Years to avoid
Tesla Model S Years to Avoid
The 2021, 2023, 2020, 2024 model years stand out as the weakest in this Tesla Model S dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated April 2026
- Weakest year
- 2021
- Model average
- 41/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 1,211
- Recalls, weakest year
- 67
26/100 reliability
24-point range
99 crash · 8 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2021 Tesla Model S ranks last
The 2021 scores 26/100, rated risky, versus a model average of 41/100. NHTSA data contains 1,211 owner complaints and 67 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance (332), Vehicle Speed Control (148), Electrical System (126), Unknown Or Other (126). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2021 Tesla Model S record →Evidence by year
The weakest Tesla Model S model years compared
2021 Tesla Model S
- Complaints
- 1,211
- Recalls
- 67
- Crash reports
- 99
- Fire reports
- 8
Top issues: Forward Collision Avoidance (332), Vehicle Speed Control (148), Electrical System (126)
View 2021 details →2023 Tesla Model S
- Complaints
- 1,307
- Recalls
- 43
- Crash reports
- 153
- Fire reports
- 5
Top issues: Steering (239), Forward Collision Avoidance (214), Unknown Or Other (205)
View 2023 details →2020 Tesla Model S
- Complaints
- 465
- Recalls
- 43
- Crash reports
- 80
- Fire reports
- 0
Top issues: Forward Collision Avoidance (74), Unknown Or Other (57), Steering (54)
View 2020 details →2024 Tesla Model S
- Complaints
- 316
- Recalls
- 19
- Crash reports
- 55
- Fire reports
- 3
Top issues: Electrical System (54), Unknown Or Other (49), Forward Collision Avoidance (47)
View 2024 details →Better alternatives
Stronger Tesla Model S years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this Tesla Model S data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Tesla Model S research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Tesla Model S research FAQ
Which Tesla Model S years should I avoid?
2021, 2023, 2020, 2024 score materially below the strongest Tesla Model S years in this dataset. The 2021 is the weakest at 26/100, with 1,211 owner complaints and 67 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring Tesla Model S year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst Tesla Model S year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2025 (50/100), 2019 (48/100), 2018 (46/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Tesla Model S you are considering.