2018 Tesla Model S Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 16%of 170 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 7,255miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2018 Tesla Model S, 16% of the 170 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 7,255 miles. 16 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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“While driving on the expressway, cruise control was engaged at 65-70 MPH for 3-5 minutes, until suddenly, the car slowed down all by itself to around 50mph with vibration and jerking. The brake was not depressed at all. No other cars were in front of me or around me at the time of incident”
NHTSA complaint #11377444, filed 2020-12, 19,700 miles“The car unintended accelerated when I pulled into garage and wait for garage door open. The sudden acceleration is totally out of control, even my foot firmly step on the break pedal. The accelerated car went through the garage door towards right, and hit and lift the other parked SUV inside the garage. The speed and force push the SUV towards the back of garage wall, and totally damaged the part of my garage.”
NHTSA complaint #11209483, filed 2019-05, 7,100 miles“I was pulling into a parking spot in a place I park on many occasions, had my foot off the accelerator, to put on the brake, and the car suddenly accelerated, went up over the curb, and almost down an embankment. I was able to stop the car before that happened.”
NHTSA complaint #11307883, filed 2020-02, 7,657 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 milesVehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 29% |
| 2023 | 7 | 6% |
| 2022 | 9 | 6% |
| 2021 | 16 | 9% |
| 2020 | 8 | 10% |
| 2019 | 3 | 7% |
| 2018 | 28 | 16% |
| 2017 | 36 | 8% |
| 2016 | 81 | 12% |
| 2015 | 40 | 6% |
| 2014 | 22 | 6% |
| 2013 | 25 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2018 Tesla Model S
50 complaintsOther or unknown
36 complaintsElectrical system
35 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 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 30, 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