2012 Tesla Model S Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 61%of 61 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 Tesla Model S, 61% of the 61 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The touch screen on the Tesla is black and will not turn on. It's as if the computer is dead. It was working I parked at ups delivery got out, dropped off a package got back I. The car like normal with the key fob, sat down pressed the brake and noticed nothing moved, in other worded the seat, and the touch screen stayed off. Nothing came back after that...”
NHTSA complaint #11338928, filed 2020-07, 114,938 miles“I reached out to Tesla about the emmc recall. I booked an appointment, provided photos of various blackout, screen freezing and loss of connectivity issues. Tesla instructed me to update the firmware (which I did) and cancelled my appointment and told me I did not to bring in the car. They also said they would contact me if my emmc needed replacement. However, I continued to have this problem and left a message in the Tesla and did not get a response.”
NHTSA complaint #11408097, filed 2021-04, 68,599 miles“About 6 months ago my media control unit (mcu) and touchscreen failed, requiring a replacement. I just read an article that you are investigating these failures and wanted to give you some more examples if desired. As you probably well know, it sounds like a common problem. Before replacement, not all vehicle functionality and settings were available, and the mcu could no longer get software updates, which Tesla personnel stated would eventually be a safety concern.”
NHTSA complaint #11330651, filed 2020-06, 130,000 miles“The heater and defroster stopped working in this cold weather as we were driving home with my sons. They were freezing and cold. I was not able to see clearly rather very foggy windshield due to non-working cabin heater and defroster. This issue had happened to many many Tesla owners, infact Model S like mine and even the brand new Tesla model 3 and model y with just less than 10o miles. This clearly is a huge negligence on the part of Tesla not wanting to fix the issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11385791, filed 2020-12, 56,700 miles“The mcu on my 2012 Tesla Model S failed in june of 2019, when my car was out of warranty. The center screen went and stayed blank. Among other things, I had no way to turn on the AC during 90 degree days, backup camera was no longer visible making maneuvering this large car when parking very dangerous, and the car was so slow to start up that I was afraid to drive it as I was not secure that it would start again when I was away from home. I had to pay $2,287 to have it replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11331913, filed 2020-07, 88,355 milesRelated recalls
- 24V051000Jan 30, 2024Tesla, 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…Covers: Tesla Model S 2012–2023, Model X 2016–2024, Model 3 2017–2023 +2 more
- 23V838000Dec 12, 2023Tesla, 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…Covers: Tesla Model S 2012–2023, Model X 2016–2023, Model 3 2017–2023 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 11020189Jun 3, 2025On certain Model S and Model X vehicles, the battery powered Pyrotechnic High Voltage (HV) Battery Disconnect will reach the end of its battery lifespan in the near future, which…
- 10172384Feb 19, 2020Tesla 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…
- 10171178Jan 25, 2020The 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…
- 10110744Mar 27, 2017It 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…
- 10081828Jul 23, 2016It is now possible to retrofit the continental tire pressure monitoring system (tpms) onto vehicles that were originally equipped with a baolong tpms.
- 10081827May 27, 2016Describes how to install the performance pedal set accessory.
- 10057885Apr 27, 2015Tesla motors, inc 2012-2014: bulletin information regarding upgraded 12v positive jump post needs replacement of the old post which can cause corrosion & prevent external…
- 10056283Jun 26, 2014Tesla: 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…
- 10052422Jun 5, 2013Tesla: 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.
- 10057921Apr 1, 2013Tesla motors inc. : instructions on reassembly of hpwc fuses.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7 | 18% |
| 2023 | 9 | 8% |
| 2022 | 17 | 12% |
| 2021 | 25 | 14% |
| 2020 | 7 | 9% |
| 2019 | 5 | 11% |
| 2018 | 35 | 21% |
| 2017 | 114 | 27% |
| 2016 | 149 | 23% |
| 2015 | 266 | 40% |
| 2014 | 133 | 36% |
| 2013 | 195 | 42% |
| 2012 | 37 | 61% |
Other parts of the 2012 Tesla Model S
12 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Tesla Model S
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology