Tesla Model S Problems by Year
The Tesla Model S is the groundbreaking luxury saloon that proved electric vehicles could offer blistering supercar performance and genuine cross-country range. In the UK, it shattered the dominance of the German executive class, offering access to the unmatched Supercharger network and constantly evolving over-the-air updates. Early models (2014-2017) are known for rapid depreciation due to "first-generation" build quality issues, but later "Raven" models are highly refined. Note that from 2022, Tesla controversially stopped producing Right-Hand Drive models for the UK. It suits tech-savvy executives and early EV adopters wanting massive range and straight-line speed.
Select a year below to see the specific problems affecting that model year, with estimated repair costs and severity ratings.
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Browse Model S in our Directory
View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for the Tesla Model S.
View Model S DirectoryBuying Tips for the Tesla Model S
- ✓Prioritize 2018+ models which feature the faster MCU2 infotainment system; earlier MCU1 units suffer from screen yellowing and eMMC memory failure.
- ✓Check the operation of all door handles multiple times as they are a very common and frustrating failure point.
- ✓Verify if the air suspension holds its height overnight; sagging indicates a leak in the struts or compressor.
- ✓Inspect the large alloy wheels for curbing; the car is very wide for UK roads and wheels are easily damaged.
- ✓Ensure the high-voltage battery has not degraded excessively by checking the estimated range at 100% charge against factory figures.
- ✓Look for uneven panel gaps and wind noise from the frameless doors, a hallmark of early Tesla build quality.