2014 Tesla MODEL S
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2014 Tesla MODEL S has 545 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.0x the segment average of 276. The most common issue is electrical problems (24% of all complaints), specifically: p85d lost power on road, "pull over safely". with tesla's latest firmware updat e0.167 pushed otu untested to all p85d cars, the car loses all power suddenly when driving. it leaves the drivers stranded in the middle of roads dangerously. tesla is not issuing a recall, and is trying to suppress t. There are 9 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 8 fire reports filed.
545
Total Complaints
9
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
2.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ELECTRICAL
132 complaints- • P85D LOST POWER ON ROAD, "PULL OVER SAFELY". WITH TESLA'S LATEST FIRMWARE UPDAT E0.167 PUSHED OTU UNTESTED TO ALL P85D CARS, THE CAR LOSES ALL POWER SUDDENLY WHEN DRIVING. IT LEAVES THE DRIVERS STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF ROADS DANGEROUSLY. TESLA IS NOT ISSUING A RECALL, AND IS TRYING TO SUPPRESS T
- • MY 2 DAY OLD P85D SUDDENLY DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION: TESLA BUILT THESE P85D CARS WITH FAULTY ELECTRICAL CONTACTORS THAT IT WAS SECRETLY RECALLING THROUGH ITS FORUMS. THE FAULTY CONTACTORS CAUSED SOME NEWLY RELEASED P85D CARS TO LOSE ALL POWER WITHIN FIRST 100 MILES. TESLA SHOULD ISS
- • SOME UNIVERSAL MOBILE CHARGERS ARE STILL OVERHEATING. INFRARED ANALYSIS YET AGAIN INDICATES THAT THE UNIVERSAL MOBILE CHARGER IS THE SOURCE OF THE OVERHEATING. ORANGE COUNTY FIRE INVESTIGATORS DETERMINED THAT A TESLA UNIVERSAL MOBILE CHARGER WAS A POSSIBLE SOURCE A GARAGE FIRE IN IRVING CALIFORNIA O
“P85D LOST POWER ON ROAD, "PULL OVER SAFELY". WITH TESLA'S LATEST FIRMWARE UPDAT E0.167 PUSHED OTU UNTESTED TO ALL P85D CARS, THE CAR LOSES ALL POWER SUDDENLY WHEN DRIVING. IT LEAVES THE DRIVERS STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF ROADS DANGEROUSLY. TESLA IS NOT ISSUING A RECALL, AND IS TRYING TO SUPPRESS T”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2014 Tesla MODEL S
Based on 332 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 58K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.
SUSPENSION
STEERING
SPEED CONTROL
TRANSMISSION
BODY/STRUCTURE
ENGINE
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (9)
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2014-2016 Model S vehicles equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the passenger frontal air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began May 29, 2019. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-19-20-001.
Very low theft risk
Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.
Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.
Charging Cost Calculator for 2014 Tesla MODEL S
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2014 Tesla MODEL S
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Tesla MODEL S Service Intervals
EVs have no oil, no spark plugs, no transmission fluid. Brake fluid every 2 years. Tire rotation every 6,250 miles. HEPA cabin filter every 2 years (Model S/X). AC desiccant bag every 6 years.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Tesla New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Battery: Model S/X 8yr/150K miles; Model 3/Y Standard Range 8yr/100K, Long Range/Performance 8yr/120K
These are the terms for a new Tesla. If you're buying a used 2014 MODEL S, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Tesla dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
EV Incentives for 2014 Tesla MODEL S
Updated 2026-07Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30
Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.
State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)
Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 545 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ELECTRICAL: P85D LOST POWER ON ROAD, "PULL OVER SAFELY". WITH TESLA'S LATEST FIRMWARE UPDAT E0.167 PUSHED OTU UNTESTED TO ALL P85D CARS, THE CAR LOSES ALL POWER SUDDENLY WHEN DRIVING. IT LEAVES THE DRIVERS STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF ROADS DANGEROUSLY. TESLA IS NOT ISSUING A RECALL, AND IS TRYING TO SUPPRESS T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SUSPENSION: THIS CAR IS UP FOR SALE AS A TOTAL WRITE OFF SALVAGE. HTTPS://WWW.EASYEXPORT.US/VEHICLE-FINDER/LOT-14402615/2014-TESLA-TESLA-CERTIFICATE-OF-DESTRUCTION-FL-WEST-PALM-BEACH FROM THE PHOTOGRAPHS IT APPEARS THAT THE CAUSE OF THE DAMAGE IS THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION HAS SHEARED OFF THE VEHICLE. THIS I
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: I LEFT MY GIRLFRIEND IN THE CAR WHILE I WENT INTO A COURTHOUSE FOR ABOUT AN HOUR. I TOOK THE KEY (PROXIMITY SENSOR) WITH ME, BECAUSE SHE SAID SHE DIDN'T NEED THE AIR CONDITIONER OR RADIO. WHILE I WAS GONE, SHE DISCOVERED SHE WAS LOCKED IN. SHE COULDN'T OPEN THE DOOR OR WINDOWS. THIS SITUATION IS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SPEED CONTROL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TESLA MODEL S. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD, JUMPED THE CURB, AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPRO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 9 recalls have been completed — free at any Tesla dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Tesla MODEL S — Year Comparison
How does 2014 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 545
- Recalls
- 9
- Fire reports
- 8
- Crash reports
- 64
- Injury reports
- 21
- Segment avg
- 276
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2014 Tesla MODEL S