MULTI-YEAR DEFECT AUDIT (2014–2025)12 Model Years Audited
Tesla Model S Common Problems & Year-by-Year Reliability Guide
Comprehensive historical defect intelligence across 541 total NHTSA owner complaints and 134 federal recall campaigns for the Tesla Model S.
Best Model S Years to Buy (Highest Reliability)
Years with Highest Defect Reports (Inspect Closely)
Year-over-Year Matrix
All Model S Model Years (2014–2025)
| Model Year | Reliability Index | NHTSA Complaints | Recalls | Safety Severity | Detailed Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Model S | 8.5 / 10 | 00 | 2 | Low Risk | Audit 2025 |
| 2024 Model S | 7.5 / 10 | 00 | 6 | Low Risk | Audit 2024 |
| 2023 Model S | 7.5 / 10 | 00 | 13 | Low Risk | Audit 2023 |
| 2022 Model S | 7.5 / 10 | 00 | 20 | Low Risk | Audit 2022 |
| 2021 Model S | 2.9 / 10 | 176(39.1/10k) | 24 | Critical Risk | Audit 2021 |
| 2020 Model S | 7.5 / 10 | 00 | 11 | Low Risk | Audit 2020 |
| 2019 Model S | 7.5 / 10 | 00 | 10 | Low Risk | Audit 2019 |
| 2018 Model S | 7.5 / 10 | 00 | 11 | Low Risk | Audit 2018 |
| 2017 Model S | 7.5 / 10 | 00 | 9 | Low Risk | Audit 2017 |
| 2016 Model S | 7.5 / 10 | 00 | 10 | Low Risk | Audit 2016 |
| 2015 Model S | 7.5 / 10 | 00 | 9 | Low Risk | Audit 2015 |
| 2014 Model S | 2.9 / 10 | 365(81.1/10k) | 9 | Critical Risk | Audit 2014 |