Tesla Model S Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Tesla Model S model year (2012–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Tesla Model S Years to Avoid
5 recalls · 538 complaints
57 reported injuries
11 reported deaths
Top issue: SUSPENSION
Problem score: 722
4 recalls · 584 complaints
24 reported injuries
3 reported deaths
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 659
6 recalls · 344 complaints
15 reported injuries
7 reported deaths
Top issue: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 427
Best Tesla Model S Years to Buy
0 recalls · 2 complaints
Main area: SUSPENSION
Problem score: 2
0 recalls · 8 complaints
Main area: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Problem score: 8
5 recalls · 37 complaints
Main area: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Problem score: 58
Found the right year? Verify that specific Model S with a free VIN report.
Tesla Model S — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 8 | — | — | 8 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 2 | — | — | 2 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 2 | 54 | — | — | 60 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 7 | 86 | — | — | 107 | Good |
| 2022 | 14 | 99 | — | — | 141 | Good |
| 2021 | 16 | 132 | 4 | — | 188 | Good |
| 2020 | 7 | 62 | 4 | — | 91 | Good |
| 2019 | 5 | 37 | 3 | — | 58 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 6 | 149 | 20 | — | 207 | Good |
| 2017 | 5 | 330 | 17 | — | 379 | Caution |
| 2016 | 5 | 538 | 57 | 11 | 722 | Avoid |
| 2015 | 4 | 584 | 24 | 3 | 659 | Avoid |
| 2014 | 4 | 270 | 13 | 16 | 388 | Caution |
| 2013 | 6 | 344 | 15 | 7 | 427 | Caution |
| 2012 | 4 | 52 | — | — | 64 | Excellent |
All 15 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Tesla Model S Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2025Recent Model S models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2025 stands out with just 2 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade Model S units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Model S models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Model S should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2016 Tesla Model S if possible. It has 5 recalls, 538 owner complaints, and 11 reported deaths. The overall problem score is 722 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Model S to buy?+
The 2025 Tesla Model S is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 2. It has only 0 recalls and 2 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Model S has the fewest problems?+
The 2025, 2026, 2019 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Tesla Model S Research
Check a Specific Tesla Model S VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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