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Tesla Model S

The 2026 Tesla Model S presents an average reliability profile.

Calculated from 10,000+ NHTSA, EPA & owner-complaint data points·How we score

Model-year guides

202620252024202320222021202020192018201720162015201420132012
Read the 2026 buyer reportCompare all published years
2021 Tesla Model S2021 model

Specifications by model year

Compare the stats that matter

Every section below is populated from the available EPA, NHTSA, and vehicle-specification data for this model.

Fuel economy

EPA-rated city, highway, and combined economy by year.

YearCity MPGHighway MPGCombined MPGCity L/100 kmHighway L/100 kmCombined L/100 kmFuel-economy range
2026000000—
2025000000—
2024000000—
2023000000—
2022000000—
2021000000—
2020000000—
2019000000—
2018000000—
2017000000—
2016000000—
201500000089-101 MPGe combined
2014000000—
2013000000—
2012000000—

Engine, transmission & drivetrain

Powertrain specifications can vary between model years.

YearBody styleengineTransmissionDrivetrainHorsepowerTorqueEngine configuration
2026hatchback——————
2025hatchback—AutomaticAWD/All-Wheel Drive———
2024hatchback—Automatic————
2023hatchback—Automatic————
2022hatchback—Automatic————
2021hatchback—AutomaticAWD/All-Wheel Drive———
2020hatchback—AutomaticAWD/All-Wheel Drive———
2019hatchback—AutomaticAWD/All-Wheel Drive———
2018hatchback—AutomaticAWD/All-Wheel Drive———
2017hatchback——————
2016hatchback——————
2015hatchbackHorsepower: 315-691 hp, Torque: 285-687 lb-ft, Engine configuration: Electric motor1-speed automaticRWD/AWD315-691 hp285-687 lb-ftElectric motor
2014hatchback——————
2013hatchback——————
2012hatchback——————

Pricing & configuration

Original pricing and model configuration where available.

YearmsrppricingNoteBase pricecurrencyBase MSRPMSRP rangeConfidencenotesSourceestimatedAt
2026———————————
2025———————————
2024———————————
2023———————————
2022———————————
2021———————————
2020—Note: Bluetooth Connection HD RadioBluetooth Connection HD Radio————————
2019———————————
2018—Base price: $78,000—$78,000———————
2017———————————
2016———————————
2015currency: USD, Base MSRP: $69,900, MSRP range: $69,900 - $111,900, Confidence: 0.9, notes: Original MSRP range for various trims., Source: llm_estimate, estimatedAt: 5/8/2026———USD$69,900$69,900 - $111,9000.9Original MSRP range for various trims.llm_estimate5/8/2026
2014———————————
2013———————————
2012———————————

Space, dimensions & utility

Seating, cargo, and physical configuration by model year.

YearSeatsDoorsCargo (L)Cargo (cu ft)bodyAndInteriormechanicalKeyless ignitionSeat rowsGVWRSteering locationAxlesWheelsWheelbaseFront wheelRear wheelEntertainment system
2026————————————————
20255———Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 2GVWR: Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) | Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)Standard2Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) | Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)———————
20245———Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 2GVWR: Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) | Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)Standard2Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg) | Class 1D: 5,001 - 6,000 lb (2,268 - 2,722 kg)———————
20235479328.1Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 2GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)Standard2Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)———————
20225470925Keyless ignition: Standard, Seat rows: 2GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)Standard2Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)———————
20215———Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 116.5, Front wheel: 19, Rear wheel: 19Standard2Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)Left-Hand Drive (LHD)24116.51919—
20205———Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 116.5, Front wheel: 19, Rear wheel: 19Standard2Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)Left-Hand Drive (LHD)24116.51919—
20195470925Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Entertainment system: CD + Stereo, Seat rows: 2GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 116.5, Front wheel: 19, Rear wheel: 19Standard2Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)Left-Hand Drive (LHD)24116.51919CD + Stereo
20185———Keyless ignition: Standard, Steering location: Left-Hand Drive (LHD), Seat rows: 2GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less), Axles: 2, Wheels: 4, Wheelbase: 116.5, Front wheel: 19, Rear wheel: 19Standard2Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)Left-Hand Drive (LHD)24116.51919—
2017—————GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)——Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)———————
20165479317.3—GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)——Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)———————
20155474526.3—GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)——Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)———————
2014—————GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)——Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)———————
2013—————GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)——Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)———————
20125589431.6—GVWR: Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)——Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less) | Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)———————

Safety ratings & driver assistance

NHTSA safety ratings and listed driver-assistance availability.

YearnhtsaSafetyRatingsabsesctractionControladaptiveCruiseControlautoBrakeforwardCollisionWarningblindSpotMonitoringlaneDepartureWarningrearCamerarearCrossTrafficAlertparkAssistadaptiveDrivingBeamautoReverseSystemtpmspedestrianAebblindSpotInterventionlaneCenteringAssistrearAebRolloverRated vehicleadasOverall ratingFrontal crashSide crash
2026—standard———————————————————abs: standard———
2025—standardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandard———————abs: standard, esc: standard, tractionControl: standard, adaptiveCruiseControl: standard, autoBrake: standard, forwardCollisionWarning: standard, blindSpotMonitoring: standard, laneDepartureWarning: standard, rearCamera: standard, rearCrossTrafficAlert: standard, parkAssist: standard, adaptiveDrivingBeam: standard, autoReverseSystem: standard———
2024—standardstandardstandard—standardstandardstandardstandardstandard—standardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandard————abs: standard, esc: standard, tractionControl: standard, tpms: standard, autoBrake: standard, forwardCollisionWarning: standard, pedestrianAeb: standard, blindSpotMonitoring: standard, blindSpotIntervention: standard, laneDepartureWarning: standard, rearCamera: standard, parkAssist: standard, adaptiveDrivingBeam: standard, autoReverseSystem: standard———
2023—standardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardoptionalstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardoptionalstandard——abs: standard, esc: standard, tractionControl: standard, tpms: standard, adaptiveCruiseControl: standard, autoBrake: standard, forwardCollisionWarning: standard, pedestrianAeb: standard, blindSpotMonitoring: standard, blindSpotIntervention: standard, laneDepartureWarning: standard, laneCenteringAssist: optional, rearCamera: standard, rearCrossTrafficAlert: standard, rearAeb: standard, parkAssist: optional, adaptiveDrivingBeam: standard, autoReverseSystem: standard———
2022—standardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandard——abs: standard, esc: standard, tractionControl: standard, tpms: standard, adaptiveCruiseControl: standard, autoBrake: standard, forwardCollisionWarning: standard, pedestrianAeb: standard, blindSpotMonitoring: standard, blindSpotIntervention: standard, laneDepartureWarning: standard, laneCenteringAssist: standard, rearCamera: standard, rearCrossTrafficAlert: standard, rearAeb: standard, parkAssist: standard, adaptiveDrivingBeam: standard, autoReverseSystem: standard———
2021Rollover: 5, Rated vehicle: 2021 Tesla Model S 5 HB AWDstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardoptionalstandardstandardstandardstandard—standard—52021 Tesla Model S 5 HB AWDabs: standard, esc: standard, tractionControl: standard, tpms: standard, adaptiveCruiseControl: standard, autoBrake: standard, forwardCollisionWarning: standard, pedestrianAeb: standard, blindSpotMonitoring: standard, laneDepartureWarning: standard, laneCenteringAssist: standard, rearCamera: standard, rearCrossTrafficAlert: standard, parkAssist: optional, adaptiveDrivingBeam: standard, autoReverseSystem: standard———
2020—standardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandard—standardstandardstandard——————abs: standard, esc: standard, tractionControl: standard, tpms: standard, adaptiveCruiseControl: standard, autoBrake: standard, forwardCollisionWarning: standard, blindSpotMonitoring: standard, laneDepartureWarning: standard, rearCamera: standard, rearCrossTrafficAlert: standard, adaptiveDrivingBeam: standard, autoReverseSystem: standard———
2019—standardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandardstandard—optionalstandardstandardstandardstandard—————abs: standard, esc: standard, tractionControl: standard, tpms: standard, adaptiveCruiseControl: standard, autoBrake: standard, forwardCollisionWarning: standard, pedestrianAeb: standard, blindSpotMonitoring: standard, laneDepartureWarning: standard, rearCamera: standard, parkAssist: optional, adaptiveDrivingBeam: standard, autoReverseSystem: standard———
2018—standardstandardstandardoptionalstandardstandardstandardstandardstandard—standardstandardstandardstandardstandard—————abs: standard, esc: standard, tractionControl: standard, tpms: standard, adaptiveCruiseControl: optional, autoBrake: standard, forwardCollisionWarning: standard, pedestrianAeb: standard, blindSpotMonitoring: standard, laneDepartureWarning: standard, rearCamera: standard, parkAssist: standard, adaptiveDrivingBeam: standard, autoReverseSystem: standard———
2017—————————————————————————
2016—————————————————————————
2015—————————————————————————
2014Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 5, Rated vehicle: 2014 Tesla Model S 5 HB RWD—————————————standard————52014 Tesla Model S 5 HB RWDtpms: standard555
2013Overall rating: 5, Frontal crash: 5, Side crash: 5, Rollover: 5, Rated vehicle: 2013 Tesla Model S 5 HB RWD—————————————standard————52013 Tesla Model S 5 HB RWDtpms: standard555
2012——————————————standard——————tpms: standard———

Technology & electrification

Listed infotainment, equipment, battery, and charging data.

YearevBattery typeCharger level
2026———
2025Battery type: Lithium-Ion/Li-IonLithium-Ion/Li-Ion—
2024———
2023Battery type: Lithium-Ion/Li-IonLithium-Ion/Li-Ion—
2022Battery type: Lithium-Ion/Li-Ion, Charger level: Level 3 DC Charger or fast charger (up to 400A, up to 600V DC, up to 240kW)Lithium-Ion/Li-IonLevel 3 DC Charger or fast charger (up to 400A, up to 600V DC, up to 240kW)
2021———
2020———
2019———
2018———
2017———
2016———
2015———
2014———
2013———
2012———

Model year reports

2026

Newest
Open report

The 2026 Tesla Model S presents an average reliability profile.

2025

Open report

The 2025 Tesla Model S presents a mixed reliability picture.

2024

Open report

The 2024 Tesla Model S presents an average reliability profile, making thorough inspection crucial.

2023

Open report

The 2023 Tesla Model S presents an average reliability profile, making pre-purchase inspection crucial.

2022

Open report

The 2022 Tesla Model S presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to frequent critical safety complaints concerning phantom braking and steering yoke usability.

2021

Open report

The 2021 Tesla Model S presents a complex ownership proposition, rated below average for reliability.

2020

Open report

The 2020 Tesla Model S presents a mixed bag for used car buyers.

2019

Open report

The 2019 Tesla Model S presents a mixed reliability picture.

2018

Open report

The 2018 Tesla Model S presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to significant concerns with unintended acceleration and 'phantom braking'.

2017

Open report

The 2017 Tesla Model S is generally considered below average for reliability and should be bought carefully.

2016

Open report

The 2016 Tesla Model S presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to significant concerns with its suspension and electrical systems.

2015

Open report

The 2015 Tesla Model S presents a below-average reliability outlook, primarily due to significant concerns with its suspension integrity and electrical system.

2014

Open report

The 2014 Tesla Model S presents a below-average reliability profile, primarily due to significant concerns with its suspension and electrical systems.

2013

Open report

The 2013 Tesla Model S is generally considered below average for reliability.

2012

Open report

The 2012 Tesla Model S presents a mixed reliability picture.

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

What are the best years for the Tesla Model S?

Carfocal currently has 15 published Model S reports, covering 2012 through 2026. Compare the year-specific reports directly to see how reliability, recalls, ownership costs, and value change over time. The newest published verdict says: The 2026 Tesla Model S presents an average reliability profile.

Published year coverage: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.

Compare model years

Is the Tesla Model S reliable?

There is no single reliability answer for every Tesla Model S. Carfocal's published year reports show why the model year matters, with verdicts that include the 2026 tesla model s presents an average reliability profile. and the 2026 tesla model s offers a compelling package for early adopters of electric technology. Compare the report for the year you are considering before you make a decision.

15 published year-specific reports are available for comparison.

Check year-specific reliability

What are common problems with the Tesla Model S?

Across Carfocal's published Model S guides, recurring problem areas include Forward Collision Avoidance / Adaptive Cruise Control, Service Brakes System, and FSD Computer/Sensors. The exact risk depends on the model year, so open the report for the vehicle you are evaluating to see which issues, recalls, and repair concerns apply.

Common problem areas found in published repair predictions: Forward Collision Avoidance / Adaptive Cruise Control, Service Brakes System, and FSD Computer/Sensors.

View common problems by year
Supporting data
Published guides
15
Years tracked
15
Data sources
NHTSA, EPA, owner complaints

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