2024 Tesla Model S: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Newest used Model S: the lowest complaint volume of the refresh, long range and Plaid performance, still under the 8-year battery warranty. Divisive yoke/stalk-less ergonomics, a high price and high insurance keep it a considered buy. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2024 Tesla Model S ranged from $74,990 to $89,990 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

7/10

Mixed track record

Sources (8)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…
rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/tesla-model-s-years-to-avoid/
whatcar.comhttps://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/used-review/n996
cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/tesla-model-s-buying-guide
electrifying.comhttps://www.electrifying.com/used-reviews/tesla/model-s/review

Known issues

Yoke steering wheel draws ergonomic complaints, and the yoke's wrap can peel; stalk-less controls from 2023 add to the gripes.

commonly reported · 72 NHTSA complaints · steering
Phantom braking and false forward-collision alerts persist on Autopilot and adaptive cruise, heaviest on 2021-2022 cars.

commonly reported · 46 NHTSA complaints · other
Premature and uneven tire wear, with rear inside edges wearing quickly on the high-power Plaid.

occasional · suspension
Build-quality defects and software glitches: panel gaps, rattles and infotainment bugs are reported, worst on the 2021 launch cars.

commonly reported · body
12V/low-voltage battery and power-steering assist faults appear on some cars.

occasional · electrical

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (4)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

Supercharger network access plus very low running and energy cost.
Refreshed interior, more range (Long Range up to ~405 miles) and the Plaid's ~1,020 hp and sub-2.5-second 0-60.
Big hatchback practicality plus a front trunk.
Strong safety scores.
Newest tech: improved MCU, over-the-air updates and still within the 8-year/150k-mile battery warranty.

Cons

Divisive refresh ergonomics: the yoke steering wheel and stalk-less controls (from 2023) draw complaints and the yoke wrap can peel.
High purchase price and high insurance cost.
Build quality is still inconsistent, with panel gaps, rattles and software bugs.
2021 launch-quality teething (most complaints and recalls of the refresh) plus premature tire wear on the Plaid.
Phantom braking and false forward-collision alerts persist, heaviest in 2021-2022.

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
Long Range	$74,990	$94,990	Electric (BEV)	—
Plaid	$89,990	$109,990	Electric (BEV)	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2024-tesla-model_s-price

Depreciation

2024 entry trim from new same model bought new today

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($74,990). Higher trims started higher (up to $89,990), and options added more.

Curve outlook: a typical 2024 loses roughly another 39% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/tesla-model-s/resale-value

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $1,000–1,100/yr
Insurance (high tier)	≈ $3,900–4,000/yr
Expected lifespan	~300k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (2)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/tesla/s
moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/tesla-model-s-insurance/

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2024 Tesla Model S have?

Documented issue patterns include: Yoke steering wheel draws ergonomic complaints, and the yoke's wrap can peel; stalk-less controls from 2023 add to the gripes; Phantom braking and false forward-collision alerts persist on Autopilot and adaptive cruise, heaviest on 2021-2022 cars; Premature and uneven tire wear, with rear inside edges wearing quickly on the high-power Plaid; Build-quality defects and software glitches: panel gaps, rattles and infotainment bugs are reported, worst on the 2021 launch cars. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2024 Tesla Model S reliable?

How much did the 2024 Tesla Model S cost new?

Between $74,990 and $89,990 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Tesla Model S expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $1,000–1,100/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.