2012 Tesla Model S electrical system problems
37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 2012 Tesla Model S — 61% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“In October 2024, I brought my recently purchased used Model S to the Cincinnati Service Center for an antenna inspection, MCU upgrade, and general inspection to ensure the vehicle was safe and operating properly. During the inspection, I was informed that additional issues had been discovered…”
filed Jun 17, 2026
“I tried to start the car and got the “Center Display unavailable” message. Reset the computer doesn’t help. I have to wait for more than 5 minutes for the system to be on.”
filed Nov 29, 2022
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and…Campaign 24V051000 · Jan 30, 2024
- In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the…Campaign 23V838000 · Dec 12, 2023
Related service bulletins
On certain Model S and Model X vehicles, the battery powered Pyrotechnic High Voltage (HV) Battery Disconnect will reach the end of its battery lifespan in the near future, which will trigger alerts and may limit the…
SB-25-16-003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 3, 2025
Electrical System problems in other Model S years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Model S | 7 | 18% |
| 2023 Model S | 8 | 7% |
| 2022 Model S | 16 | 12% |
| 2021 Model S | 25 | 14% |
| 2020 Model S | 7 | 9% |
| 2019 Model S | 4 | 9% |
| 2018 Model S | 34 | 20% |
| 2017 Model S | 112 | 27% |
| 2016 Model S | 148 | 23% |
| 2015 Model S | 264 | 40% |
| 2014 Model S | 132 | 36% |
| 2013 Model S | 195 | 42% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Tesla Model S
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.