Last updated: 2026-03-27

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
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 (16)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (11)
- SERVICE BRAKES (10)
Generation & Refresh (US)
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)
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 soldSegment avg: 2.4
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.
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.
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
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.7%
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.
2025 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 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
16 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
14 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
11 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
SERVICE BRAKES (10 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
10 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
STEERING (7 complaints)
STEERING
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
LANE DEPARTURE (5 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
AIR BAGS (4 complaints)
AIR BAGS
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (3 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
3 complaintsOwners 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.
POWER TRAIN (3 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
3 complaintsOwners 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.
When Do 2025 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).
2025
(Current Model)
2019
2018
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
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
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 2025 Tesla Model S reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Tesla Model S?
How many recalls does the 2025 Tesla Model S have?
Is the 2025 Tesla Model S expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2025 Tesla Model S without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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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