Research · Large Cars
2026 Tesla Model SRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 8 owner complaints for the 2026 Tesla Model S. Most complaints involve vehicle speed control (2) and forward collision avoidance (2). The EPA rates it 93–124 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
93–124mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
8
Top: vehicle speed control
Fuel cost / yr
$600est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2026 Tesla Model S as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
8 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2025 – Oct 2026
- Vehicle speed control2
- Forward collision avoidance2
- Power train1
- Visibility/wiper1
- Suspension1
- Wheels1
- Lane departure1
- Service brakes1
- Other / unknown2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Vehicle speed control
2 reports
“Speed profiles don't adhere to actual speed limits. Speed can be higher or lower than posted. I can be driving in a 55mph speed zone and it will drop to 35 then accelerate to 65. On roads that have no speed limit posted car tends to want to go 55 rather than a more sensible speed of under 30, especially at night on a dirt road with wildlife about. Car will also see access road speed signs and slow down in the middle of traffic. To me i don't feel safe and have to disengage the system which adds stress to the drive. Being able to set my own speed is the solution, not having the car set it.”
Forward collision avoidance
2 reports
“Supervised FSD does not have a remedy if it assigns an incorrect speed limit to the current roadway. The only action available is to disengage FSD. This incorrect speed limit happens quite often, especially in construction zones with temporary speed limit changes. Tesla used to have a ‘max speed’ setting that the driver could use to override an incorrect speed limit, but they removed that capability.”
Power train
1 report
“Please see attachment”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Large Cars
- Engines
- Electric motor
- Transmissions
- Automatic (A1)
- Drive
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Electricity
- EV range
- 410 mi (EPA)
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model S Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | 132 | 116 | 124 | $600 | — |
| Model S Plaid Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | 114 | 105 | 110 | $700 | — |
| Model S Plaid (21in wheels) Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | 97 | 89 | 93 | $800 | — |
- 124mpg comb.
- 110mpg comb.
- 93mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2026 Tesla Model S as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 22073
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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 |
- Tire rotation6,000–8,000 mi
6–12 months - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–4 years - Battery coolantPer manual
Per manual - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2026 Model S questions
How many recalls does the 2026 Tesla Model S have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.
What are the most common 2026 Tesla Model S problems?
Owners filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are vehicle speed control (2), forward collision avoidance (2), power train (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2026 Tesla Model S get?
The EPA rates the 2026 Tesla Model S at 93–124 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026