Buyer's checklist: Refreshed Tesla Model S (2021–2026)

What to look for on this generation, worst first. Tick each line as you check it.

Free while the site is being tested. Every line comes from the dossier and keeps its source, and the dossier itself stays free.

Look for 4

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Wrong airbag after a wheel swapAll yearsIf the yoke or the wheel has been swapped, confirm with Tesla that recall 23V743000 was done.¹
Door handles that do not extendAll yearsWalk up to the car with the key and watch every handle come out.²
Worn suspensionAll yearsLook for a car sitting low at one corner, which on air suspension can be a leak.³
Battery capacityAll yearsGet a battery health report showing how much capacity is left.³

Recalls to ask about 29

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

Recall 21V8460002017–2021On one software version, a communication fault can cause false collision warnings or sudden emergency braking. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^4,1
Recall 21V8680002021The driver's airbag can tear when it goes off. Ask for proof the recall work was done.¹
Recall 21V00B0002014–2021The front trunk latch can be out of line, so the hood's second latch does not catch and the hood can open. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^5,1
Recall 22V0370002016–2022Full Self-Driving Beta can roll through all-way stops without stopping. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^6,7
Recall 22V0450002021–2022The seat belt chime may not sound at start-up for an unbelted driver. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^1,7
Recall 22V0500002021–2022A software fault can trap refrigerant and weaken the windshield defroster. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^1,7
Recall 22V0630002020–2022The Boombox can drown out the pedestrian warning sound. Replaced by 22V235000. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^8,7
Recall 22V1040002021–2022The side curtain airbag inflators may be put together wrongly. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^1,7
Recall 22V2350002020–2022The Boombox can drown out the pedestrian warning sound, including in Summon. Replaces the fix for 22V063000. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^8,7
Recall 22V2960002021–2022The touchscreen's processor can overheat while fast charging and restart, losing the rear camera picture. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^1,7
Recall 22V5260002022The front bumper carrier can make the passenger airbag go off wrongly in a low-speed crash. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁷
Recall 22V7020002021–2022A window may not reverse properly after it meets an obstruction. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^1,7
Recall 22V8180002017–2021Power steering assist can drop out on rough roads or after a pothole. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^4,1
Recall 22E0920002021The wrong door mirrors were fitted: a curved glass on the driver's side, and no distance warning etched on the passenger's side. Ask for proof the recall work was done.¹
Recall 23V0850002016–2023Full Self-Driving Beta can behave unsafely at junctions and respond poorly to speed limit changes. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^6,9
Recall 23V4890002023The forward camera can sit at the wrong angle and turn off safety features without warning. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁹
Recall 23V4880002021–2023The front seat belts may not be fixed properly to their pretensioner anchors and can come loose. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^1,9
Recall 23V7430002021–2024When the yoke or the steering wheel was swapped, the wrong driver's airbag may have been fitted. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^1,10
Recall 23V8380002012–2023Autosteer's checks may not do enough to stop a driver misusing it. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,9
Recall 23V8620002021–2023The doors can unlock in a crash. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^7,9
Recall 24V0350002023A software fault can stop the rear camera picture showing. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁹
Recall 24V0510002012–2023The brake, parking brake and ABS warning lights are shown in letters too small. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,9
Recall 24V1530002013–2021A factory reset can silence the sound that warns pedestrians of the car. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^12,13
Recall 24V3760002012–2024The seat belt warning may not come on for an unbelted driver. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^11,10
Recall 24V5540002021–2024The car may not notice a hood left unlatched, which could fly open. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^1,10
Recall 24V9670002021–2025The driver's airbag can tear when it goes off. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^1,14
Recall 25V0020002024–2025A circuit board can short and lose the rear camera picture. Fixed by software, and the computer is replaced where needed. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^10,14
Recall 25V1720002021–2024A driver's airbag fitted with the wrong horn pad can stop the horn working. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^1,10
Recall 26V2830002021–2023On one software version, the rear camera picture can lag when reversing. Fixed over the air. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^1,9

What buyers avoid 1

What owners and the press say to steer clear of.

YokeAll yearsJalopnik and Road & Track called the yoke a step backwards, and Consumer Reports criticised it as a distraction.¹⁵

Buyer's checklist: Refreshed Tesla Model S 2021–2026

Look for 4

Recalls to ask about 29

What buyers avoid 1

Sources