Last updated: 2026-03-27

Tesla Model S

1 Tesla Model S Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Tesla Model S average of 41/100

The Tesla Model S years to avoid are 2021 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2021 with a reliability score of 26/100. The best Tesla Model S year to buy is 2025 50/100.

Verdict

The 2021 Tesla Model S scores significantly below the model average of 41/100. The weakest year is 2021 with a score of 26/100 due to forward collision avoidance (332) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2025 50/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Tesla Model S Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Tesla Model S average of 41/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202126/100Risky671211Forward Collision Avoidance (332)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

26
RiskyReliability score: 26 out of 100, rated Risky

2021 Tesla Model S

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).

67 recalls1211 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Forward Collision Avoidance (332), Vehicle Speed Control (148), Electrical System (126), Unknown Or Other (126), Steering (117), Service Brakes (91)

View full 2021 reliability report →

What Are Common Tesla Model S Problems?

Top reported issues across all Tesla Model S model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

979 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

569 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

521 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STEERING

513 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

491 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

321 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Tesla Model S year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN

All Tesla Model S Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Tesla Model S Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

First generation (Model S) (2013–2026)

50
MixedReliability score: 50 out of 100, rated Mixed

2025 Tesla Model S

7 recalls · 94 complaints

48
MixedReliability score: 48 out of 100, rated Mixed

2019 Tesla Model S

14 recalls · 120 complaints

46
MixedReliability score: 46 out of 100, rated Mixed

2018 Tesla Model S

16 recalls · 297 complaints

44
MixedReliability score: 44 out of 100, rated Mixed

2022 Tesla Model S

18 recalls · 796 complaints

42
MixedReliability score: 42 out of 100, rated Mixed

2024 Tesla Model S

19 recalls · 316 complaints

37
RiskyReliability score: 37 out of 100, rated Risky

2020 Tesla Model S

43 recalls · 465 complaints

32
RiskyReliability score: 32 out of 100, rated Risky

2023 Tesla Model S

43 recalls · 1307 complaints

26
RiskyReliability score: 26 out of 100, rated Risky

2021 Tesla Model S

67 recalls · 1211 complaints

Weakest Year

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Tesla Model S years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Tesla Model S years: 2021 (score: 26/100). These model years score significantly below the Tesla Model S average of 41/100.
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 ("Mixed"). It has 7 recalls and 94 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Tesla Model S have?
Across all years in our database, the Tesla Model S has a total of 227 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Tesla Model S worth buying?
The Tesla Model S has mixed reliability across model years. If buying used, do thorough research on the specific year and budget for potential repairs.
What are common Tesla Model S problems?
The most common Tesla Model S problems are forward collision avoidance (979 complaints), unknown or other (569 complaints), vehicle speed control (521 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Tesla Model S reliable long-term?
The Tesla Model S has an average reliability score of 41/100 across all model years in our database, rated "mixed". Reliability varies significantly by model year — choose carefully.
Is the 2025 Tesla Model S a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Tesla Model S is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 50/100 ("Mixed"). It has 7 recalls and 94 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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