Most common 2025 Tesla Model S problems
Share of the 6 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Tesla Model S complaints by model year
Best Model S years: 2012, 2019, 2025. Years to avoid: 2023, 2015, 2016, 2021, 2022. Compare all years →
2025 Tesla Model S recalls (2)
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 4 possible defects involving the 2025 Tesla Model S:
Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged
The Office of Defects Investigation ("ODI") is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of FSD executing driving maneuvers that constitute tra c safety violations. This investigation concerns versions of FSD that Tesla has labeled as "FSD (Supervised)" and "FSD (Beta)." Tesla characterizes FSD as an SAE Level 2 partial automation system requiring a…
Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.
On January 6, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation 24003 (PE24033) to investigate Actually Smart Summon (Summon) sessions resulting in crashes during active sessions. According to Tesla, Summon is a short-distance SAE Level 2 system, controlled by the user from a cell phone within a certain distance and intended for use in parking lots and on private property.
FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening this Engineering Analysis to evaluate Tesla's Full Self Driving Beta and Full Self Driving (Supervised) (collectively, FSD) degradation detection system. The focus of this investigation will be to assess the system's ability, when encountering reduced roadway visibility conditions, to detect degradation and alert the driver with sufficient time to respond.
Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements
The Office of Defects Investigation ("ODI") has identified numerous incident reports submitted by Tesla, Inc. ("Tesla") in response to Standing General Order 2021-01 (the "SGO"), in which the reported crashes occurred several months or more before the dates of the reports.
2025 Tesla Model S engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | Single-speed | AWD | 132 / 116 / 124 MPGe | 410 mi |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2025 Tesla Model S a good car?
Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2025 Model S rates better than average: 77% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Model S at the same age. It is one of the best Model S years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2025 Tesla Model S?
The suspension — 2 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (2) and windows, wipers & sunroof (1).
How many recalls does the 2025 Tesla Model S have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2025 Tesla Model S, the most recent from January 6, 2025 (electrical system). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Tesla Model S?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2019 and 2025. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2023, 2015, 2016, 2021 and 2022. See the full Tesla Model S years comparison.
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.