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    2015
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012

    Tesla Model S Change Vehicle

    With its futuristic gee-whiz innovation and astonishing performance, the fully-electric Tesla Model S seems like a car from another planet. The Model S was the highest-scoring car we'd ever tested, with its high-performance all-wheel-drive version scoring even higher. As advanced as the Tesla is, what makes it so impressive is how seamlessly it blends into everyday life.
    Alerts
    There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
    2015
    New 2019
    Used 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012

    Tesla Model S

    Reliability
    See All
    Owner Satisfaction
    See All
    Crash and Rollover Tests
    IIHS Front Moderate Overlap NA
    IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver NA
    IIHS Side Crash NA
    NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
    NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
    See All

    Road Test Results

    Performance
    Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
    0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
    Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
    Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
    CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
    CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
    CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
    Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
    Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
    Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit,
    Comfort / Convenience
    Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
    Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
    Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
    Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
    Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
    Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.

    Owner Reports

    Worse Better
    Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
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    2003
    2004
    2005
    2006
    2007
    2008
    2009
    2010
    2011
    2012
    NA
    2013
    2014
    2015
    2016
    2017
    2018
    Reliability Trouble Spots
    Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
    Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
    Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
    Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
    View all Reliability
    Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    2000
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    2003
    2004
    2005
    2006
    2007
    2008
    2009
    2010
    2011
    2012
    2013
    2014
    2015
    2016
    2017
    2018
    Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
    Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
    Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
    Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
    View all Owner Satisfaction
    Safety Equipment
    ABS and ESC standard. Side and head protection air bags standard.
    Road Test

    With its futuristic gee-whiz innovation and astonishing performance, the fully-electric Tesla Model S seems like a car from another planet. The Model S was the highest-scoring car we'd ever tested, with its high-performance all-wheel-drive version scoring even higher.

    As advanced as the Tesla is, what makes it so impressive is how seamlessly it blends into everyday life. No other fully-electric car comes close to its 200-mile-plus range, limiting a key compromise inherent with electric cars. The Tesla also happens to be enjoyable to drive, it is brimming with technology and benefits from hatchback practicality. It matches the acceleration of the world's top sports cars mending it with the usability of a family sedan. But compared to other luxury cars brushing with a six-figure price tag, the Tesla's interior quality and seats aren't quite up to par.

    Seating
    2 front, 3 rear, 2 third
    Drive Wheels
    AWD , Rear
    Warranty

    In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

    Read more about extended warranties
    Body Styles
    sedan
    Transmissions Available
    • 1-speed Direct
    Engines Available
    • electric (373 hp)
    • electric (328 hp)
    • electric (691 hp)
    • electric (518 hp)
    • electric (315 hp)

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2015 Tesla Model S owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Body Integrity

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    “Water was leaking through the sunroof. Took three attempts to fix”

    Anonymous, OH (2015 Tesla Model S 85 Electric)

    “Drivers window when going above 50 mph. Brought it into the service center and it was fixed promptly”

    Dorothy V., CT (2015 Tesla Model S P85D Electric)

    “The seals problem is the same as the wind noise problem”

    Anonymous, IL (2015 Tesla Model S 85D Electric)

    “There was a seal leak, and took three attempts to fix it”

    Anonymous, OH (2015 Tesla Model S 85 Electric)
    Squeaks or rattles

    “squeaks and rattles”

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Tesla Model S 85D Electric)

    “5 squeaks and rattles, all were fixed”

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Tesla Model S P85D Electric)

    “Sun roof and trunk needed an adjustment after delivery. After adjustment the car is so quiet. I love it!”

    Anonymous, NJ (2015 Tesla Model S 85D Electric)
    Wind noise

    “Seal for sunroof on driver's side imperfect leading to wind noise. Tesla will soon be picking up the car and repairing the problem”

    Holly B., CA (2015 Tesla Model S 85 kWh Electric)

    “I have had the moon roof serviced several times to correct wind noise and correct water leaks during a very heavy downpour. The leak was fixed quickly but the wind noise persists. In my opinion, the moon roof has design flaws”

    Anonymous, IL (2015 Tesla Model S 85D Electric)
    Load more

    Body Hardware

    Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

    What Owners Say

    Doors or sliding doors

    “Driver's door not aligned properly causing it not to close easier. Also the driver's door handle does not come out when touched”

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Tesla Model S P85D Electric)

    “hatch needed realignment. was fixed fine”

    David F., VA (2015 Tesla Model S P85D Electric)
    Tailgate, hatch or trunk

    “Tailgate out of adjustment. Slams down before latching”

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Tesla Model S P85D Electric)
    Glass defects

    “Windshield crack in top middle. Was covered by warranty”

    Anonymous, NC (2015 Tesla Model S 85D Electric)
    Locks and latches

    “Replaced door handles”

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Tesla Model S 85D Electric)

    “Door handle broke. Had to be replaced under warranty”

    Anonymous, NJ (2015 Tesla Model S 70D Electric)

    “Drivers door and rear drivers side door handles stayed stuck in on two separate occasions. Both were fixed within 48 hours. Could still open the door from the inside without issue”

    Justin P., WA (2015 Tesla Model S 85D Electric)
    Sunroof

    “Rattles sometimes. Chatters during closing”

    Ken H., CA (2015 Tesla Model S 70D Electric)
    Load more

    In-car Electronics

    CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

    What Owners Say

    Display screen freezes up

    “Had a bug where display screen rebooted constantly. Very disconcerting while driving”

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Tesla Model S 85D Electric)

    “Phone often not connected; therefore, the Calendar won't function, and the Calendar doesn't always function, even with teh phone connected, unless you open the Tesla App on your phone”

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Tesla Model S 70D Electric)

    “Do not function specifically enough; scroll buttons prone to error while operating them; some functions freeze, then later respond”

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Tesla Model S 70D Electric)
    Voice control commands

    “Voice control regularly fails to recognize contacts”

    Anonymous, NC (2015 Tesla Model S 85 Electric)
    Load more

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    “Chrome mouldings around doors misaligned”

    Anonymous, VA (2015 Tesla Model S 85D Electric)

    “Emblem on front fender pealed back. From car wash”

    Ken H., CA (2015 Tesla Model S 70D Electric)

    “the car was delivered with molding that was not properly applied and was not even with the other door trims”

    Charles K., CA (2015 Tesla Model S 85D Electric)
    Loose interior trim or moldings

    “Rear trunk side panel loose”

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Tesla Model S P85D Electric)
    Load more

    Electric System

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

    What Owners Say

    Exterior lights (other than headlights)

    “Very minor. One of the two rear license plate lights didn't work. Tesla replaced it immediately”

    James K., IL (2015 Tesla Model S P85D Electric)
    Body control module

    “Problems with seat adjustment and windows”

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Tesla Model S Unsure Electric)
    Keyless entry

    “drivers door would unlock and open when car was parked after driving”

    Gar C., WA (2015 Tesla Model S 85D Electric)

    Power Equipment

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

    What Owners Say

    Hybrid/electric battery replacement

    “I inadvertently ran the car through high standing water during a rain storm which resulted in water getting inside what I understood to be a sealed battery and Tesla considered it collision damage. The repair involved a main battery replacement at a cost of more than $20,000 and required me having to file an auto insurance claim to cover the cost”

    Charles S., CA (2015 Tesla Model S P90D Electric)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

    What Owners Say

    4WD/AWD components

    “front motor burned out”

    Anonymous, WA (2015 Tesla Model S 85D Electric)

    Brakes

    Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

    What Owners Say

    Parking brake

    “E-brake sensor broke. E-brake functions fine, but it thought it was still enabled, which it wasn't”

    Justin P., WA (2015 Tesla Model S 85D Electric)

    Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    “Had clicking sound when steering at low speeds. Repaired once and then tie rods related when problem persisted. all under warranty”

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Tesla Model S 70D Electric)

    Fuel System

    Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

    Climate System

    Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

    Change Vehicle