2018 Tesla Model S structure problems
10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the structure on the 2018 Tesla Model S — 6% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“On [XXX], I was driving my recently purchased 2018 Tesla Model S (VIN: [XXX], mileage approx. [30,536]). The vehicle was purchased directly through Tesla’s app in late August 2025 and delivered to me the same day of the incident. Approximately 4.5 hours after delivery, while driving with my son…”
filed Sep 9, 2025
“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…”
filed Mar 9, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Structure problems in other Model S years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Model S | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 Model S | 8 | 6% |
| 2021 Model S | 9 | 5% |
| 2020 Model S | 5 | 6% |
| 2019 Model S | 2 | 5% |
| 2017 Model S | 14 | 3% |
| 2016 Model S | 29 | 5% |
| 2015 Model S | 30 | 5% |
| 2014 Model S | 26 | 7% |
| 2013 Model S | 19 | 4% |
| 2012 Model S | 2 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 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.