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NHTSA-Verified · Common Problems

2018 Tesla Model S 90d
Common Problems

Ranked from 66 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.

4
High severity
6
Medium

10 Common Problems

Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.

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  1. 1

    Unintended Acceleration

    28complaints
    High severityElectrical

    The car suddenly accelerates without user input, leading to loss of control and potential crashes.

  2. 2

    Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunction

    10complaints
    High severityOther

    System fails to function properly, increasing crash risk.

  3. 3

    Door Handle Malfunction

    9complaints
    Medium severityOther

    Door handles fail to operate, making entry and exit dangerous.

    $200–$600est. door lock/latch repair · 1–2.5 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  4. 4

    Steering Assist Reduced

    8complaints
    Medium severitySteering

    Steering becomes extremely difficult to turn, reducing vehicle control.

  5. 5

    Power Train Issues

    5complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    Power reduced, acceleration and top speed decreased, and high voltage battery issues arise.

  6. 6

    Service Brakes Fail

    5complaints
    High severityOther

    Brakes fail to function properly, leading to loss of vehicle control.

    $150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  7. 7

    Phantom Braking

    4complaints
    High severityElectrical

    The car brakes unexpectedly without any external trigger, posing a safety risk to the driver and following vehicles.

  8. 8

    Touchscreen Failure

    4complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    The touchscreen becomes inoperable, affecting critical functions such as navigation and collision assistance.

    $200–$1,500est. infotainment unit service · 0.5–3 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  9. 9

    Exterior Lighting Failure

    3complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    Daytime running lights and other exterior lights stop working, compromising visibility and safety.

    $100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  10. 10

    Unexpected Window Breakage

    3complaints
    Medium severityOther

    Windows explode spontaneously, presenting a safety risk and potential injury hazard.

Other years & sources

2016 Tesla Model S 90d2017 Tesla Model S 90dAll NHTSA complaints for this vehicle →

Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.