2018 Tesla MODEL S
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2018 Tesla MODEL S has 288 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 276. The most common issue is speed control problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2018 tesla model s. while attempting to park the vehicle, it independently accelerated and crashed into a wall. the air bags deployed. a police report was not filed. the contact sought medical attention ten days later for a sternal fracture. the tesla buena park dealer (6692 a. There are 11 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 9 fire reports filed.
288
Total Complaints
11
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
SPEED CONTROL
58 complaints- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TESLA MODEL S. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, IT INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION TEN DAYS LATER FOR A STERNAL FRACTURE. THE TESLA BUENA PARK DEALER (6692 A
- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TESLA MODEL S. WHILE APPROACHING A RED LIGHT, THE SPEED INCREASED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE DROVE THROUGH THE TRAFFIC LIGHT AND CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE THAT WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN. THE FRONT DRIVER'S AIR BAG AND KNEE
- • CAR WAS STOPPED PRIOR TO ENTERING CAR GARAGE. CAR SUDDENLY REVERSED THEN SPED UP AUTONOMOUSLY AND CRASHED INTO THE HOME. SUSPECT CAR ELECTRONICS COMPROMISED AND ENDANGERED DRIVER. REQUESTING INVESTIGATION IF CAR DEFECT VS USER ERROR. THANK YOU !
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TESLA MODEL S. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, IT INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION TEN DAYS LATER FOR A STERNAL FRACTURE. THE TESLA BUENA PARK DEALER (6692 A”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2018 Tesla MODEL S
Based on 99 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 14K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
ELECTRICAL
SUSPENSION
SPEED CONTROL
OTHER
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 (11)
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.
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 2018 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 2018 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 2018 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 2018 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 288 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐SPEED CONTROL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TESLA MODEL S. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, IT INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION TEN DAYS LATER FOR A STERNAL FRACTURE. THE TESLA BUENA PARK DEALER (6692 A
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BOTH OF MY DASHBOARD SCREENS (DRIVER CLUSTER AND CENTER CONSOLE) WENT BLANK WHILE DRIVING AT A VARIETY OF SPEEDS. I WAS UNABLE TO SEE MY SPEEDOMETER, BACK-UP CAMERA, CONTROL HVAC, OR ANY AUDIO. I ALSO WAS UNABLE TO USE COLLISION ASSISTANCE, BLIND SPOT DETECTION, AUTOPILOT, OR,
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: THERE HAS BEEN SO MANY MALFUNCTIONS, DEATHS AND FIRES CAUSED BY TESLA'S AUTO PILOT FEATURE. SO MANY GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATIONS ARE GOING ON, AND THE RESULT OF SOME INVESTIGATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN COMPLETED SOUNDS ALARMING. TESLA'S AUTO PILOT FEATURE IS UNDER INTENSE GOVERNMENT SCRUTINY. TODAY, ELON A
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TESLA MODEL S. WHILE APPROACHING A RED LIGHT, THE SPEED INCREASED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE DROVE THROUGH THE TRAFFIC LIGHT AND CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE THAT WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN. THE FRONT DRIVER'S AIR BAG AND KNEE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 11 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 2018 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 288
- Recalls
- 11
- Fire reports
- 9
- Crash reports
- 59
- Injury reports
- 40
- Segment avg
- 276
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2018 Tesla MODEL S