Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 1.4× | — | Collision Avoidance | Few |
| 2025 | 6 | −77% | 2 | Suspension | Good |
| 2024 | 38 | −27% | 6 | Collision Avoidance | Average |
| 2023 | 114 | 1.8× | 13 | Steering | Caution |
| 2022 | 139 | 1.5× | 20 | Collision Avoidance | Caution |
| 2021 | 179 | 1.5× | 23 | Collision Avoidance | Caution |
| 2020 | 80 | −46% | 11 | Collision Avoidance | Good |
| 2019 | 44 | −83% | 10 | Collision Avoidance | Good |
| 2018 | 170 | −54% | 11 | Collision Avoidance | Good |
| 2017 | 428 | typical | 9 | Electrical | Average |
| 2016 | 648 | 1.6× | 10 | Suspension | Caution |
| 2015 | 668 | 1.6× | 9 | Electrical | Caution |
| 2014 | 366 | −26% | 9 | Electrical | Average |
| 2013 | 461 | typical | 11 | Electrical | Average |
| 2012 | 61 | −89% | 8 | Electrical | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median Model S year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Tesla Model S problems
Latest Tesla Model S recalls
Back over prevention › Software
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Air bags
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.
Remedy: Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
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.
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…
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Cushion
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."
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.
Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Tesla Model S should you avoid?
2023, 2015, 2016, 2021 and 2022 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Model S years at the same age, led by steering problems in the 2023.
What is the best year for the Tesla Model S?
2012 has the fewest complaints compared with other Model S years at the same age, followed by 2019 and 2025. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Tesla Model S problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (999), suspension (733) and driver assistance (469). Electrical complaints peak in the 2015 model year.
How many recalls has the Tesla Model S had?
38 recalls across 2012–2026. The model year with the most is 2021. See all Tesla Model S recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.