VIN REPORT

5YJSA1E26JF2499002018 TESLA Model S

12of 100
Low Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls
11
11 campaigns found
Safety Grade
D
66/100 composite
Complaints
None
Clean record
Vehicle Age
8 yrs
Made in UNITED STATES (USA)
BUYPurchase Verdict

2018 TESLA Model S was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 11 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately.

Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2018 TESLA Model S

2018 TESLA Model S was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 11 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately.

  • 11 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Steering system recall)
  • Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
12
of 100
Low Risk
Low risk profile — minor signals only, likely routine.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
1 Contributing Risk Factor
11 model-wide recalls on record
+12
Critical Alerts

Title Brand Check

Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
TESLA
Model
Model S
Year
2018
Body Style
Hatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Drive Type
AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Doors
5
Manufacturer
TESLA, INC.
Assembly
FREMONT, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (USA)
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Base MSRP
$78,000
Electrification
BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle)
EV Motor
Dual Motor

Assembly Plant Quality

Plant: FREMONT, CALIFORNIA

CQuality55/100
Standard📍 FREMONT, CALIFORNIA

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

D
Score: 66/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety16/30
Complaint History30/30
45/100High
  • Steering system recall
80/100
Comprehensive
15 of 20 safety features detected
None
  • Electric/hybrid vehicle — monitor for battery thermal events
Elevated
  • 3 recalls on same component: Electrical
  • 2 recalls on same component: Steering

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

Driver Assistance Features

ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database

Forward Collision WarningStandard
Automatic Emergency BrakingStandard
Pedestrian AEBStandard
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure WarningStandard
Lane Keep AssistStandard
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot MonitoringStandard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert?Unknown
Adaptive Cruise Control~Optional
Adaptive HeadlightsStandard
Auto High BeamStandard
Parking AssistStandard
Backup CameraStandard
Electronic Stability ControlStandard
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Direct
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake SupportStandard
Keyless IgnitionStandard
Recalls11

Deferred Failure Risk

Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones

51/100
Warning Deferred Risk
4 maintenance items are approaching or past their service milestones. Address these before purchase or negotiate the cost into the sale price.
No odometer data on record. Mileage is estimated at ~96,000 mi based on average annual driving. Items marked EST. OVERDUE may already be due — verify service history with the seller. Items marked OVERDUE are confirmed past-due based on vehicle age alone.
EST. OVERDUEHighDifferential / Transfer Case Fluid
Service interval: 4 yr · Vehicle age: 8 yr · Past due by age
Service Differential / Transfer Case Fluid immediately — already past the 50,000 mi / 4 yr interval
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
EST. OVERDUEHighBattery Coolant System
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 8 yr · Past due by age
Service Battery Coolant System immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
EV battery thermal management coolant degrades over time. A failing cooling system accelerates battery degradation and can cause thermal events. Service per manufacturer schedule.
EST. OVERDUEModerateEV Reduction Gear Fluid
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 8 yr · Past due by age
Service EV Reduction Gear Fluid immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Electric drive units use gear oil that degrades with age. Neglected fluid causes bearing wear in the reduction gear. Replacement is typically $50–$150.
CASCADECriticalFailure Cascade
Cascade already triggered — downstream damage likely in progress
Have a specialist inspect all systems connected to the failed component before purchase
One failed component has created stress on connected systems. Repair costs compound quickly — a $500 fix can become $3,000+ if cascade damage is ignored.

NHTSA Safety Recalls

11 RECALLS
11found

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 11 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

Average repair completion across 11 recalls is ~70%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.

70%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

TESLA Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
97%Excellent

TESLA has an excellent recall completion rate (97%) — owners typically receive a remedy within 7 months.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~7 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
7mo
#22V037000
Invalid Date

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE

SummaryTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Read full details...
ConsequenceFailing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~72%

~28% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#21V035000
Invalid Date

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

SummaryTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center display functions.
Read full details...
ConsequenceThe eMMC controller wear-out condition can cause the loss of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~61%

~39% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#21V00B000
Invalid Date

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

SummaryTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113, "Hood Latch System."
Read full details...
ConsequenceIf the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~72%

~28% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#21V846000
Invalid Date

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

SummaryTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
Read full details...
ConsequenceUnexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~72%

~28% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#22V169000
Invalid Date

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

SummaryTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S, Model X, and 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles equipped with Autopilot Computer 2.5 and operating certain firmware releases. The rearview image may not immediately display when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Read full details...
ConsequenceA delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~72%

~28% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#22V818000
Jan 2022

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

SummaryTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~76%

~24% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#23V085000
Invalid Date

STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING

SummaryTesla, 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceFSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~76%

~24% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#23V838000
Dec 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE

SummaryTesla, 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.
Read full details...
ConsequenceIn certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~70%

~30% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#24V051000
Invalid Date

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

SummaryTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Read full details...
ConsequenceWarning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~70%

~30% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#24V153000
Invalid Date

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT

SummaryTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Read full details...
ConsequencePedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~70%

~30% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#24V376000
Invalid Date

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES

SummaryTesla, 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."
Read full details...
ConsequenceA seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~64%

~36% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

Recall Intelligence

Detailed analysis of recall history and severity

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
4.5yr open
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
2.6yr open
Available
Over-the-air software fix available
01/11/2022
11 total campaigns
ElectricalBody/StructureSteeringSafety SystemsExterior/Other
1
Part Replacements
9
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
2 recalls are over 2 years old — statistically less likely to have been completed. Verify repair status with any dealer using your VIN.
Complaints

Component Failure Cascade Risk

Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures

CriticalEGR issue detected

Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines

HighABS issue detected

Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances

HighPOWER STEERING issue detected

Loss of power steering assist — vehicle becomes difficult to control especially at low speeds and during parking

Manufacturer Extended Warranties & Special Coverage

1 known program match this vehicle — verify current eligibility with dealer using your VIN

ACTIVEEXTENDED WARRANTY
Tesla Model S/X Drive Unit Extended Warranty
Drive Unit / Motor (Rear / Front)
COVERAGE:8 years / unlimited miles on drive unit for Model S/X

Tesla extended the drive unit warranty on Model S and Model X to 8 years with unlimited mileage following widespread reports of drive unit failures (bearing noise, vibration, power loss). This was an unpublicized extension — Tesla updated warranty documents in 2016. Battery and drive unit are both covered to 8 years / unlimited miles on these models.

HOW TO CLAIM: Contact Tesla Service directly. All Model S and Model X vehicles (2012–2020) have an 8-year / unlimited-mile warranty on the battery and drive unit. Tesla should repair or replace a failed drive unit at no charge if within the warranty period.

Coverage eligibility depends on your VIN, original sale date, and current mileage. Always verify with an authorized dealer or manufacturer customer service — programs may have been updated since this database was compiled.

Details & Analysis
Financial

5-Year Ownership Cost Estimate

Based on EPA fuel data, standard depreciation, and US average insurance/maintenance costs

$600
Annual Fuel
EPA estimate
$2,016
Annual Insurance
US average
$1,200
Annual Maintenance
8-yr-old vehicle avg
$1,577
Annual Depreciation
Current period
Estimated 5-Year Total Cost
Fuel + Insurance + Maintenance + Depreciation
$26,965

Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$32,270
~$538/mo over 5 yrs
$0.3/mi
cost per mile
Electricity
$3,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,895
Maintenance
$10,500
Repair Risk Buffer
$1,500
Depreciation
$9,375

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $32,270 (~$538/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile. EV maintenance costs are lower (no oil changes, fewer brake replacements).

Estimated Market Value

Depreciation-based estimate from original MSRP

$23,500
Low
$27,500
Est. Value
$31,500
High

Based on original MSRP of $78,000 with hybrid depreciation curve. Range reflects ±15% market variance. Actual value depends on condition, options, and local demand.

Negotiation Ammunition

Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down

11 open recalls (unverified repair status)−$5,500
2 recalls over 2 years old — likely uncompleted−$800
Total recommended deduction−$6,300
Suggested fair offer: ~$21,200

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 2018 TESLA Model S — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

HIGH
Inspect for egr issue detected — ask for repair records
Head gasket failure and engine overheating — EGR cooler failure is the leading cause of catastrophic engine failure on diesel engines
HIGH
Inspect for abs issue detected — ask for repair records
Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances
HIGH
Inspect for power steering issue detected — ask for repair records
Loss of power steering assist — vehicle becomes difficult to control especially at low speeds and during parking
HIGH
Verify recall ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE has been repaired
Recall on record for: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicle
HIGH
Verify recall BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE has been repaired
Recall on record for: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display eq
HIGH
Verify recall LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH has been repaired
Recall on record for: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned,
HIGH
Verify recall FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA has been repaired
Recall on record for: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating s
HIGH
Verify recall BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION has been repaired
Recall on record for: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S, Model X, and 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles equipped with Autopi
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

15%
18-month
28%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 28%

15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

  • Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model

Maintenance Schedule

OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions

Auction History

Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators

Searching Public Auction Records

Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for 5YJSA1E26JF249900. Results appear automatically when found.

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings

Full Coverage
$2,720–$3,460/yr
~$227–$288/mo
Liability Only
$650–$820/yr
~$54–$68/mo
Category: Electric LuxuryModerate surcharge risk
8-year-old vehicle: −7% (moderate depreciation)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

State-Specific Legal Protections

What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VIN5YJSA1E26JF249900
Model Year2018
MakeTESLA
ModelModel S
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleHatchback/Liftback/Notchback
Doors5
Seat Rows5
Drive TypeAWD/All-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeElectric
TransmissionAutomatic

Manufacturer

ManufacturerTESLA, INC.
Assembly CityFREMONT
Assembly CountryUNITED STATES (USA)

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)5YJ
Check Digit (Char 9)6
Model Year Code (Char 10)J
Plant Code (Char 11)F
Sequence (Chars 12–17)249900

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count11
NHTSA Complaint Count0

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

5
1
Y
2
J
3
S
4
A
5
1
6
E
7
2
8
6
9
J
10
F
11
2
12
4
13
9
14
9
15
0
16
0
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
5
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
Y
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
J
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
SA1E2
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
6
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
J
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
F
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
249900
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
United States
From VIN position 1 (5)
Model Year Character
"J" → 2018
Could also be 1988
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 7/1/2026, 4:48:47 PM.