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2026 Tesla Model S
Early days: this model year is still accumulating real-world data
This model year is still too new to have a real-world track record. Treat the verdict as provisional and lean on a professional inspection.
3 owner complaints · 0 recalls · data verified July 16, 2026 · source: NHTSA
What the record shows so far
Only 3 owner complaints on file for this exact model year, too few to judge long-term reliability. Treat this as unproven, not endorsed, and lean on a professional inspection.
The math, shown
Full methodology →How it crashes
NHTSA’s own crash tests, separate from the reliability score above.
NHTSA crash-tested this model year but didn’t publish an overall star rating for it.
1 open NHTSA defect investigation on file for this model year, separate from the recalls above.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings. Star ratings compare vehicles within the same class and size, not across every car on the road.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2026 Tesla Model S, plotted where owners report it happening.
Driver assistance
67%2 complaints · 2 in the last 2 years
“Car will just brake on the highway with out warning. Cruise control will just randomly change speeds. I was traveling on an overpass and speed dropped to 35 then jumpe…”
Speed control
33%1 complaints · 1 in the last 2 years
“Supervised FSD does not have a remedy if it assigns an incorrect speed limit to the current roadway. The only action available is to disengage FSD. This incorrect spee…”
Lane Departure
33%1 complaints · 1 in the last 2 years
“Supervised FSD does not have a remedy if it assigns an incorrect speed limit to the current roadway. The only action available is to disengage FSD. This incorrect spee…”
Brakes
33%1 complaints · 1 in the last 2 years
“Car will just brake on the highway with out warning. Cruise control will just randomly change speeds. I was traveling on an overpass and speed dropped to 35 then jumpe…”
Recalls (0)
No recall campaigns on file for this model year.
Before you hand over money
Check the VIN for open recalls
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2026 Tesla MODEL S beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2026? See how every Model S model year scores →
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What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score. If they disagree, that’s worth knowing.