Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2024 Tesla Model S
Our scoring places the 2024 Tesla Model S at 7.7/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this ev. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 9.5/10, while Reliability at 5.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 5.8/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The 8.5/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 9.1/10. The Tesla Model S delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 9.5/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $79,990–$103,846, 120 MPG, seating 5, the Tesla Model S sits in the luxury tier of the ev market. The value score of 6.4/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 2 years old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Our take: The 2024 Tesla Model S is a solid, well-rounded ev that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is value and reliability — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
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 2024 Tesla Model S ranks #89 of 268 evs in the Carivo database — better than 67% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $79,990 starting price is about 52% above the segment's median of $52,750.
$0 — 6 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Model S Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2021 Tesla Model S scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2024's 7.7 — and starts roughly $7,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling
Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
Exceptional fuel efficiency at 120 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
Premium price bracket — make sure the score justifies the outlay vs. segment alternatives
NHTSA Recalls — 2024 Tesla Model S (6 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 with our free VIN recall checker.
Seat belts / Front / Warning light/devices 28/05/2024 · 24V376000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such,…
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
Air bags / Frontal / Driver side / Cushion 24/12/2024 · 24V967000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208,…
Back over prevention / Software 07/01/2025 · 25V002000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…
Air bags 19/03/2025 · 25V172000
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.
Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2024 Tesla Model S that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2024 Tesla Model S
Is the 2024 Tesla Model S reliable?
We rate the 2024 Tesla Model S's reliability 5.8/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 6 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 2024 Tesla Model S have?
6 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 2024 Tesla Model S worth buying?
It scores 7.7/10 overall, ranking #89 of 268 evs in our database (better than 67% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2024 Tesla Model S cost?
The 2024 Tesla Model S starts at $79,990 and ranges up to $103,846 across trims (MSRP when new). At 120 MPG, expect roughly $438/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Model S years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Model S years we've rated are 2016 (7.2/10), 2015 (7.2/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.7/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2024 Tesla Model S have?
The documented issues for the 2024 Tesla Model S are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Seat belts, Latches/locks/linkages, Air bags, Back over prevention (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Tesla Model S
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Similar EV to Consider
Other evs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
