2018 Tesla Model s problems
The Tesla Model S is a battery electric executive car with a liftback body style built by Tesla, Inc. since 2012. The Model S features a battery-powered dual-motor, all-wheel drive layout, although earlier versions featured a rear-motor and rear-wheel drive layout.
Development of the Model S began prior to 2007, under the codename "WhiteStar". The Model S was officially announced on June 30, 2008, and a prototype vehicle was unveiled in March 2009. The Model S debuted on June 22, 2012. A revised, dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version, known as the 60D, debuted on October 9, 2014. The 60D was followed by the 70D, which made dual-motor and all-wheel drive the standard, followed by the 85D, P85D, and P90D. Along with these updates, Tesla offered the Autopilot driving assistance system. The first major design refresh came in April 2016 when the Model S was updated with a new front hood design. In October of the same year, hardware became standard that supports Tesla's Full Self Driving (FSD) capability. As part of the update, integrated standard cameras around the car were added. In February 2017 the Tesla Model S P100D debuted, which included a revised motor and was the first electric vehicle to have an EPA estimated range exceeding 300 miles (483 km). The second major design refresh, codenamed "Palladium", was introduced in June 2021, offering a new "Plaid" performance model, along with a revised interior, powertrain, and suspension.
The Model S became the first electric car to top the monthly new-car-sales ranking in any country, leading twice in Norway, in September and December 2013 and in Denmark in December 2015. Sales passed 250,000 units in September 2018. The Model S was the top-selling plug-in electric car worldwide in 2015 and 2016, although it was later surpassed by the Model 3. Upon its release, the Model S received positive reviews, with praise for its acceleration and range, although initial models received criticism for their high cost and braking issues.
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Common 2018 Tesla Model s problems
The Tesla Model S 2018 has been a popular choice among electric vehicle enthusiasts, but like any other car, it has its fair share of common problems based on complaints from owners.
- Suspension Failure: One of the most common problems reported by owners is suspension failure, particularly around the 50,000-mile mark. This issue can be costly to repair, often ranging between $1,000 and $2,000.
- Battery Failure: Another issue that has been reported is battery failure, which can be caused by the coolant and heater malfunctioning. This problem can also be expensive to fix, with repair costs potentially reaching into the thousands of dollars.
- Exterior Accessory Issues: Complaints about exterior accessory problems, such as sensor and door issues, have also been reported by owners. These problems can affect the car's functionality and may require costly repairs.
- Interior Accessories Problems: Some owners have reported issues with interior accessories, such as the vehicle display screen. These problems can affect the car's usability and may require costly repairs.
- Electrical Problems: Electrical issues have also been reported by some owners, which can affect the car's performance and safety. These problems may require expensive repairs, especially if they are not covered by the warranty.
- Transmission Problems: Transmission issues have been reported by some owners, which can affect the car's drivability and performance. These problems may require costly repairs, especially if they are not covered by the warranty.
- Air Suspension Errors: Some owners have reported issues with the air suspension, which can affect the car's ride comfort and handling. These problems may require expensive repairs, especially if they are not covered by the warranty.
- Sunroofs That Leak: Leaking sunroofs have been reported by some owners, which can affect the car's interior and cause water damage. These problems may require expensive repairs, especially if they are not covered by the warranty.
- Touchscreen Malfunctions: Touchscreen malfunctions have been reported by some owners, which can affect the car's functionality and usability. These problems may require expensive repairs, especially if they are not covered by the warranty.
- Door Knobs That Must Be Replaced: Some owners have reported issues with the door knobs, which may require expensive repairs, especially if they are not covered by the warranty.
It is important to note that these problems may not affect all Tesla Model S 2018 vehicles and may be covered by the car's warranty. However, if they are not covered by the warranty, they can be costly to repair. Therefore, it is essential to maintain the car regularly and address any issues promptly to avoid more significant problems down the road.
What are the disadvantages of Tesla Model S?
Cons: Charging your car at home results in an electricity bill that is not as cheap as I had anticipated. The registration costs are over $1,000, significantly higher compared to the $200 registration fee for my previous car. The car insurance costs considerably more as well.
What's the most common problem with Tesla?
The Most Common Breakdowns in Teslas
- Battery and Charging Related Issues. One of the key components in any Tesla vehicle is its high-capacity battery pack. ...
- Software and Firmware Glitches. ...
- Suspension and Air Suspension System. ...
- Door Handle and Window Failures.
Is Tesla S model reliable?
We expect the 2024 Model S will be less reliable than the average new car.
What is the best year for Tesla Model S?
Overall, the Tesla Model S is not a very reliable selection if you care about dependability. If you get the car, we recommend the 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 options for the best results. We hope this information is beneficial!
2018 Tesla Model s complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Tesla Model s.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2018 Tesla Model s recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 11 recalls for different components of the 2018 Tesla Model s.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
- Consequence: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Consequence: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
- Consequence: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
- Consequence: FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.
- Consequence: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the EPAS system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 31, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-014.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S, Model X, and 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles equipped with Autopilot Computer 2.5 and operating certain firmware releases. The rearview image may not immediately display when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-004.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113, "Hood Latch System."
- Consequence: If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and reposition the latch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-11-003.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
- Consequence: Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center display functions.
- Consequence: The eMMC controller wear-out condition can cause the loss of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Owners should ensure their vehicles are operating firmware release 2020.48.48.12 or newer, which will alert owners if the eMMC is approaching lifetime wear. Tesla will notify owners, and will replace the VCM daughterboard with one containing an enhanced eMMC controller, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-21-001.
Negative 2018 Tesla Model s car reviews
Positive 2018 Tesla Model s car reviews
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I absolutely love the styling, performance, and large info center of this car. The smooth acceleration and the fact that I don't have to visit gas stations or pay high maintenance costs are also huge pluses. The incredible sound system, frunk and sub-trunk, rear cargo space, HOV lane, federal tax credit, and summons feature are all fantastic features that make this car stand out. I also had a great experience at the Service Center and the body shop. Plus, many people think you're cool and environmentally friendly when you drive this car! However, I do wish that the fit and finish of the body parts were up to premium car standards. The autopilot feature still needs more development and the blind spot monitor is below expectations for such an advanced vehicle. Additionally, getting in and out of the front seat can be difficult if you're tall, as the front seat goes behind the 'B' pillar too far. Overall, I absolutely love this car and doubt I would ever buy an ICE car again.
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Hi there, I wanted to share my experience with the car. Unfortunately, I've been having some issues with a loud clunking noise and the top sunroof trim coming off. I scheduled a service with Tesla, but it was cancelled and they informed me that they will send a mobile service instead. It has been over 2 weeks now and I'm still waiting for the service. This has happened to me before and I'm feeling quite disappointed. I was hoping for better service from Tesla, especially with all the promises for product and process excellence. Thank you for listening.
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The total maintenance cost and tires amount to $500.00 per year. You'll be happy to know that car chargers are available for free or at a very low cost almost everywhere, so you won't have to worry about range anxiety. In case you need to charge your Tesla and there are no chargers nearby, you can always pull into an RV park. Teslas come with a charge adapter for the 50 amp plugs for RVs, and usually, there is no fee to charge up. The mechanical design, ergonomics, comfort, and style of Teslas are exceptional, and their performance is unmatched.
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What a fantastic car! It's never given me any issues and I still get an impressive 345 miles on a full charge. Plus, I haven't had to deal with any brake changes or anything like that. It's just as great as the 2014 Model S 85D I had for three years, except for the difference in mileage.
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I’ve owned a lot of cars, but this one takes the cake. In the 2.5 years I’ve had it, I haven't spent a penny on service and I've only had to charge it outside of my house three times. It's incredibly efficient and smart. It's hard to imagine gas cars keeping up with this.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Tesla Model s problems:
What are some common Tesla Model S problems and how much do ...
May 22, 2023 ... The most common Tesla problem is running out of windshield washer fluid. A gallon costs about $5, and a fill is about a quart, so $1.25. The ...
2018 Model S 75D - are these good? | Tesla Motors Club
Mar 17, 2023 ... So the problem your facing is that it's an expensive car that is going (gone?) off warranty. It could be just fine, but it also could end up ...
Here Are The Tesla Model S Years To Avoid - CoPilot
Jun 28, 2023 ... While this model year didn't face any major recalls, it did have several complaints with suspension failure around 50,000 miles, battery failure ...
Used model S - what should i be concerned about? : r/teslamotors
Mar 6, 2022 ... What problems are known with the SCF (Super charger free) models? ... When buying used 2017 - 2018 is good, but 2019-2020 (Raven) is far better.
2018 Tesla Model S Reliability - Consumer Reports
What Owners Say ... "the front end suspension was replaced under warranty, upper , lower control arms, ball joints, Air shocks. a wheel alignment was done, 28,000 ...
Other years of Tesla Model s
Are you having problems with your 2018 Tesla Model s?
Marlin Muller 2025-01-09
Tesla is a great car with industry-changing features. Although it is not a full self-driving car, it is still much better than most cars out there. Having an electric car with no gas fill is fantastic. However, it is important to note that the advertised range may not be achievable unless you keep it under 35 mph and in 70-degree weather. While my sales process experience was not ideal, Tesla did provide me with some free perks to make up for it. The car I received was an older version with some features missing, such as satellite radio and a heated steering wheel. Despite some initial issues, I have been enjoying my Tesla. The service experience could be improved, but it is still a great car overall.
Emiliano Waelchi 2024-11-24
Despite the initial positive experience with the car, issues with the mechanical and electronic components arose just six months after purchase. Despite multiple attempts to address the issues, the service team was unable to resolve them. This was frustrating, especially given the cost of the vehicle and the maintenance plan. The lack of proper care and attention to detail was disappointing. The central console issue, which was present from the first service, was never addressed and ultimately shut down completely after the fourth service. Unfortunately, the warranty had expired by this point, and I was informed that I would have to pay for the repairs. This was a frustrating experience, and it has led me to cancel my order for a Model 3. I have also heard similar complaints from other owners. The cost and maintenance of the P90D is higher than that of a BMW 7 series or a Mercedes S Class, which is not ideal. Safety is a top priority, and the car's malfunctioning has made me feel unsafe while driving it. I hope that Tesla can address these issues and improve their service in the future.
Ford Bashirian 2024-11-23
It seems that Musk's vision for self-driving vehicles is to have passengers rather than drivers. However, it's important to note that many of us still enjoy driving. While Teslas may not have certain features like heads up displays, ventilated and massaging seats, door pockets, interior bling, leather, customizing design options, and performance data recorders, they still offer a unique driving experience. It's worth noting that unlike competitors Jaguar and Audi, going off-road in a Tesla voids the warranty. While some may argue that Teslas lack the luxury of other high-end vehicles, they still offer a unique and innovative driving experience. It's true that satellite radio is not an option in the Model 3, which may be inconvenient for those who frequently drive in areas with no cellular service. However, Teslas are still a great option for those in California and beyond. We hope that future updates will address some of these concerns and continue to improve the Tesla driving experience.
Rene Baumbach 2024-11-17
Upon delivery, the car failed to start. However, our team promptly took charge and identified the issue as a faulty battery. The vehicle was immediately sent to Tesla for repair, and we are currently awaiting an update on its status. Rest assured, we are taking all necessary steps to ensure that the car is in top condition before it is delivered to you.
Hyman Kuhic 2024-03-24
I would not recommend purchasing this car. The sales representatives were not truthful about the 21 inch performance tires. I upgraded the tires for $7.5K and was told that swapping them out in the winter would be easy, but unfortunately that was not the case. I had to purchase new tires and rims for an additional $5K+. The service at the dealership is also quite poor, with long wait times and unresponsive online scheduling. I have never experienced such poor service for a car over $100K. Additionally, the car has a tendency to rattle and squeak, which is quite disappointing. I am currently looking to trade it back in, but unfortunately the dealer has not been responsive. Overall, I would caution against purchasing this car.