BatteryHigh
Capacity loss and charging limits on early packs
- Typically appears
- 100,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check rated range at full charge and service history
- Typical repair
- Significant repair · £400–£1,400
Is the 2012–2025 Tesla Model S reliable?
Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
3.7/ 10
Buy with cautionOn our documented-fault scoring the Tesla Model S rates 3.7 out of 10 · buy with caution. We hold 8 known faults for it and 4 are rated high severity, so the risk is real but contained. The weak points cluster around body, battery and suspension. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.
Verdict · Walk unless the history is spotless
What the score is built from
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 4
- Medium
- 3
- Low
- 1
Weak points cluster around body, battery, suspension, electrical.
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Check this carThe faults that decide it
SuspensionHigh
Air suspension and control arm wear
- Typically appears
- 80,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check ride height and listen for clunks
- Typical repair
- Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100
DrivetrainHigh
Milling machine whine or clunking from the rear drive unit during acceleration or lift-off regeneration.
- Typically appears
- 40,000-80,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Drive at low speed with the window down. Apply sharp throttle then lift off completely to engage regen; listen for metallic clunks or a distinct high-pitched milling whine.
- Typical repair
- Door / window mechanism · £130–£600
Climate ControlHigh
Cabin fails to heat up due to a blown PTC heater element, leaving only cold air blowing from the vents.
- Typically appears
- 60,000-100,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Set the climate control to 'HI' manually, disable the heated seats, and place your hand over the centre vents. It should blow noticeably hot air within 60 seconds.
- Typical repair
- Air-con regas or compressor · £90–£900
BodyMedium
Door handle mechanism failures on early cars
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Operate every door handle several times
- Typical repair
- Door / window mechanism · £130–£600
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
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