2013 Tesla Model S Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 5%of 461 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the fuel system of the 2013 Tesla Model S, 5% of the 461 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On or about june 24, 2019, my parked car's software was forcibly updated without my prior knowledge, without any prior notification and without my authorization. This forced software update reduced the nominal capacity of my battery by 16.02%. On june 23, 2019, my 100% state of charge (soc) would charge each cell in my battery pack to 4.2 volts, resulting in a rated range of 256 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #11266874, filed 2019-10, 120,000 miles“My 2013 Tesla Model S had the touchscreen fail. This resulted in me having to pay for a brand new screen. I understand there is an investigation into the touchscreen failures and I would like to be included in the investigative process and receive reimbursement”
NHTSA complaint #11374943, filed 2020-11, 120,000 miles“I own a 2013 Tesla Model S that has lost the mcu and will no longer charge. In addition, the mcu causes the touch screen to open very slowly. I have complained and Tesla would not replace the mcu and not compensate me for the inability to charge the car. The original complaint was that the touchscreen would not come on at all. I could not see any information whatsoever, during Tesla's attempt to fix the screen, I lost the ability to charge the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11374941, filed 2020-11, 115,000 miles“Re: NHTSA action number: dp19005 - investigation subject : battery management software updates after most recent firmware update (exact date unknown -- sometime late this summer)-- supercharging speed appears to have been limited. It now takes 2-3x the amount of time to charge when traveling. I tested multiple superchargers for my trip which occurred on during the weekend of 9/2. I am fully aware of conditions that can slow the speed (stall sharing, high soc, low/high battery temp, etc). …”
NHTSA complaint #11271662, filed 2019-10, 64,611 miles“I experienced a sudden loss of range with 2019.16 software update that Tesla release. I no longer have the range or charging speed before the update. This was a purposeful action from Tesla due to the potential for the batteries catching fire. Tesla took action to downgrade horsepower and range along with all other aspects of performance through a total voltage cap. This in effect has devalued the resell value of my car by removing functions, range and charging speed. This change happened while the car was parked in my garage and stationary.”
NHTSA complaint #11267406, filed 2019-10, 90,000 milesFuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 2% |
| 2018 | 3 | 2% |
| 2017 | 8 | 2% |
| 2016 | 15 | 2% |
| 2015 | 32 | 5% |
| 2014 | 24 | 7% |
| 2013 | 24 | 5% |
| 2012 | 2 | 3% |
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 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
22 complaintsEngine
21 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsAir bags
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Tesla Model S
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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