2025 Tesla Model S
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission & Drivetrain leads by volume: 2 of 6 complaints (33%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 38 in 2024 to 6 in 2025.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | vs. 2025 Large Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 650 | 600–800 | 600–800 | 600–800 | |
| Combined MPGe | 120 | 96–122 | 93–124 | 93–124 | |
| City / Highway MPGe | 124 / 115 | 100–127 / 91–116 | 97–132 / 89–116 | 97–132 / 89–116 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Complaints filed | 113 | 38 | 6 | 3 | |
| Recalls issued | 13 | 6 | 2 | 0 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2025 Tesla Model S have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2025 Tesla Model S?
Transmission & Drivetrain: 2 of 6 NHTSA complaints (33%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2025 Tesla Model S get?
EPA rates it 93–124 MPGe combined across 3 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2025 Tesla Model S?
EPA estimates $600–$800 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (3)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (A1) | — | — | All-Wheel Drive | Electricity | Large Cars | 108 MPGe | 99 MPGe | 104 MPGe | $750 | 0 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (A1) | — | — | All-Wheel Drive | Electricity | Large Cars | 97 MPGe (low) | 89 MPGe (low) | 93 MPGe (low) | $800 (high) | 0 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (A1) | — | — | All-Wheel Drive | Electricity | Large Cars | 132 MPGe (high) | 116 MPGe (high) | 124 MPGe (high) | $600 (low) | 0 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE · Campaign 25V002000 · Jan 7, 2025
Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-001.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:CUSHION · Campaign 24V967000 · Dec 26, 2024
Defect: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Consequence: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.