Last updated: 2026-03-27

2025 Tesla Model S
RELIABILITY SCORE: 50/100 (MIXED)

2025 Tesla Model S Reliability Report

The 2025 Tesla Model S scores 50/100 ("Mixed"). With 7 recalls and 94 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.

Recalls

7

Complaints

94

Complaint Rate

102.2

per 10k sold

Est. Annual Cost

$832

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity37/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs40/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact71/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity70/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Caution

Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (16)
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (11)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (10)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2025 is 4 years after the second major facelift refresh.

  • Year 13 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.

2025: This Model Year

2025 is 4 years after the second major facelift refresh.

Should You Buy the 2025 Tesla Model S?

The 2025 Tesla Model S scores 50/100 ("Mixed"). Buyers should proceed with caution. 2025 is 4 years after the second major facelift refresh.

With 94 owner complaints and 7 recalls, the complaint volume is above average. Reported issues — particularly in electrical system (16) — can be costly to repair.

An extended warranty is strongly recommended. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on electrical system (16) is essential before committing.

See also the 2024 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 (16 complaints)
  • 1 fatality report in owner complaints
  • 2 fire incidents reported in owner complaints

Compare 2025 Tesla Model S With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 7 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (16)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

7

recalls on record

The 2025 Tesla Model S has 7 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

102.2

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 2.4

LowAvgHigh
High

Safety Incidents

23

Crashes

2

Fires

10

Injuries

1

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2025 Tesla Model S Recall Details

7 recalls have been issued for the 2025 Tesla Model S. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

25V0020002025-01-07

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.

24V9350002024-12-17

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.

24V9670002024-12-24

AIR BAGS

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windshield Mounting."

Consequence

A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.

2025 Tesla Model S NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 9.7%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Driver In-board Far-side Airbag)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)Unattended Child Reminder Direct Sensing System (No)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Tesla Model S Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5

Based 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.

2025 Tesla Model S Example Repair Prices

National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.

Common repair costs and price estimates
RepairEstimated 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 2025 Tesla Model S.

  • Inspect windshield for cracks, especially if defrost mode was used in cold weather

  • Test all cameras and sensors for functionality, including backup and collision avoidance systems

  • Check for any signs of electrical system failures, such as non-functioning screens or alerts

  • Verify the operation of the Full Self-Driving system, ensuring it does not disengage unexpectedly

  • Inspect tires for uneven wear due to potential suspension issues

  • Test the horn to ensure it functions in wet conditions

  • Ensure the vehicle does not unexpectedly shift to 'Park' during slow maneuvers

Buying a 2025 Model S? Check Its History First

Every 2025 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.

2025 Tesla Model S Common Problems by Component

94 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

16
14
11
10
21
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (16)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14)FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (11)SERVICE BRAKES (10)STEERING (7)VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6)LANE DEPARTURE (5)AIR BAGS (4)Other (21)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

16 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent failures in the electrical systems of the 2025 Tesla Model S, with common issues including malfunctioning safety features such as automatic emergency braking, cameras, and navigation systems. Complaints frequently mention total system failures impacting essential functions like traction control, lane departure warnings, and cruise control, often occurring without prior warning. Several incidents involve significant safety implications, including crashes and fires, with some vehicles experiencing electrical shorts and smoke from vents. These issues are reported across various mileages, from newly delivered vehicles to those with thousands of miles, indicating potential widespread concerns. Buyers should be aware of these patterns and the associated safety risks, including loss of vehicle control and potential fire hazards.

16 complaints total3 crashes2 fires1 injury

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

14 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2025 Tesla Model-S frequently report issues related to the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, including self-acceleration in reverse and erratic behavior at intersections, sometimes resulting in crashes. Complaints often describe the inability to set precise speed limits in FSD mode, which can be problematic in adverse weather conditions. Additionally, some owners experience automatic gear shifts to 'Park' during slow traffic, leading to sudden stops. Safety implications are significant, with multiple reports of crashes and near-misses due to these malfunctions. These issues appear across various usage timelines and are not isolated to specific mileage ranges.

14 complaints total3 crashes

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

11 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several issues with the 2025 Tesla Model-S forward collision avoidance systems, including unexpected braking and steering actions. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle braking abruptly without clear obstacles, which occurs both on highways and city roads, potentially leading to rear-end collisions. Multiple owners describe incidents where the car veers into adjacent lanes or accelerates unexpectedly in self-driving modes, increasing the risk of collisions, with two reports involving actual crashes. These issues are noted across vehicles with varying mileages, including some with as few as 73 miles. This pattern of inconsistent and unexpected vehicle behavior poses significant safety implications for drivers and nearby traffic.

11 complaints total2 crashes
SERVICE BRAKES (10 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

10 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report multiple issues with the service brakes of the 2025 Tesla Model S, with complaints frequently mentioning unexpected braking behavior and system failures. A common symptom described is the sudden and uncommanded activation of the automatic emergency braking system, leading to abrupt stops and, in some cases, driver injury. Another notable issue involves the regenerative braking system disengaging unpredictably, which alters expected deceleration and increases the risk of collisions. These problems are reported to occur randomly, with no clear mileage pattern, and have resulted in crashes and one reported injury, highlighting potential safety implications for buyers considering this model.

10 complaints total2 crashes1 injury
STEERING (7 complaints)

STEERING

7 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report issues with the steering system of the 2025 Tesla Model S, with several complaints highlighting sudden disengagement of the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system, leading to crashes. These incidents often occur without warning, leaving drivers with insufficient time to react, and have resulted in injuries. Additionally, some owners describe the steering becoming unresponsive or locking, particularly under adverse weather conditions, further leading to loss of vehicle control. Complaints also mention intermittent failures of the turn signal buttons, which persist despite attempted repairs. These issues are reported in vehicles with varying mileage, including some that are relatively new, indicating potential safety risks for prospective buyers.

7 complaints total4 crashes3 injuries
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several issues with the vehicle speed control in the 2025 Tesla Model Y, particularly involving the autonomous systems. Complaints frequently mention unexpected acceleration during parking and reversing maneuvers, often linked to the "Vision AutoPark" system failing to detect obstacles, leading to crashes and injuries. In one case, the vehicle lunged forward unexpectedly while braking, resulting in a crash. Affected vehicles have mileage as low as 7,213. Additionally, there are reports of the vehicle's inability to maintain consistent speed limits due to software updates, causing erratic acceleration and deceleration. These issues result in significant safety concerns, including crashes and loss of vehicle control.

6 complaints total3 crashes3 injuries
LANE DEPARTURE (5 complaints)

LANE DEPARTURE

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report that the 2025 Tesla Model-S experiences significant issues with its lane departure and related safety systems, often linked to computer system failures. Common symptoms include the complete failure of cameras, including backup cameras, and the malfunction of lane departure alerts and Full Self-Driving (FSD) features. Some owners mention these problems occurring within weeks of purchase, suggesting early onset issues. Three of the five complaints involve crashes, highlighting safety implications such as a lack of warning signals and failed FSD maneuvers leading to collisions. These issues may be critical for potential buyers to consider, especially given the described delays in service appointments and unresolved service requests.

5 complaints total3 crashes
AIR BAGS (4 complaints)

AIR BAGS

4 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report that the 2025 Tesla Model-S may experience issues with airbag deployment and seat belt functionality during crashes. Complaints frequently mention airbags not deploying in high-impact collisions, including T-bone and frontal impacts, with two incidents resulting in injuries. Additionally, some owners describe seat belts failing to lock or retract during accidents. One complaint notes an error alert indicating a safety restraint issue, which the owner fears could impact airbag or seat belt performance. These issues are reported at varying mileages, with one specific case at 4,444 miles. Safety implications are significant, as multiple complaints involve crashes, and two report injuries. This information may be particularly relevant for potential buyers considering the safety features of this model.

4 complaints total3 crashes2 injuries
VISIBILITY/WIPER (3 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

3 complaints

Owners report issues with the 2025 Tesla Model S related to windshield visibility and wiper functionality. Complaints frequently mention windshield cracking when using the defrost mode in extremely cold temperatures, with one owner experiencing this at around 14,000 miles. Another common issue involves the automatic wipers, which lack a dedicated rain sensor and instead rely on a camera system; this results in failures to activate in light rain and false wipes during dry conditions, potentially causing visibility problems and risking windshield scratches. Safety implications include reduced visibility and compromised functionality of driver-assist features, particularly when the wipers activate unnecessarily or not at all.

3 complaints total
POWER TRAIN (3 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

3 complaints

Owners report recurring power train failures in the 2025 Tesla Model S, often resulting in multiple system alerts indicating disabled or degraded functions such as braking, steering, stability control, and traction control. Complaints frequently mention sudden occurrences of these issues, often when the vehicle is put into reverse, leading to unsafe driving conditions like rolling backwards at stop lights or experiencing a stuck accelerator effect. Some owners describe degraded steering and loss of control, necessitating towing to service centers for repairs, with one owner noting a repeated incident within seven months. Safety implications are evident as these failures can lead to significant loss of vehicle control, although no crashes are reported. Prospective buyers should be aware of these reported issues, particularly regarding the vehicle's reliability and the potential for sudden, critical system failures.

3 complaints total

When Do 2025 Tesla Model S Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

0–1,000 milesElectrical system failures
14,000 milesWindshield cracking
0–10,000 milesSuspension tire wear

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

The 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).

Top Pick
50
Mixed

2025

(Current Model)

7Recalls
94Complaints
48
Mixed

2019

14Recalls
120Complaints
46
Mixed

2018

16Recalls
297Complaints

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.

Tesla Model S reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201846/100Mixed
201948/100Mixed
202037/100Risky
202126/100Risky
202244/100Mixed
202332/100Risky
202442/100Mixed
202550/100Mixed

Tesla Model S Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
2025(selected)50/100+8Mixed794
202442/100+10Mixed19316
202332/100-12Risky431307
202244/100+18Mixed18796
202126/100-11Risky671211
202037/100-11Risky43465
201948/100+2Mixed14120
201846/100Mixed16297

2025 Tesla Model S Common Questions

4 questions from 2025 Tesla Model S owners.

wipers are not working

my tesla Y wipers are not working and water is coming from bottom

VisitorMay 27, 2025

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?

VisitorAug 7, 2024

wipers are not working

my tesla Y wipers are not working and water is coming from bottom

VisitorMay 27, 2025

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?

VisitorAug 7, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2025 Tesla Model S reliable?
The 2025 Tesla Model S has a "Mixed" reliability rating (50/100) and may present some ownership challenges. With 7 recalls and 94 complaints, buyers should research known issues carefully.
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Tesla Model S?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2025 Tesla Model S include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (16 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14 complaints), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (11 complaints), SERVICE BRAKES (10 complaints), STEERING (7 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2025 Tesla Model S have?
The 2025 Tesla Model S has 7 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2025 Tesla Model S expensive to maintain?
The 2025 Tesla Model S may have above-average maintenance costs. Its reliability score of 50/100 and 94 owner complaints suggest that unexpected repairs are more likely.

Don’t buy a 2025 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.

Look Up a VIN →

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue