2012 Tesla Model S

These recalls apply to the make, model, and year of your car – and should be fixed as soon as possible.

5 Recalls for 2012 Tesla Model S

Recall Date Component Summary
2018-03-29 STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

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.

Remedy:

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.

2017-04-19 PARKING BRAKE

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.

Remedy:

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.

2017-01-10 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

Remedy:

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.

2015-11-23 SEAT BELTS:FRONT

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.

Remedy:

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.

2021-01-29 BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE | EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL | VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

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.

Remedy:

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.

These are complaints about vehicles like yours and some can only be found here. Do they sound familiar?

0 Complaints sent to the Center for Auto Safety for 2012 Tesla Model S

skip to NHTSA complaints

Date Component  

41 Complaints submitted to NHTSA for 2012 Tesla Model S

skip to CAS complaints

Date Component  
2016-11-09 SUSPENSION
ODI Number: 10925274
2016-10-18 SUSPENSION
ODI Number: 10917208
2017-05-03 SUSPENSION
ODI Number: 10983204
2017-03-08 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ODI Number: 10959509
2021-04-14 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ODI Number: 11408097
2021-02-09 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT
ODI Number: 11395449
2021-02-24 BACK OVER PREVENTION | EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT
ODI Number: 11397709
2021-02-22 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION | VISIBILITY/WIPER
ODI Number: 11397299
2021-01-22 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ODI Number: 11389454
2020-12-23 SUSPENSION
ODI Number: 11384728
2020-12-31 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | VISIBILITY/WIPER
ODI Number: 11385791
2020-12-16 SUSPENSION
ODI Number: 11383785
2020-11-25 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | SUSPENSION | UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ODI Number: 11376392
2020-10-05 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ODI Number: 11362733
2020-08-14 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ODI Number: 11349303
2020-07-15 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ODI Number: 11339621
2020-07-12 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ODI Number: 11338928
2020-06-24 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ODI Number: 11330507
2020-07-01 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ODI Number: 11331913
2020-06-25 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ODI Number: 11330840
2020-06-24 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ODI Number: 11330651
2020-06-25 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | POWER TRAIN | UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ODI Number: 11330814
2020-06-24 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ODI Number: 11330643
2020-06-29 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ODI Number: 11331529
2020-06-30 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ODI Number: 11331856
2020-06-24 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ODI Number: 11330611
2020-06-29 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ODI Number: 11331465
2020-06-25 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ODI Number: 11330739
2020-06-26 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ODI Number: 11331103
2020-06-29 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ODI Number: 11331627
2020-06-25 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ODI Number: 11330717
2020-06-25 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL | UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ODI Number: 11330877
2020-06-29 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ODI Number: 11331602
2020-01-19 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ODI Number: 11300279
2019-12-27 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ODI Number: 11291614
2020-01-02 STRUCTURE:BODY
ODI Number: 11296639
2019-05-16 STRUCTURE:BODY
ODI Number: 11208159
2016-07-18 STEERING | SUSPENSION
ODI Number: 10885723
2015-11-08 SUSPENSION
ODI Number: 10789052
2015-10-23 SUSPENSION
ODI Number: 10785486
2021-04-18 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ODI Number: 11408600
Is the government investigating the safety of your vehicle? Find out here.

7 Investigations for 2012 Tesla Model S

Date Opened Date Closed Component  
2020-06-22 2020-11-22 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
2019-10-01 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
2020-11-12 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
2020-11-12 BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
2020-11-12 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
2020-06-22 2020-11-22 BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
2020-11-12 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS
Manufacturers tell dealers about repairs for on your car. But they won’t tell you – unless you know to ask. Knowledge is power.

46 Service Alerts for 2012 Tesla Model S

Date Description
2016-03-17 030000 BRAKES (PWS)

Cold Weather Brake Package

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2020-11-23 350000 EQUIPMENT

For some Model S and Model X vehicles built before March 2018, an 8GB embedded MultiMediaCard (?8GB eMMC?) in the Media Control Unit (MCU) might malfunction due to accumulated wear. This could result in a blank or intermittently blank touch

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2020-11-11 350000 EQUIPMENT

For some Model S and Model X vehicles built before March 2018, an 8GB embedded MultiMediaCard (?8GB eMMC?) in the Media Control Unit (MCU) might malfunction due to accumulated wear. This could result in a blank or intermittently blank touch

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2020-11-09 350000 EQUIPMENT

For some Model S and Model X vehicles built before March 2018, an 8GB embedded MultiMediaCard (?8GB eMMC?) in the Media Control Unit (MCU) might malfunction due to accumulated wear. This could result in a blank or intermittently blank touch

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2020-12-05 350000 EQUIPMENT

For some Model S and Model X vehicles built before March 2018, an 8GB embedded MultiMediaCard (?8GB eMMC?) in the Media Control Unit (MCU) might malfunction due to accumulated wear. This could result in a blank or intermittently blank touch

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2020-02-19 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Tesla is committed to continuous improvement of the security of its products and advises customers to always install the latest mobile app and vehicle software releases to remain as secure as possible. On approximately May 1, 2020, the Tesl

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2020-01-25 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ECU has a built-in antenna that receives signals from the TPMS sensors. Earlier versions of the TPMS ECU were equipped with an antenna that might not receive reliable readings from the front sensor

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2020-01-25 199000 TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ECU has a built-in antenna that receives signals from the TPMS sensors. Earlier versions of the TPMS ECU were equipped with an antenna that might not receive reliable readings from the front sensor

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2020-01-25 356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) ECU has a built-in antenna that receives signals from the TPMS sensors. Earlier versions of the TPMS ECU were equipped with an antenna that might not receive reliable readings from the front sensor

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2019-05-24 220000 SEATS

On some Model S base trim front seats, the forward inboard Huck BOM fastener and pivot bushing (nearest to the center console) used on the front lift links may develop an interactive clearance condition, which might result in a rocking moti

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2019-05-24 356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

On some Model S base trim front seats, the forward inboard Huck BOM fastener and pivot bushing (nearest to the center console) used on the front lift links may develop an interactive clearance condition, which might result in a rocking moti

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2019-01-03 123000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

On certain Model S vehicles, the liftgate has plugs that do not allow water to drain, causing condensation to build up inside the tail light assembly. Tail light functionality is not affected. The retrofit of updated drain-type liftgate plu

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2019-01-03 162600 STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

On certain Model S vehicles, the liftgate has plugs that do not allow water to drain, causing condensation to build up inside the tail light assembly. Tail light functionality is not affected. The retrofit of updated drain-type liftgate plu

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2018-12-12 190000 TIRES

It is now possible to retrofit the Continental Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) onto vehicles that were originally equipped with a Baolong TPMS.

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2019-01-25 220000 SEATS

On some Model S base trim front seats, the forward inboard Huck BOM fastener and pivot bushing (nearest to the center console) used on the front lift links may develop an interactive clearance condition, which might result in a rocking moti

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2019-01-11 010000 STEERING

Long-term exposure to high-corrosion environments might weaken the bolts that attach the power steering motor to the steering rack housing.

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2019-01-11 014200 STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK

Long-term exposure to high-corrosion environments might weaken the bolts that attach the power steering motor to the steering rack housing.

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2018-04-12 010000 STEERING

Long-term exposure to high-corrosion environments might weaken the bolts that attach the power steering motor to the steering rack housing.

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2017-12-14 136000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

On Model S, the windshield wiper motor bracket might become loose, resulting in a popping or clicking noise during windshield wiper operation.

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2018-07-19 220000 SEATS

On some Model S base trim 1st row seats, the Huck BOM fastener and pivot bushing used on the front lift links may develop an interactive clearance condition, which might result in a rocking motion in the seat. This does not affect performan

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2018-07-19 350000 EQUIPMENT

On some Model S base trim 1st row seats, the Huck BOM fastener and pivot bushing used on the front lift links may develop an interactive clearance condition, which might result in a rocking motion in the seat. This does not affect performan

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2018-07-19 356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

On some Model S base trim 1st row seats, the Huck BOM fastener and pivot bushing used on the front lift links may develop an interactive clearance condition, which might result in a rocking motion in the seat. This does not affect performan

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2016-05-25 350000 EQUIPMENT

DESCRIBES HOW TO INSTALL THE 1ST GENERATION PREMIUM CENTER CONSOLE ASSEMBLY.

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2016-05-25 350000 EQUIPMENT

DESCRIBES HOW TO INSTALL THE CENTER CONSOLE FLOOR FINISHER TO MATCH THE DASH TRIM APPEARANCE.

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2016-10-04 162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

Instructions for installing the carbon fiber spoiler.

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2017-03-27 199000 TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

It is now possible to retrofit the Continental Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) onto vehicles that were originally equipped with a Baolong TPMS.

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2017-03-27 162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

It is possible to accidentally break off the aeroshield support tab from the HV Battery. If the tab breaks, the mid aeroshield is not fully supported, reducing the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle. The operation of the HV Battery is no

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2017-03-27 119100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

It is possible to accidentally break off the aeroshield support tab from the HV Battery. If the tab breaks, the mid aeroshield is not fully supported, reducing the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle. The operation of the HV Battery is no

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2017-03-29 161100 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

Three metal plates are installed on the front subframe to deflect road debris and protect the underbody from possible damage.

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2017-03-27 134000 VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Some Model S vehicles might experience wind noise from the leading edge of the panoramic roof at high speed.

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2016-05-11 350000 EQUIPMENT

DESCRIBES HOW TO RETROFIT THE 2ND GENERATION PREMIUM CENTER CONSOLE ASSEMBLY.

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2015-03-24 021500 SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

TESLA MOTORS, INC 2012-2013 MODEL S: INFORMATION REGARDING FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS DEVELOPING GREATER FREE PLAY THAN EXPECTED. INSTALLING (4)WEDGE- LOCK WASHERS ON THE LOWER ARM BALL JOINT WILL CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *LJ

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2015-04-27 119100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

TESLA MOTORS, INC 2012-2014: BULLETIN INFORMATION REGARDING UPGRADED 12V POSITIVE JUMP POST NEEDS REPLACEMENT OF THE OLD POST WHICH CAN CAUSE CORROSION & PREVENT EXTERNAL CHARGING OF THE 12V BATTERY. *LJ

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2013-04-01 114400 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

TESLA MOTORS INC. : INSTRUCTIONS ON REASSEMBLY OF HPWC FUSES. *LJ

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2013-04-12 131000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

TESLA MOTORS INC. : SERVICE BULLETIN SUPERSEDES SB-12-95-002 REVISION DATED NOVEMBER 12, 2012 . MRB PARTS RETURNS LIST FOR ALL NON-MAINTENANCE RELATED MODEL S PARTS EXCEPT 6005894 & 1021634. *LJ

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2014-06-05 356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TESLA: WHEN CHARGING, CORROSION, PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO RECEPTACLES, OR INAPPROPRIATE WIRING OR INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL OUTLETS CAN CAUSE HIGHER THAN NORMAL ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE. MODEL 2012-2014 S. *PE

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2014-05-23 162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

TESLA: INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING REPLACEMENT OF REAR DOORS, ON SOME VEHICLES, THAT MAY BE COMPATIBLE BUT FAIL TO HAVE SAME MOUNTING POINTS FOR ELECTRICAL HARNESS. MODEL 2012-2014 S. *PE

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2014-06-26 117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

TESLA: INSIDE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (IC), CIRCUIT BOARD WAS SOLDERED, WHILE USING AN IMPROPER FLUX, IN SOME VEHICLES, AND CAN LEAD TO SHORTER THAN EXPECTED LIFESPAN AND QUALITY CONCERNS. MODEL 2012-2014 S. *PE

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2013-06-05 111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

TESLA: WHEN REMOVING THE BATTERY PACK THESE PROCEDURES NEED TO BE FOLLOWED IN ORDER TO ENSURE PROPER SEALING OF THE HV RAPID MATE. NO MODEL OR MODEL YEARS GIVEN. *JS

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2016-07-23 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

IT IS NOW POSSIBLE TO RETROFIT THE CONTINENTAL TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) ONTO VEHICLES THAT WERE ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH A BAOLONG TPMS.

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2016-07-23 199000 TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

IT IS NOW POSSIBLE TO RETROFIT THE CONTINENTAL TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) ONTO VEHICLES THAT WERE ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH A BAOLONG TPMS.

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2016-05-27 114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

DESCRIBES HOW TO INSTALL THE PERFORMANCE PEDAL SET ACCESSORY.

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2016-05-27 350000 EQUIPMENT

DESCRIBES HOW TO INSTALL THE PERFORMANCE PEDAL SET ACCESSORY.

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2016-06-04 222000 SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

THIS SERVICE BULLETIN CONTAINS INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE OPTIONAL THIRD ROW SEAT. INCLUDED IN THIS PROCEDURE ARE STEPS TO ADD THE REAR CROSSMEMBER (IF NEEDED), REMOVE AND MODIFY EXISTING TRIM PANELS, INSTALL HARDWARE, ADD THE 2ND RO

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2015-01-08 162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

TESLA MOTORS: 2012-2014 S MODELS; BULLETIN INSTRUCTIONS AND REPAIR GUIDELINES FOR DRAFT ENTERING CABIN FROM A-PILLAR. *LJ

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2015-01-08 340000 COMMUNICATION

TESLA MOTORS: 2012-2014 S MODELS; BULLETIN INSTRUCTIONS AND REPAIR GUIDELINES FOR DRAFT ENTERING CABIN FROM A-PILLAR. *LJ

Click to view a copy of the full alert on NHTSA's website (select "Manufacturer Communication")

2012 Tesla Model S

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