2013 Tesla Model S Forward collision avoidance Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 1%of 461 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,143miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the forward collision avoidance of the 2013 Tesla Model S, 1% of the 461 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,143 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.
“November 20, 2025 To the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation Subject: Safety Defect Complaint – Tesla Model S I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious and dangerous safety defect involving my Tesla Model S. Safety Defect Summary: • After the high-voltage battery failed, the vehicle would not enter Neutral. • I had to use Tow Mode in the middle of a street on a hill to avoid blocking traffic. • Once in Tow Mode, the car could not enter Park and the emergency/parking brake would not engage. …”
NHTSA complaint #11700490, filed 2025-11“Sept 30, 2022. Driving East bound on interstate 10 ,east of Tallahassee FL, car started flashing dash RED. Car applied brakes while going 70 mph. Car made me pull off the road because of applied braking. It would not release the brakes. I called Tesla Roadside assistance, you have a flat tire . Attached are screenshots. I didn't have a flat tire. Had to get towed 300 miles home. Next day brakes released, drove car. I keep getting error codes everyday. Car has been in service, nothing wrong . This a safety Hazzard, imagine in heavy traffic on a bridge.”
NHTSA complaint #11494985, filed 2022-11“The contact owns a 2013 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving 57 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking was inadvertently activated. The emergency brake fault and parking brake fault warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and inspected. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that unknown parts needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,143.”
NHTSA complaint #11594388, filed 2024-06, 95,143 milesForward collision avoidance: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 29% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 18 | 16% |
| 2022 | 34 | 24% |
| 2021 | 48 | 27% |
| 2020 | 23 | 29% |
| 2019 | 12 | 27% |
| 2018 | 50 | 29% |
| 2017 | 68 | 16% |
| 2016 | 39 | 6% |
| 2015 | 31 | 5% |
| 2014 | 9 | 2% |
| 2013 | 3 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2013 Tesla Model S
195 complaintsOther or unknown
122 complaintsSuspension
92 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
35 complaintsSteering
29 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsVehicle speed control
25 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
22 complaintsEngine
21 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 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