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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2013 Tesla Model S Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
35about this part
Share
8%of 461 total for the year
Median mileage
110,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2013 Tesla Model S, 8% of the 461 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,000 miles.

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

“Well I love my fist Tesla but after the first time it had to go in to the austin service center for a problem with a clicking /thumping noise as when I back up I heard & feel. So after having my car a couple days found it would need to have the large drive unit replace that will be still covered under warranty, but say the rear subframe needs to be replace & I have to pay to get replaced due to ' wear & tear ' as service center say, on my subframe it's never been in any accident etc.they say it's not covered the 100% warranty!!”

NHTSA complaint #11361567, filed 2020-09, 82,000 miles

“I have a 2013 Tesla model s85. Three days ago while driving on I 70 between columbus, ohio and indianapolis, in, the car lost power abruptly just 40 miles outside indianapolis. It was towed to the dealer and the problem was identified as a failed drive train. My wife was driving and she could pull off the road safely fortunately, although the regenerative braking in the car does not give you much time to pull over. Now looking on line, I see that this is a common occurrence and some drivers have had to change drive trains on multiple occasions. …”

NHTSA complaint #11253930, filed 2019-09, 37,800 miles

“I was driving my Tesla Model S early in the morning in a quiet neighborhood when was slowly approaching to four-way stop sign intersection by gradually step on the brake. At the very beginning, I can feel the car decelerated, suddenly there was unintended acceleration that I felt. There was a jerking forward of the car, so I was not able to make a full stop at the stop sign. Then the speed drops down significantly, almost to zero. I pressed the flashing light because there was a line of cars behind me and I was in the middle of the road. …”

NHTSA complaint #11156706, filed 2018-12, 68,752 miles

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025233%
202333%
202232%
202121%
202068%
201937%
201853%
2017102%
2016183%
2015294%
2014277%
2013358%
201258%

Other parts of the 2013 Tesla Model S

Electrical system
195 complaints
Other or unknown
122 complaints
Suspension
92 complaints
Steering
29 complaints
Brakes
25 complaints
Vehicle speed control
25 complaints
Fuel system
24 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
22 complaints
Engine
21 complaints
Body and structure
19 complaints
Exterior lighting
15 complaints
Air 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