake application, the parking brake may not adequately hold the vehicle, potentially resulting in the vehicle rolling, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Tesla will notify owners, and service centers will replace both the left and right electric parking brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2018. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-17-33-002.
Full recall details for 17V260000 →Seat Belts · NHTSA 15V780000
Nov 23, 2015Seat Belts:Front
- Problem
- Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Model S vehicles manufactured May 31, 2012, to November 12, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with driver or front passenger seat belts that may be improperly connected to the outboard lap pretensioner.
- Risk
- If the seat belt is not correctly attached to the pretensioner, it may not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Tesla will notify owners, and service centers will inspect the driver and front passenger seat belts, correcting their connection, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 14, 2015. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-15-20-002.
Full recall details for 15V780000 →
2012 Tesla Model S complaints and service bulletins
Owners filed 61 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Tesla Model S, reporting 4 crashes, 1 fires, 6 injuries, 1 deaths. Tesla has issued at least 87 technical service bulletins (repair instructions to dealers) for this model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is the manufacturer’s admission of a safety defect.
Most-reported components
- Electrical System37
- Unknown Or Other12
- Suspension9
- Exterior Lighting5
- Power Train5
- Visibility/Wiper5
Service bulletins by component
- Unknown Or Other (39)
- Equipment (21)
- Electrical System (10)
- Structure (6)
- Equipment Adaptive/Mobility (4)
- Seats (4)
Read Tesla Model S owner complaints and bulletins, every year
NHTSA defect investigations covering the 2012 Tesla Model S
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation lists this model year in 8 investigations. An investigation is not a recall; it is how NHTSA decides whether one is needed.
- Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness
RQ24009Opened Apr 25, 2024Open
- Sudden Unintended Acceleration
DP23002Opened Jun 29, 2023Open
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
EA21002Opened Sep 17, 2021Open
- Pedestrian alert sounds
DP22005Opened Jan 27, 2023Closed Aug 7, 2023
- Autopilot System Driver Controls
EA22002Opened Jun 8, 2022Closed Apr 25, 2024
- Loss of rearview camera
EA20003Opened Nov 12, 2020Closed May 2, 2024
- Loss of rearview camera
PE20010Opened Jun 22, 2020Closed Nov 22, 2020
- Battery Management Software Updates
DP19005Opened Oct 1, 2019Closed Sep 28, 2021
What people reported
Owners have filed 61 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Tesla Model S. A few in their own words, shortened. Complaints are unverified and are not proof of a defect or of any recall.
Crash
“CAUSE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED JUST BEFORE ENTERING INTO A HEAD IN PARKING SPACE WHEN WITH THE BRAKE DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY AND UNCONTROLLABLY CAUSING IT TO JUMP THE CURB AND TAKE DOWN A RETAINING WALL. IT CONTINUED THROUGH THE WALL UNTIL IT WAS STOPPED BY A TREE.”
2012 TESLA MODEL SJan 19, 2020
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11300279
Crash
“HERE IS ANOTHER TESLA IN THE JUNKYARD. [removed] THE PHOTOGRAPHS SHOW THAT THE FRONT STEERING KNUCKLE HAS SNAPPED IN HALF AND THE WHEEL IS HANGING SIDEWAYS OUT OF THE WHEEL WELL. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN A CRASH. THE AIR-BAGS HAVE NOT DEPLOYED AND THERE IS NO SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE BODYWORK.”
2012 TESLA MODEL SOct 18, 2016
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 10917208
Death reportedInjury reportedFireCrash
“THIS IS THE STOLEN CAR WHICH CRASHED IN HOLLYWOOD. PHOTOGRAPHS AT THE SCENE SHOW 3/4 OF A WHEEL AND THE TIRE LYING ON THE GROUND. HERE IS THE LISTING AT THE SALVAGE AUCTION SITE. [removed] THE CRASH SITE IMAGES HOW THE FRONT WHEEL BROKEN LOOSE.”
2012 TESLA MODEL SNov 8, 2015
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 10789052
Crash
“I AM FILING THESE COMPLAINTS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST. I AM NOT A TESLA OWNER AND I HAVE NO INVESTMENT IN TESLA NOR DO I HOLD ANY SHARES IN THE STOCK-MARKET. THIS CAR IS IN THE WRECKING YARD. THE FRONT SUSPENSION HAS FAILED AND THE WHEEL IS PUSHED BACK AGAINST THE HIGH VOLTAGE CONTROLLER.”
2012 TESLA MODEL SOct 23, 2015
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 10785486
“In October 2024, I brought my recently purchased used Model S to the Cincinnati Service Center for an antenna inspection, MCU upgrade, and general inspection to ensure the vehicle was safe and operating properly. During the inspection, I was informed that additional issues had been discovered.”
2012 TESLA MODEL SJun 17, 2026
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11744727
Check your Model S by VIN
Not every 2012 Tesla Model S is in every recall. Enter your 17-character VIN to see the recalls on record for your exact vehicle, then confirm which are still open at NHTSA.gov or with any Tesla dealer.
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