The 2024 Tesla Model S presents a concerning reliability landscape, primarily due to its six recalls involving critical safety components such as airbags and seat belts. With the peak failure range occurring between 0-20k miles, immediate attention to these issues is warranted for owners and prospective buyers alike.
Key Factor:Multiple critical recalls
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Standard Safety Record
The 2024 Model S maintains a standard safety record for TESLA, with 6 recalls documented.
6 recalls for this vehicle11.1 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
πWhy This Matters
The reliability of a vehicle like the Tesla Model S holds significant weight in an era where safety features are paramount for consumer confidence and brand integrity. Recalls related to airbags and seat belts strike at the core of automotive safety protocols. A malfunction in these systems can lead to catastrophic consequences during collisions, underscoring the importance of vigilance among current owners and potential buyers alike regarding these recalls.
Moreover, a lack of consumer complaints could suggest that issues haven't yet manifested widely or that owners have not reported minor problems. However, with multiple recalls on critical systems, this model year raises concerns that merit thorough examination before purchasing. The stakes are high when considering the safety of both the occupants and other road users.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Various
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Vs Brand: Better than avg (11.1)
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Summary: Given the current recall trends, the 2024 Tesla Model S exhibits a more troubling profile than one might expect from this innovative brand known for its engineering prowess. While it has made strides over previous iterations in safety technology, the six recalls raise questions about quality control within manufacturing processes at this stage in Tesla's evolution.
Safety & Reliability Score
37/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-48
Complaint Impact-4.75
Investigation Impact-10
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2024 TESLA Model S
Model Year2024
MakeTESLA
ModelModel S
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more β
Mar23
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Jan24
NEWProduction
Jan24
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan24
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan24
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan24
RECALLRecall Issued
Feb24
ISSUEFirst Report
Jul25
RECALLRecall Issued
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No Consumer Complaints Reported
Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2024 TESLA Model S. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.
π οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
SEAT BELTSLATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESAIR BAGSBACK OVER PREVENTIONSTEERING
π―Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Airbags
Issue: Driver's air bag could tear during deployment due to improper assembly.
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Schedule an immediate inspection with your local Tesla service center to assess airbag integrity.
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Inquire about all recall remedies completed before purchase to ensure safety features function correctly.
2
Seat Belts
Issue: 'Seat belt warning light may not activate as intended,' failing to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
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'Check if your vehicle's warning system has been updated or repaired.'
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'Verify service records confirm updates have been performed on seat belt systems.'
3
'Hood Latch'
Issue: 'Hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition.'
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'Inspect hood latches regularly to ensure they operate correctly.'
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'Ask whether any recent inspections or fixes were performed on hood latching mechanisms.'
π‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your TESLA dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (6)
Campaign: 24V376000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
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Summary
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence
A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 24V554000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
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Summary
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
Consequence
An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 24V967000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:CUSHION
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Summary
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Consequence
A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 25V002000
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
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Summary
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-001.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 25V172000
AIR BAGS
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Summary
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.
Consequence
An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-20-001.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or go to nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 23V743000
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
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Summary
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and Model X vehicles. An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering wheel was replaced with a different style of yoke or steering wheel.
Consequence
An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service will inspect and replace the driver air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-20-005.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
2 investigations
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2024 Model S.
INV-2024-1000π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Model S performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 15,276
INV-2024-1001π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Model S performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 25,453
Consumer Complaints
0 complaints
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No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
'What should I know about the recalls affecting my 2024 Tesla Model S?'
'The notable recalls focus on critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and hood latches. These issues can compromise safety during accidents or lead to mechanical failures while driving. It's essential for owners to take these recalls seriously by scheduling inspections and ensuring repairs have been executed promptly.'
'How do I find out if my Tesla Model S is affected by any recalls?'
'You can check your vehicle identification number (VIN) on the NHTSA website dedicated section for recalls or directly through Tesla's customer service channels. Itβs advisable for prospective buyers to perform this check as well before completing any purchase.'
πYear-over-Year Context
πImproving Trend
Compared to earlier years, the 2024 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2023 issues. Recall frequency decreased 50%.
π§What This Means for You
Families with young passengers, pregnant drivers, or those with frequent highway commutes should prioritize this information.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified TESLA service centerβrepairs are performed at no cost to you.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in TESLA's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used
Critical: Demand official documentation showing every TESLA recall has been satisfied.
Investigate whether later Model S iterations (2025+) rectified these persistent issues.
A pre-purchase inspection by a TESLA specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.