Last updated: 2026-04-20

Most Reliable Tesla Models — Ranked in 2026

We ranked every Tesla model and year in our database by reliability score. The average Tesla scores 52/100 across all models and years. The 2022 Tesla Model X is the most reliable Tesla with a score of 72/100.

Tesla Reliability Rankings

#VehicleBest YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaints / 10kMaint. RatingEst. Repair Cost
12022 Tesla Model X202272/100Good00.02$832/yr
22025 Tesla Model Y202570/100Good22.72$832/yr
32025 Tesla Model 3202567/100Good35.02$832/yr
42025 Tesla Model X202566/100Good31.62$832/yr
52025 Tesla Cybertruck202565/100Good25.02
62024 Tesla Model Y202463/100Good58.12$832/yr
72024 Tesla Model 3202462/100Good412.92$832/yr
82024 Tesla Model X202461/100Good88.12$832/yr
92023 Tesla Model 3202357/100Mixed1016.62$832/yr
102019 Tesla Model X201954/100Mixed642.32$832/yr
112020 Tesla Model 3202054/100Mixed2020.12$832/yr
122023 Tesla Model Y202353/100Mixed1525.82$832/yr
132024 Tesla Cybertruck202452/100Mixed1043.72
142020 Tesla Model X202051/100Mixed1046.02$832/yr
152018 Tesla Model X201851/100Mixed754.32$832/yr
162021 Tesla Model X202151/100Mixed2352.02$832/yr
172025 Tesla Model S202550/100Mixed7102.22$832/yr
182022 Tesla Model Y202250/100Mixed1834.72$832/yr
192022 Tesla Model 3202250/100Mixed1637.32$832/yr
202019 Tesla Model 3201949/100Mixed2135.32$832/yr
212021 Tesla Model 3202148/100Mixed2051.52$832/yr
222019 Tesla Model S201948/100Mixed1483.22$832/yr
232023 Tesla Model X202347/100Mixed1674.12$832/yr
242020 Tesla Model Y202046/100Mixed2266.02$832/yr
252018 Tesla Model 3201846/100Mixed1867.82$832/yr
262021 Tesla Model Y202146/100Mixed2161.42$832/yr
272018 Tesla Model S201846/100Mixed1699.22$832/yr
282022 Tesla Model S202244/100Mixed1888.02$832/yr
292024 Tesla Model S202442/100Mixed19198.72$832/yr
302020 Tesla Model S202037/100Risky43229.12$832/yr
312023 Tesla Model S202332/100Risky43489.52$832/yr
322021 Tesla Model S202126/100Risky671047.92$832/yr

Model Summaries

Tesla Cybertruck

The Tesla Cybertruck, introduced in 2024, has an average reliability score of 45 out of 100, indicating mixed reliability across its initial years. Common issues reported by owners include structural problems and electrical system malfunctions, with significant complaints about the Full Self-Driving system and steering. Despite a low repair cost rating of 2 out of 5 and a complaint rate of 43.7 per 10,000 sold in 2024, the vehicle maintains a 5-star NHTSA safety rating each year.

Average score: 59/100. Best year: 2025 (65/100). 3 years tracked.

Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3, spanning model years 2018 through 2025, shows a mixed reliability score of 59/100, with significant improvements noted in recent years. Data highlights frequent issues with forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control, particularly in earlier models, with complaint rates peaking in 2018 at 67.8 per 10,000 sold and declining to 5 per 10,000 by 2025. While newer models demonstrate enhanced reliability, prospective buyers should consider the history of electrical and steering system complaints, especially in vehicles produced before the 2024 generation update.

Average score: 54/100. Best year: 2025 (67/100). 9 years tracked.

Tesla Model S

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.

Average score: 41/100. Best year: 2025 (50/100). 8 years tracked.

Tesla Model X

The Tesla Model X, covering model years 2018 to 2025, has an average reliability score of 64 out of 100, indicating a generally good reliability reputation with notable fluctuations across years. Common issues reported include suspension failures, electrical system malfunctions, and steering problems, with significant safety implications noted in certain years, particularly 2018, 2019, and 2023. Potential buyers should consider these aspects, alongside repair costs and complaint rates, which peaked at 74.1 complaints per 10,000 sold in 2023, when evaluating the Model X for long-term ownership.

Average score: 57/100. Best year: 2022 (72/100). 8 years tracked.

Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y, covering model years 2020 to 2025, shows a mixed reliability profile with an average score of 59/100, indicating fluctuating performance over the years. Early models, particularly 2020 and 2021, report frequent issues with forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control, leading to high complaint rates of 66 and 61.4 per 10,000 sold, respectively. Improvements are noted in later years, with the 2025 model achieving a score of 98/100 and significantly reduced complaint rates, suggesting increased reliability and fewer reported issues with electrical systems and safety features.

Average score: 55/100. Best year: 2025 (70/100). 6 years tracked.

Also Compare

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most reliable Tesla?
Based on our data, the 2022 Tesla Model X is the most reliable Tesla with a score of 72/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints.
Are Tesla vehicles reliable?
Tesla vehicles have an average reliability score of 52/100 across all models and years in our database. Individual models vary, so checking the specific model year you're considering is important.
Which Tesla models should I avoid?
Based on our data, these Tesla model-years are statistical outliers within their lines: 2021 Model X (51/100), 2021 Model 3 (48/100), 2023 Model X (47/100), 2020 Model Y (46/100), 2018 Model 3 (46/100), 2021 Model Y (46/100), 2021 Model S (26/100). These have higher recall counts and complaint volumes relative to their siblings.
How do Tesla repair costs compare?
Repair costs vary by model. Check the detailed rankings table above for estimated annual repair costs for each Tesla model year.

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.

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