Issue Pattern Analysis

Tesla Model S Common Problems

We analyzed every Tesla Model S reliability report across 14 model years (avg score 76/100) — here are the issues that keep showing up.

Most-Reported Model S Issues

Ranked by how often this issue appears in our Tesla Model S year-by-year reports.

#1

Air Suspension System

Affects 64% of years

Reported across 9 Tesla Model S model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.

#2

Media Control Unit (MCU)

Affects 36% of years

Reported across 5 Tesla Model S model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.

#3

Automatic Door Handles

Affects 21% of years

Reported across 3 Tesla Model S model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.

#4

Infotainment System (MCU)

Affects 14% of years

Reported across 2 Tesla Model S model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.

#5

Suspension Components

Affects 14% of years

Reported across 2 Tesla Model S model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.

#6

Electrical/Infotainment System

Affects 14% of years

Reported across 2 Tesla Model S model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.

#7

Air Suspension Components

Affects 14% of years

Reported across 2 Tesla Model S model years analyzed. Pull the full reliability report for a specific year to see exact symptoms, mileage ranges, and repair-cost estimates.

Problems by Model Year

2012 Tesla Model S68/100

A groundbreaking vehicle with a steep learning curve for reliability and ownership costs, especially on early models.

2013 Tesla Model S68/100

An iconic electric pioneer, but demands a vigilant owner prepared for common electronic and mechanical pitfalls.

2014 Tesla Model S72/100

A revolutionary vehicle with a potent powertrain, but budget generously for its inevitable electrical and suspension maladies.

2015 Tesla Model S68/100

A high-tech pioneer offering thrilling performance, but be prepared for potentially substantial repair costs on key electronic and mechanical components.

2016 Tesla Model S78/100

A technologically advanced and exhilarating car, but budget generously for common and expensive component failures.

2017 Tesla Model S78/100

A high-performance EV icon, but brace for potential high-tech repair costs for known weaknesses.

2018 Tesla Model S72/100

A high-performance luxury EV, but its groundbreaking tech can sometimes lead to equally groundbreaking repair bills.

2019 Tesla Model S75/100

A revolutionary EV with a strong heart, but its sophisticated accessories and comfort features demand vigilant maintenance and a healthy repair fund.

2020 Tesla Model S82/100

A high-performance luxury EV that demands a premium for its specialized, complex repairs when issues arise.

2021 Tesla Model S72/100

A thrilling technological marvel, but be prepared for potential high-tech headaches and premium repair bills.

2022 Tesla Model S82/100

A high-performance luxury EV that delivers thrills but demands vigilance for its advanced, and sometimes finicky, technology.

2023 Tesla Model S78/100

A technologically advanced vehicle where the thrill of innovation comes with the potential for complex and expensive issues outside the core drivetrain.

Don't buy on guesswork

Get the full Tesla Model S risk report

Common-problem patterns above are aggregate. For the specific year you're shopping, the paid report breaks down: exact mileage failure windows, repair-cost ranges, recall status, and a buy/avoid verdict.

OwnerKeep Passport

Your car. Documented. Forever.

OwnerKeep Passport turns every receipt, photo, and service into a luxury digital ownership vault — with an OwnerScore that pays you back at resale.

  • AI receipt OCR — snap and log
  • Fuel & mileage tracker
  • Tri-Score OwnerScore
  • One-tap resale dossier PDF
$499 · one-time · lifetime access · no subscription