Tesla Model S years to avoid and best years
Data as of .
By model year
| Year | Recalls | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 109 |
| 2025 | 2 | 107 |
| 2024 | 6 | 108.3 |
| 2023 → | 13 | 120 |
| 2022 → | 20 | 112.3 |
| 2021 → | 24 | 106.8 |
| 2020 → | 11 | 107.6 |
| 2019 → | 10 | 103.4 |
| 2018 → | 11 | 100.3 |
| 2017 | 9 | 100.4 |
| 2016 → | 10 | 97 |
| 2015 | 9 | 95 |
| 2014 | 9 | 91 |
| 2013 → | 11 | 92.7 |
| 2012 | 8 | 89 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Tire size
- P245/45R19 (19"); P245/35R21 (21") front / P245/45R19 (19"); P265/35R21 (21", some Performance AWD use P245/35R21 rear) rear
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA recall 21V-035 covers certain 2012-2018 Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles whose center display uses an NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor with an 8GB eMMC NAND flash device: when that flash reaches lifetime wear, some center-display functions can fail, including the rearview camera display, defrost/defog controls, and exterior turn-signal lighting. Tesla's remedy is to replace the VCM daughterboard with one that has an enhanced eMMC controller. Recall 22V-818 covers certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles whose electronic power-assist steering may lose assist on rough roads or after a pothole; Tesla released an over-the-air software update to recalibrate the EPAS system. Recall 23V-838 covers Model S vehicles (among other Tesla models) equipped with Autosteer versions leading up to the remedy software: NHTSA states that, 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 feature, and Tesla's remedy is an over-the-air software update.
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Tire size
- 255/45R19 (19" all-season); 265/35R21 (21" all-season); 265/35ZR21 (21" summer) front / 285/40R19 (19" all-season); 295/30R21 (21" all-season); 295/30ZR21 (21" summer) rear
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA recall 23V-488 covers certain 2021-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles whose front-row seat belts may not be connected properly to the pretensioner anchors, which can cause the belts to detach; Tesla Service inspects and connects the belts or replaces the assemblies. Recall 24V-967 covers certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles whose driver's air bag could tear during deployment, and Tesla Service replaces the air bag assembly. Recall 23V-838 also applies to Autosteer-equipped Model S vehicles in this generation: NHTSA states that 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 feature, and Tesla's remedy is an over-the-air software update. Recall 23V-862 covers certain 2021-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles whose cabin doors can be unlocked during a crash; Tesla released an over-the-air software update.
Frequently asked questions
What generation is the 2018 Tesla Model S?
Pre-refresh (2012-2020), before the 2021 Palladium interior and Plaid redesign.
Can a US-market Tesla Model S tow a trailer?
Tesla's US owner's manual for 2012-2020 Model S warns not to use the car for towing and states it does not support a trailer hitch; there is no published US factory towing rating.