Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2012 Tesla Model S
Our scoring places the 2012 Tesla Model S at 6.7/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this ev. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.3/10, while Reliability at 4.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional ev — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 4.5/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.4/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.8/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 8.3/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $41,600–$50,730, 95 MPG, seating 5, the Tesla Model S sits in the mid-market bracket of the ev segment. The value score of 6.2/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 14 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2012 Tesla Model S is a passable ev but not a standout one. Weaknesses in value and reliability hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among EVs
The 2012 Tesla Model S ranks #264 of 268 evs in the Carivo database — better than 2% of the segment. Its 6.7/10 overall score is 0.9 points below the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $41,600 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $52,750 by about 21%.
Across the Model S model years we've scored, the 2012 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
Exceptional fuel efficiency at 95 MPG — among the best in its class
✗ Where it falls short
Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price
NHTSA Recalls — 2012 Tesla Model S (8 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Parking brake 19/04/2017 · 17V260000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electric parking brake calipers have an internal gear that may be improperly manufactured, possibly resulting in the gear fracturing during parking brake application or release.
Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module 10/01/2017 · 17V023000
Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2012 Model S vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of…
Steering / Electric power assist system 29/03/2018 · 18V204000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Tesla Model S vehicles equipped with Bosch steering racks. The aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture causing a reduction or complete…
Seat belts / Front 23/11/2015 · 15V780000
Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Model S vehicles manufactured May 31, 2012, to November 12, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with driver or front passenger seat belts that may be improperly connected to the…
Back over prevention / Software 29/01/2021 · 21V035000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the…
Showing 5 of 8 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Common Questions — 2012 Tesla Model S
Is the 2012 Tesla Model S reliable?
We rate the 2012 Tesla Model S's reliability 4.5/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2012 Tesla Model S have?
8 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2012 Tesla Model S worth buying?
It scores 6.7/10 overall, ranking #264 of 268 evs in our database (better than 2% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2012 Tesla Model S cost?
The 2012 Tesla Model S starts at $41,600 and ranges up to $50,730 across trims (MSRP when new). At 95 MPG, expect roughly $553/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Owner Essentials — Tesla Model S
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More Tesla Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Tesla models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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