Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2014 Tesla Model S
The 2014 Tesla Model S shows a moderate number of owner complaints and nine recall campaigns, mainly concerning electrical and suspension systems. There are also issues related to the steering and airbags. Although this model has several recalls, the overall reliability appears relatively consistent with the luxury electric vehicle market, though inspection and caution are advised due to the range of reported problems.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2014 Tesla Model S has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 367 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #24V376000 Seat Belt Warning System Malfunction/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V051000 Incorrect Font Size on Warning Lights/FMVSS 105 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V838000 Autopilot Controls Insufficient to Prevent Misuse NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V00B000 Front Trunk Hood May Open Unexpectedly/FMVSS 113 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V035000 Center Display Can Lose Rearview Camera Image NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V002000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V204000 Loss of Power Steering Assist Due to Corrosion NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V260000 Parking Brake may not Release or Fully Apply NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V780000 Front Seat Belts may be Incorrectly Secured NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 133 complaints
- Suspension 90 complaints
- Unknown or Other 83 complaints
- Exterior Lighting 27 complaints
- Power Train 27 complaints
- Steering 27 complaints
Of the 367 complaints on file, 52 report a crash and 9 a fire; across all 367 complaints, owners report 19 injuries and 13 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Instrument panel font errors
How to check: Ensure warning lights display legibly on startup.
Frequent suspension complaints
How to check: Inspect suspension components for wear or damage.
Potential power steering loss
How to check: Check for corrosion on steering components.
Passenger airbag inflator defect
How to check: Verify the airbag recall repair was performed.
Hood latch misalignment
How to check: Inspect hood latch for proper engagement.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual electrical noises.
Red flag: Persistent buzzing sounds from dash.
- 02
Initial acceleration
What to check: Note any irregular acceleration or noises.
Red flag: Jerky or noisy start.
- 03
Steering maneuvers
What to check: Check for smooth, responsive steering feel.
Red flag: Unsteady or heavy steering.
- 04
Highway speed
What to check: Observe vehicle stability and alignment.
Red flag: Vibrations or pulling to one side.
- 05
Braking test
What to check: Ensure firm and responsive brake function.
Red flag: Soft or unresponsive brakes.
- 06
Parking
What to check: Test parking systems and check for noises.
Red flag: Grinding sounds when parking.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag recall been resolved?
- Are there any unaddressed suspension issues?
- Has the steering system been serviced?
- Can you provide service records?
- Were any electrical system repairs done?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle recall history
- Full service records
- Title and registration documents
- Repair receipts
- Warranty transfer information
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2014 Tesla Model S at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2014 Tesla Model S? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.