2012 Tesla Model S Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 8%of 61 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2012 Tesla Model S, 8% of the 61 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,000 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.
“Car won't start, computer problems on multiple occasions, after multiple calls Tesla had no record of prior complaints and no remedy. Left stranded multiple times.”
NHTSA complaint #11330814, filed 2020-06, 29,000 miles“In October 2024, I brought my recently purchased used Model S to the Cincinnati Service Center for an antenna inspection, MCU upgrade, and general inspection to ensure the vehicle was safe and operating properly. During the inspection, I was informed that additional issues had been discovered. Wanting the vehicle to be reliable, I authorized the recommended repairs and ultimately paid more than $10,000 for the work performed. When I picked up the vehicle, a technician had to access it because the keys had been locked inside, and the battery had not been adequately charged. …”
NHTSA complaint #11744727, filed 2026-06“The drive unit has water damage from normal driving. The car never went through deep water or was flooded, but the tech at the service center is saying the units are sealed but still can get water in them and corrode. How can a vital sealed part of the vehicle be damaged by normal driving and claim water damage? The car operated just fine the day before. Please advise.”
NHTSA complaint #11510630, filed 2023-03“The contact owns a 2012 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal humming sound detected coming from the drive unit. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed that the drive unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11422548, filed 2021-06, 59,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle independently shifted to neutral. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure recurred daily while driving whenever he depressed the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11434069, filed 2021-09, 125,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 33% |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 3 | 2% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 6 | 8% |
| 2019 | 3 | 7% |
| 2018 | 5 | 3% |
| 2017 | 10 | 2% |
| 2016 | 18 | 3% |
| 2015 | 29 | 4% |
| 2014 | 27 | 7% |
| 2013 | 35 | 8% |
| 2012 | 5 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2012 Tesla Model S
37 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsExterior lighting
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 28, 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