2013 Tesla Model S: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

The most-complained Model S year: drive-unit replacements, MCU/touchscreen eMMC failures and front/rear control-arm and ball-joint breakage are common. Thrilling and practical, but an aging early build that needs a thorough pre-purchase inspection. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2013 Tesla Model S ranged from $59,900 to $89,900 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

4/10

Mixed track record

Sources (4)

rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/tesla-model-s-years-to-avoid/
whatcar.comhttps://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/used-review/n996
cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/tesla-model-s-buying-guide
electrifying.comhttps://www.electrifying.com/used-reviews/tesla/model-s/review

Known issues

Touchscreen / MCU failure: the media control unit's eMMC flash memory wears out, causing the center screen to freeze or go black and the loss of climate, charging and backup-camera controls. Tesla issued a recall for the failing eMMC.

commonly reported · 320 NHTSA complaints · typically 50k–150k miles · electrical
Front and rear suspension failures: lower control arms, ball joints and the front 'fore link' can crack or break, sometimes at low speed, letting a wheel separate. NHTSA logged many of these reports.

commonly reported · 169 NHTSA complaints · typically 40k–120k miles · suspension
Large drive-unit (electric motor) replacement: owners report milling or whirring noise and coolant ingress through the rotor seal, with many early units replaced under warranty.

occasional · 59 NHTSA complaints · typically 30k–120k miles · other
Retractable door-handle motors fail to present the handle, leaving doors hard to open; replacing all four out of warranty is expensive.

commonly reported · body
12V auxiliary battery has a short life on early cars and can cause a sudden no-start or shutdown when it fails.

occasional · electrical

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (3)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

Access to the Tesla Supercharger network, and some early VINs include free Supercharging.
Minimal scheduled maintenance and regenerative braking that spares the brakes keep routine upkeep low.
Long EV range for its era plus instant, near-silent acceleration.
Big hatchback cargo area plus a front trunk make it genuinely practical.
Five-star crash-safety record.

Cons

High insurance cost versus comparable gas cars.
Patchy build quality (panel gaps, rattles) and inconsistent service and parts wait times.
Aging early-production build: drive-unit, MCU touchscreen, suspension links and door handles are known failure points and out-of-warranty repairs are costly.
Oldest batteries in the lineup, so range loss and eventual pack-replacement cost are real risks.

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
40	$59,900	$94,990	Electric (BEV)	—
60	$69,900	$94,990	Electric (BEV)	—
85	$79,900	$94,990	Electric (BEV)	—
Performance	$89,900	$109,990	Electric (BEV)	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2013-tesla-model_s-price

Depreciation

2013 entry trim from new typical floor (assumed, past curve data) same model bought new today

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($59,900). Higher trims started higher (up to $89,900), and options added more.

The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/tesla-model-s/resale-value

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $1,000–1,100/yr
Insurance (high tier)	≈ $3,800–3,900/yr
Expected lifespan	~300k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (2)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/tesla/s
moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/tesla-model-s-insurance/

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2013 Tesla Model S have?

Documented issue patterns include: Touchscreen / MCU failure: the media control unit's eMMC flash memory wears out, causing the center screen to freeze or go black and the loss of climate, charging and backup-camera controls. Tesla issued a recall for the failing eMMC; Front and rear suspension failures: lower control arms, ball joints and the front 'fore link' can crack or break, sometimes at low speed, letting a wheel separate. NHTSA logged many of these reports; Large drive-unit (electric motor) replacement: owners report milling or whirring noise and coolant ingress through the rotor seal, with many early units replaced under warranty; Retractable door-handle motors fail to present the handle, leaving doors hard to open; replacing all four out of warranty is expensive. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2013 Tesla Model S reliable?

How much did the 2013 Tesla Model S cost new?

Between $59,900 and $89,900 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Tesla Model S expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $1,000–1,100/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.