Tesla Model S problems, recalls & best years
The deets on every Model S from 2012 to 2026: 3,405 owner complaints and 152 recalls across 15 model years.
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2015 (668), 2016 (648), 2013 (460). Best fuel economy: 124 mpg combined (2026).
.jpg){kind=link}
Problem areas across all years
Year by year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Best mpg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 8 | 61 | 89 | |
| 2013 | 11 | 460 | 95 | |
| 2014 | 9 | 365 | 95 | |
| 2015 | 9 | 668 | 101 | |
| 2016 | 10 | 648 | 103 | |
| 2017 | 9 | 428 | 104 | |
| 2018 | 11 | 169 | 103 | |
| 2019 | 10 | 44 | 111 | |
| 2020 | 11 | 80 | 117 | |
| 2021 | 23 | 179 | 120 | |
| 2022 | 20 | 139 | 120 | |
| 2023 | 13 | 114 | 120 | |
| 2024 | 6 | 38 | 122 | |
| 2025 | 2 | 6 | 124 | |
| 2026 | 0 | 6 | 124 |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Tesla Model S.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
What is the worst year for the Tesla Model S?
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2015 (668), 2016 (648), 2013 (460).
How many recalls has the Tesla Model S had?
Across 2012–2026, NHTSA lists 152 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).