The Lemon Index
316Lemon Index (100 = average car)
172complaints per 100,000 sold
148without driver-assist complaints
159,114sold in the U.S., 2021-2024
Year by year
| Model year | Index | Compared with average | Complaints | Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1025 | 10.2× the average car's complaints | 119 | 27,140 |
| 2022 | 270 | 2.7× the average car's complaints | 61 | 39,458 |
| 2023 | 269 | 2.7× the average car's complaints | 63 | 40,771 |
| 2024 | 106 | about average | 31 | 51,745 |
Top problems
- electrical: 52% of complaints
- drivetrain: 18% of complaints
- battery and drive system: 18% of complaints
- automatic emergency braking: 12% of complaints
Fire complaints: 0 (0.0 per 100,000 sold; all EVs average 0.8). EV fires vs gas →
Range and yearly cost
| EPA range (2025) | 240–320 miles |
| Electricity use | 31–39 kWh per 100 miles |
| Yearly charging cost (EPA) | $700–$900 |
| Ford Escape, yearly gas cost | $2,150–$2,450 |
| Saves per year | about $1,500 |
EPA estimate: 15,000 miles a year at national average prices. Every EV's cost →
Recalls
19 recalls for model years 2021-2024, 1 mentioning fire. The newest:
- electrical Sep 2026
The battery energy control module software may cause an incorrect state of charge to display in the vehicle, or lead to an increased risk of a high voltage battery fire after repeated DC Fast Charging cycles. Fire risk. NHTSA 26V582000 - body structure Jul 2026
The rear side quarter window glass trim may be improperly secured, which can allow it to detach. NHTSA 26V487000 - transmission & drivetrain Jun 2026
The rear differential pinion shaft may fracture. NHTSA 26V417000 - transmission & drivetrain Dec 2025
The integrated park module may fail to lock into the park position when the driver shifts into park. NHTSA 25V863000 - brakes Aug 2025
An Over-The-Air (OTA) update to the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) may result in a loss of power brake assist, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, and driver assistance features. NHTSA 25V513000 - electrical Jun 2025
The high voltage battery main contactors may overheat. NHTSA 25V441000 - electrical Jun 2025
In the event of a low battery charge, the electronic door latches may remain locked once the driver or front passenger exits and shuts the door, possibly trapping someone who is unable to use the inside door release hand… NHTSA 25V404000 - back over prevention May 2025
A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse. NHTSA 25V315000
Complaints filed with NHTSA by the end of the year after the model year. Sales are Kelley Blue Book estimates for every brand (Tesla doesn't report U.S. sales by model). These scores use a shorter window than the main Lemon Index (complaints filed by the end of the year after the model year), so brand-new EVs like the Cybertruck get a fair, complete window. That's why a Tesla's score here differs a little from its main car page. Sales source: Kelley Blue Book EV sales reports (estimates).