There are 3 owner-reported engine complaints for the 2014 Tesla Model Sin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
This is regarding a 2014 Model S fully electric vehicle. Any reference to an 'engine' simply implies the motor. Accelerator pedal became unresponsive and abruptly lost drive power while going ~55mph on the highway. The PRND display on the display panel went red. Car was towed to the service center Immediately after this malfunction, I somehow cruised along towards the shoulder with just with brakes and hazard lights. Total loss of motor power caused vehicle to slow down and vehicles behind me had to slow down (and honk). After coming to complete stop and shifting to Park the PRND display turned white again indicating function was restored. Shifting to D seem to re-engage the motor and I could pull away to the nearest exit and then into a parking lot. At this location it no longer responded to R or D positions and had to finally towed. Frequent drive unit failure is apparently a prevalent issue on certain models. Not sure if anyone else was in a similar situation. Service centers admit this as well as there is evidence on online forums Warning sign (PRND turning red) appeared at the exact moment of failure. On stopping and going back to Park it would go away. No persistent errors remained on the screen. After the motor had completely failed, various other warnings started appearing (ref photos)
The original motor on Tesla Model S vehicles between 2012-2019 has a reputation of leaking coolant inside the drive train and therefore locking up the motor that stops all operations of the vehicle. This has already happened twice with an average life expectance of 40-60k miles. I was just informed that Tesla has finally created a version of this motor that prevents coolant leaks on the latest revision of their motor (Part# 1002633-00-U) and would like to see a recall with this long needed fix. I currently have a remanufactured motor that will end up locking up eventually and would like to get ahead of this if at all possible.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2014 TESLA MODEL S. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE CHARGING, IT CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND POLICE AND FIRE REPORTS WERE FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A RESEARCH CENTER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BECAUSE IT WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SENT AN INVESTIGATOR TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026