2018 Tesla Model S Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 6%of 170 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 17,687miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the body and structure of the 2018 Tesla Model S, 6% of the 170 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 17,687 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 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.
“Multiple doorhandles are failing to be able to open the door from the outside when the door is unlocked I have a 2018 Model S Tesla and two of the doorhandles have failed already although the vehicle is unlocked when I pull on the door handle it's bears to open the door only way to open it is from the inside this could pose a potential safety hazard should I need to open the door from the outside”
NHTSA complaint #11403100, filed 2021-03, 51,700 miles“I was using the autosummon on my Tesla. I had used the car to park itself so figured that it would be safe to try. Car was close to a wall. Car immediately moved forward and hit the wall. There was no time to stop it as it turned immediately.”
NHTSA complaint #11307454, filed 2020-02, 16,000 miles“It was on friday morning on january 11th 2020 at 8.30am. I was slowly pulling into a parking space in front of my medical office where I have practiced for 21 years. I was in an outdoor parking deck. I touched the brakes to stop the car and the car suddenly accelerated forwards and hit a concrete wall in front of it. I know that I did not hit the accelerator. I was slammed into my steering wheel. My airbag did not deploy. I have been driving for 30 years and have driven a Tesla for 5 years. I know the difference between the accelerator and the brake. …”
NHTSA complaint #11300152, filed 2020-01, 2,000 miles“Rear trunk hatch safety release will not open the hatch. The cable is not functioning. The hatch is stuck shut and will not allow me to lock my car. Not inspected yet. No warning of the failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11550741, filed 2023-10“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 2025-03Related service bulletins
- 10173429Mar 17, 2020On some Model S, Model X, and Model 3 vehicles, condensation might build up inside of the B-pillar applique, potentially obscuring the B-pillar camera. This condition might cause…
- 10154503Feb 4, 2019The rear node of some Model S and Model X vehicles might have damage in the forward mounting location of the rear subframe, resulting in noise, vibration, or harshness coming…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 8 | 6% |
| 2021 | 9 | 5% |
| 2020 | 5 | 6% |
| 2019 | 2 | 5% |
| 2018 | 10 | 6% |
| 2017 | 14 | 3% |
| 2016 | 30 | 5% |
| 2015 | 30 | 4% |
| 2014 | 27 | 7% |
| 2013 | 19 | 4% |
| 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 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
6 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 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