Tesla's lineup has 518 recorded NHTSA recalls across 7 models (2008–2026) and averages 4.1/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Tesla's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Tesla — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Tesla, based in California, has revolutionized the automotive industry with its focus on electric vehicles and innovative technology. Known for their sleek designs, advanced autopilot features, and commitment to sustainable transportation, Teslas are increasingly driven by tech-savvy individuals and environmentally conscious consumers. ForCar.org allows users to decode any TESLA VIN to uncover full vehicle specifications, including recall history and detailed technical information.
Decode a Tesla VIN
Enter any 17-character Tesla VIN for its exact year, trim, engine and assembly plant — then its open recalls, safety ratings and original window sticker.
All Tesla models 7
Every Tesla model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Tesla SUVs & crossovers 2
Tesla Cars & sedans 3
Tesla Trucks 1
Tesla More models 1
Tesla recalls
Across the Tesla lineup, ForCar tracks 518 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Tesla recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| Tesla model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model S | 153 | 4.0 /5 |
| Tesla Model 3 | 131 | 4.0 /5 |
| Tesla Model X | 123 | 4.0 /5 |
| Tesla Model Y | 94 | 4.0 /5 |
| Tesla Cybertruck | 16 | 4.0 /5 |
| Tesla Roadster | 1 | 4.5 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Tesla: Electrical System:adas:autonomous/self Driving:software. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Tesla reliable?
Across rated models, Tesla averages a 4.1/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 7 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Tesla competes as a vertically integrated electric-only automaker against legacy brands transitioning to EVs and against EV-native startups. The company's direct-to-consumer sales model bypasses the franchised dealer network used by every other major automaker in the United States. Tesla's software-update model — over-the-air feature delivery — is widely cited as the template that legacy brands have adopted with limited success.
Tesla models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| Tesla model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | 3,998 | 4.0 /5 |
| Tesla Model S | 1,183 | 4.0 /5 |
| Tesla Model Y | 611 | 4.0 /5 |
| Tesla Cybertruck | 155 | 4.0 /5 |
| Tesla Model X | 125 | 4.0 /5 |
| Tesla Semi | 3 | 4.5 /5 |
| Tesla Roadster | 2 | 4.5 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Tesla models
The most fuel-efficient Tesla models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
| Model | Best combined MPG | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | 142 mpg | Car |
| Tesla Model Y | 138 mpg | Car |
| Tesla Cybertruck | 130 mpg | Car |
| Tesla Model S | 124 mpg | Car |
| Tesla Model X | 105 mpg | Car |
| Tesla Roadster | 89 mpg | Car |
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Safest Tesla models
Tesla models by NHTSA overall crash-test rating (5★ is best). Open a model for its frontal, side and rollover scores by year.
| Tesla model | NHTSA safety | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | ★★★★★ | 4.0 /5 |
| Tesla Cybertruck | ★★★★★ | 4.0 /5 |
| Tesla Model 3 | ★★★★★ | 4.0 /5 |
| Tesla Model X | ★★★★★ | 4.0 /5 |
| Tesla Model S | ★★★★★ | 4.0 /5 |
Best NHTSA overall 5-Star Safety rating per model (highest tested year). Source: NHTSA NCAP.
Tesla hybrids & electric models
Tesla's electrified lineup — 6 electric / plug-in. Click any model for its full powertrain, MPG and range by year.
Tesla electric & plug-in 6
Electrified variants from EPA fueleconomy.gov powertrain data. A model may offer gas, hybrid and electric versions across years.
Get a Tesla window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Tesla's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Tesla window stickers →How to read a Tesla VIN
Every Tesla built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
| Positions | Section | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | WMI | World Manufacturer Identifier — country and that it's a Tesla |
| 4–8 | VDS | Model, body style, engine and trim |
| 9 | Check digit | Validates the VIN isn't mistyped |
| 10 | Model year | The exact year (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025) |
| 11 | Plant | The factory that assembled it |
| 12–17 | Serial | The unique production sequence number |
Where to find your Tesla VIN: the lower-left corner of the windshield, the driver's door jamb sticker, or your registration and insurance documents. Paste it into the decoder above to read it instantly.
About Tesla
Tesla Motors was incorporated in July 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, who sought to build a fully electric sports car. Elon Musk led the Series A round in February 2004 with $6.5 million and joined as chairman. The 2008 Roadster, based on a Lotus Elise platform, demonstrated that lithium-ion batteries could deliver supercar-level performance. The 2012 Model S established Tesla as a profitable luxury brand, and the 2017 Model 3 carried the company into mass-market volumes.
| Founded | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Austin, USA |
| Slogan | "Accelerating the World's Transition to Sustainable Energy" |
| Models tracked | 7 (2008–2026) |
Tesla — frequently asked
How do I decode a Tesla VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Tesla models are there?
ForCar tracks 7 Tesla models spanning 2008–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Tesla made?
Tesla is headquartered in Austin, USA, founded in 2003. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Tesla recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Tesla model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Tesla is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Tesla warranty?
New Tesla vehicles come with a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 8 years / 100,000–150,000 miles (battery & drive) powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Tesla dealer.