Model S

The Model S has been in production since 2012, longer than any other current Tesla, which means it has the deepest and most generation-dependent reliability history in the lineup – as covered in our full Tesla reliability and maintenance guide, treating a 2013 car and a 2024 car as the same vehicle would miss almost everything useful. This guide covers the Model S by era: what changed, the exact issues to expect, and what to check before buying.

Tesla Recalls & Safety Notices

Model years 2017–2026

LIVE DATA · SOURCE: NHTSA

Tesla Model-s — latest recalls

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Three Eras, Three Different Ownership Experiences

• 2012-2016 (early cars) – first-generation drive units, the original MCU1 infotainment computer, and the first wave of retractable door handles. This era carries the highest concentration of documented issues on this page.
• 2017-2020 (late pre-refresh) – improved hardware, MCU2 fitted as standard from 2018 onward, somewhat better build quality, but still using the legacy door handle design and aging air suspension components as these cars age.
• 2021-present (Refresh) – revised interior, MCU3 infotainment, and meaningfully improved reliability – Tesla’s newest Model S sedans now rank in the top tier of some reliability surveys.

Common Problems by Component

MCU (Media Control Unit) and Screen

Early MCU1 units (2012-2017) use an eMMC flash memory chip that wears out with use, causing slow boot-up, screen freezes, or a completely black, unresponsive display – and because a blank MCU screen also disables the backup camera, climate control, and door locking on these cars, it’s a functional problem, not just a cosmetic one. An MCU2 upgrade resolves the underlying issue and runs roughly $2,000 at a service center, less through an independent specialist. Confirm which MCU generation a car has via the touchscreen’s About menu before buying anything built before 2018.

Door Handles

The Model S’s flush, retractable door handles were a signature design touch and also a recurring failure point on 2012-2016 cars, with motor failures occasionally leaving owners locked out. The design has been refined on later cars but remains worth checking for smooth, consistent operation on all four doors during a test drive.

Air Suspension

Many Model S trims use adaptive air suspension for ride quality and automatic height adjustment. Over time – especially in cold climates or on rough roads – the air struts can leak at the bag seams or compressor fittings, causing the car to sag on one corner or trigger a persistent dashboard warning, and control arm bushings and ball joints wear alongside them. Repairs commonly run $2,000-4,000 depending on what’s actually failed. 2019-and-later “Raven” models received a refined suspension tune, but any high-mileage air-suspension car, regardless of year, is worth inspecting specifically for this.

Recalls

A rearview camera fault tied to a circuit board defect affects 2021-2025 Model S (along with Model 3, X, and Y), triggering a federal recall for failing to meet rearview visibility standards. Confirm this has been addressed on any specific VIN before buying.

Reliability by Era

2013, Tesla’s first full production year, is the most commonly flagged year to be cautious with – door handle motor failures and premature suspension component wear (control arms and bushings) were frequent enough that repair estimates commonly ran around $2,700. 2015 was specifically flagged by federal regulators for suspension-related concerns. Reliability improved steadily through the late pre-refresh years and again meaningfully with the 2021+ Refresh generation.

Recommended Maintenance

Interval	What to Check
Every 12,000-16,000 km (~7,500-10,000 mi) or annually	Tire rotation and wear check, brake fluid condition check, cabin air filter replacement, MCU responsiveness check (reboot time, app lag, screen freezing)
Every 2 years regardless of mileage	Brake fluid flush
As needed, especially pre-2018 cars	Door handle operation check on all four doors; air suspension leak and ride-height check

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tesla Model S reliable?

It depends heavily on the year. Cars from 2021 onward are meaningfully more reliable and now rank among the better-scoring EVs in some surveys. Pre-2018 cars carry real, well-documented risk around MCU failure, door handles, and air suspension – budget accordingly rather than assuming brand reputation alone.

How much does an MCU upgrade cost?

Roughly $2,000 at a Tesla service center for the MCU2 upgrade that resolves the MCU1 memory-wear problem; independent EV specialists can sometimes perform the same fix for less.

Should I avoid a 2012-2014 Model S entirely?

Not necessarily, but go in with clear expectations: budget for a likely MCU2 upgrade if it hasn’t already been done, and get the door handles and air suspension specifically inspected before buying, since these are the components most likely to need attention on cars this age.