NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints for the 2025 Tesla Model S. Most complaints involve power train (2) and suspension (2). The EPA rates it 93–124 mpg combined.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“The power train of my 2025 Tesla Model S failed. As a result, the car had several systems alert on my console that they were "unavailable" or "degraded", and in addition to the alerts I experienced their loss or degradation in real time. This included braking, steering, stability control, and traction control. Normally you don't have to hold the brake pedal down at a stop light on this electric vehicle, but when the failure occurred my car was rolling backwards at the stop light and so I had to hold down the brake. Also, steering was noticeably degraded and not stable. The car was also exhibiting behavior similar to a stuck accelerator whereby even with my foot off the accelerator the car would not slow up. Tesla had to tow my car to their nearest Tesla service center, and they replaced the front body controller and the battery controller which took three days. There were no warnings whatsoever or anything relating to the power train that were peculiar prior to this incident. It occurred all of a sudden after getting into my car and putting it in reverse to back out of a parking spot. I was then bombarded with several alert messages as mentioned above and drove…”
“I experienced excessive rear tire wear on both rear tires inner side The tire ended up blowing out on the rear passenger tire”
“The turning signal button on the steering wheel doesn't respond intermittently. It's a safety hazard to not engage a turning signal when making a turn.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model S Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | 132 | 116 | 124 | $600 | — |
| Model S Plaid (19in wheels) Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | 108 | 99 | 104 | $750 | — |
| Model S Plaid (21in wheels) Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | 97 | 89 | 93 | $800 | — |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tire rotation | 6,000–8,000 mi | 6–12 months | EVs wear tires faster (weight, torque) |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–4 years | Regen braking spares the pads, not the fluid |
| Battery coolant | Per manual | Per manual | Intervals vary widely by maker |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (2), suspension (2), steering (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2025 Tesla Model S at 93–124 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).