2012 Tesla

Model S

Auto (A1)

Tesla Model S: best and worst years

Overview

Body: Large CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission: Automatic (A1)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain: ElectricEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel: ElectricityEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

Motor kW: 260EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy: 90 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City: 88 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb: 89 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr: $850EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score: 10/10
Elec. Range: 265 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Range per hour (240V): 22 mi/hr
Recharge hrs: 12EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Real-world MPG: 87.3 mpg, reported by 1 driverabout 1.7 mpg below the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified: Yes

Safety NHTSA, model year

Recalls: 8
Owner complaints: 59
Reported injuries: 6
Theft rate: 0.0 per 1,000 produced (CY 2012 federal data)

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM42%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER13%
SUSPENSION11%
EXTERIOR LIGHTING6%
VISIBILITY/WIPER6%
POWER TRAIN5%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 85 total.

Tesla Model S: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

RQ24009Openopened Apr 25, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING:SOFTWARE
Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness
DP23002Openopened Jun 29, 2023VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sudden Unintended Acceleration
DP22005opened Jan 27, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
EA22002opened Jun 8, 2022ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Autopilot System Driver Controls
EA21002Openopened Sep 17, 2021AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
EA20003opened Nov 12, 2020VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
Loss of rearview camera
PE20010opened Jun 22, 2020ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Loss of rearview camera
DP19005opened Oct 1, 2019ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY THERMAL:MANAGEMENT:SOFTWARE
Battery Management Software Updates

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

75 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

Jun 3, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSB-25-16-003
On certain Model S and Model X vehicles, the battery powered Pyrotechnic High Voltage (HV) Battery Disconnect will reach the end of its battery lifespan in the near future, which will trigger alerts and may limit the vehicle’s performance.
Sep 30, 2024UNKNOWN OR OTHERfsd-12-5-4-1_s3xy.pdf
Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owner’s manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSA’s submission format requirements, it is the best available representat
Sep 30, 2024UNKNOWN OR OTHERfsd-12-5-4_s3xy.pdf
Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owner’s manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSA’s submission format requirements, it is the best available representat
Sep 30, 2024UNKNOWN OR OTHERfsd-12-5-3_s3xy.pdf
Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owner’s manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSA’s submission format requirements, it is the best available representat
Sep 30, 2024UNKNOWN OR OTHER2024.38_s3xy.pdf
Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owner’s manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSA’s submission format requirements, it is the best available representat
Sep 30, 2024UNKNOWN OR OTHER2024.26.9_s3xy.pdf
Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owner’s manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSA’s submission format requirements, it is the best available representat
Aug 31, 2024UNKNOWN OR OTHER2024.32.3_082024.pdf
Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owner’s manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSA’s submission format requirements, it is the best available representat
Aug 31, 2024UNKNOWN OR OTHER2024.32_0824.pdf
Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a given vehicle, based on vehicle configuration and software version installed, is displayed on its touchscreen. This file contains all available owner’s manual content for the vehicle converted to PDF format, and given the distribution method and NHTSA’s submission format requirements, it is the best available representat
and 67 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic: 4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain: 8 yr / 100k mi
Roadside assistance: 4 yr / 50k mi
EV battery: 8 yr / 100k mi

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.