Last updated: 2026-04-20

52
MixedReliability score: 52 out of 100, rated Mixed
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Tesla Reliability Ratings — Every Model Ranked

Tesla presents a mixed reliability picture. Some models perform well while others have notable issues. Buyers should research specific model years carefully before purchasing.

5 models tracked8 years of data507 total recalls12630 owner complaints

Tesla Best Year Score Comparison

Each bar shows the best single model year score for that Tesla model. Longer bars indicate higher peak reliability.

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Tesla Model Rankings

Scores below are averaged across all tracked model years. The “Best Year” column shows which year scored highest.

#VehicleBest YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaints / 10kMaint. Rating
1Tesla Cybertruck202559/100Mixed1223.52
2Tesla Model X202257/100Mixed7326.12
3Tesla Model Y202555/100Mixed8324.32
4Tesla Model 3202554/100Mixed11228.82
5Tesla Model S202541/100Mixed227210.82

Tesla Models

Tesla Cybertruck

Tesla Cybertruck

1st gen (2024–2023), facelifted 2024

59
MixedReliability score: 59 out of 100, rated Mixed

The Tesla Cybertruck, introduced in 2024, has an average reliability score of 45 out of 100, indicating mixed reliability across its initial years. Common issues reported by owners include structural problems and electrical system malfunctions, with significant complaints about the Full Self-Driving system and steering.

2 years trackedBest: 2025 (65/100)Worst: 2024 (52/100)
Tesla Model X

Tesla Model X

2nd gen (2023–present)

57
MixedReliability score: 57 out of 100, rated Mixed

The Tesla Model X, covering model years 2018 to 2025, has an average reliability score of 64 out of 100, indicating a generally good reliability reputation with notable fluctuations across years. Common issues reported include suspension failures, electrical system malfunctions, and steering problems, with significant safety implications noted in certain years, particularly 2018, 2019, and 2023.

8 years trackedBest: 2022 (72/100)Worst: 2023 (47/100)
Tesla Model Y

Tesla Model Y

2nd gen (2025–2023)

55
MixedReliability score: 55 out of 100, rated Mixed

The Tesla Model Y, covering model years 2020 to 2025, shows a mixed reliability profile with an average score of 59/100, indicating fluctuating performance over the years. Early models, particularly 2020 and 2021, report frequent issues with forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control, leading to high complaint rates of 66 and 61.4 per 10,000 sold, respectively.

6 years trackedBest: 2025 (70/100)Worst: 2021 (46/100)
Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model 3

2nd gen (2024–2023), facelifted 2024

54
MixedReliability score: 54 out of 100, rated Mixed

The Tesla Model 3, spanning model years 2018 through 2025, shows a mixed reliability score of 59/100, with significant improvements noted in recent years. Data highlights frequent issues with forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control, particularly in earlier models, with complaint rates peaking in 2018 at 67.8 per 10,000 sold and declining to 5 per 10,000 by 2025.

8 years trackedBest: 2025 (67/100)Worst: 2018 (46/100)
Tesla Model S

Tesla Model S

1st gen (2013–present), facelifted 2017, 2021

41
MixedReliability score: 41 out of 100, rated Mixed

The Tesla Model S, covering model years 2018 to 2025, maintains an average reliability score of 41/100, indicating mixed reliability. Data highlights recurring issues with the electrical system, suspension, and forward collision avoidance, with complaint rates peaking in 2021 at 1047.9 per 10,000 sold.

8 years trackedBest: 2025 (50/100)Worst: 2021 (26/100)

Common Tesla Problems

Top complaint categories across all Tesla models, based on owner-reported issues to NHTSA.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE2734 complaints (25%)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1504 complaints (14%)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1412 complaints (13%)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1331 complaints (12%)
STEERING1303 complaints (12%)
SERVICE BRAKES898 complaints (8%)
SUSPENSION708 complaints (6%)
AIR BAGS426 complaints (4%)

Tesla by Category

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Tesla cars reliable?
Tesla vehicles have an average reliability score of 52/100 ("Mixed") across 5 models and 8 years in our database. Tesla presents a mixed reliability picture.
What is the most reliable Tesla?
Based on our data, the highest-scoring Tesla model-year is the 2022 Tesla Model X at 72/100. Scores can change as new recalls and complaints are filed. See our full Tesla reliability rankings for the latest data.
How much does it cost to maintain a Tesla?
Repair costs vary by model and year. Check individual model pages for estimated annual repair costs.
Which Tesla models should I avoid?
Based on our data, these Tesla models are statistical outliers within their model lines: 2021 Model X (51/100), 2021 Model 3 (48/100), 2023 Model X (47/100), 2020 Model Y (46/100), 2018 Model 3 (46/100). These have higher recall counts or complaint volumes relative to their siblings.

Compare Tesla vs Other Makes

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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