Which Years Of Used Tesla Model S Cars Are Most Reliable?
We've rounded up five of the most reliable Tesla Model S years. See which ones (and which Model S years to avoid) so you can make a smart preowned EV decision.
The Tesla Model S is an admirable luxury sedan, emerging in 2012 as a new powerhouse in the electric world. It offers high rates of speed on the road and plenty of technology features inside. If you’re looking for a used version of this car, you might wonder - what is the most reliable Tesla Model S year on the market?
Dependability is critical when purchasing a car, especially one as advanced as the Tesla Model S. This factor will determine how much you spend to keep your car in top shape in a year. It might feel impossible to pick the best one - which is where we come in. Read on to learn more about the most reliable Tesla Model S year and other critical information.
THE TESLA MODEL S YEARS TO AVOID
It was unveiled in Summer of 2012 and is Tesla’s top-of-the-line model. While widely considered to be a trailblazer for the electric vehicle movement, it still faces some challenges. Here are the Tesla Model S years to avoid.
Most Reliable Years For The Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S was one of the first of its kind, offering a unique advance in the electric SUV design. So far, there’s been a decade of creations released on the market. We’ve put together a list of the most dependable choices from the Tesla Model S lineup.
Here are the best years for the Tesla Model S on the market:
- 2018 Tesla Model S
- 2019 Tesla Model S
- 2020 Tesla Model S
- 2021 Tesla Model S
- 2022 Tesla Model S
If you’re searching for the most reliable Tesla Model S year, these five are excellent choices.
Nobody wants to spend more than they need to on their car, especially if you purchase an electric selection. These choices will keep your costs lower than in the worst years and bring peace of mind.
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Are Tesla Models S Generally Reliable?
The Tesla Model S has more than a decade of production with some very reliable models. However, they don’t speak for the manufacturer as a whole. What does dependability look like when examining the average across all years?
According to getjerry.com, the Tesla Model S scores lower in reliability than other vehicles. It’s not on par with other luxury electric vehicles. According to whatcar.com, the Tesla Model S finished dead last.
The Tesla Model S might have been a force forward for the electric car, but it’s far from the best. There are tons of issues with the Tesla Model S.
Which Tesla Model S Years Are The Least Reliable?
There are many excellent Tesla Model S years, but there are some that are less than ideal. More than half of their models are less than ideal for drivers who want an electric car.
Here are the worst years available for the Tesla Model S:
- 2012 Tesla Model S
- 2013 Tesla Model S
- 2014 Tesla Model S
- 2015 Tesla Model S
- 2016 Tesla Model S
- 2017 Tesla Model S
If you’re hunting for the most reliable Tesla Model S year, keep away from these six choices if at all possible, during your hunt.
The Tesla Model S has made quite the name for itself, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. These years boast many types of issues. A few of the worst include suspension faults, trouble with the display screens, phantom braking, trouble with the rear trunk opening, and more.
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Are Tesla Models S Expensive To Maintain?
According to jalopnik.com, Tesla costs about $832 a year to maintain. This number is $200 higher than the average for typical vehicles. This number is very high and puts them in a position as one of the worst carmakers on the market.
There is a high chance you will run into issues if you are the owner of a Tesla Model S. Owners report plenty of failures with the design and technology.
If you have a Tesla Model S, perform maintenance whenever you can. The more action you take for minor details, the more likely your Tesla Model S is to remain in one piece for a longer period.
Which Tesla Is Most Reliable?
Maybe you’re set on buying from Tesla but only want the most dependable choice from the brand. The Tesla Model S might seem cool, but is it the most reliable Tesla offers?
According to iseecars.com, here are the most dependable Tesla selections on the market:
- Tesla Model 3
- Tesla Model S
- Tesla Model X
- Tesla Model Y
These are the top contenders from Tesla.
If you want the best, go with the Model 3, S, X, or Y. They are top contenders from the brand and offer excellent value for the price point. Although the Tesla Model S has major issues, it still makes the list as a top contender from Tesla.
What Are The Most Common Tesla Model S Problems?
As with many cars, some troubles appear across all years for the Tesla Model S. It’s ideal to know these before buying one.
According to getjerry.com, troubles include the following:
- Exterior accessory issues
- AC and heater faults
- Interior accessory issues
Watch out for these if you’re driving a Tesla Model S.
These might come up in the best years for the Tesla Model S. However, they are most likely to make themselves known as the least reliable choices for the electric vehicle.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR BRAKES?
Unless you’re a mechanic or super-dedicated car enthusiast, you might not know much about the brakes on your car. How long do they typically last? How often should you replace your brakes? We’ve got answers
What Reddit Says About the Best Year of the Tesla Model S:
The Tesla Model S is one of the most popular EV sedans in the market, and for good reasons. But what about its long-term reliability? Some Redditors weigh in:
From a perspective of a longtime Model S owner:
Comment
byu/frode9lsen from discussion
inTeslaLounge
Another great experience from a Model S owner:
Comment
byu/ResponsibleChard4886 from discussion
inTeslaLounge
This person is quite happy with its Model S but disappointed by Tesla’s service::
Comment
byu/frode9lsen from discussion
inTeslaLounge
Conversely, here’s an owner that experienced plenty of problems:
Comment
byu/ResponsibleChard4886 from discussion
inTeslaLounge
Overall, the feedback regarding the Model S’s reliability is fairly positive. Sure, there are many reports of issues, but many drivers seem to be pleased with their EVs.
Is The Tesla Model S Worth It?
If you love cars from Tesla, the Model S is one of the best you can get. However, it isn’t worth it. This car does not offer quality value for what it costs.
Those determined to purchase the Tesla Model S should pick the most reliable options. They will provide the least issues and an extensive ownership experience without too many troubles on the road.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Tesla Model S is not a very reliable selection if you care about dependability. If you get the car, we recommend the 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 options for the best results.
We hope this information is beneficial! It might feel impossible to pick the right year with so many selections, so our knowledge should narrow down the field and make your final choice much easier.
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