2012 Tesla Model S — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Tesla Model S is a hatchback powered by an electric motor, with an EPA-rated range of around 265 miles per charge. Owners often keep a Tesla Model S workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Full Specifications
| Engine | Electric motor |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (A1) |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 94 cu ft (2,662 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 26 cu ft (736 L) |
| EPA Range | 265 miles |
| Efficiency | 38.0 kWh/100 mi |
| CO₂ Emissions | 0 g/km |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 1 configuration for the 2012 Tesla Model S, all with the Electric motor engine. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric motor | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 107 | 89 (88/90) | — | $850 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 94 cubic feet (about 2,662 litres) and luggage volume at 26 cubic feet (about 736 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Tesla Model S
Running Costs: 2012 Tesla Model S
Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Tesla Model S Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 8 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Tesla Model S (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Seat belts (2), Electrical system (2), Back over prevention (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Seat belts — campaign 24V376000, reported 28 May 2024. 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.
- Electrical system — campaign 24V051000, reported 30 January 2024. 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.
- Electrical system — campaign 23V838000, reported 12 December 2023. 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…
- Back over prevention — campaign 21V035000, reported 29 January 2021. Risk: 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…
Showing the 4 most recent of 8 campaigns.
Owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Tesla Model S. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (36), Unspecified (11), Suspension (9). Complaints include 4 reported crashes, 1 reported fire, 6 reported injuries, 1 reported death. That is well below the median of 128 complaints across the 15 Tesla Model S model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Tesla Model S
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (2 recall campaigns · 36 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Seat belts (2 recall campaigns) — Check every belt latches and retracts properly and that any restraint recalls were completed.
- Suspension (9 owner complaints) — Listen for knocks over bumps and check tyre wear for signs of alignment problems.
- Steering (1 recall campaign) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Tesla Model S
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Tesla Model S have?
It's powered by an electric motor with an EPA-rated range of around 265 miles per charge.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Tesla Model S?
It uses around 38.0 kWh per 100 miles.
Does the 2012 Tesla Model S have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 8 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Tesla Model S (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Seat belts (2), Electrical system (2), Back over prevention (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Tesla Model S?
Among the 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (36 complaints), Unspecified (11 complaints), Suspension (9 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Tesla Model S have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 94 cubic feet (about 2,662 litres) and luggage volume at 26 cubic feet (about 736 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.