2018 Tesla Model S Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 2%of 170 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 14,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the fuel system of the 2018 Tesla Model S, 2% of the 170 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 14,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“As I was turning right into a parking space going at a very slow speed, the Tesla suddenly accelerated to full speed. I did not press the gas or commit any other user error. I tried to apply the brake. However, because of this sudden unintended acceleration, I crashed into the building in front of me.”
NHTSA complaint #11330211, filed 2020-06, 14,000 miles“On October 15, 2026, at about 9:09 AM, I was driving my 2018 Tesla Model S to work. I had the car up to the 65 mph speed limit and let off the accelerator. Instead of slowing down from regenerative braking like it normally does, the car kept speeding up slowly to about 70 mph without me touching the pedal. Regen had stopped working completely. Then an audible alarm went off, the PRND lights on the dash lit up, the screen told me to pull over immediately, and the car lost drive power completely. My work was only about a mile away, so I kept going. …”
NHTSA complaint #11771652, filed 2026-10“Driving the vehicle and all of a sudden all these warning lights came on. The dash flashed warning signs stating: Power reduced - exiting and entering the vehicle may restore operation High voltage battery requires service - Acceleration and charging performance reduced and a turtle sign appeared. The vehicle was almost inoperable moving at 1-2 mph. Pulled into a parking lot, parked the car, and exited the vehicle. After reentering the vehicle the error continued. Had the vehicle towed to the Tesla service center. It is currently being diagnosed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11549787, filed 2023-10Fuel 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 2018 Tesla Model S
50 complaintsOther or unknown
36 complaintsElectrical system
35 complaintsVehicle speed control
28 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsSuspension
20 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsLane departure
13 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Tesla Model S
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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