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2018 Tesla Model S

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

Tesla Model S
Pictured: Tesla Model S (Facelift ab 04-2016) (cropped). Photo: Peteratkins, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Large Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan AWD, 4dr Sedan RWD
Engines
Electric motor
Transmission
1-speed automatic
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
EV
EV range
335 mi · 10 h on 240 V
Length
195.7 in
Curb weight
4,656–4,969 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
11 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Long EV rangeUp to 335 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints170 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 4 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
  • 11 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 37 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Tesla Model S is a large car powered by electricity and all-wheel drive and rear-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 (4dr Sedan AWD).

The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 335 miles and takes about 10 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 11 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 170 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.

What changed for 2018

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Model S — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Model S →

Trims, performance & features

Powertrain–Electric motor
Transmission1-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlOptional
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard

Built in: Fremont, California

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2018 Model S configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan AWD195.7 in77.2 in56.7 in116.5 in65.4 / 66.9 in4,969 lb51/49
4dr Sedan RWD195.7 in77.2 in56.7 in116.5 in65.4 / 66.9 in4,656 lb47/53

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Model S 75D EV193 (front) 193 (rear) (75 kW-hr battery pack)Automatic (A1)All-Wheel Drive259 mi · 32.6174 kWh/100mi–$750–
Model S 100D EV193 (front) 193 (rear) (100 kW-hr battery pack)Automatic (A1)All-Wheel Drive335 mi · 33.196 kWh/100mi–$750–
Model S 75kWh EV270 kW AC Induction (75 kW-hr battery pack)Automatic (A1)Rear-Wheel Drive249 mi · 34.2499 kWh/100mi–$750–
Model S P100D EV193 (front) 375 (rear) (100 kW-hr battery pack)Automatic (A1)All-Wheel Drive315 mi · 34.561 kWh/100mi–$800–
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $8,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.1 MPG2018 Large Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Tesla Model S.

Similar 2018 large cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Tesla Model S (this car)335 miNot rated11
2018 BMW 5 Series30 MPGNot rated0
2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class25 MPG★★★★★0
2018 Audi A431 MPGNot rated4
2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class30 MPGNot rated0
2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class22 MPGNot rated0
2018 Audi A628 MPG★★★★★2

Recalls (11)

Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices · May 28, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V376000 · 125,233 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Electrical System › Software · Feb 27, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V153000 · 6,557 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Jan 30, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V051000 · 2,193,869 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Electrical System › Adas › Driver Monitoring › Software · Dec 12, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V838000 · 2,031,220 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
Steering › Automated/Adaptive Steering · Feb 15, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V085000 · 362,758 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation.  The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
Risk
FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.  Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.  Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.  Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Nov 1, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V818000 · 40,168 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.
Risk
A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the EPAS system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 31, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-014.
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Mar 18, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V169000 · 947 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S, Model X, and 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles equipped with Autopilot Computer 2.5 and operating certain firmware releases. The rearview image may not immediately display when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-004.
Steering › Automated/Adaptive Steering · Jan 27, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V037000 · 53,822 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Risk
Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · Dec 21, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V00B000 · 130,441 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113, "Hood Latch System."
Risk
If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla Service will inspect and reposition the latch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-11-003.
Forward Collision Avoidance › Software · Oct 29, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V846000 · 11,728 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
Risk
Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System · Jan 29, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V035000 · 134,951 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center display functions.
Risk
The eMMC controller wear-out condition can cause the loss of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Owners should ensure their vehicles are operating firmware release 2020.48.48.12 or newer, which will alert owners if the eMMC is approaching lifetime wear. Tesla will notify owners, and will replace the VCM daughterboard with one containing an enhanced eMMC controller, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-21-001.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Tesla Model S is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

170Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
36Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
21Injuries reported
16,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unknown Or Other36
Electrical System32
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control31
Vehicle Speed Control28
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking27
Service Brakes25
Suspension20
Steering15
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/01: 124/02: 124/03: 424/04: 224/05: 324/06: 124/08: 224/10: 124/12: 225/01: 225/02: 225/03: 125/04: 125/07: 125/08: 225/09: 325/10: 125/12: 126/01: 126/02: 326/03: 226/05: 126/09: 126/10: 124/0124/0424/0825/0125/0425/0926/0126/05max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Tesla Model S buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 11 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 32 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 31 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
  4. Vehicle Speed Control — 28 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 16,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 335 miles.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Tesla Model S. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Model S years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Model S410 mi195.7 inNot rated07
2025 Model S410 mi195.7 inNot rated26
2024 Model S402 mi195.7 inNot rated638
2023 Model S405 mi195.7 inNot rated13115
2022 Model S405 mi195.7 inNot rated20139
2021 Model S405 mi195.7 inNot rated23179
2020 Model S402 mi195.7 inNot rated1180
2019 Model S370 mi195.7 inNot rated1044
2017 Model S335 mi195.7 inNot rated9429
2016 Model S315 mi195.7 inNot rated10649
2015 Model S270 mi195.7 inNot rated9668
2014 Model S265 mi195.7 inNot rated9365

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Tesla. How we calculate this →