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LiftbackSince 2012NHTSA rated

Tesla Model S

The car that proved electric could be fast, long-legged and luxurious. Plaid remains one of the quickest production cars ever built.

Quick Facts & Specification Overview: The Tesla Model S is a liftback featuring powertrains delivering from 333 to 1020 horsepower, Engineered with AWD drivetrain systems across 2 generations, the model holds a Not Rated-star NHTSA safety rating and 24 active NHTSA safety recall campaigns.

Official Tesla Model S 2021 exterior styling, aerodynamic profile, and vehicle dimensions
Verified Press Vehicle
Tesla Model S Liftback2021 Spec

Years

2012 - present

Power

333 - 1020 hp

NHTSA

Not Rated★ overall

2021 Recalls

24 campaigns

Complaints

179 filed

01At a glance

Tesla Model S by the numbers

TopicTesla Model SDetail
Power range333 - 1020 hp4 powertrains verified
Safety ratingNot Rated★ overall (2026)Frontal Not Rated★ · Side Not Rated★ · Rollover 5★
Recalls (2021)24Open NHTSA safety campaigns
Complaints (2021)179UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Fuel typesElectricAWD drivetrain
Generations indexed2Each with full spec sheet
Dimensions (latest)4979 x 1964 x 1445 mmL x W x H, 2960 mm wheelbase

02Crash protection

Tesla Model S NHTSA safety ratings

YearOverallFrontalSideRolloverRecalls
2026NRNRNR5★0
2025NRNRNRNR0
2024NRNRNRNR0
2023NRNRNRNR0
2023NRNRNR5★0
2022NRNRNRNR0
2021NRNRNR5★0
2020NRNRNR5★0

Source: NHTSA Safercar_data.csv, official 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Recall counts from NHTSA Recall API. Official NHTSA ratings

03Active safety

2021 Tesla Model S open recalls

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE

22V037000

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.

Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.

AIR BAGS

21V868000

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021 Model X and Model S vehicles. The driver's air bag cushion may tear during deployment.

Fix: Tesla Service will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-007.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

22V045000

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

21V00B000

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113, "Hood Latch System."

Fix: Tesla Service will inspect and reposition the latch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-11-003.

05Pick your year

Tesla Model S generations

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05Generation comparison matrix

Compare all Tesla Model S generations

SpecificationModel S Palladium2021 – present (2021+)Model S2012 – 2020 (2012–2020)
Power Output670 – 1020 hp333 – 612 hp
EPA Fuel Economy——
Quickest 0–100 km/h2.1s2.5s
Exterior Dimensions4979 × 1964 × 1445 mm4970 × 1964 × 1445 mm
Wheelbase2960 mm2960 mm
Powertrains Verified2 trims2 trims
Full SpecsView spec sheet View spec sheet

Smart Value & Budget Pick

Model S

Ideal for used-car shoppers seeking reliable transportation with lower acquisition costs, proven naturally aspirated engines, and mature parts availability.

Explore Model Sspecs →

Technology & Modern Pick

Model S Palladium

Best for drivers wanting contemporary safety tech, digital cockpits, peak horsepower ratings, and the latest aerodynamic styling.

Explore Model S Palladiumspecs →

06Answers

Tesla Model S: what buyers ask

How many recalls does the Tesla Model S have?

The 2021 Tesla Model S has 24 open NHTSA recall campaigns. Always verify by your exact VIN, because recall coverage varies by production run.

How much horsepower does the Tesla Model S have?

Power ranges from 333 hp to 1020 hp across 4 verified powertrains, spanning Electric fuel types.

Is the Tesla Model S safe?

The 2026 Model S earned a Not Rated-star overall NHTSA rating (frontal Not Rated, side Not Rated, rollover 5).

What are common Tesla Model S problems?

NHTSA has 179 owner complaints on file for the 2021 model year, most frequently involving UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 13 involved a crash.

How many generations does the Tesla Model S have?

We index 2 verified generations with full powertrain specification sheets, spanning production from 2012 to the present.

Sources for this page

Figures on this page are compiled from the sources above and cross-checked against manufacturer data sheets. US-market EPA cycle where noted; European WLTP values are measured differently and are not directly comparable.

Check a specific Model S

Model-level data is a starting point, not a guarantee for your vehicle. Decode the exact VIN to confirm year, trim, engine, assembly plant and any open recalls that apply to that specific production run.

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