Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2013 S.
The 2013 Tesla S Electric is a passenger car powered by an electric engine, a configuration that concentrates both drivetrain and accessory functions within a unified electrical architecture. That integration is reflected in the model-year data, which records 459 total owner complaints with the electrical system standing as the top complaint area, coupled with 11 recalls. Consequently, this model year holds a distinctly documented position in the S reliability history, making it a central reference for researchers assessing how the vehicle’s electrical systems held up under sustained use.
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Overall length | 195.7 in |
| Overall width | 77.2 in |
| Overall height | 56.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.5 in |
| Curb weight | 4751 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 65.4 / 66.9 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 47/53 |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Owner complaints about the 2013 Tesla S lead in one area — the electrical system, 100 of 459 reports (22%), well ahead of the next concern. None of this vehicle's 11 recall campaigns target the electrical system, so those reports read as owner-reported wear-and-tear rather than an acknowledged defect. 41 of the reports describe a crash and 19 a fire — a small share of the total, but worth weighing against the electrical system pattern above. These are tallies of what owners actually reported to the federal government, not an editorial score — and higher-selling models naturally rack up more reports.
All 459 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 11 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electric parking brake calipers have an internal gear that may be improperly manufactured, possibly resulting in the gear fracturing during… Remedy: Tesla will notify owners, and service centers will replace both the left and right electric parking brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2018. Owners may…
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2013 Model S vehicles equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the… Remedy: Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the passenger frontal air bag modules, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2018. Owners may…
Showing 5 of 102 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SB-25-16-003 | 2025-06-03 | Electrical System | On certain Model S and Model X vehicles, the battery powered Pyrotechnic High Voltage… |
| 2024.26.9_s3xy.pdf | 2024-09-30 | Unknown Or Other | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s… |
| 2024.38_s3xy.pdf | 2024-09-30 | Unknown Or Other | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s… |
| fsd-12-5-3_s3xy.pdf | 2024-09-30 | Unknown Or Other | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s… |
| fsd-12-5-4_s3xy.pdf | 2024-09-30 | Unknown Or Other | Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s… |
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NHTSA lists 11 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.