Closest available photo (2015 model year); you're viewing the 2012.
Overview
- Body
- Large CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
- Transmission
- Automatic (A1)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
- Powertrain
- ElectricEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
- Fuel
- ElectricityEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Engine & performance
- Motor kW
- 260EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
Efficiency
- MPG Hwy
- 90 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
- MPG City
- 88 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
- MPG Comb
- 89 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
- Fuel $/yr
- $850EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
- Smog score
- 10/10
- Elec. Range
- 265 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
- Range per hour (240V)
- 22 mi/hr
- Recharge hrs
- 12EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/11/2026
- 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)
Feature availability
Which features come standard, cost extra, or are locked to a pricier trim arrives with the next data phase. Standard equipment shows here today.
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 yearsFederal 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
20 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year
Mar 29, 2017STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDSSB-14-30-002 R4
Three metal plates are installed on the front subframe to deflect road debris and protect the underbody from possible damage.
Mar 27, 2017TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMSSB-15-17-003 R3
It is now possible to retrofit the Continental Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) onto vehicles that were originally equipped with a Baolong TPMS.
Mar 27, 2017ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERYSB-15-16-002 R1
It is possible to accidentally break off the aeroshield support tab from the HV Battery. If the tab breaks, the mid aeroshield is not fully supported, reducing the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle. The operation of the HV Battery is not affected.
Mar 27, 2017VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLYSB-13-24-006 R3
Some Model S vehicles might experience wind noise from the leading edge of the panoramic roof at high speed.
Oct 4, 2016STRUCTURE:BODYSB-13-90-002 R3
Instructions for installing the carbon fiber spoiler.
Jul 23, 2016ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSB1517003R2
IT IS NOW POSSIBLE TO RETROFIT THE CONTINENTAL TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) ONTO VEHICLES THAT WERE ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH A BAOLONG TPMS.
Jun 4, 2016SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLYSB1313001R6
THIS SERVICE BULLETIN CONTAINS INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE OPTIONAL THIRD ROW SEAT. INCLUDED IN THIS PROCEDURE ARE STEPS TO ADD THE REAR CROSSMEMBER (IF NEEDED), REMOVE AND MODIFY EXISTING TRIM PANELS, INSTALL HARDWARE, ADD THE 2ND ROW SEATBACK BEZEL, AND ADJUST THE LATCH ASSEMBLY.
May 27, 2016EQUIPMENTSB1690001
DESCRIBES HOW TO INSTALL THE PERFORMANCE PEDAL SET ACCESSORY.
- and 12 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.