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Tesla Model S: which year to buy? Recalls and complaints by year

Of 15 model years of the Tesla Model S on record, 2021 has the most owner complaints at NHTSA (40, most often about unknown or other).

How to read this

Each row counts what official sources have on record for that model year: recall campaigns and owner complaints filed with NHTSA, and how many of those complaints mention a crash, a fire or an injury. We do not rate reliability. Fewer complaints can also mean fewer cars sold or a newer car, so open the year before you decide. 🇺🇸 Local data

Year Recalls Complaints Crash, fire or injury Most reported
2026 0 0 0 —
2025 0 0 0 —
2024 0 0 0 —
2023 0 0 0 —
2022 0 0 0 —
2021 0 40 3 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2020 0 0 0 —
2019 0 0 0 —
2018 0 0 0 —
2017 0 0 0 —
2016 0 0 0 —
2015 0 0 0 —
2014 0 40 2 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2013 0 40 2 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2012 0 40 0 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Recalls: NHTSA campaigns only, so a defect also recalled in Canada is not counted twice. Stars: NHTSA overall rating. Fuel economy: EPA.

All years of the Tesla Model S

Questions

Which Tesla Model S year has the most complaints?
Of 15 model years of the Tesla Model S on record, 2021 has the most owner complaints at NHTSA (40, most often about unknown or other).
Which Tesla Model S years have no complaints or recalls on record?
2026, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015. That can also mean fewer cars sold or a newer car, not only a better one.
How is this comparison made?
We count, for each model year, the recall campaigns and owner complaints filed with NHTSA, and how many complaints mention a crash, a fire or an injury. We do not rate reliability: raw counts also depend on how many cars were sold and how old they are.