2018 Tesla Model S Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 4%of 170 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 69,205miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2018 Tesla Model S, 4% of the 170 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 69,205 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“Our doors completely locked inside our garage. We could not get in the car at all, even after a technician came to replace the low voltage battery. Only after replacing the low voltage battery was someone able to get into the car. However, that low voltage battery did not fix the core issue the car was having. It was a current leak in the high voltage jumper harness. This issue required us to get a very expensive tow of our car out of our garage (required dollys & a winch), and then a very expensive diagnosis & repair by Tesla. …”
NHTSA complaint #11687668, filed 2025-09“I own a 2018 Tesla Model S. While it was still under warranty the passenger side door handle quit working and it was no longer possible to open that door. Tesla replaced the door handle at no change with a newly designed mechanism. It was explained to me that they redesigned the mechanism which had a high failure rate, and my car handles would no longer be installed in later cars. I asked if they would change all 4 door handles for me, and was told they would not. Now several years later, another door handle has failed. This time dangerously. …”
NHTSA complaint #11647218, filed 2025-03“The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that the emergency trunk latch had failed, and the trunk was unable to be opened. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the emergency trunk latch warning light remained illuminated, and the doors could not be locked and secured. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 131,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11559428, filed 2023-12, 131,000 miles“The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at very slow speed and parking, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration causing the driver to lose control of the steering and crash into a transformer. No injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer Tesla of honolulu (1450 ala moana blvd, honolulu hi) was notified of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11324261, filed 2020-05, 7,410 miles“I hit a deer on interstate. Airbags and pretensioner deployed. After vehicle shut down no doors can be opened from inside or outside. No injuries but could have been disaster if someone was trapped inside.”
NHTSA complaint #11460242, filed 2022-04Related recalls
- 21V00B000Dec 21, 2021Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch…Covers: Tesla Model S 2014–2021
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 4 | 5% |
| 2019 | 2 | 5% |
| 2018 | 6 | 4% |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 1% |
| 2015 | 8 | 1% |
| 2014 | 4 | 1% |
| 2013 | 2 | 0% |
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 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 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