DecodedCars2024 Tesla Model S
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2024 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
- 402 mi · 15 h on 240 V
- Length
- 195.7 in
- Curb weight
- 4,969 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Long EV rangeUp to 402 miles on a charge (EPA).
Watch out for
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 32 similar 2024 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2024 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 402 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 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 38 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2024
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2023 Model S — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2023; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2023 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
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Parking assistStandard
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 2024 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 ACPM 3-Phase | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 402 mi · 27.7036 kWh/100mi | – | $600 | – |
| Model S Plaid (19in wheels) EV | 250, 250 and 250 kW ACPM 3-Phase | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 359 mi · 31.4651 kWh/100mi | – | $700 | – |
| Model S Plaid (21in wheels) EV | 250, 250 and 250 kW ACPM 3-Phase | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 320 mi · 35.2387 kWh/100mi | – | $800 | – |
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $9,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25 MPG2024 Large Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2024 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2024 Tesla Model S.
Similar 2024 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Tesla Model S (this car) | 402 mi | Not rated | 6 |
| 2024 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Audi A4 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2024 Tesla Model 3 | 363 mi | Not rated | 5 |
| 2024 Audi A6 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (6)
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.
Back Over Prevention › Software · Jan 6, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V002000 · 239,382 vehicles
- Problem
- Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Risk
- A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Tesla will also identify any vehicles that experienced a circuit board failure, or stress that may lead to a circuit board failure, and replace the affected computers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-00-001.
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.
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.
Not every 2024 Tesla Model S is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
38Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
5,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2024 Tesla Model S buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Lane Departure › Assist — 17 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Lane Departure › Warning — 15 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Steering — 4 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 5,000 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 402 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2024 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 |
| 2023 Model S | 405 mi | 195.7 in | Not rated | 13 | 115 |
| 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 | 429 |
| 2016 Model S | 315 mi | 195.7 in | Not rated | 10 | 649 |
| 2015 Model S | 270 mi | 195.7 in | Not rated | 9 | 668 |
| 2014 Model S | 265 mi | 195.7 in | Not rated | 9 | 365 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Tesla. How we calculate this →