Photo: Norbert Aepli, Switzerland (User:Noebu) / CC BY 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Tesla Model S
Liftback · Electric · 21 versions · owner report
Ranked #6 of 8 luxury full-size cars on owner data, price and fuel economy
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (322 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2026
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is mixed and varies significantly by vehicle generation.
6 problems reported (2 very frequent, 3 recurrent, 1 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentPoor long-term reliability (older models)
Multiple expensive failures per year out of warranty, including door handles, trunk latches, 12V battery systems, infotainment screens, and suspension components (control arms).
- Very frequentFull Self-Driving (FSD) / Autopilot system flaws
Phantom braking, unreliable object detection due to cameras-only sensor suite, hard braking for shadows, erratic lane changes, and general inability to be trusted without constant supervision.
- RecurrentSubpar build quality and interior materials
Described as "low build quality," lacking the refinement, comfort, and quietness expected in the luxury segment. Interior criticized for minimalist design choices that compromise functionality and luxury feel.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentHigh ownership costs out of warranty
Significant annual repair expenses reported for vehicles outside the factory warranty period.
- RecurrentSuspension and brake failures
Cited as primary reasons for high failure rates in mandatory vehicle inspections (e.g., TÜV in Germany).
- IsolatedInadequate driver assistance features
Compared unfavorably to systems like BMW's Driving Assistance Professional (DAPP) in certain traffic conditions. Parking sensors and 360-degree camera systems also noted as inferior.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific model year or trim (e.g., Long Range vs. Plaid) as the "best" among community discussions. Feedback is generational, with strong warnings against older models and ambivalence about the value of newer ones at their price point.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Lucid Air, Rivian R1S, Porsche Taycan, BMW i4 and BMW X5 (as a luxury benchmark).
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is mixed and varies significantly by vehicle generation. Long-term owners of older models (specifically pre-2021, with mentions of a 2015 model) report severe dissatisfaction with long-term reliability and ownership costs, describing the vehicle as poorly designed for longevity with frequent, expensive failures. In contrast, discussions of newer models (post-2021) are more focused on competitive positioning, with feedback indicating they are perceived as technologically capable but lagging in interior luxury, build quality, and overall refinement compared to newer premium electric vehicles. The brand's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology is a consistent point of polarized discussion, praised by some for its capabilities but heavily criticized by others for its reliance on cameras-only, resulting in phantom braking and unreliable behavior, which diminishes its real-world utility. Owner satisfaction appears heavily dependent on expectations: those prioritizing technology and acceleration report positive experiences, while those expecting traditional luxury build quality, comfort, or trouble-free long-term ownership report significant disappointment.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a technology leader, particularly for its charging network and FSD/autopilot software, but consistently described as inferior to competitors in interior luxury, build quality, material refinement, and ride comfort. Direct comparisons note that vehicles like the Lucid Air, Porsche Taycan, and premium German models offer a "nicer," "more comfortable," and "quieter" experience with superior fit and finish. The Model S is seen as having an advantage in software integration and over-the-air updates but is criticized for feeling outdated, having "low build quality," and pushing a "minimalist nonsense" interior too far. It is no longer viewed as the benchmark for premium electric sedans by enthusiasts discussing newer alternatives.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient specific configuration data from the provided owner discussions. General implicit recommendations include ensuring access to home charging and verifying compatibility with local charging standards for imported vehicles.
General recommendations
Not recommended for buyers prioritizing long-term reliability, low maintenance costs, or traditional luxury cabin materials and isolation. Strongly recommended for buyers whose primary valuation is on Tesla's proprietary technology stack (FSD, charging network) and acceleration performance. Essential to test drive extensively and compare directly with competitors like Lucid and premium German EVs to evaluate comfort and build quality differences. For older used models (pre-2021), extreme caution is advised, with expectations of high repair costs out of warranty; a pre-purchase battery health report is suggested. Negotiation is implied to be possible due to high inventory and slowing sales.
Remarks
The owner feedback clearly delineates between generations. The 2015 Model S is used as a case study for catastrophic long-term ownership costs and design flaws. The "last refresh" (referring to the 2021 interior update) is criticized for not addressing fundamental quality and luxury deficits. The brand's overall sales decline is noted in discussions, with competitive pressure from both established luxury brands and new entrants like Lucid cited as a cause. The provided data includes significant discussion on Tesla's business and insurance practices, but the vehicle-specific analysis above is distilled solely from direct ownership experiences. Analysis based on approximately 10 substantive owner discussions directly referencing the Model S.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2016. Years to avoid: 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Tesla Model S years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 0 | vehicle speed control |
| 2025 | 6 | 2 | power train |
| 2024 | 38 | 6 | unknown or other |
| 2023 | 120 | 13 | unknown or other |
| 2022 | 139 | 20 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2021 | 179 | 24 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2020 | 80 | 11 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2019 | 160 | 10 | suspension |
| 2018 | 640 | 11 | electrical system |
| 2017 | 2,653 | 9 | electrical system |
| 2016 | 7,852 | 10 | suspension |
| 2015 | 3,230 | 9 | electrical system |
| 2014 | 365 | 9 | electrical system |
| 2013 | 460 | 11 | electrical system |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices153 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2025 · air bags:frontal:driver side:cushioncampaign 24V967000
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."
2025 · back over prevention:softwarecampaign 25V002000
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2024 · seat belts:front:warning light/devicescampaign 24V376000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2024 · latches/locks/linkages:hood:latchcampaign 24V554000
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.
2024 · air bags:frontal:driver side:cushioncampaign 24V967000
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."
2024 · back over prevention:softwarecampaign 25V002000
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2024 · air bagscampaign 25V172000
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.
2024 · steering: steering wheel/handle barcampaign 23V743000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and Model X vehicles. An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering wheel was replaced with a different style of yoke or steering wheel.
2023 · steering:automated/adaptive steeringcampaign 23V085000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
2023 · forward collision avoidance: sensing system: cameracampaign 23V489000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The forward-facing camera may be misaligned, causing some of the active safety features such as emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane assist to become unavailable without alerting the driver.
2023 · seat belts:frontcampaign 23V488000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles. The front-row seat belts may not be connected properly to the pretensioner anchors, which can cause the seat belts to detach.
2023 · steering: steering wheel/handle barcampaign 23V743000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and Model X vehicles. An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering wheel was replaced with a different style of yoke or steering wheel.
2023 · electrical system:adas:autonomous/self driving:softwarecampaign 23V838000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
2023 · latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchcampaign 23V862000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model S and X vehicles. The cabin doors can be unlocked during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
2023 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 24V035000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model S, X, and Y vehicles equipped with full self-driving computer 4.0 and running a software release version 2023.44.30 through 2023.44.30.6 or 2023.44.100. Software instability may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.
138 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
Plaid 100 kWh Tri Motor
Electric · 1020 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2021–2026