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
9 recalls · 0 complaints
Top issue: No complaints on record
7 recalls · 0 complaints
Top issue: No complaints on record
5 recalls · 0 complaints
Top issue: No complaints on record
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 September 13, 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 | 0 | — | — | 69 | 36 | 57 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 69 | 51 | 63 | Good |
| 2024 | 5 | 0 | — | — | 56 | 64 | 59 | Caution |
| 2023 | 4 | 0 | — | — | 61 | 74 | 66 | Caution |
| 2022 | 7 | 0 | — | — | 47 | 81 | 59 | Avoid |
| 2021 | 9 | 0 | — | — | 44 | 84 | 58 | Avoid |
| 2020 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 69 | 83 | 74 | Good |
| 2019 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 69 | 79 | 73 | Good |
| 2018 | 3 | 0 | — | — | 65 | 73 | 68 | Good |
| 2017 | 3 | 0 | — | — | 65 | 66 | 65 | Good |
| 2016 | 4 | 0 | — | — | 61 | 59 | 60 | Caution |
| 2015 | 4 | 0 | — | — | 61 | 52 | 58 | Caution |
| 2014 | 4 | 0 | — | — | 61 | 46 | 56 | Caution |
| 2013 | 4 | 0 | — | — | 61 | 41 | 54 | Caution |
| 2012 | 4 | 0 | — | — | 61 | 37 | 53 | Caution |
Buyer Score = Reliability (65%) + Value window (35%). Deaths and injuries sourced from NHTSA complaint filings. Year links open full NHTSA problem reports.
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: 2020 (Buyer Score 74).
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 65).
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 2020 Tesla Model S scores highest on our Buyer Score (74/100) — combining a reliability score of 69/100 with a value score of 83/100. It has 2 recalls and 0 NHTSA complaints on record.
Which Model S years have the most problems?+
The 2021, 2022, 2024 model years have the highest problem scores in our analysis. The 2021 Model S leads with 9 recalls and 0 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?+
See the complaint chart on this page for a breakdown by component.
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.