Model S
Tesla Model S: official NHTSA recalls, fault code help and maintenance guides.
Licensed photo · Photo creditGenerations and technical specifications
Tesla Model S2012–2026
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | June 2012 – May 2026 |
| Model years | 2013–2026 |
| Body styles | 4-door liftback sedan |
| Layout | Rear-motor, rear-wheel drive Dual-motor, all-wheel drive Tri-motor, all-wheel-drive (Plaid) |
| Electric motor | Alternating current induction motor Permanent magnet synchronous reluctance motor (rear motor for dual-motor models; 2019–2026) |
| Transmissions | Single-speed reduction gear |
| Battery | 40–100 kWh lithium-ion battery |
| Electric range | 335–652 km |
| Wheelbase | 2,960 mm |
| Length | 4,980–5,021 mm |
| Width | 1,963 mm |
| Height | 1,435 mm |
| Kerb weight | 1,961–2,250 kg |
| Class | Full-size |
| Assembly | United States: Fremont, California (Fremont factory) Netherlands: Tilburg (Tilburg factory, final assembly, 2013–2021) |
| Designer | Franz von Holzhausen (2008) Peter Rawlinson (Chief Engineer) |
Engines and transmissions
| Model years | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–2026 | Electric motor | Single-speed | All-wheel drive | Electricity |
| 2012–2018 | Electric motor | Single-speed | Rear-wheel drive | Electricity |
| 2014 | Electric motor | Single-speed | Four-wheel drive | Electricity |
Fuel economy (EPA)
| Model years | Configuration | Combined | City | Highway | Electric range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–2026 | Electric motor · Single-speed · All-wheel drive | 16.9–22.5 kWh/100 km | 15.9–23.6 kWh/100 km | 18.0–23.5 kWh/100 km | 351–660 km |
| 2012–2018 | Electric motor · Single-speed · Rear-wheel drive | 21.1–23.6 kWh/100 km | 21.5–23.6 kWh/100 km | 20.5–23.0 kWh/100 km | 224–426 km |
| 2014 | Electric motor · Single-speed · Four-wheel drive | 23.6 kWh/100 km | 24.2 kWh/100 km | 22.4 kWh/100 km | 389 km |
Values are the official EPA label figures for each model year, shown as the lowest and highest value for the configuration. Electric models show energy use per 100 km. Real-world consumption depends on driving style, weather and load. Luggage and passenger volumes follow the EPA measuring method and can differ from the VDA figures used in Europe.
EU type-approval data
| Years | Powertrain | Mass | Electric range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–2019 | Electric | 2102–2290 kg | 181 Wh/km |
Years are registration years. Each range runs from the 10th to the 90th percentile of the values reported for new registrations; it is not an average. Mass is the mass in running order. For electric cars the power is the type-approval net power, which can be lower than the peak power in brochures.
Key specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| EPA size class | Large car |
| Model years in EPA data | 2012–2026 |
| Powertrains | Electric |
| Transmission types | Single-speed |
| Drive | All-wheel drive, Rear-wheel drive, Four-wheel drive |
| Fuel | Electricity |
| Configurations listed | 69 |
| Electric motor (EPA) | 243 and 248 kW ACPM 3-Phase; 250 kW ACPM 3-Phase; 250, 250 and 250 kW ACPM 3-Phase; 247 and 247 kW ACPM 3-Phase |
| Luggage volume (EPA) | 736 L |
| Passenger volume (EPA) | 2,662 L |
| Electric range (EPA) | 224–660 km |
| Powertrains (EU) | Electric |
| Mass in running order (EU) | 2,102–2,290 kg |
| Wheelbase (EU) | 2,960 mm |
Years and markets
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model years (US) | 2012–2026 |
| New registrations (EU) | 2012–2026 |
Owner complaints (NHTSA)
| Component | Complaints | Most reported model years |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 389 | 2012, 2013, 2014 |
| Suspension | 206 | 2013, 2014, 2021 |
| Steering | 86 | 2013, 2014, 2021 |
| Driver assistance | 83 | 2013, 2014, 2021 |
| Transmission and drivetrain | 68 | 2012, 2013, 2014 |
| Speed control and cruise | 64 | 2013, 2014, 2021 |
| Body and structure | 56 | 2013, 2014, 2021 |
| Lights | 53 | 2013, 2014, 2021 |
| Brakes | 52 | 2013, 2014, 2021 |
| Fuel and propulsion | 50 | 2012, 2013, 2014 |
Source: complaints filed by owners with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2012–2014, 2021: 1064 complaints, 110 with a crash and 31 with a fire. Complaints are owner reports that NHTSA has not verified, and one complaint can name more than one component. More complaints can also mean more cars sold.