Most common 2026 Tesla Model S problems
Share of the 7 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 →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2026 Tesla Model S:
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.
2026 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 2026 Tesla Model S a good car?
Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2026 Model S rates few complaints: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the Model S at the same age. 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 2026 Tesla Model S?
The driver assistance — 2 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about adaptive cruise control. Next are the speed control & acceleration (2) and brakes (1).
How many recalls does the 2026 Tesla Model S have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2026 Tesla Model S. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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.