The 2019 Tesla Model S is the best year to buy on NHTSA data: 32 complaints, the fewest of any used year, with 10 recall campaigns and KBB Fair Purchase Prices from $24,700 to $32,600. The 2024 follows with 38 complaints and 6 recalls, from $67,700, and the 2012 has 59 complaints and the lowest price on the list, $10,500. The best refreshed interior value is the 2021, from $36,100. The 2017 ranks last with 379 complaints. NHTSA lists an over-the-air software update as the remedy for most Tesla recalls.
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $24,700 for the 75D, $25,000 for the 100D, $26,900 for the Standard, $28,700 for the Long Range, $31,500 for the P100D and $32,600 for the Performance
Buyers who want the fewest complaints of any used year, 32, from $24,700
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $10,500 for the Signature, $10,950 for the Sedan, $11,850 for the Signature Performance and $12,500 for the Performance
Buyers who want the cheapest Model S, from $10,500, with only 59 complaints
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $36,100 for the Long Range Plus, $38,800 for the Performance, $40,500 for the Long Range and $51,600 for the Plaid
Buyers who want the first refreshed Model S, from $36,100
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $18,000 for the 60D, $19,250 for the 75, $19,550 for the 60, $20,200 for the 75D, $21,600 for the 90D, $22,700 for the 100D and $24,800 for the P100D
Buyers who want the first facelift look from $18,000
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2019 Tesla Model S
Newest priced year
2024 Tesla Model S
Cheapest
2012 Tesla Model S
First refreshed interior
2021 Tesla Model S
The ranking
1
2019 Tesla Model S
Photo: Greg Gjerdingen / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe fewest complaints of any used year.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $24,700 for the 75D, $25,000 for the 100D, $26,900 for the Standard, $28,700 for the Long Range, $31,500 for the P100D and $32,600 for the PerformanceNHTSA recalls: 10 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2019 Tesla Model S, 9 of them with an over-the-air software update in the remedy textNHTSA complaints: 32 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Tesla Model S (unique ODI numbers)Range and economy: EPA range up to 370 miles and 111 combined MPGe on the Long Range (fueleconomy.gov)What changed: KBB lists the 100 kWh battery as standard, with the models renamed Long Range and Performance
The 2019 Model S has the fewest complaints of any used year: NHTSA lists 32 complaints and 10 recall campaigns, 9 of them with an over-the-air update in the remedy. KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $24,700 for the 75D to $32,600 for the Performance, with up to 370 miles of EPA range on the Long Range. KBB lists the 100 kWh battery as standard.
Go ifBuyers who want the fewest complaints of any used year, 32, from $24,700
Skip ifYou want fewer than 10 recall campaigns
Why #1 over #2: It lists 32 complaints versus 38 for the 2024, and starts at $24,700 versus $67,700.
2
2024 Tesla Model S
Photo: Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe newest priced year, with only 6 recalls.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $67,700 for the Standard and $83,600 for the PlaidNHTSA recalls: 6 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2024 Tesla Model S, 3 of them with an over-the-air software update in the remedy textNHTSA complaints: 38 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2024 Tesla Model S (unique ODI numbers)Range and economy: EPA range up to 402 miles and 122 combined MPGe (fueleconomy.gov)What changed: KBB lists no significant changes for 2024 apart from the steering yoke becoming a $1,000 option, with a regular steering wheel standard
The 2024 Model S is the newest year with a KBB used price: $67,700 for the Standard and $83,600 for the Plaid. NHTSA lists 38 complaints and 6 recall campaigns, 3 with over-the-air updates, and fueleconomy.gov lists up to 402 miles of range. KBB lists no significant changes for 2024 apart from the steering yoke becoming a $1,000 option.
Go ifBuyers who want the newest year with a KBB used price, 6 recall campaigns and 38 complaints
Skip ifYou want a used price under $50,000
Why #2 over #3: It lists 38 complaints versus 59 for the 2012 and 6 recalls versus 8.
3
2012 Tesla Model S
Photo: raneko / CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cheapest year, from $10,500.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $10,500 for the Signature, $10,950 for the Sedan, $11,850 for the Signature Performance and $12,500 for the PerformanceNHTSA recalls: 8 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2012 Tesla Model S, 3 of them with an over-the-air software update in the remedy textNHTSA complaints: 59 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Tesla Model S (unique ODI numbers)Range and economy: EPA range of 265 miles and 89 combined MPGe (fueleconomy.gov)What changed: KBB lists the first model year, with the Signature priced at $90,390 when new
The 2012 Model S is the first model year and the cheapest: KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $10,500 for the Signature to $12,500 for the Performance. NHTSA lists 59 complaints and 8 recall campaigns, 3 with over-the-air updates. Its EPA range is 265 miles at 89 combined MPGe.
Go ifBuyers who want the cheapest Model S, from $10,500, with only 59 complaints
Skip ifYou want more than the 265 miles of EPA range the 2012 offers
Why #3 over #4: It lists 59 complaints versus 80 for the 2020, and starts at $10,500 versus $31,900.
4
2020 Tesla Model S
Photo: Vauxford / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe longest-range facelift car, with 80 complaints.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $31,900 for the Long Range Plus, $33,100 for the Long Range and $34,500 for the PerformanceNHTSA recalls: 11 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2020 Tesla Model S, 10 of them with an over-the-air software update in the remedy textNHTSA complaints: 80 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Tesla Model S (unique ODI numbers)Range and economy: EPA range up to 402 miles and 117 combined MPGe on the Long Range Plus (fueleconomy.gov)What changed: KBB lists improved power, torque and range from mid-2019 and Autopilot as standard
The 2020 Model S offers up to 402 miles of EPA range on the Long Range Plus, at $31,900 against $33,100 for the Long Range and $34,500 for the Performance. NHTSA lists 80 complaints and 11 recall campaigns, 10 with over-the-air updates. KBB lists improved power, torque and range from mid-2019 and Autopilot as standard.
Go ifBuyers who want a 402-mile EPA range at $31,900
Skip ifYou want a 2021 or newer interior
Why #4 over #5: It lists 80 complaints versus 115 for the 2023, and starts at $31,900 versus $52,000.
5
2023 Tesla Model S
Photo: Alexander-93 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe refreshed interior, with 115 complaints.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $52,000 for the Standard and $70,200 for the PlaidNHTSA recalls: 13 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2023 Tesla Model S, 8 of them with an over-the-air software update in the remedy textNHTSA complaints: 115 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2023 Tesla Model S (unique ODI numbers)Range and economy: EPA range of 405 miles and 120 combined MPGe (fueleconomy.gov)What changed: KBB lists an optional regular steering wheel for 2023
The 2023 Model S has the refreshed interior and a 405-mile EPA range. KBB prices are $52,000 for the Standard and $70,200 for the Plaid. NHTSA lists 115 complaints and 13 recall campaigns, 8 with over-the-air updates, and KBB lists an optional regular steering wheel.
Go ifBuyers who want the refreshed interior with 405 miles of range from $52,000
Skip ifYou want fewer than 13 recall campaigns
Why #5 over #6: It lists 115 complaints versus 128 for the 2018, though the 2018 starts lower, at $22,700 versus $52,000.
6
2018 Tesla Model S
Photo: Calreyn88 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe lowest priced facelift year, from $22,700.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $22,700 for the 75D, $24,800 for the 100D and $28,300 for the P100DNHTSA recalls: 11 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2018 Tesla Model S, 9 of them with an over-the-air software update in the remedy textNHTSA complaints: 128 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Tesla Model S (unique ODI numbers)Range and economy: EPA range up to 335 miles and 102 combined MPGe on the 100D (fueleconomy.gov)What changed: KBB lists a standard 75 kWh powertrain and all-wheel drive, with free Supercharging reduced to 400 kWh per year
The 2018 Model S starts at $22,700 for the 75D, with the 100D at $24,800 and the P100D at $28,300. NHTSA lists 128 complaints and 11 recall campaigns, 9 with over-the-air updates. KBB lists a standard 75 kWh powertrain and all-wheel drive, and free Supercharging reduced to 400 kWh per year.
Go ifBuyers who want the lowest priced facelift year with a KBB figure, from $22,700
Skip ifYou want fewer than 128 complaints
Why #6 over #7: It lists 128 complaints versus 139 for the 2022, and 11 recalls versus 20.
7
2022 Tesla Model S
Photo: HJUdall / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe refreshed car, with 20 recalls.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $43,400 for the Long Range and $55,200 for the PlaidNHTSA recalls: 20 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2022 Tesla Model S, 14 of them with an over-the-air software update in the remedy textNHTSA complaints: 139 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2022 Tesla Model S (unique ODI numbers)Range and economy: EPA range of 405 miles and 120 combined MPGe (fueleconomy.gov)What changed: KBB lists no significant changes for 2022, after the 2021 interior with a steering yoke and three screens
The 2022 Model S costs $43,400 for the Long Range and $55,200 for the Plaid, with a 405-mile EPA range. NHTSA lists 139 complaints and 20 recall campaigns, 14 with over-the-air updates. KBB lists no significant changes for 2022.
Go ifBuyers who want a refreshed interior and a Plaid option from $43,400
Skip ifYou want fewer than 20 recall campaigns
Why #7 over #8: It lists 139 complaints versus 179 for the 2021, and 20 recalls versus 24.
8
2021 Tesla Model S
Photo: Dllu / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe first refresh, with 24 recalls.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $36,100 for the Long Range Plus, $38,800 for the Performance, $40,500 for the Long Range and $51,600 for the PlaidNHTSA recalls: 24 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2021 Tesla Model S, 16 of them with an over-the-air software update in the remedy textNHTSA complaints: 179 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Tesla Model S (unique ODI numbers)Range and economy: EPA range up to 405 miles and 120 combined MPGe on the Long Range (fueleconomy.gov)What changed: KBB lists a new interior, a heavily revised drivetrain and battery, exterior updates and the new Plaid version
The 2021 Model S is the first refreshed year, with a new interior, a heavily revised drivetrain and battery and the Plaid version, per KBB. Prices run from $36,100 for the Long Range Plus to $51,600 for the Plaid. NHTSA lists 179 complaints and 24 recall campaigns, 16 with over-the-air updates.
Go ifBuyers who want the first refreshed Model S, from $36,100
Skip ifYou want fewer than 24 recall campaigns
Why #8 over #9: It lists 179 complaints versus 367 for the 2014, though the 2014 starts lower, at $12,800 versus $36,100.
9
2014 Tesla Model S
Photo: Granada / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictAn original-nose car, from $12,800.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $12,800 for the 60, $14,800 for the 85, $15,750 for the P85, $17,900 for the 85D and $17,900 for the P85DNHTSA recalls: 9 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2014 Tesla Model S, 3 of them with an over-the-air software update in the remedy textNHTSA complaints: 367 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Tesla Model S (unique ODI numbers)Range and economy: EPA range of 265 miles and 89 combined MPGe on the 85 kW-hr pack (fueleconomy.gov)What changed: KBB notes that Tesla adds features as they become possible rather than by model year, and lists 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds
The 2014 Model S ranges from $12,800 for the 60 to $17,900 for the 85D and the P85D, per KBB. NHTSA lists 367 complaints and 9 recall campaigns, 3 with over-the-air updates, and fueleconomy.gov lists a 265-mile range on the 85 kW-hr pack.
Go ifBuyers who want a Model S with the original nose cone from $12,800
Skip ifYou want fewer than 367 complaints
Why #9 over #10: It lists 367 complaints versus 379 for the 2017, and starts at $12,800 versus $18,000.
10
2017 Tesla Model S
Photo: Vauxford / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe first facelift year, with 379 complaints.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $18,000 for the 60D, $19,250 for the 75, $19,550 for the 60, $20,200 for the 75D, $21,600 for the 90D, $22,700 for the 100D and $24,800 for the P100DNHTSA recalls: 9 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2017 Tesla Model S, 7 of them with an over-the-air software update in the remedy textNHTSA complaints: 379 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Tesla Model S (unique ODI numbers)Range and economy: EPA range up to 335 miles and 102 combined MPGe on the 100D (fueleconomy.gov)What changed: KBB lists a new grille-less look, revised headlights and a HEPA air filter for 2017
The 2017 Model S is the first facelift year, with a grille-less look, revised headlights and a HEPA air filter per KBB. Prices run from $18,000 for the 60D to $24,800 for the P100D. NHTSA lists 379 complaints, the most on the list, and 9 recall campaigns, 7 with over-the-air updates.
Go ifBuyers who want the first facelift look from $18,000
Skip ifYou want fewer than 379 complaints
How we ranked these
We ranked ten Tesla Model S model years from 2012 to 2024, so the list covers years rather than trims. NHTSA complaint counts come first, then recall campaigns, with Kelley Blue Book prices and EPA range from fueleconomy.gov alongside. The 2012 and 2014 cars have the original nose cone, the 2017 to 2020 cars are the facelift and the 2021 to 2024 cars have the refreshed interior. Counts were read from the NHTSA API and prices from KBB when we checked, and prices change weekly. NHTSA files some years under variant names (MODEL S, MODEL S 75D, MODEL S (ALL VARIANTS)), so complaint counts are unique ODI numbers and recall counts are unique campaign numbers. Most Tesla recalls list an over-the-air software update as the remedy, so recall counts say less about shop visits than on other cars, and one campaign can cover several model years. We left out the newest two years, which show only new-car pricing on KBB, and three early years with more complaints than the picks near them. KBB gives one reliability rating of 4.6 out of 5 for the whole generation. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, and mileage and battery condition matter as much as year. Photos show the right design era for each year rather than the exact year. See our Best Tesla Models at /cars/best-tesla-models-2027/ and our Best Tesla Model 3 Model Years at /cars/best-tesla-model-3-model-years-2027/. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best Tesla Model S year to buy used?
By NHTSA counts, the 2019 Model S ranks first: 32 complaints, the fewest of any used year, with 10 recall campaigns and KBB Fair Purchase Prices from $24,700. For the newest priced year, the 2024 has 38 complaints and 6 recall campaigns, from $67,700.
What is the cheapest Tesla Model S model year?
The 2012 Signature, at a KBB Fair Purchase Price of $10,500, with 59 NHTSA complaints and an EPA range of 265 miles.
Which Model S years have the refreshed interior?
KBB lists the new interior, revised drivetrain and battery, exterior updates and the Plaid version for 2021. Our 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 picks have it; the 2012 to 2020 picks do not.
Do Tesla recalls require a trip to the shop?
Often not. NHTSA remedy text lists an over-the-air software update for 9 of the 10 recall campaigns on the 2019 Model S and 16 of the 24 on the 2021, though some recalls need a service visit.
Lowest KBB Fair Purchase Price on the cited page (USD) at a glance
2012 Tesla Model S$10,500
2014 Tesla Model S$12,800
2017 Tesla Model S$18,000
2018 Tesla Model S$22,700
2019 Tesla Model S$24,700
2020 Tesla Model S$31,900
2021 Tesla Model S$36,100
2022 Tesla Model S$43,400
2023 Tesla Model S$52,000
2024 Tesla Model S$67,700
Lowest KBB Fair Purchase Price on the cited page (USD), as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.
