2013 Tesla Model S engine problems
21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2013 Tesla Model S — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2013 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that the parking brake seized while leaving a charging station, and the vehicle screeched into oncoming traffic and stalled. The parking brake warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled…”
filed Feb 27, 2026
“Complete engine failure. Car became disabled and unable to move. Upon investigation, this was drive unit failure due to coolant leaking past the seal. A common issue of Tesla Model S and X with the large drive unit. I believe that this is a design flaw and should be a class action type situation…”
filed Jun 30, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine problems in other Model S years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Model S | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 Model S | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 Model S | 1 | 2% |
| 2018 Model S | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 Model S | 3 | 1% |
| 2016 Model S | 5 | 1% |
| 2015 Model S | 17 | 3% |
| 2014 Model S | 12 | 3% |
| 2012 Model S | 1 | 2% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2013 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.