Shifterati

Tesla Model S · Refreshed (2021–2026)

2026 Tesla Model S

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

  • Wrong airbag after a wheel swap All years One source so far

    What to check: If the yoke or the wheel has been swapped, confirm with Tesla that recall 23V743000 was done.

    The driver's airbag fitted after a swap may be the wrong one.

    Sources 1

  • Door handles that do not extend All years One source so far

    What to check: Walk up to the car with the key and watch every handle come out.

    The handles can fail to come out, or break. In a crash that cuts the 12-volt power they may not open; the rear manual releases sit under the carpet below the rear seats.

    Sources 2

  • Worn suspension All years One source so far

    What to check: Look for a car sitting low at one corner, which on air suspension can be a leak.

    The car's weight wears suspension parts, and air suspension can leak.

    Sources 3

  • Battery capacity All years One source so far

    What to check: Get a battery health report showing how much capacity is left.

    Tesla's battery warranty runs 8 years or 150,000 miles and passes to a new owner. It repairs a pack at 70 per cent.

    Sources 3

Recalls

No recalls are listed for this year.

Checked against NHTSA records on 21 October 2026.

Sources

  1. NHTSA recalls (2021 Model S)
  2. Jalopnik on used reliability
  3. InsideEVs used buyer's guide