EZ Swap LLC services the Tesla Model S in Phoenix, AZ, covering model years 2012 to 2014, 2020 to 2026. If your Model S has a warning light, a strange noise or a safety recall question, our mechanics can diagnose it and give you a clear quote first.
To help Model S owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 1,449 owner complaints on file for the Model S and 33 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (429), suspension (239), steering (142).
Most-Reported Tesla Model S Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Model S (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 429 | 29% | |
| Suspension | 239 | 16% | |
| Steering | 142 | 9% | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 138 | 9% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 90 | 6% | |
| Power Train | 82 | 5% | |
| Service Brakes | 72 | 4% | |
| Structure | 72 | 4% |
Electrical System
429 of the 1,449 complaints (29%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Suspension
239 of the 1,449 complaints (16%) mention the suspension. Suspension wear shows up as clunks, pulling and uneven tires. We inspect shocks, struts, bushings and joints and align the car after repairs. See our suspension & alignment page.
Steering
142 of the 1,449 complaints (9%) mention steering. Steering complaints deserve prompt attention. We inspect steering components and alignment so the car tracks straight and responds predictably. See our suspension & alignment page.
Tesla Model S Complaints by Model Year
The Model S model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2013, 2014, 2021. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 59 | |
| 2013 | 461 | |
| 2014 | 366 | |
| 2020 | 80 | |
| 2021 | 179 | |
| 2022 | 139 | |
| 2023 | 114 | |
| 2024 | 38 | |
| 2025 | 6 | |
| 2026 | 7 |
Tesla Model S Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the Model S, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Tesla.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your Model S? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Tesla Model S Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 33 recall campaigns for the Model S in these model years, most often involving air bags, electrical system, steering. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2026 recall, Back Over Prevention (campaign 26V283000): Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6.
- 2025 recall, Air Bags (campaign 25V172000): Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.
- 2024 recall, Electrical System (campaign 24V051000): Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles.
- 2024 recall, Seat Belts (campaign 24V376000): Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles.
- 2024 recall, Forward Collision Avoidance (campaign 24V153000): Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds.
- 2024 recall, Latches/Locks/Linkages (campaign 24V554000): Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Model S, 140 involved a crash, 32 involved a fire, 64 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Tesla Model S Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Tesla will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Model S that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Model S owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Tesla Model S, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Tesla Model S Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Tesla Model S repair service, or choose a service below.
Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Suspension & Alignment
Shocks, struts, alignment and steering.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Tesla Model S FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Tesla Model S?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Tesla Model S are electrical system (429), suspension (239), steering (142). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Model S model years have the most complaints?
The Model S model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2013, 2014, 2021. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Tesla Model S?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Tesla Model S. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Tesla Model S have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 33 recall campaigns for the Tesla Model S across model years 2012 to 2014, 2020 to 2026. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Tesla Model S in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Tesla vehicles including the Model S, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Tesla Model S?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Tesla Model S in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Tesla Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.