Is the 2023 Tesla MODEL S reliable?

The 2023 Tesla MODEL S has 158 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.6x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: OTHER problems.

What are common problems with the 2023 Tesla MODEL S?

Top problems: OTHER (57 complaints, avg repair $500); DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (20 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (19 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2023 Tesla MODEL S?

Yes, there are 13 recall(s): STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, SEAT BELTS:FRONT, STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH, AIR BAGS, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:CUSHION, BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE. Contact any Tesla dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to charge a 2023 Tesla MODEL S?

The 2023 Tesla MODEL S has an EPA rating of 120 MPGe. At the current US average residential electricity rate, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $640. State rates vary significantly — see the interactive calculator on this page.

Is the 2023 Tesla MODEL S often stolen?

Theft risk tier for the Tesla MODEL S: very-low. HLDI insurance loss data suggests lower-than-average theft claims for this model.

How much does it cost to insure a 2023 Tesla MODEL S?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2023 Tesla MODEL S is approximately $2,420/year (ev-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Does the 2023 Tesla MODEL S qualify for tax credits?

The federal EV tax credit (Section 30D) expired for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. If purchased before that date, the 2023 Tesla MODEL S may still qualify on the 2025 tax return. State-level incentives remain active in 13+ states — see the incentives section on this page for details.

2023 Tesla MODEL S

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2023 Tesla MODEL S has 158 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.6x the segment average of 276. The most common issue is other problems (36% of all complaints), specifically: car suddenly accelerated and crushed into shop in parking lot. There are 13 recalls issued for this model year.

10 crash reports

158

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.6x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

OTHER

57 complaints

36%

• Car suddenly accelerated and crushed into shop in parking lot
• I have only owned my Tesla S for three months and have had several close call situations that would not have been as close if the car had a proper horn trigger located underneath the steering wheel airbag cover. The small capacitive button on the right side of the wheel simply isn’t safe, and 30+ ye
• Dear NHTSA Officials, I recently became the proud owner of a 2023 Model S. As pleased as I am with most aspects of the vehicle, there's a pressing safety concern I believe warrants your immediate attention. Nature of the Issue: Over the past two weeks, I encountered two separate incidents where n

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 6 crashes

“Car suddenly accelerated and crushed into shop in parking lot”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (13)

STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING15/02/2023

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.

Risk: FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.

Very low theft risk

Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2023 Tesla MODEL S

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local electricity price)

Per year

$635

Per month

$53

Per mile

5.3¢

kWh/mi

0.28

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2023 Tesla MODEL S

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,420

Full coverage / month

$202

Liability only / year

$816

vs US avg

+45%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (ev-luxury)1.62x

× theft risk0.85x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$2420

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Tesla MODEL S Service Intervals

Oil change

N/A (electric vehicle)

Tire rotation

6K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Cabin air filter

24K mi

EVs have no oil, no spark plugs, no transmission fluid. Brake fluid every 2 years. Tire rotation every 6,250 miles. HEPA cabin filter every 2 years (Model S/X). AC desiccant bag every 6 years.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Tesla New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

8 yr / 120K mi

EV battery

8 yr / 150K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

12 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / 50K mi

Battery: Model S/X 8yr/150K miles; Model 3/Y Standard Range 8yr/100K, Long Range/Performance 8yr/120K

EV Incentives for 2023 Tesla MODEL S

Updated 2026-07

Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30

Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.

Historic eligibility: 2023 Tesla MODEL S vehicles purchased on or before September 30, 2025 may still qualify for the federal credit on the 2025 tax return. Check with a tax professional for your specific vehicle's eligibility.

State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)

CaliforniaUp to $12,000

Clean Cars 4 All

ColoradoUp to $5,000

Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit

ConnecticutUp to $4,250

CHEAPR (Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate)

DelawareUp to $2,500

Clean Vehicle Rebate

IllinoisUp to $4,000

Illinois EV Rebate Program

MarylandUp to $3,000

Excise Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles

MassachusettsUp to $3,500

MOR-EV

New JerseyUp to $4,000

Charge Up New Jersey

New YorkUp to $2,000

Drive Clean Rebate

OregonUp to $7,500

Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate

PennsylvaniaUp to $3,000

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program

Rhode IslandUp to $2,500

DRIVEEV

TexasUp to $2,500

Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive

VermontUp to $5,000

Incentive Program for New Electric Vehicles

See full state-by-state EV incentive details

Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.

Estimated Repair Costs

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 158 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
OTHER: Car suddenly accelerated and crushed into shop in parking lot
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: 1) Horn is hazardous. Small 1/4" area hard to locate and activate. Impossible to locate when steering. 2) Turn indicators is hazardous. Hard to locate. Impossible to locate when steering. 3) front parking sensors do not work, 4) rear parking sensors do not work, 5) active lane departure warning doe
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: The steering wheel and lack of lane change and transmission stocks makes the vehicle hard to control at low speeds. Swiping the screen forward for Drive and backward for Reverse does not create any tactile confirmation. Low speed parking lot maneuvers have already resulted in a few close calls. Alon
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SPEED CONTROL: 3 separate times the right pillar camera and 2 times for all cameras: The car's computer lost contact with the cameras and could not reconnect. In 2023, Tesla changed from radar to camera sensing technology. All driving functions relating to car positioning and cruise/speed control were lost at thos
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 13 recalls have been completed — free at any Tesla dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)