Used Car Checklists

Used Tesla Model S: Inspection checklist

Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 4,606 complaints across these 8 years; the 2023 drew the most.

Tesla Model S

Choose a model year

Problems that follow the Model S from year to year

Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.

Area20182019202020212022202320242025Total
Automatic emergency braking3210743332532184811979
Electrical47184712686965516491
Acceleration and cruise control32847148119141206521
Steering17115411746239227513
Suspension492655531762262

Model S generations and updates

First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.

  1. First generation

    2013–now

    2017 update: Updated front fascia; New LED adaptive headlights; Reintroduction of 60kWh model; Introduction of all-wheel-drive version (60D)

    2021 update: Significant update including redesigned interior; Introduction of high-performance Plaid model

Mileages where Model S problems start

From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.

Typical mileageProblemYear
12–130 milesRear motor inverter failure2023
40–500 milesUnintended acceleration while parking2020
64–500 milesPhantom braking on new cars2022
73–1,000 milesAP4 computer failure, cameras out2025
300–600 milesLow-speed unintended acceleration2021
1,000–4,000 milesAP4 computer and camera failure2024
1,024–6,000 milesDriver-assist crashes2024
3,000–5,500 milesRear camera, backup prevention failure2022
5,000–15,000 milesInner-edge tire wear2020
6,279–13,000 milesSuspension creaks and clunks2023
10,000–46,000 milesFront half-shaft shudder2020
12,928–23,506 milesInner-edge tire wear from camber2023
19,200–49,000 milesLoose lower control arm bolts2023
37,876–40,000 milesFront suspension link noise2020

Every Model S recall to confirm

50 recalls cover the Model Syears on this site. Open a campaign number for NHTSA's full notice. 33 campaigns span more than one model year.

Show 40 more recalls

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