2013 Tesla Model S transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jun 24, 2026ILElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   The vehicle has suffered a catastrophic, intermittent low-voltage network crash caused by a failing Body Control Module (BCM), resulting in multiple dangerous safety-critical failure modes. On a previous occasion, the vehicle woke up with severe network faults and automatically forced itself into Neutral. When the driver stepped out to get the child and shut the door, the system crashed entirely and the exterior electronic door handles failed to present, trapping an infant…

   NHTSA complaint #11746345 · source
2. Filed Jun 3, 2026ORElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving my 2013 Tesla Model S at normal road speed, the vehicle suddenly lost all propulsion without any warning. I had to coast and maneuver across traffic to avoid being hit before the car came to a stop. After shifting into Park, the vehicle displayed DI_w072 and DI_f072 gate‑drive faults, which indicate inverter/drive‑unit failure and match a pattern reported by other early‑model‑year Tesla owners. This sudden loss of motive power created a serious safety hazard,…

   NHTSA complaint #11741781 · source
3. Filed Jan 24, 2025150,000 miTXTowedAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2013 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the message "Take to Service" was displayed. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer by Tesla Insurance to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the drive unit was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was…

   NHTSA complaint #11638261 · source
4. Filed Oct 3, 2023SCElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding two critical component failures in my 2013 Tesla Model S within the past 12 months, both of which occurred shortly after the manufacturer's warranty had expired. These issues have not only been financially burdensome but also raise questions about the reliability and longevity of Tesla vehicles. Motor Replacement: In Sept 2022, I was compelled to replace the motor in my Tesla Model S at a cost of $6,304.89. This occurred…

   NHTSA complaint #11548100 · source
5. Filed Jan 9, 2023WAElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   At random the Steering assist reduce, traction control disabled, stability, control, disable, regenerative breaking reduced. Wipers are affected during these error messages. The car is trying to get me killed!! On different days, all those errors are gone and the car drives normal. Suspect this is a software defect and can be very dangerous. Seems like something got reset after the car is turned off. All software are up to date on the car and on the phone app. Once no more…

   NHTSA complaint #11500922 · source
6. Filed Sep 29, 2022NYElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   My 2013 Tesla Model S 60 KW didn’t drive on July 2022 and I got a warning on the screen that all electrical systems are shutting down . The car had to be towed to Tesla Service . Tesla service told me the battery pack has to be replaced for 13k. I went down to Tesla Service and told them I want to see the battery pack but I was told that I couldn’t see it and was shown a piece of the corroded fuse box cover. I was told I couldn’t take a picture of it even though this was my…

   NHTSA complaint #11487136 · source
7. Filed Jun 17, 2022CATransmission & Drivetrain

   I have loved my 2013 Model S since I got it. However, recently I have not been thrilled that I have needed a new powertrain according to my car. I was notified of this, set up service appointments, and it got delayed weeks later due to parts not arriving. I spoke with Kevin from Santa Ana Tesla, and he assured me the car was safe to drive. 3 days later, which was yesterday, my car died suddenly without warning when I was on Santa Monica Blvd in Los Angeles. I was there until…

   NHTSA complaint #11469822 · source
8. Filed Jun 2, 2022CADriver Assistance & Safety TechOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   The car suddenly has a powertrain issue, but it is a widely known problem with some estimates of 66% of all early Teslas having a powertrain issue by 60k miles. Mine happened at 56k. There is clearly a defect with early Tesla powertrains, as they increased the warranty to 8 years or 50k miles. My car is now at 9 years, and because of the low mileage due to covid, they will not cover the powertrain issue of the car. The following are links proving significant issues of my…

   NHTSA complaint #11467079 · source
9. Filed Apr 2, 2022CAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I was just getting off the freeway, into a business area, and all of a sudden car stopped without any warning, with a quick "power reduced flash on the screen, unable to move at all. I was in the middle of busy area, blocking the street and cars parked on each side. The rear wheel drive locked, even in neutral position, and also tow mode. 4 people tried to push the car into a safe area without success. Had to wait for a tow truck to take the car to tesla facility. Was told…

   NHTSA complaint #11459298 · source
10. Filed Mar 11, 2022CATransmission & Drivetrain

    Drive Unit failed while driving. Car was not able to accellerate while coming off freeway. Driver heard thump then buzzing sound then couldn't accelerate. Driver drifted car to side of the road and it would not drive further.

    NHTSA complaint #11456365 · source
11. Filed Aug 16, 2021ILTransmission & Drivetrain

    RE: NHTSA Action Number: DP19005 - INVESTIGATION Subject : Battery Management Software Updates Dear sirs, my 2013 Tesla Model S p85 is a victim of this battery management software update that has reduced my driving range and time to takes to recharge the battery. this is a safety concern because I cannot drive as far (the range) as the manufacturer promised and I cannot recharge as fast as the manfuacuterer promised. I was forced to program this software update in my car, it…

    NHTSA complaint #11429368 · source
12. Filed Aug 16, 2021CATransmission & Drivetrain

    2012/2013 model s. Had winding noise prior to warranty expiration. Tesla van nuys service center stated all normal. After warranty expiration rear drive unit fails on freeway, shutting vehicle down, nearly causing catastrophic accident. Tesla refused to replace until we paid over $7000 to fix. Rear drive unit failed previously under warranty. This is typical problem with teslas. Now 8 year warranty expires from original purchasers and nhtsa should start to see (already…

    NHTSA complaint #11429257 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology