Complaints by model year
Each bar is one model year. Highlighted: 2013. The most recent years are still collecting complaints.
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026
New York safety inspections
Share of first inspections failed on safety, by model year. Older cars fail more as miles build up, so compare each year with the average car of the same year. Best against its own year: 2026.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections, initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Year by year
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Model S | 7 | 0 |
| 2025 Model S | 6 | 2 |
| 2024 Model S | 38 | 6 |
| 2023 Model S | 114 | 13 |
| 2022 Model S | 139 | 20 |
| 2021 Model S | 179 | 23 |
| 2020 Model S | 80 | 11 |
| 2019 Model S | 44 | 10 |
| 2018 Model S | 170 | 11 |
| 2017 Model SMost complaints | 428 | 9 |
| 2016 Model SMost complaints | 649 | 10 |
| 2015 Model SMost complaints | 668 | 9 |
| 2014 Model S | 366 | 9 |
| 2013 Model SMost complaints | 461 | 11 |
| 2012 Model S | 61 | 8 |
A model year gets its own page when it has enough data for at least three sections
Most common problems
- Electrical system999
- Unknown or other867
- Suspension734
- Steering346
- Forward collision avoidance337
- Vehicle speed control277
- Service brakes203
- Exterior lighting197
NHTSA ODI complaints, all model years
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 65 Model S vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died, and 36 people died inside them. These are counts, not crash rates: a model with more cars on the road shows up more often, and people killed outside the vehicle are not counted here.
| Model year | Vehicles in fatal crashes | Deaths in the vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 9 | 10 |
| 2021 | 9 | 5 |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 3 | 2 |
| 2018 | 9 | 2 |
| 2017 | 3 | 1 |
| 2016 | 13 | 3 |
| 2015 | 8 | 6 |
| 2014 | 4 | 5 |
| 2013 | 4 | 2 |
| 2012 | 2 | 0 |
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain) · how we count
Crash-test ratings by year
NHTSA 5-star results for 4 model-year variants; 2 of 2 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Year | Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2026 TESLA MODEL S 5 HB BEV AWD | — | 5.7 % |
| 2021 | 2021 Tesla Model S 5 HB AWD | — | 5.7 % |
| 2014 | 2014 Tesla Model S 5 HB RWD | ★★★★★ | 5.7 % |
| 2013 | 2013 Tesla Model S 5 HB RWD | ★★★★★ | 5.7 % |
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
In New Zealand
665 Model S cars are on the New Zealand register; 46% arrived as used imports.
| Model year | Registered | Sold new in NZ | Used imports |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| 2020 | 32 | 27 | 5 |
| 2019 | 73 | 54 | 19 |
| 2018 | 147 | 105 | 41 |
| 2017 | 178 | 119 | 56 |
| 2016 | 80 | 23 | 56 |
| 2015 | 95 | 19 | 76 |
| 2014 | 56 | 0 | 55 |
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
In the Netherlands
9,632 Model S cars are on Dutch roads; 10% arrived later as imports, and 217 still have a recall open. Open a year for APK defects, odometer checks and colours.
| First registered | On the road | Median list price |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 32 | €122,590 |
| 2025 | 40 | €119,440 |
| 2024 | 143 | €102,990 |
| 2023 | 314 | €114,840 |
| 2022 | 92 | €124,290 |
| 2020 | 293 | €87,790 |
| 2019 | 501 | €91,000 |
| 2018 | 3,460 | €103,050 |
| 2017 | 1,343 | €109,060 |
| 2016 | 980 | €112,300 |
| 2015 | 1,035 | €99,050 |
| 2014 | 734 | €90,600 |
| 2013 | 665 | €105,200 |
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles (CC0) · list price is the manufacturer's catalogue price when new
In Finland
3,637 Model S cars were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026: 0% petrol, 0% diesel, 100% electric. Mileage is the odometer reading at the last inspection.
| First registered | In use | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | — |
| 2025 | 7 | — |
| 2024 | 27 | — |
| 2023 | 159 | 50,000 km |
| 2022 | 114 | 50,000 km |
| 2020 | 321 | 118,000 km |
| 2019 | 417 | 132,000 km |
| 2018 | 850 | 157,000 km |
| 2017 | 542 | 173,000 km |
| 2016 | 458 | 213,000 km |
| 2015 | 443 | 249,000 km |
| 2014 | 218 | 277,000 km |
| 2013 | 76 | 268,000 km |
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use, 30 Jun 2026 · CC BY 4.0
Road collisions in Great Britain
From 2021 to 2025, 181 Model S cars were involved in road collisions in Great Britain that injured someone and were reported to the police. 3 of those collisions were fatal and 36 caused serious injuries. As with any count, models with more cars on British roads appear more often.
| Year | Cars in injury collisions | Fatal | Serious |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 37 | 0 | 12 |
| 2024 | 30 | 1 | 7 |
| 2023 | 41 | 1 | 7 |
| 2022 | 48 | 1 | 5 |
| 2021 | 25 | 0 | 5 |
Department for Transport, STATS19 road safety data 2021–2025 · Open Government Licence v3.0 · how we count
In the United Kingdom
10,090 Model S cars were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, by year of manufacture.
| Built | Licensed | Off the road (SORN) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | — |
| 2024 | 19 | — |
| 2023 | 68 | — |
| 2022 | 1 | — |
| 2021 | 12 | 1 |
| 2020 | 836 | 12 |
| 2019 | 1,146 | 23 |
| 2018 | 1,703 | 39 |
| 2017 | 2,347 | 43 |
| 2016 | 2,171 | 65 |
| 2015 | 1,210 | 74 |
| 2014 | 571 | 32 |
| 2013 | 1 | 1 |
| 2012 | 1 | — |
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
10,610 Model S cars took their annual MOT test in 2023; 82% passed first time, against 81% for all cars of the same ages. Older cars fail more often, so compare a year with the same year of other cars.
| First registered | Tests | Passed first time |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 815 | 80% |
| 2019 | 1,213 | 84% |
| 2018 | 1,851 | 85% |
| 2017 | 2,483 | 84% |
| 2016 | 2,338 | 81% |
| 2015 | 1,298 | 80% |
| 2014 | 612 | 74% |
Why they fail
Share of all first tests that ended in a fail because of each part of the car (one test can fail on several).
| Area | Model S | All cars, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 9.6% | 5.7% |
| Visibility | 3.4% | 3.6% |
| Suspension | 2.9% | 3.5% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 2.5% | 5.3% |
| Brakes | 1.9% | 3.7% |
| Body, chassis, structure | 0.8% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 0.7% | 0.6% |
| Identification of the vehicle | 0.4% | 0.2% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests of cars only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
New registrations in Europe
61,380 new Tesla Model S cars registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland between 2013 and 2022, from the European Environment Agency's CO₂ monitoring of every new car. In 2022 the largest markets were Germany (447), Norway (396), Sweden (231).
| Year | New cars | CO₂ g/km |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1,905 | 0 (WLTP) |
| 2021 | 100 | 0 (WLTP) |
| 2020 | 5,108 | 0 (WLTP) |
| 2019 | 7,636 | 0 (WLTP) |
| 2018 | 12,029 | 0 (WLTP) |
| 2017 | 10,611 | 0 (WLTP) |
| 2016 | 8,695 | — |
| 2015 | 9,161 | — |
| 2014 | 4,489 | — |
| 2013 | 1,646 | — |
Averages are weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value (NEDC until the WLTP switch). European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
EU safety alerts
Safety Gate, the European Union's rapid alert system, names the Model S in 5 alerts. European versions can differ from the North American car.
The vehicle may have been equipped with an incorrect driver airbag during servicing to retrofit an alternative steering wheel. Airbags that are not adapted to the vehicle configuration can lead to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. The pr…
The front seat belt may not be properly attached to the pre-tensioner anchor and may not function properly in the event of a collision, increasing the risk of injury. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of mo…
On some Model S vehicles, the latch assembly of the front hood may be aligned too far rearward. While this alignment does not impact latching of the primary latch with the hood striker, it may prevent latching of the secondary latch. If the primary latch is in…
The cable controlling the adjustment mechanisms for the left-hand seat in the second row could be badly-adjusted. In the event of a crash, this could lead to the backrest moving forwards, increasing the risk of injury for the occupant of the seat.
The connection between the safety belt and the safety belt tensioner has not been correctly established. There is a risk that the safety belt will fail to offer sufficient restraint force in the event of an accident.
Safety Gate (European Commission) · CC0
Recalls
38 campaigns cover the Model S; the latest 12 are below.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
Tesla, 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."
Tesla, 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."
Tesla, 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."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model S, X, and Y vehicles equipped with full self-driving computer 4.0 and running a software release version 2023.44.30 through 2023.44.30.6 or 2023.44.100. Software instability may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model S and X vehicles. The cabin doors can be unlocked during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
Tesla, 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.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and Model X vehicles. An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering wheel was replaced with a different style of yoke or steering wheel.
NHTSA recalls