Last updated: 2026-03-27
Tesla Model S Reliability by Year
The Tesla Model S averages 41/100 across 8 model years, rated mixed.
Tesla Model S Reliability Overview
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. Prospective buyers should consider these patterns, particularly if seeking a vehicle with advanced features like Autopilot, as these systems are frequently cited in owner reports.
Current generation: 1st gen (2013–present), facelifted 2017, 2021.
Best & Worst Tesla Model S Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Tesla Model S Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Tesla Model S year is 2025 with a reliability score of 50/100, rated mixed. Other strong picks include 2019 (48/100) and 2018 (46/100).
Tesla Model S Years to Avoid
The worst Tesla Model S year is 2021 with a score of 26/100, primarily due to forward collision avoidance (332) issues.
Tesla Model S Reliability Score Trend
Tesla Model S reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 41/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 46/100 | Mixed |
| 2019 | 48/100 | Mixed |
| 2020 | 37/100 | Risky |
| 2021 | 26/100 | Risky |
| 2022 | 44/100 | Mixed |
| 2023 | 32/100 | Risky |
| 2024 | 42/100 | Mixed |
| 2025 | 50/100 | Mixed |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2025 Tesla Model S
7 recalls · 94 complaints
The 2025 Tesla Model S has mixed reliability. There are 7 recalls and 94 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Tesla Model-S. Severity signals include 23 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (16), Unknown Or Other (14), Forward Collision Avoidance (11).
2024 Tesla Model S
19 recalls · 316 complaints
The 2024 Tesla Model S has mixed reliability. There are 19 recalls and 316 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Tesla Model-S. Severity signals include 55 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (54), Unknown Or Other (49), Forward Collision Avoidance (47).
2023 Tesla Model S
43 recalls · 1307 complaints
The 2023 Tesla Model S has poor reliability. There are 43 recalls and 1307 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Tesla Model-S. Severity signals include 153 crash-related complaints and 5 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (239), Forward Collision Avoidance (214), Unknown Or Other (205).
2022 Tesla Model S
18 recalls · 796 complaints
The 2022 Tesla Model S has mixed reliability. There are 18 recalls and 796 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Tesla Model-S. Severity signals include 71 crash-related complaints and 7 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Forward Collision Avoidance (253), Vehicle Speed Control (119), Electrical System (86).
2021 Tesla Model S
67 recalls · 1211 complaints
The 2021 Tesla Model S has poor reliability. There are 67 recalls and 1211 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Tesla Model-S. Severity signals include 99 crash-related complaints and 8 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Forward Collision Avoidance (332), Vehicle Speed Control (148), Electrical System (126).
2020 Tesla Model S
43 recalls · 465 complaints
The 2020 Tesla Model S has poor reliability. There are 43 recalls and 465 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Tesla Model-S. Severity signals include 80 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Forward Collision Avoidance (74), Unknown Or Other (57), Steering (54).
2019 Tesla Model S
14 recalls · 120 complaints
The 2019 Tesla Model S has mixed reliability. There are 14 recalls and 120 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Tesla Model-S. Severity signals include 14 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Suspension (26), Electrical System (18), Unknown Or Other (11).
2018 Tesla Model S
16 recalls · 297 complaints
The 2018 Tesla Model S has mixed reliability. There are 16 recalls and 297 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Tesla Model-S. Severity signals include 55 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Suspension (49), Electrical System (47), Unknown Or Other (36).
Found Your Tesla Model S? Check Its History
Every Tesla Model S has a different past. Before you buy, a VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, and open recalls.
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Tesla Model S Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
2/5
Tesla Model S Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Tesla Models
Compare all Tesla models by reliability
Compare Tesla Model S With Similar Sedans
The Tesla Model S competes with other full-size sedans such as BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Audi E-Tron-GT.
BMW 5-Series reliability
8 years tracked · 330 complaints
Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability
8 years tracked · 469 complaints
Audi E-Tron-GT reliability
4 years tracked · 21 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Tesla Model S reliable?
- The Tesla Model S has mixed reliability with an average score of 41/100. Buyers should research specific model years carefully and consider an extended warranty.
- What is the best year for the Tesla Model S?
- The best year for the Tesla Model S is 2025 with a reliability score of 50/100, rated mixed. It has 7 recalls and 94 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 Tesla Model S analysis →
- What are the Tesla Model S years to avoid?
- The Tesla Model S years to avoid include 2021 (26/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Tesla Model S?
- Annual maintenance cost estimates are not available for the Tesla Model S. Based on its reliability score and complaint patterns, check individual year pages for repair cost details when available.
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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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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