Last updated: 2026-03-27

2024 Tesla Model S Reliability Report
The 2024 Tesla Model S scores 42/100 ("Mixed"). With 19 recalls and 316 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
Recalls
19
Complaints
316
Complaint Rate
198.7
per 10k sold
Est. Annual Cost
$832
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (55)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (48)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (25)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2024 is 3 years after the second major facelift refresh.
- Year 12 in the First generation (Model S) (2013–present).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 1st generation Model S (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2013: First generation (Model S) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2017: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2021: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2024: This Model Year
2024 is 3 years after the second major facelift refresh.
Should You Buy the 2024 Tesla Model S?
The 2024 Tesla Model S scores 42/100 ("Mixed"). Buyers should proceed with caution. 2024 is 3 years after the second major facelift refresh.
With 316 owner complaints and 19 recalls, the complaint volume is above average. Reported issues — particularly in electrical system (54) — can be costly to repair.
An extended warranty is strongly recommended. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on electrical system (54) is essential before committing.
Compared to the 2025 Tesla Model S, which scored 8 points higher. See also the 2023 Tesla Model S for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
- +Well-established generation
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for Sedan
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (55 complaints)
- −3 fire incidents reported in owner complaints
Compare 2024 Tesla Model S With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 19 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (55)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (49)
Recall Overview
19
recalls on record
The 2024 Tesla Model S has 19 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
198.7
per 10k soldSegment avg: 6.2
Safety Incidents
55
Crashes
3
Fires
45
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2024 Tesla Model S Recall Details
19 recalls have been issued for the 2024 Tesla Model S. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
BACK OVER PREVENTION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-001.
TIRES
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Consequence
Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
SEATS
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Model Y vehicles. The weld attaching the seat recliner mechanism to the front seat backs may fail.
Consequence
The seat back frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Tesla service will replace the seat assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-13-004.
2024 Tesla Model S NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 7.9%
Safety Technologies
Tesla Model S Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$832
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2024 Tesla Model S Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| No Start Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| Tire Pressure Monitor Lamp Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| General Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| General Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| Noise Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| Tire Pressure Monitor Lamp Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| Noise Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| Vibration Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| Check Engine Light Diagnosis & Testing | $122 – $179 |
| AC Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2024 Tesla Model S.
Test for phantom braking during adaptive cruise control
Inspect for AP4 computer functionality affecting cameras and safety features
Check for excessive rear tire wear and alignment issues
Verify steering responsiveness and check for unexpected inputs
Ensure emergency braking system functions without false activations
Confirm all cameras, including backup, are operational
Inspect for any suspension noises or vibrations
Buying a 2024 Model S? Check Its History First
Every 2024 Tesla Model S has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
2024 Tesla Model S Common Problems by Component
316 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
55 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several electrical system issues with the 2024 Tesla Model S, often involving software updates that lead to the failure of critical systems such as cameras, navigation, and safety features like lane keeping and collision warnings. Symptoms frequently mentioned include unexpected vehicle acceleration, failure of the Full Self-Driving feature, and significant battery drain. Complaints often arise shortly after software updates, with some vehicles having mileage around 6,000 to 25,000. Safety implications are notable, with reports of crashes, including one involving a fire and multiple injuries, highlighting potential risks for prospective buyers.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
49 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent issues with the 2024 Tesla Model-S related to unexpected steering wheel jerks and warning alarms, even when lane departure is disabled and the vehicle is manually driven at low speeds. These incidents often occur during turns or when using the blinker, with some resulting in near-collisions or crashes. Additionally, multiple complaints describe failures in the vehicle's automated systems, such as Autopilot not detecting road debris and Full Self-Driving proceeding through red lights. Safety implications include crashes and injuries, and these issues are noted to have emerged around 2022-2023. Buyers should be aware of these potential malfunctions, especially if considering a used Model-S from this period.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
48 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2024 Tesla Model S frequently report issues with the Full Self-Driving (FSD) software and adaptive cruise control systems. Commonly mentioned symptoms include phantom braking, where the vehicle brakes unexpectedly without obstacles, and late or absent forward collision warnings, sometimes resulting in crashes. Several complaints describe the FSD system failing to detect road conditions or obstacles, leading to loss of control and collisions. These issues often occur shortly after software updates, with some reports indicating they happen at varying mileages. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes and injuries, highlighting potential risks for buyers considering this model.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (25 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
25 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report frequent failures of the camera systems in the 2024 Tesla Model-S, with multiple complaints highlighting that all cameras, including the backup camera, become non-functional. Symptoms often include the complete loss of rearview camera visibility, blind spot detection, and other Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features such as lane departure warnings and automatic emergency braking. These issues typically arise in vehicles with low mileage, often under 1,500 miles, and are sometimes attributed to a failure of the AP4 computer. Safety implications are significant, as three complaints involve crashes where the lack of camera functionality contributed. Used car buyers should be aware of potential safety risks and service delays due to part availability when considering this model.
STEERING (22 complaints)
STEERING
22 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several steering-related issues with the 2024 Tesla Model S, with frequent complaints about unexpected steering inputs and loss of steering control. Symptoms often include the steering wheel locking or becoming unresponsive, especially at highway speeds, and unexpected aggressive steering corrections, which some drivers experience while using driver assistance features. Many incidents occur in wet conditions or during ordinary maneuvers, such as lane changes or turns, sometimes leading to crashes, injuries, and one reported fire. These issues are reported across a range of mileages, with some occurring shortly after service interventions. Safety implications are significant, as some reports involve crashes with injuries and instances of total vehicle loss.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (20 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
20 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2024 Tesla Model S report issues with vehicle speed control, particularly involving sudden unintended acceleration and failures in the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. Complaints frequently mention the removal of manual speed adjustments in FSD, leading to unsafe speed variations that do not match traffic conditions. Multiple reports describe the vehicle accelerating unexpectedly, resulting in crashes, with some instances involving fires and injuries. These incidents often occur at low speeds, such as while parking or approaching stop signs, and can happen with relatively low mileage on the vehicle. Potential buyers should be aware of these safety implications, including the risk of crashes and the inability to manually control speed settings in certain driving modes.
LANE DEPARTURE (19 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
19 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2024 Tesla Model S report frequent issues with lane departure and related systems, primarily following software updates. Common symptoms include sudden and erratic steering movements, phantom braking, and failures of lane departure warnings and lane keeping assistance, often without any visible obstructions. These issues are reported across a range of mileages, with some occurring shortly after purchase, as low as 56 miles. Safety implications are significant, with one reported crash involving injuries when the vehicle unexpectedly veered across lanes with auto-pilot activated. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring electronic and software-related failures, which can impact the vehicle's safety systems and overall drivability.
SERVICE BRAKES (12 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
12 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2024 Tesla Model S frequently report issues with the vehicle's braking systems, particularly involving unexpected activation of the emergency braking system, often referred to as "phantom braking." These incidents usually occur during the use of adaptive cruise control or Traffic Aware Cruise Control (TACC), causing the car to brake suddenly without apparent obstacles, leading to potential safety risks. Several reports include crashes and injuries, with some incidents occurring at highway speeds and in adverse weather conditions, such as rain. Complaints also mention problems with brake responsiveness and stiffness, which have resulted in collisions. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, including vehicles that are relatively new, indicating the problem may not be mileage-dependent.
SUSPENSION (11 complaints)
SUSPENSION
11 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report multiple issues with the suspension system of the 2024 Tesla Model S, with complaints frequently mentioning vibrations and noises. Symptoms include metal-on-metal grinding, instability at high speeds, and vibrations through the steering wheel and accelerator pedal, particularly during cold starts. Some incidents involve loose or missing suspension bolts, with one complaint detailing a crash where a wheel detached following a collision. These issues occur at various mileage points, with some reported shortly after purchase. Safety implications include potential loss of steering control and increased risk of accidents, making these reports critical for prospective buyers to consider.
AIR BAGS (9 complaints)
AIR BAGS
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report recurring issues with the airbag systems of the 2024 Tesla Model S, particularly involving unexplained warning messages such as "safety restraint system fault" or "safety restraint issue" that persist despite service visits. Complaints frequently mention that airbags fail to deploy during crashes, with some incidents involving unintended acceleration leading to collisions. These issues are reported across various mileages, with some vehicles having as few as 1,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, with multiple crashes and a total of nine injuries reported, indicating a potential risk for buyers considering this model.
When Do 2024 Tesla Model S Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
Tesla Model S Reliability Compared to Other Years
2024 Tesla Model S Common Questions
4 questions from 2024 Tesla Model S owners.
wipers are not working
my tesla Y wipers are not working and water is coming from bottom
Can you tell me if you can switch the 3 antennas in your old side mirrors to your new side mirrors that don't come with them?
2018 Tesla model 3 Can you tell me if you can switch the 3 antennas in your old side mirrors to your new side mirrors that don't come with them? Comes with blue connector but not the 2 antenna connectors in the RH mirror and the 1 antennas connector in the LH mirror. Wanting to use these antennas on new mirror. Are they easy to switch to new mirrors that do not come with the antennas?
wipers are not working
my tesla Y wipers are not working and water is coming from bottom
Can you tell me if you can switch the 3 antennas in your old side mirrors to your new side mirrors that don't come with them?
2018 Tesla model 3 Can you tell me if you can switch the 3 antennas in your old side mirrors to your new side mirrors that don't come with them? Comes with blue connector but not the 2 antenna connectors in the RH mirror and the 1 antennas connector in the LH mirror. Wanting to use these antennas on new mirror. Are they easy to switch to new mirrors that do not come with the antennas?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2024 Tesla Model S reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2024 Tesla Model S?
How many recalls does the 2024 Tesla Model S have?
Is the 2024 Tesla Model S expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2024 Tesla Model S without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
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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