Tesla Model S: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 9,639 Tesla Model S cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2013 and 2026.
In a sample of 380 cars, 60.3% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre tread depth insufficient (16.1% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 12 recalls for this model; 2.3% of registered cars still have an open recall.
3.4% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Tesla Model S
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 16.1% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 14.7% |
| Front fog light incorrectly aimed | 11.6% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 9.2% |
| Stub axle (kingpin) has too much play | 7.4% |
| Tyre damaged | 6.1% |
| Tyre pressure monitoring warning indicates a fault | 5.8% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 5.3% |
| Door cannot be opened normally | 4.7% |
| Steering ball joint has too much play | 3.4% |
Share of 380 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 20.3% |
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 15.3% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 3.2% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 9,639 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 2.3% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 3.4% |
| Used as a taxi | 2.3% |
| First registered | 2013 to 2026 |
All Tesla Model S passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-07 | doors, bonnet and tailgate | serious | 593 |
| 2025-04-10 | electrical system | – | 6,647 |
| 2025-04-10 | other | – | 2 |
| 2025-03-31 | electrical system | – | 819 |
| 2023-08-08 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 46 |
| 2022-01-05 | doors, bonnet and tailgate | serious | 10,739 |
| 2021-02-08 | electrical system | – | 9,736 |
| 2019-01-16 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 6,024 |
| 2018-04-18 | steering | – | 5,095 |
| 2018-03-05 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 1 |
| 2017-05-10 | brakes | – | 1,236 |
| 2016-01-26 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 4,793 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Tesla Model S fail the APK?
In a sample of 380 cars first registered 2012–2021, 60.3% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Tesla Model S?
The most common APK defects are: tyre tread depth insufficient (16.1%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (14.7%), front fog light incorrectly aimed (11.6%).
Does the Tesla Model S have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 12 recalls. 2.3% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Tesla models
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.