DecodedCars2023 Tesla Model S
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan AWD
- Engines
- Electric motor
- Transmission
- 1-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- EV
- EV range
- 405 mi · 15 h on 240 V
- Length
- 195.7 in
- Curb weight
- 4,969 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 13 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Long EV rangeUp to 405 miles on a charge (EPA).
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints115 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 2 for similar models — most often about the steering.
- 13 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Tesla Model S is a large car powered by electricity and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 196 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,969 lb.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 405 miles and takes about 15 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 13 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 115 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 Model S — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Model S →
Trims, performance & features
Powertrain–Electric motor
Transmission1-speed automatic
Seating5 seats · 2 rows
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Blind-spot interventionStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Rear automatic brakingStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Lane centeringOptional
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
Built in: Fremont, California
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2023 Model S configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan AWD | 195.7 in | 77.2 in | 56.7 in | 116.5 in | 65.4 / 66.9 in | 4,969 lb | 51/49 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model S EV | 247 and 247 kW AC 3-Phase | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 405 mi · 28.1799 kWh/100mi | – | $650 | – |
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $8,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.7 MPG2023 Large Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2023 Tesla Model S.
Similar 2023 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model S (this car) | 405 mi | Not rated | 13 |
| 2023 BMW 5 Series | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2023 Audi A4 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi A6 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2023 Porsche Panamera | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (13)
Back Over Prevention › Software · May 4, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V283000 · 218,868 vehicles
- Problem
- Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.
Air Bags · Mar 19, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V172000 · 91 vehicles
- Problem
- Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.
- Risk
- An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-20-001.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Cushion · Dec 23, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V967000 · 487 vehicles
- Problem
- Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windshield Mounting."
- Risk
- A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.
Electrical System › Software · Jul 24, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V554000 · 1,849,638 vehicles
- Problem
- Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
- Risk
- An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.
Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices · May 28, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V376000 · 125,233 vehicles
- Problem
- Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Risk
- A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Jan 30, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V051000 · 2,193,869 vehicles
- Problem
- Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Risk
- Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Jan 22, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V035000 · 199,575 vehicles
- Problem
- Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model S, X, and Y vehicles equipped with full self-driving computer 4.0 and running a software release version 2023.44.30 through 2023.44.30.6 or 2023.44.100. Software instability may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying.
- Risk
- A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 22, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-002.
Electrical System › Software · Dec 19, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V862000 · 120,423 vehicles
- Problem
- Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model S and X vehicles. The cabin doors can be unlocked during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
- Risk
- An unlocked door may unlatch and open during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-009.
Electrical System › Adas › Driver Monitoring › Software · Dec 12, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V838000 · 2,031,220 vehicles
- Problem
- Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
- Risk
- In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar · Nov 3, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V743000 · 194 vehicles
- Problem
- Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and Model X vehicles. An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering wheel was replaced with a different style of yoke or steering wheel.
- Risk
- An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Fix
- Tesla Service will inspect and replace the driver air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-20-005.
Seat Belts › Front · Jul 14, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V488000 · 15,869 vehicles
- Problem
- Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles. The front-row seat belts may not be connected properly to the pretensioner anchors, which can cause the seat belts to detach.
- Risk
- A detached seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Tesla Service will inspect the front-row seat belts and connect the seat belts to pretensioner anchors, or replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-20-004.
Forward Collision Avoidance › Sensing System › Camera · Jul 14, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V489000 · 1,337 vehicles
- Problem
- Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The forward-facing camera may be misaligned, causing some of the active safety features such as emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane assist to become unavailable without alerting the driver.
- Risk
- Safety features that are unavailable without any warning to the driver may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Tesla Service will inspect and adjust the pitch angle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-17-006.
Steering › Automated/Adaptive Steering · Feb 15, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V085000 · 362,758 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Not every 2023 Tesla Model S is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
115Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
8Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
150,332 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Tesla Model S buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 13 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 21 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 13 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 9 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 150,332 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 405 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Tesla Model S. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Model S years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Model S | 410 mi | 195.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 7 |
| 2025 Model S | 410 mi | 195.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 6 |
| 2024 Model S | 402 mi | 195.7 in | Not rated | 6 | 38 |
| 2022 Model S | 405 mi | 195.7 in | Not rated | 20 | 139 |
| 2021 Model S | 405 mi | 195.7 in | Not rated | 23 | 179 |
| 2020 Model S | 402 mi | 195.7 in | Not rated | 11 | 80 |
| 2019 Model S | 370 mi | 195.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 44 |
| 2018 Model S | 335 mi | 195.7 in | Not rated | 11 | 170 |
| 2017 Model S | 335 mi | 195.7 in | Not rated | 9 | 430 |
| 2016 Model S | 315 mi | 195.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 650 |
| 2015 Model S | 270 mi | 195.7 in | Not rated | 9 | 669 |
| 2014 Model S | 265 mi | 195.7 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 365 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Tesla. How we calculate this →