Buyer's checklist: Original Tesla Model S (2012–2016)

Look for 7

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Drive unit failureAll yearsAsk for service records showing whether the drive unit has been replaced. Listen for noise from the motor while driving.^1,2
Door handles that do not extendAll yearsWalk up to the car with the key and watch every handle come out. Ask whether the handles have been replaced.^3,2,4
Touchscreen memory wearAll yearsConfirm with Tesla that recall 21V035000 was done: the touchscreen's memory board replaced with a larger one.^5,2
Worn or replaced batteryAll yearsGet a battery health report showing how much capacity is left.^6,7
Worn suspensionAll yearsLook for a car sitting low at one corner, which on air suspension can be a leak.⁷
Air conditioningAll yearsMake sure the air conditioning blows cold.⁷
Worn brake discsAll yearsBrake firmly and feel for judder through the pedal.⁸

Recalls filed for these model years. Not every car is covered; check the vehicle identification number with NHTSA.

What owners and the press say to steer clear of.

No Autopilot hardwareBuilt before September 2014InsideEVs says cars from 2012 and 2013 cannot have Autopilot, which arrived in 2014.⁷
Slow first touchscreen computerAll yearsIn one Tesla Motors Club thread from 2021, two owners call the original touchscreen computer too slow, and four posters suggest Tesla's paid upgrade to the newer one. One other owner says the original is fine for basic use.²