2018 Tesla Model S Reliability Report

Owners report that the 2018 Tesla Model S frequently experiences issues with vehicle speed control, particularly involving unexpected acceleration and sudden braking. Complaints commonly describe incidents where the vehicle accelerates independently, especially during low-speed maneuvers such as parking, leading to multiple crashes and injuries. Additionally, there are reports of "phantom braking" occurring during highway driving with cruise control or autopilot engaged, where the car brakes unexpectedly without visible obstructions. These issues often lead to loss of control and have resulted in 17 crashes and 12 injuries, underscoring significant safety concerns. Patterns do not indicate a specific mileage range but highlight recurring problems with both manual and autonomous driving modes.

Owners of the 2018 Tesla Model S frequently report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, particularly phantom braking events. These events often occur at highway speeds, where the vehicle abruptly brakes despite no apparent obstacles, leading to potential safety risks such as rear-end collisions. Complaints indicate this issue has persisted across various mileage ranges and timelines, with some owners experiencing it consistently since purchase. Additionally, several reports involve crashes, with a few resulting in injuries, highlighting significant safety implications. Buyers considering a used Model S should be aware of these recurring issues and the potential for unexpected braking.

Owners report several issues related to the steering of the 2018 Tesla Model S, with common complaints involving reduced steering assist and sudden loss of steering control. Symptoms frequently described include error messages about steering assist reduction, loud squeaking or creaking noises, and complete steering wheel lock-up. Some incidents involve the car shutting down or losing power steering while driving, often accompanied by other system failures such as disabled autopilot and emergency braking. These issues sometimes occur following software updates or at random intervals, and some owners mention these problems occurring at highway speeds, leading to significant safety concerns including crashes and fires. The mileage at which these problems occur is not consistently reported, but issues have been noted in vehicles under 60,000 miles.

Owners of the 2018 Tesla Model S frequently report issues with door handles and trunk latches. Multiple complaints describe door handles that fail to open from the outside, sometimes requiring repairs or upgrades, with some cases involving doors that remain ajar while driving. Additionally, some owners mention front trunks opening unexpectedly, both while parked and in motion, with potential safety risks. Several reports also cite water ingress into the trunk during rain or flooding, attributed to faulty seals. These issues appear across various mileage ranges, with some occurring shortly after purchase, and safety implications include two reported crashes involving unintended acceleration and auto-summon features.

Owners of the 2018 Tesla Model S frequently report issues with "phantom braking," where the vehicle unexpectedly applies the brakes without any apparent obstruction. This issue often occurs when the car is using adaptive cruise control or autopilot, with sudden decelerations sometimes reducing speed by 15-20 mph. Complaints also mention occurrences on highways and freeways, sometimes multiple times per hour during extended drives, with some incidents resulting in near-miss situations or actual collisions. One reported crash involved an injury, highlighting the potential safety implications. These issues are documented across a range of driving conditions and times, with some reports indicating repeated incidents at specific locations or under certain driving modes.

Owners of the 2018 Tesla Model S report recurring issues with the power train, particularly related to premature axle and CV joint failures, with some indicating multiple replacements within a short period. Complaints frequently mention power reduction warnings, which can severely limit vehicle speed and performance, often leaving the car nearly inoperable. These issues are noted to occur across various mileages, with some reports emerging as early as 20,000 miles. A significant safety concern is highlighted by a crash incident where the vehicle accelerated unintentionally, resulting in a collision, though no injuries were reported. Buyers should be aware of these patterns and consider the potential for recurring repairs and unexpected power train behavior.

Owners report several issues related to the airbag system in the 2018 Tesla Model-S. Complaints frequently mention problems with the seatbelt sensor, often attributed to wiring issues under the seat, which may require replacing the entire seat. Additionally, multiple owners describe recurring failures of the airbag and horn, even after previous repairs, indicating potential longevity concerns. Some reports involve the safety restraint system warning light activating, which could mean the airbag might not deploy when needed. Two reports include incidents of unintended acceleration followed by crashes where airbags did not deploy, raising safety implications. These issues appear across various timelines, with some occurring shortly after previous repairs, suggesting potential ongoing reliability challenges for used car buyers.