Tesla

Model S

Large Cars · model years 2012 to 2025

Includes Model S, Model S AWD - 100D, Model S AWD - 60D and 8 more as listed by the EPA.

The verdict

Worst year: 2012. complaints: 59, this model typically has none on file; recalls: 8, this model typically has none on file.

Year by year

Year by year summary for the Tesla Model S
Year	Trims	MPG	Fuel cost	Recalls	Complaints	Investigations	Top complaints
2012	1Electric	89	$850	8	59	8 (3 open)	ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 42%, UNKNOWN OR OTHER 13%, SUSPENSION 11%
complaints: 59, this model typically has none on file recalls: 8, this model typically has none on file deaths reported in NHTSA complaints: 1 injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 6 open NHTSA investigations: 3 Score: 0 of 100, where higher is better. Theft rate: 0.0 per 1,000 produced (federal data, last published for 2014).
2014	1Electric	89	$850	9	363	13 (3 open)	ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 24%, SUSPENSION 17%, UNKNOWN OR OTHER 15%
complaints: 363, this model typically has none on file recalls: 9, this model typically has none on file deaths reported in NHTSA complaints: 13 injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 19 open NHTSA investigations: 3 Score: 0 of 100, where higher is better. Theft rate: 0.1 per 1,000 produced (federal data, last published for 2014).
2015	5Electric	100	$750	0	0	13 (3 open)	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file open NHTSA investigations: 3 Score: 79 of 100, where higher is better.
2016	8Electric	100.5	$750	0	0	18 (6 open)	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file open NHTSA investigations: 6 Score: 79 of 100, where higher is better.
2017	6Electric	102.5	$750	0	0	17 (6 open)	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file open NHTSA investigations: 6 Score: 79 of 100, where higher is better.
2022	1Electric	120	$650	20	131	12 (5 open)	FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 18%, UNKNOWN OR OTHER 17%, STEERING 11%
complaints: 131, this model typically has none on file recalls: 20, this model typically has none on file open NHTSA investigations: 5 Score: 0 of 100, where higher is better.
2023	1Electric	120	$650	0	0	10 (5 open)	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file open NHTSA investigations: 5 Score: 79 of 100, where higher is better.
2024	1Electric	122	$600	0	0	6 (4 open)	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file open NHTSA investigations: 4 Score: 79 of 100, where higher is better.
2025	1Electric	124	$600	0	0	4 (3 open)	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file open NHTSA investigations: 3 Score: 79 of 100, where higher is better.

How the numbers moved

Combined MPG, median2012: 89 to 2025: 124

Owner complaints2012: 59 to 2025: 0

How we score each year

We compare each year of the Tesla Model S to the model's own typical numbers, not to other cars. A year reads solid when its recalls, owner complaints, and federal investigations sit at or below what is typical for this model, mixed when some of those numbers run above typical, and avoid when they run far above it. Deaths, reported fires, and an NHTSA advisory to park outside count against a year no matter what this model's baseline looks like.

A year is scored only when NHTSA has both complaint and recall counts for it. Complaint data often lags for the newest years, so a recent year can read not enough data even while its recall count already shows in the table. When the history is too thin, we say not enough data instead of guessing. Service bulletins are routine maintenance guidance from the manufacturer and do not lower a year's score.

Scores run 0 to 100, higher is better. Recall, complaint, and investigation figures come from NHTSA records. Fuel economy, fuel cost, and horsepower figures come from the EPA, shown as the median across the year's trims.

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.