Power
0–100 km/h
Top speed
What owners say
Overview
Sentiment is bifurcated between the original 2008-2012 Roadster and the announced next-generation model. The original Roadster is viewed as a historically significant, attractive, and fun sports car that established Tesla's brand. It is praised for its design and performance, wit
Best version
Insufficient owner data available for trim comparisons. For the original model, the "Sport" version is mentioned but without detailed comparative analysis.
Known issues
• Original Roadster (2008-2012):, Obsolete charging and range — Very slow charging, short range, poor cold-weather performance, no Supercharger access. Frequency: recurrent.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1 | 1 | vehicle speed control |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices1 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2008 · wheels:hubcampaign 09V178000
TESLA MOTORS, INC. IS RECALLING 345 MY 2008 TESLA ROADSTER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 2008 AND APRIL 22, 2009. THE REAR HUB FLANGE BOLTS ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY BE UNDER-TORQUED AND MAY BECOME LOOSE. A LOOSE HUB COULD LEAD TO DEGRADATION IN VEHICLE HANDLING, AND A RUBBING NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEH
Specifications
Generation
Version
Sport 53 kWh (292 Hp)
From 2008-2012
Quick facts
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