Tesla Model S — years to avoid

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA.

5 model years to avoid and 5 best bets. Tap a year to see its problem areas, recalls and buy-smart checklist.

Complaint history

Newest first. Find your year, then open it for the full report.

Year	Ranking	Complaints	Compared with a typical year
2026	○ Not enough data	6	Only 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
2025	○ Not enough data	6	Only 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
2024	▲ Recommended	38	This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
2023	▲ Recommended	113	This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
2022	● Recommended	139	This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
2021	● Recommended	179	This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
2020	▲ Recommended	80	This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
2019	▲ Recommended	44	This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
2018	● Recommended	169	This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
2017	■ Avoid	425	This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
2016	■ Avoid	647	This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
2015	■ Avoid	668	This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
2014	■ Avoid	365	This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
2013	■ Avoid	460	This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
2012	▲ Recommended	61	This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

How the rankings work

Each model year’s distinct NHTSA complaint count is compared with the median of the same model’s other eligible years.

▲ Recommended
At least 30% fewer complaints than the model’s typical year.
● Recommended
Within 30% of the model’s typical year.
◆ Caution
30% to 100% more complaints than the typical year.
■ Avoid
More than double the complaints of the typical year.
○ Not enough data
Fewer than 30 complaints on file, or too few other years to compare with — too few for a fair verdict.

recalls on file across every Tesla Model S model year.

Open a year above to see that year’s own recalls, investigations, and remedies.