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Tesla Model S Reliability Grade

C-Overall

Below-average reliability

Motor & BatteryD
DrivetrainB-

Grade a specific Tesla Model S

Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.

The Tesla Model S earns a C- overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a D for its motor and battery and a B- for its drivetrain. It ranks 3rd of 4 electric vehicles we grade. The motor and battery (D) are its weaker area, so check battery health and charging history before buying. Grades are based on 3,125 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

Tesla Model S reliability by year

Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.

2012B2013F2014F2015F2016D2017C2018C+2019A-2020B-2021C+2022C2023C2024B

Best years: 2019

Years to avoid: 2013–2015 (stalling / loss of power) and 2016 (transmission slipping / rough shifting)

Faded years are recent, so fewer complaints have come in. Their grades may change.

How long does the Tesla Model S last?

220,000Estimated lifespan (miles)

A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.

Known Tesla Model S problems

We track 2 known problem areas for the Tesla Model S, including which model years they affect. They're in the full report, along with miles remaining and a deal score for the car you're looking at.

See Model S problems

Tesla Model S vs. other electric vehicles

ModelEngineTrans.Overall
Tesla Model 3 C A- B-
Tesla Model Y C- B C
Tesla Model S D B- C-
Tesla Model X D B- C-

Most reliable electric vehicles →

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Tesla Model S reliability FAQ

Is the Tesla Model S reliable?

Below-average reliability. The Tesla Model S earns a C- overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a D for its motor and battery and a B- for its drivetrain. It ranks 3rd of 4 electric vehicles we grade. The motor and battery (D) are its weaker area, so check battery health and charging history before buying. Grades are based on 3,125 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2023 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

How many miles will a Tesla Model S last?

We estimate a well-maintained Tesla Model S lasts around 220,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.

What are the best years for the Tesla Model S?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Tesla Model S model years are 2019.

What Tesla Model S years should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Tesla Model S years to be most careful with are 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. The 2013 grades an F overall (motor and battery F, drivetrain D), and its top engine/transmission problem is stalling / loss of power, which a recall covers. The 2014 grades an F overall (motor and battery F, drivetrain D), and its top engine/transmission problem is stalling / loss of power, which a recall covers.

Is the Tesla Model S drivetrain reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Tesla Model S drivetrain a B- (average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.

Is the Tesla Model S motor and battery reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Tesla Model S motor and battery a D (poor reliability).