2013 Tesla Model S Review

Name: 2013 Tesla Model S
Brand: Tesla
Price: 6110 USD
Rating: 4.5 (34 reviews)

Price Estimate: $6,110 - $8,539

2012 Tesla Model S Signature Performance Sedan Exterior

Read full review See all features & specs

Selling or Trading-In?

Know what your car is worth while you shop for your next vehicle.

By entering your License Plate or VIN, you'll get a more accurate appraisal that may raise your car's value.

License Plate

State

Price & Payment

118 cars

$14,580 avg. price

Min$

Max$

See listings

Appraise My 2013 Tesla Model S

Tesla Model S model years

Tesla Model S for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Acceptable to excellent battery range
sleek styling
impressive performance from all models
lots of cargo space
available seven-passenger configuration
supported by Tesla's supercharger infrastructure.

Cons

Unknown reliability
lacks the convenience and familiarity of similarly priced luxury sedans.

What’s new

After selling out of last year's limited-edition Signature lineup, the 2013 Tesla Model S returns with base and Performance trims only. The car is pretty much unchanged, though heated seats are now available with both cloth and leather upholstery. Later in the model year, Tesla discontinued the original base 40kWh battery pack; customers who ordered that version received a detuned version of the available 60kWh battery pack.

Edmunds says

As one of the most desirable electric cars available today, the 2013 Tesla Model S is also one of the best luxury sedans, too.

For sale near Des Moines, IA

118 listings

Sort by:

Price Drop
2013 Tesla Model S
Base Sedan
$13,500
good price
$1,782 below market
- 80,615 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- Whitewater Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (179 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Saint Charles, MN
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 5YJSA1CN0DFP09568
Stock: 14670B
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-19-2025
2013 Tesla Model S
Base Sedan
$9,995
fair price
$181 below market
- 166,641 miles
- No accidents, 4 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- Chase Auto Group (262 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in St. Louis, MO
Chase Auto Group 8600 Saint Charles Rock Road, St. Louis, MO 63114 Your trusted destination for quality pre-owned vehicles at competitive prices.Every...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 5YJSA1CNXDFP21176
Stock: P21176
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-01-2025

See all for sale

Vehicle overview

Sleek, seductive, luxurious, powerful and inspiring are all words that you'd expect to hear about the latest European luxury sedan. But in this case, we're talking about one of America's latest homegrown electric vehicles, the 2013 Tesla Model S.

The Model S is a huge departure from the typical electric car, with its luxury sedan accommodations and pulse-quickening performance. Thanks to a thoroughly modern interpretation of interior design and a host of advanced technological features, the Model S also serves as a new benchmark for all vehicles, electric or otherwise.

Nor is the Tesla Model S exclusive to the ultra-wealthy. As-new pricing for the base model starts around $70,000, and that's not including a federal tax credit. While this isn't exactly chump change, the base model's EPA-estimated range of 208 miles is more than double that of any other electric vehicle, and that means the Model S is a much more viable EV to own. To get the most out of your Model S ownership, though, we'd recommend the bigger (and more expensive) 85 kWh battery pack, which provides an estimated 265 miles of range.

Whether you spring for the base model or go all-in for a fully loaded version that exceeds the $100,000 mark, you're assured to get one of the most noteworthy cars since the introduction of the Model T. Better yet, the Tesla is nearly sacrifice-free, as it rides and drives as well as some of the best luxury cars available. It also benefits from a wealth of utility and convenience with its generous luggage space and third-row seating option.

Compared to established, traditional flagship luxury sedans, however, the Model S's long-distance capability is at best compromised and reliability is unknown. We've purchased our own Model S with the 85 kWh battery pack for a 12-month test, and during that time we've experienced a variety of glitches and problems. We encourage you to follow our 2013 Model S long-term road test updates to learn how this high-end EV performs in daily life.

Considering the Model S is a new type of car coming from a new, relatively tiny automaker that has just one previous car under its belt (the Roadster), perhaps it doesn't come as a surprise that there are some inevitable bugs to work out. Buying a Tesla Model S does require an "early adopter" mindset. But the Silicon Valley startup vibe that surrounds this EV is also one of the most alluring attributes about Model S ownership. For good and for bad, there is simply nothing like Tesla's all-electric luxury sedan, and as far as we can tell, there won't be for a while.

Performance & mpg

The 2013 Tesla Model S is propelled by a single water-cooled electric motor, routing power through a single-speed transmission on its way to the rear wheels. Lithium-ion battery packs are also utilized throughout the lineup.

Early in the model year, Tesla offered a base 40-kWh battery pack. It was discontinued because of low consumer demand, however, and vehicles delivered as 40 kWh actually had a detuned version of the 60-kWh battery pack. If you decide you want more power and cruising range, it's upgradeable. Regardless, this Model S version can produce the equivalent of 235 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The EPA rates this battery for a cruising range of 139 miles.

With the 60 kWh battery, output increases to 302 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. Tesla expects it to reach 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The EPA estimates a range of 208 miles. It's a realistic number, but as with all EVs, your driving style greatly influences actual range.

The 85 kWh model makes 362 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque with an estimated 0-60-mph run of 5.6 seconds and an EPA range of 265 miles. Upgrading to the 85 kWh Performance boosts output to 416 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, still with a range of 265 miles. In Edmunds testing, the Tesla Model S Performance accelerated to 60 mph in a very quick 4.3 seconds, which confirms Tesla's 4.4-second estimate.

In terms of efficiency, the EPA estimates the Model S with the 85 kWh battery will use 38 kWh city/37 kWh highway and 38 kWh combined per 100 miles driven. (Remember that here, the lower the number, the better.) The Model S with the 60 kWh battery pack is more energy-efficient, as it's EPA-rated at 35 kWh per 100 miles.

The base Model S with the 60 kWh battery has a 10 kWh onboard charger. The optional High Power Home Charging package adds another charger to double this charging ability to 20 kWh. (For comparison, the Nissan Leaf's singular onboard charger is rated at 6.6 kWh.) All Teslas can be recharged from all standard 110- and 240-volt household outlets and from various public charging stations using the included Universal Mobile Connector and adapters.

Charging with a 110-volt outlet is very slow -- you'll only be able to recharge about 3 miles worth of range per hour. (Translation: You'll be better off walking.) In contrast, utilizing a 240-volt outlet with a 50-amp circuit (referred to as a NEMA 14-50 outlet, and common at RV parks), you can recharge about 30 miles of range per hour, which works out to about 7 hours to completely recharge the 60 kWh pack with the single onboard charger. The 85 kWh would need about 9 hours.

The dual-charger system -- which needs a 100-amp circuit to operate at full capacity -- is an option. Using the HPWC doubles the recharge rate to about 60 miles worth of range per hour, meaning a full recharge for the 60 kWh takes about 3.5 hours, and the 85 kWh takes about 4.5 hours.

The Model S can also use a nationwide network of "superchargers" that Tesla is building. Tesla says the industrial-grade, high-speed chargers can replenish up to 200 miles of range in the 85 kWh batteries in about an hour, enabling long-distance travel. We've already taken a couple road trips between Los Angeles and San Francisco in our long-term Model S and have found that the supercharger network in California makes this a relatively easy proposition.

Safety

Standard safety features for all 2013 Tesla Model S variants include head, knee and pelvic airbags for the front passengers as well as front and rear side curtain airbags. Also standard on all models are stability and traction control, crash sensors for high-voltage disconnect, antilock disc brakes and a rearview camera.

In government crash tests, the Model S earned a top five-star rating for overall crash protection, with five stars for frontal-impact safety and five stars for side-impact safety. In Edmunds brake testing, the Model S with optional 21-inch wheels and performance tires came to a stop from 60 mph in an impressive 108 feet.

Driving

The 2013 Tesla Model S effectively crushes every preconceived notion you may have had about electric cars. Unlike the quirky pod cars, golf carts or even economy car-based EVs, the Tesla drives just like a conventional luxury sedan. Our experience has been limited to the 85 kWh Performance model, and we're utterly impressed on a number of levels.

Acceleration is both quick and eerily quiet. With all torque being immediately available, it's like being shot out of a gun barrel -- with a silencer. Braking is also praiseworthy, not just because the pedal feels like one from a conventional car, but also because it gets the Model S stopped with authority. The well-tuned steering and suspension further add to the experience, with a sharpness and accuracy not typically found in an EV.

Fortunately, the Model S's sporty capabilities don't come at the expense of comfort and compliance, as the ride quality is smooth and agreeable. Through neighborhoods and around town, the electric nature of the Model S means it's super quiet. At freeway speeds, however, wind and road noise take over, and the big sedan becomes merely average in terms of cabin quietness.

Interior

The 2013 Tesla Model S features a cabin that is as modern and classy as you'll find in any segment. Almost all knobs and buttons are absent, replaced by a sleek 17-inch vertical touchscreen that controls almost all onboard systems. It is essentially a big and beautiful iPad. Besides looking good, the system actually functions well, too. Users can configure the placement of audio, navigation and climate controls to their liking.

For the directionally challenged, however, we would recommend springing for the expensive Tech package that includes a turn-by-turn navigation system that is more like the units found in conventional cars. The standard system can access online maps for viewing, but that's about the extent of its function.

In terms of comfort, both front and rear seats offer ample legroom for adults, though taller rear-seat passengers may run out of headroom. The front seats are nice, but they do lack the multitude of adjustments (and, ultimately, comfort and support) found in other similarly priced luxury sedans. The optional rear-facing jump seats are comically small, and only small children are able to sit back there. That said, it's a unique option, and the seats have multipoint belts, so no added safety seat is needed.

These third-row seats fold flat into the foot well, allowing for a capacious 26.3 cubic feet of cargo space, which is significantly more than other large luxury sedans. Folding the middle row flat expands that space to 58 cubes. There's also a secondary trunk under the hood that offers 5.3 cubic feet of storage.

Materials throughout the cabin are comparable to the typical luxury sedan, but those who purchase the range-topping models might expect more than the Model S delivers. The leather upholstery is by no means a disappointment; it's just not up to premium luxury standards. Elsewhere, the typical window switches and driver controls have been sourced from Mercedes-Benz, making them hard to fault by any measure.

2013 Tesla Model S models

The 2013 Tesla Model S is a large, five-passenger luxury sedan. It's available in two trim levels: base and Performance.

Tesla has tinkered with the Model S's standard features slightly as the model year has progressed, but in general expect standard equipment to include 19-inch wheels, xenon headlights, full power accessories, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 17-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, cloth/premium vinyl upholstery, heated eight-way power front seats (with four-way power lumbar), 60/40-split-folding rear seats, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a seven-speaker sound system with dual USB ports (charging only) and HD radio. A cellular connection, Internet radio and WiFi connectivity are also included.

An option for the 60 kWh model is the Supercharger Enabled package; it allows you to utilize Tesla's growing network of Supercharger stations around the country. Upgraded tires (for slightly greater range) are also optional. Besides an increase in battery capacity and motor output, the 85-kWh models come with the above two options as standard.

For any Model S, the optional High Power Home Charging package equips your car with twin onboard chargers, effectively doubling its recharge rate and allowing you to best take advantage of high-output chargers such as Tesla's home charger, the High Powered Wall Connecter (HPWC). The HPWC is included with this package.

Since the Model S features mobile Internet connectivity, access to Web-based navigation and maps is possible, but turn-by-turn guidance is only available as part of the optional Tech package. Other Tech package features include LED foglights and cornering lights, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, a power rear hatch, keyless ignition/entry and driver memory settings.

Other options include 21-inch wheels with performance tires, an adaptive air suspension (with adjustable ride height), front and rear parking sensors, a panoramic sunroof, rear-facing third-row seats, a 12-speaker surround-sound audio system (with satellite radio), leather upholstery, sport front seats, extended leather upholstery, heated rear seats, a simulated suede headliner (standard for 85 kWh) and ambient LED interior lighting.

Compare 2013 Tesla Model S trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2013 Tesla Model S EV Insights

Trim:

Model S Base

Estimated Range Based on Age

Not available

Charging

No charging time information available

EV Battery Warranty

8 yrs or 125,000 miles

According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.

Exceeded original 8 year warranty.

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

$4,100

Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.

Restrictions:
Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers taxpayers a Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credit equal to 30% of the sale price up to a maximum credit of $4,000 for the purchase of a used plug-in electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Beginning January 1, 2024, Clean Vehicle Tax Credits may be initiated and approved at the point of sale at participating dealerships registered with the IRS. Dealers will be responsible for submitting Clean Vehicle Tax Credit information to the IRS. Buyers are advised to obtain a copy of an IRS "time of sale" report, confirming it was submitted successfully by the dealer. Not every version of the vehicle models will necessarily qualify. Please check with the dealer/seller to determine the eligibility of your specific vehicle.

For the vehicle to qualify:
- Price cannot exceed $25,000.
- Need to verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Must be at least two model years older than the current calendar year in which the vehicle was purchased.
- Must be sold through a dealership, private sales not permitted.
- Not have already been transferred after August 16, 2022, to a qualified buyer.
For individuals to qualify:
- Must meet income eligibility, depending on modified adjusted gross income (AGI) and tax filing status.
- Must not be the first owner of the qualifying vehicle.
- Has not been allowed a credit under this section for any sale during the 3-year period ending on the date of the sale of such vehicle.
- Purchased for personal use, not a business, corporation or for resale.
To learn more, visit https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/used-clean-vehicle-credit
Restrictions: Edmunds is partnering with Treehouse, an independent provider of home EV installation services. Edmunds visitors receive a $100 discount when they contract with Treehouse for their home charger installation. Discount excludes permit, hosted inspection, and load management devices. Valid for 30 days.
To learn more, visit https://treehouse.pro/edmundsdiscount/

See All EV incentives

Cost to Drive

$68/mo

Model S

$187/mo

Car Avg.

Monthly estimates based on costs in Iowa

Am I Ready for an EV?

EV ownership works best if you can charge at home (240V outlet)
Adding a home charging system is estimated to cost $1,616 in
Edmunds is partnering with Treehouse, an independent provider of home EV installation services. Learn more about the installation services partnership

Need to install a charger at home?

Get a free quote

See All EV Insights

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Year

Make

Model

See pricing history

Reliability

The 2013 Tesla Model S has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 11 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #1 out of 1 among Luxury Alternative Fuel Vehicles. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average

#1 out of 1 among Luxury Alternative Fuel Vehicles

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$823/yr

vs. $823/yr
for Average Luxury Alternative Fuel Vehicle

Frequency

0.36x/yr

vs. 0.4x/yr
for Average Luxury Alternative Fuel Vehicle

Severity

15.2%

vs. 15.2%
for Average Luxury Alternative Fuel Vehicle

Recalls

11 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 24V376000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-24-00-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 125233
Defect Description:: 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."
Defect Consequence:: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Corrective Action:: 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.

Recall Number:: 24V153000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-24-00-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 6557
Defect Description:: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Defect Consequence:: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.

Recall Number:: 24V051000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-24-00-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 2193869
Defect Description:: 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."
Defect Consequence:: 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.
Corrective Action:: 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.

Recall Number:: 23V838000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-23-00-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 2031220
Defect Description:: 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.
Defect Consequence:: 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.
Corrective Action:: 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.

Recall Number:: 21V035000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-21-21-0
Number of vehicles affected:: 134951
Defect Description:: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center display functions.
Defect Consequence:: The eMMC controller wear-out condition can cause the loss of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Owners should ensure their vehicles are operating firmware release 2020.48.48.12 or newer, which will alert owners if the eMMC is approaching lifetime wear. Tesla will notify owners, and will replace the VCM daughterboard with one containing an enhanced eMMC controller, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 30, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-21-001.

Recall Number:: 18V204000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-18-32-0
Manufactured from:: 2012-05-31 to 2016-04-09
Number of vehicles affected:: 70421
Defect Description:: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Tesla Model S vehicles equipped with Bosch steering racks. The aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture causing a reduction or complete loss of power steering assist.
Defect Consequence:: Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts and add a corrosion-preventative sealer, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-18-32-002.

Recall Number:: 18V031000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-18-20-0
Manufactured from:: 2013-01-01 to 2013-12-31
Number of vehicles affected:: 17846
Defect Description:: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2013 Model S vehicles equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Defect Consequence:: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action:: Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the passenger frontal air bag modules, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2018. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-18-20-001.

Recall Number:: 17V260000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-17-33-0
Manufactured from:: 2012-07-12 to 2016-11-17
Number of vehicles affected:: 31709
Defect Description:: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electric parking brake calipers have an internal gear that may be improperly manufactured, possibly resulting in the gear fracturing during parking brake application or release.
Defect Consequence:: If the gear breaks during parking brake release, the vehicle will not be able to be moved. If the gear breaks during parking brake application, the parking brake may not adequately hold the vehicle, potentially resulting in the vehicle rolling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Tesla will notify owners, and service centers will replace the electric parking brake calipers, free of charge. A remedy is currently unavailable. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed June 8, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-17-33-002.

Recall Number:: 15V780000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: SB-15-20-0
Manufactured from:: 2012-05-31 to 2015-11-12
Number of vehicles affected:: 58773
Defect Description:: Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Model S vehicles manufactured May 31, 2012, to November 12, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with driver or front passenger seat belts that may be improperly connected to the outboard lap pretensioner.
Defect Consequence:: If the seat belt is not correctly attached to the pretensioner, it may not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Tesla will notify owners, and service centers will inspect the driver and front passenger seat belts, correcting their connection, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 14, 2015. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-15-20-002.

Recall Number:: 14V006000
Number of vehicles affected:: 21081
Defect Description:: Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2013 Model S vehicles equipped for, and delivered with, certain NEMA 14-50 (240 volt) Universal Mobile Connector (UMC) adapters. During charging, the adapter, cord, or wall outlet could overheat.
Defect Consequence:: An overheated adapter, cord, or wall outlet increases the risk of burn injury and/or fire.
Corrective Action:: Tesla will notify owners and provide an "over-the-air" software update. Some owners have already received this update. This update allows the Model S on board charging system to detect any unexpected fluctuations in the input power or higher resistance

Recall Number:: 13V249000
Manufactured from:: 2013-05-10 to 2013-06-08
Number of vehicles affected:: 1228
Defect Description:: Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain model year 2013 Model S electric vehicles manufactured May 10, 2013, through June 8, 2013. An improper method for aligning the left hand seat back striker to the bracket may have weakened the weld between the bracket and the frame of the vehicle.
Defect Consequence:: In the event of a crash, the left hand seat back may not stay mounted, increasing the risk of injury to passengers.
Corrective Action:: Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will inspect the left hand second row strikers. Tesla will add additional mounting hardware to ensure a proper joint between the bracket and the frame, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2013. Owners may contact Tesla at 1-650-681-5000.

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 8 years / 125,000 miles
EV battery Warranty: 8 years / 125,000 miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles

Tesla Model S Owner Reviews

4.5

34 reviews

5(79%)

4(5%)

3(5%)

2(8%)

1(3%)

See all 34 reviews Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Best car I've ever owned, could never go back

John Sanders, 11/06/2015

2013 Tesla Model S 4dr Sedan (electric DD)

I like to drive cars hard, but hated sticking $70 in the pump every week. I drive a lot and hate driving hybrids with CVTs. So when I could get an all electric performance car I took the plunge. I usually prefer coupes to sedans, but since Tesla no longer made the Roadster, I went with the Model S. I couldn't be happier. The service is excellent, especially compared with my wife's …

Great drive, poor construction remains concern

MyTesla, 04/07/2021

2013 Tesla Model S Performance 4dr Sedan (electric DD)

A pleasure to drive, fast, comfortable, safe but unfortunately too many quality control. issues such as windows or trunk not opening or closing, computer screen leaking, inside cloth doors wearing down and ripping too fast, rattle , rear drive train breaking (an $8000 repair!) etc. "High tech service" on app does not allow for discussion with Tesla. Hopefully more recent cars better …

Great drivetrai + beta software

evdriver1, 10/21/2014

2013 Tesla Model S 4dr Sedan (electric DD)

I own 2013 model 85 that has 17k miles on it. Great drivetrain, power and handling. Interior is good but not on par with Germans. Quality of materials and assembly probably like Volvo. 2014 models may be better. Fortunately Tesla have been fixing squeks, creaks and leaks. Drive unit developed whine, replaced. Sunroof seals replaced. Glovebox stuck, replaced. Software is hit and miss, …

Tesla is to cars what Apple is to phones.

drbones911, 05/21/2013

2013 Tesla Model S Performance 4dr Sedan (electric DD)

I have approximately 7000 miles on this signature, performance version of the Tesla S. The car grabs a lot of attention and drives like a dream machine. I've driven the car from Boston to New York City then into New Jersey and back again with no problems. Other than that, I never really need to use an outside charging station since I charge it each night in my garage at home. This car is …

See all 34 reviews of the Tesla Model S

Write a vehicle review

2013 Model S Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$69,900
EV Tax Credits & Rebates
Engine Type	Electric
Cost to Drive	$68/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	31.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
EV Battery Warranty	8 years / 125,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the Model S include:

Back-up camera
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover5.7%

People who viewed this also viewed

Tesla Model 3
3.4 average Rating out of 9 reviews.
Starting at $42,490

See Tesla Model 3 Inventory

Tesla Model X
Starting at $84,990

See Tesla Model X Inventory

Tesla Model Y
4.2 average Rating out of 5 reviews.
Starting at $44,990

See Tesla Model Y Inventory

2013 Tesla Model S Review

Selling or Trading-In?

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

For sale near Des Moines, IA

2013 Tesla Model SBase Sedan

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2013 Tesla Model SBase Sedan

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Vehicle overview

Performance & mpg

Safety

Driving

Interior

2013 Tesla Model S models

2013 Tesla Model S EV Insights

Estimated Range Based on Age

Charging

EV Battery Warranty

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

Cost to Drive

Am I Ready for an EV?

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Recalls

Warranty

Tesla Model S Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Best car I've ever owned, could never go back

Great drive, poor construction remains concern

Great drivetrai + beta software

Tesla is to cars what Apple is to phones.

2013 Model S Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2013 Tesla Model S info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Tesla

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

2013 Tesla Model S
Base Sedan

2013 Tesla Model S
Base Sedan