DecodedCarsTesla Model S
15 model years from 2012 to 2026, compared on size, efficiency, safety and reliability.
- Model years
- 2012–2026
- Class
- Large Cars
- Latest engines
- Electric
- EV range
- up to 410 mi
- Latest rating
- ★★★★★ (2014)
- Recalls
- 38 campaigns, all years
- Most complaints
- 2015 (669)
- Fewest problems
- 2019
- Interest
- 21,362 Wikipedia views / 30 days
The 2026 Model S in brief
The 2026 Tesla Model S is a large car powered by electricity and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 196 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,969 lb.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 410 miles and takes about 9.7 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
The Tesla Model S has 15 model years in our data, from 2012 to 2026.
Owners most often report problems with the electrical system (947), unknown or other (867), suspension (728).
Buying used? 2024 has the fewest problems in our data, and 2016 is the year to avoid.
2021 has the most recalls (23); all years together count 38 campaigns and 3,386 owner complaints.
How the 2012 Model S compares
The 2012 Tesla Model S is a large car powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 265 miles and takes about 12 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
About the Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S is a battery-electric, four-door full-size car that the American automaker Tesla produced from 2012 to 2026. The automaker's second vehicle, the Model S has been described as one of the most influential electric cars in the industry. Its various accolades include the Motor Trend Car of the Year award in 2013.
From the Wikipedia article "Tesla Model S", licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
2026 Model S pros & cons
Full 2026 details →What's good
- Long EV rangeUp to 410 miles on a charge (EPA).
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Best and worst years to buy used
2024 Model S
38 owner complaints · 6 recalls · 2 crash reports
Year to avoid2016 Model S
650 owner complaints · 10 recalls · 12 fire reports · 92 crash reports
Most reported: Suspension
NHTSA recalls and complaints for 10 model years since 2015; use it alongside a pre-purchase inspection. How we calculate this →
Compare head to head
Model S changes by model year
- 2020
- Longest EV range up from 370 to 402 miles
- 2019
- Longest EV range up from 335 to 370 miles
- Lightest version 313 lb heavier
- 2017
- Longest EV range up from 315 to 335 miles
- Lightest version 236 lb heavier
- 2016
- Longest EV range up from 270 to 315 miles
- 2015
- Lightest version 227 lb lighter
- 2014
- All-wheel or four-wheel drive now available
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Years without a measurable change are left out.
Show all 15 model years side by side
| Year | Latest engines | Best MPG / range | Length | Weight | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Electric | 410 mi | 195.7 in | 4,969 lb | Not rated | 0 | 7 |
| 2025 | Electric | 410 mi | 195.7 in | 4,969 lb | Not rated | 2 | 6 |
| 2024 | Electric | 402 mi | 195.7 in | 4,969 lb | Not rated | 6 | 38 |
| 2023 | Electric | 405 mi | 195.7 in | 4,969 lb | Not rated | 13 | 115 |
| 2022 | Electric | 405 mi | 195.7 in | 4,969 lb | Not rated | 20 | 139 |
| 2021 | Electric | 405 mi | 195.7 in | 4,969 lb | Not rated | 23 | 179 |
| 2020 | Electric | 402 mi | 195.7 in | 4,969 lb | Not rated | 11 | 80 |
| 2019 | Electric | 370 mi | 195.7 in | 4,969 lb | Not rated | 10 | 44 |
| 2018 | Electric | 335 mi | 195.7 in | 4,969 lb | Not rated | 11 | 170 |
| 2017 | Electric | 335 mi | 195.7 in | 4,969 lb | Not rated | 9 | 430 |
| 2016 | Electric | 315 mi | 195.7 in | 4,420 lb | Not rated | 10 | 650 |
| 2015 | Electric | 270 mi | 195.7 in | 4,420 lb | Not rated | 9 | 669 |
| 2014 | Electric | 265 mi | 195.7 in | 4,647 lb | ★★★★★ | 9 | 365 |
| 2013 | Electric | 265 mi | 195.7 in | 4,751 lb | Not rated | 11 | 433 |
| 2012 | Electric | 265 mi | – | – | Not rated | 8 | 61 |
Alternatives to the 2026 Model S
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 BMW 5 Series | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Tesla Model 3 | 363 mi | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Audi A6 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Most common owner-reported problems
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Tesla. How we calculate this →