The Lemon Index
Year by year
| Model year | Index | Compared with average | Complaints | Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1152 | 11.5× the average car's complaints | 87 | 17,653 |
| 2022 | 471 | 4.7× the average car's complaints | 88 | 32,675 |
| 2023 | 820 | 8.2× the average car's complaints | 85 | 18,052 |
| 2024 | 515 | 5.2× the average car's complaints | 36 | 12,426 |
Top problems
- automatic emergency braking: 24% of complaints
- steering: 17% of complaints
- electrical: 12% of complaints
- lane assist: 10% of complaints
Fire complaints: 2 (2.5 per 100,000 sold; all EVs average 0.8). EV fires vs gas →
Range and yearly cost
| EPA range (2025) | 312–410 miles |
| Electricity use | 27–36 kWh per 100 miles |
| Yearly charging cost (EPA) | $600–$800 |
| BMW 5 Series, yearly gas cost | $2,850 |
| Saves per year | about $2,150 |
EPA estimate: 15,000 miles a year at national average prices. Every EV's cost →
Recalls
29 recalls for model years 2021-2024. The newest:
- back over prevention May 2026
The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. NHTSA 26V283000 - airbags Mar 2025
An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding. NHTSA 25V172000 - back over prevention Jan 2025
The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. NHTSA 25V002000 - airbags Dec 2024
The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. NHTSA 24V967000 - latches/locks/linkages Jul 2024
The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened. NHTSA 24V554000 - seat belts May 2024
In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. NHTSA 24V376000 - automatic emergency braking Feb 2024
A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. NHTSA 24V153000 - electrical Jan 2024
An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. NHTSA 24V051000
Driver-assist crash reports to NHTSA involving a Tesla Model S: 288 since 2021. What those reports do and don't show →
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).