2014 Tesla Model S Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 3%of 367 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the engine of the 2014 Tesla Model S, 3% of the 367 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“Re: NHTSA action number: dp19005 - investigation subject : battery management software updates - vehicle had sudden loss of battery capacity and charging velocity after software update in may 2019. This has continued with a roughly 15% reduction in the kwh rating of the battery (published rating 85.0, actual 71.65). I am disappointed with the reduction in the performance and usability of the car, but more concerned with the potential of an undisclosed defect or risk that I am am not aware of.”
NHTSA complaint #11316609, filed 2020-03, 50,000 miles“Total main computer failure (mcu) - many safety features were unaccessible and not available including but not limited to turn signals and hazard lights stop working, the settings for autopilot and driving are gone, the suspension settings, the ability to turn on headlights manually, ability to manually lock and unlock the vehicle, navigation, A/C, sunroof controls, etc.”
NHTSA complaint #11343253, filed 2020-08, 49,000 miles“P85d lost power on road, pull over safely . With Tesla's latest firmware updat e0.167 pushed otu untested to all p85d cars, the car loses all power suddenly when driving. It leaves the drivers stranded in the middle of roads dangerously. Tesla is not issuing a recall, and is trying to suppress this and many many other quality and safety issues by limiting the information to its forums only, and sometimes removing those information to support its high quality image, and sustain its bubble stock valuation. More details here in this thread. Hope they don't remove the entire thread. …”
NHTSA complaint #10690639, filed 2015-02, 535 miles“This is regarding a 2014 Model S fully electric vehicle. Any reference to an 'engine' simply implies the motor. Accelerator pedal became unresponsive and abruptly lost drive power while going ~55mph on the highway. The PRND display on the display panel went red. Car was towed to the service center Immediately after this malfunction, I somehow cruised along towards the shoulder with just with brakes and hazard lights. Total loss of motor power caused vehicle to slow down and vehicles behind me had to slow down (and honk). …”
NHTSA complaint #11718369, filed 2026-02“The rear motor (drive unit) has gone out on this car twice in the last four years. I purchased it after it was last repaired. It most recently went out on 08/04/2023. When it went out two days ago it had less than 30,000 miles on it. This car has a motor on both the front and rear axles, so while the vehichle was still moving forward, if it slowed down at all that would engage the regenerative braking. …”
NHTSA complaint #11536745, filed 2023-08Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 5% |
| 2018 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% |
| 2016 | 5 | 1% |
| 2015 | 17 | 3% |
| 2014 | 12 | 3% |
| 2013 | 21 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2014 Tesla Model S
133 complaintsSuspension
90 complaintsOther or unknown
83 complaintsExterior lighting
27 complaintsSteering
27 complaintsBody and structure
27 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
27 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsVehicle speed control
22 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsBrakes
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2014 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