Trade in: 2012 Tesla Model S
None for sale by us right now: rent one for a week first, or ask us to find one. Rated 23.6 kWh/100 km combined (EPA). 8 NHTSA recall campaigns.
- For sale by us
- 0
- Combined
- 23.6 kWh/100 km
- Recalls
- 8
For sale
We do not have a 2012 Tesla Model S for sale right now. We are a rental company: rent one for a week to try it, or tell us what you want and we look for one for you.
2012 Tesla Model S specs
| Engine | Electric motor |
|---|---|
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 1-speed automatic |
| Fuel | Electric |
| Combined | 23.6 kWh/100 km |
| Electric range | 426 km |
| CO₂ | 0 g/km |
| Cost to drive 100 km | $3.54 |
2012 Tesla Model S: every figure
| MPG city (US) | 88 MPGe |
|---|---|
| MPG highway (US) | 90 MPGe |
| MPG combined (US) | 89 MPGe |
| Charge at 240 V | 12 hours |
| Luggage volume (litres converted from EPA's cubic feet) | 736 L (26 cu ft) |
| Fuel cost a year (EPA) (EPA: 15,000 miles at its fuel prices) | US$850 |
| Fuel cost for 20,000 km (at 15 cents a kWh) | $708 |
Sources: fuel use, MPG, CO2, electric range, battery, charge time, luggage volume and the annual fuel cost are the US EPA's (fueleconomy.gov). Imperial MPG, litres, inches and pounds are converted from those figures. Figures no free source publishes for this car (power, torque, acceleration, top speed, fuel tank, towing) are left out.
What to check when buying the 2012 Tesla Model S
- NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for this model year. Ask the seller for proof each one was fixed; a dealer can check it by the VIN.
- Owners filed 61 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system (37), unknown or other (12) and suspension (9). Have those parts checked before you buy.
| Campaign | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24V376000 | 2024-05-28 | seat belts:front:warning light/devices | 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... |
| 24V051000 | 2024-01-30 | electrical system: instrument cluster/panel | 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... |
| 23V838000 | 2023-12-12 | electrical system:adas:driver monitoring:software | 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... |
| 21V035000 | 2021-01-29 | visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system | 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... |
| 18V204000 | 2018-03-29 | steering:electric power assist system | 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. |
| 17V260000 | 2017-04-19 | parking brake | 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. |
| 17V023000 | 2017-01-10 | air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module | Tesla Motors, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2012 Model S vehicles. These vehicles are 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 frontal air bags,... |
| 15V780000 | 2015-11-23 | seat belts:front | 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. |
Source: NHTSA (US) recall campaigns and owner complaints for this model year.
Buying the 2012 Tesla Model S
CarmaCars is a rental company and does not have the 2012 Tesla Model S for sale right now. Rent one for a week first, or ask us to look for one. Before you buy the 2012 Tesla Model S, here is what the figures say and what to look at.
A buyer's checks
A pre-purchase inspection at a shop you choose is money well spent. In Ontario, a used car needs a Safety Standards Certificate to be registered. Owners filed 61 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system, unknown or other and suspension; have those parts checked. Check whether every recall was done, by the VIN, before you pay.
The figures, translated
The electric motor, paired with a 1-speed automatic, drives it. Being electric, it is quiet and quick from a stop, and it charges at home, at work or at public chargers. Rear-wheel drive gives balanced handling; in winter, the tires make the biggest difference.
Its rating is 23.6 kWh/100 km: about 71 kWh for 300 km. The EPA rates its range at 426 km. Winter cold and fast highway driving cut that down. That works out to about $3.54 per 100 km at our price setting. The EPA estimates US$850 a year in fuel for 15,000 miles.
Best uses
It suits a stretch of weeks between selling one car and buying the next. It suits client visits, weddings and special weekends.
What to expect from the Model S
It is a straightforward car to drive, park and live with. In plain terms, its 736 litres of luggage space hold bulky luggage, a stroller or sports gear.
Try before you buy
If the Model S is in our fleet, its page shows the rates; if not, a similar car helps you judge. Rent it, live with it for a week, and decide with real experience. Rent first, buy later: a week with the Model S answers the big questions.
Narrowing it down
Look at a few listings of the same year and trim to get a feel for fair prices. Decide what matters most first: fuel use, space, or the price you can pay. If two trims share a powertrain, the difference is equipment, which you can check in person.
The cost of driving it
Charging at home usually costs less than public fast charging. Ask what a set of tires costs for this trim; sizes and prices vary. The EPA estimates US$850 a year in fuel for 15,000 miles at US prices.
Let us know
A week with the car can save a costly mistake: request it now.
Rent it for a week before you buy
A week of your own driving tells you more than a test drive: the commute, the parking, the fuel. Rent a 2012 Tesla Model S from us first.
Find me this car
Tell us your budget and when you want to buy; we look for a 2012 Tesla Model S for you and reply within one business day.
Buying the 2012 Tesla Model S
Does CarmaCars sell the 2012 Tesla Model S?
Not right now. CarmaCars rents cars; it sells one only now and then. Tell us what you want and we look for one, or rent one for a week first.
Can I rent a 2012 Tesla Model S before I buy one?
Yes. Request it for a week (or longer, up to 365 days) and drive it as your own; nothing is charged until we confirm and you approve.
Does the 2012 Tesla Model S have recalls?
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for it, in the table on this page. Ask for proof each was fixed.
What does the 2012 Tesla Model S cost in fuel a year?
EPA puts it at US$850 a year for 15,000 miles at its fuel prices; at our price setting, 20,000 km cost about $708.00.
Where do the figures come from?
Fuel use and fuel cost from the US EPA (fueleconomy.gov), dimensions and weight from NHTSA vPIC Canadian specifications, recalls and complaints from NHTSA. We leave out any figure no free source publishes.