VEHICLE BUYER'S GUIDE
Tesla Model S2012–2026
Year-by-year buyer intelligence from NHTSA safety data — reliability, value, and which years to target or avoid.
Best Years to Buy a Tesla Model S
Buyer Score combines reliability (65%) and depreciation value (35%) — higher is better.
Tesla Model S Years to Avoid
6 recalls · 539 complaints
57 reported injuries
Top issue: SUSPENSION
4 recalls · 584 complaints
24 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 recalls · 344 complaints
15 reported injuries
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Federal Defect Investigations
NHTSA investigations are the stage that precedes a recall. 4 past investigations into the Model S became recalls.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Data current as of October 28, 2026.
Tesla Model S — Year-by-Year Comparison
Every model year ranked by Buyer Score. Click any year for its detailed problem report.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability | Value | Buyer Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 8 | — | — | 48 | 29 | 41 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 1 | 2 | — | — | 48 | 44 | 47 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 3 | 54 | — | — | 48 | 57 | 51 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 11 | 89 | — | — | 40 | 67 | 49 | Good |
| 2022 | 12 | 99 | — | — | 38 | 74 | 51 | Good |
| 2021 | 15 | 132 | 4 | — | 31 | 77 | 47 | Good |
| 2020 | 6 | 62 | 4 | — | 45 | 76 | 56 | Good |
| 2019 | 6 | 37 | 3 | — | 48 | 72 | 56 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 7 | 149 | 20 | — | 27 | 66 | 41 | Good |
| 2017 | 5 | 330 | 17 | — | 23 | 59 | 36 | Caution |
| 2016 | 6 | 539 | 57 | 11 | 23 | 52 | 33 | Avoid |
| 2015 | 4 | 584 | 24 | 3 | 23 | 45 | 31 | Avoid |
| 2014 | 4 | 270 | 13 | 16 | 23 | 39 | 29 | Caution |
| 2013 | 5 | 344 | 15 | 7 | 23 | 34 | 27 | Caution |
| 2012 | 4 | 52 | — | — | 48 | 30 | 42 | Excellent |
Buyer Score = Reliability (65%) + Value window (35%). Deaths and injuries sourced from NHTSA complaint filings. Year links open full NHTSA problem reports.
Known Tesla Model S Problems
Most frequently reported components across all model years, from NHTSA owner complaints.
Complaint counts across all model years. Numbers indicate frequency, not severity.
Shopping by Era
How each generation of the Model S compares — best year within each era shown.
2018–Present
Modern safety tech, refreshed platforms, updated powertrains. Higher purchase price but lower reliability risk. Best pick in this era: 2019 (Buyer Score 56).
2013–2017
Mid-decade models in the depreciation sweet spot — typically 35–55% below original MSRP. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and recall completion. Best: 2017 (Buyer Score 36).
Pre-2013
Older Model S models are deeply depreciated but carry higher wear and repair risk. High mileage is common. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and verify full recall history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best year Model S to buy?+
The 2019 Tesla Model S scores highest on our Buyer Score (56/100) — combining a reliability score of 48/100 with a value score of 72/100. It has 6 recalls and 37 NHTSA complaints on record.
Which Model S years have the most problems?+
The 2016, 2015, 2013 model years have the highest problem scores in our analysis. The 2016 Model S leads with 6 recalls and 539 owner complaints.
What is the Buyer Score?+
The Buyer Score is a composite metric that combines reliability (65% weight) and depreciation value (35% weight). Reliability reflects recall and complaint severity. Value reflects how much of the vehicle's depreciation has already been absorbed by prior owners — a 4–6 year old vehicle typically sits in the sweet spot.
What are the most common Model S problems?+
The most frequently reported Tesla Model S issues involve: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SUSPENSION, STEERING. These are aggregated across all model years from NHTSA owner complaint filings. Frequency of complaints does not necessarily indicate severity.
Deep-Dive Research
A buyer's guide shows model-level risk. A VIN report shows the individual vehicle — accidents, odometer history, open recalls, and auction records.