2014 Tesla Model S Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 7%of 367 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2014 Tesla Model S, 7% of the 367 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The bearing in the drive shaft is damaged and constantly whines during acceleration. I brought the car to the dealer in chicago two months ago. They said the drive shaft had to be replaced. They ordered the drive shaft and said it would be delivered in 7 days. I have contacted them numerous times and get no response.”
NHTSA complaint #11242820, filed 2019-08, 25,000 miles“Sudden loss of range with 2019.16.x software update. My vehicle was one of the many vehicles that was effected by software update by Tesla. I have lost about 30 miles in range and the supercharging speed is significantly decreased compare to prior to the software update.”
NHTSA complaint #11279353, filed 2019-11, 80,000 miles“My drivetrain got water intrusion. This water intrusion rendered my drivetrain to fail. I was told it was not covered by manufacture warranty. Warranty was for 8yrs & unlimited miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11407475, filed 2021-04, 20 miles“My li-ion battery has been degraded recently by an over-the-air software update. I believe that this update is related to the recent battery fires (4 in ladt 4 months, including one in san francisco). Only a few (100 to a few thousand I believe) of the teslas have been affected as mine has been. I am now concerned about the safety of my vehicle. Will my battery catch on fire in my garage? I would like NHTSA to review the changes made by Tesla and approve that these changes will be effective for the safety of my battery. …”
NHTSA complaint #11240787, filed 2019-07, 133,000 miles“The center screen turned off, and the climate control system, traction control, steering control, and most others systems could no longer be changed from what appears to be random settings. I believe this is referred to as either the emmc or mcu failure. Tesla's roadside assistance would not tow the car and told me to drive it to the service center. The service center says the repair is not covered by the 8 year unlimited mile warranty because the drive train is not affected however you cannot control the drive train or suspension system without the center screen. …”
NHTSA complaint #11353125, filed 2020-09, 156,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251045Jan 18, 2024Some versions of Model S and X front drive unit halfshafts might cause excessive vibrations during hard acceleration at higher ride height settings. This is exclusively an NVH…
- 10212803Dec 10, 2021Some versions of Model S and X front drive unit halfshafts might cause excessive vibrations during hard acceleration at higher ride height settings. This is exclusively an NVH…
- 10162295Jun 25, 2019Older versions of the Model S and Model X LH front drive unit clevis mount contain a bushing that allows the front drive unit to move side-to-side more than expected during hard…
- 10057892Mar 5, 2015Tesla motors inc 2013-2014 model s : buletin information regarding replacing rear drive unit. Some units have inadequate grease, which may cause a loud clunking sound during…
Transmission 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 2014 Tesla Model S
133 complaintsSuspension
90 complaintsOther or unknown
83 complaintsExterior lighting
27 complaintsSteering
27 complaintsBody and structure
27 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsVehicle speed control
22 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsEngine
12 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 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