Tesla Model S problems by year
3,381 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across 15 Tesla Model S model years. Last verified Sep 21, 2026. Complaint totals are lifetime counts — years that have been on the road longer accumulate more reports.
Years with notably fewer complaints
2019 (44)
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most reported problem | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Limited reporting history | 3 | 0 | — | |
| 2025 Limited reporting history | 6 | 2 | — | |
| 2024 Limited reporting history | 38 | 6 | Unknown / Other | |
| 2023 Limited reporting history | 113 | 13 | Unknown / Other | |
| 2022 | 138 | 20 | Forward Collision Avoidance | |
| 2021 | 178 | 23 | Forward Collision Avoidance | |
| 2020 | 80 | 11 | Forward Collision Avoidance | |
| 2019 Fewer complaints | 44 | 10 | Forward Collision Avoidance | |
| 2018 | 168 | 11 | Forward Collision Avoidance | |
| 2017 Most complained | 424 | 9 | Electrical System | |
| 2016 Most complained | 646 | 10 | Suspension | |
| 2015 Most complained | 667 | 9 | Electrical System | |
| 2014 | 365 | 9 | Electrical System | |
| 2013 Most complained | 459 | 11 | Electrical System | |
| 2012 | 61 | 8 | Electrical System |
How to read this. Complaints are unverified reports owners file with NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, counted once per case number. Raw totals are not adjusted for sales volume, and recent model years have had less time on the road. “Most complained” flags years well above the model’s median; treat it as a signal for deeper research, not a verdict. This page is not affiliated with Tesla.