2012 Tesla Model S Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 3%of 61 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,150miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the body and structure of the 2012 Tesla Model S, 3% of the 61 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,150 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2012 Tesla Model S p85 with 90,000 miles. I noticed the car fishtail aggressively when I accelerated a few weeks ago at freeway speeds of 55mph and above, took it in to Tesla service and they explained that I had a crack in my subframe. The car has never been in an accident, never bottomed out or been driven off-road, just normal streets and highways. I was quoted $3,300 to have this fixed, they will replace with a new or re-manufactured subframe . I have attached a picture of another persons subframe where the metal sheared away. …”
NHTSA complaint #11208159, filed 2019-05, 90,300 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10153419Jan 3, 2019On 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…
- 10110743Mar 29, 2017Three metal plates are installed on the front subframe to deflect road debris and protect the underbody from possible damage.
- 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…
- 10110755Oct 4, 2016Instructions for installing the carbon fiber spoiler.
- 10057516Jan 8, 2015Tesla motors: 2012-2014 s models; bulletin instructions and repair guidelines for draft entering cabin from a-pillar.
- 10056286May 23, 2014Tesla: 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…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 8 | 6% |
| 2021 | 9 | 5% |
| 2020 | 5 | 6% |
| 2019 | 2 | 5% |
| 2018 | 10 | 6% |
| 2017 | 14 | 3% |
| 2016 | 30 | 5% |
| 2015 | 30 | 4% |
| 2014 | 27 | 7% |
| 2013 | 19 | 4% |
| 2012 | 2 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2012 Tesla Model S
37 complaintsOther or unknown
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 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