Tesla Model S vs Subaru Outback
Both cars' complete complaint records, side by side.
Read the totals carefully. NHTSA publishes no sales figures, so the car that sold more collects more complaints regardless of quality. The rows worth weighing are the proportions — the share of complaints that involved harm, and which part dominates.
| Measure | Tesla Model S | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints on file | 5,283 | 12,381 |
| Model years covered | 2012–2026 | 1995–2026 |
| Worst model year | 2016 | 2017 |
| Best model year | 2024 | 1997 |
| Crashes reported | 659 | 686 |
| Fires reported | 94 | 149 |
| Injuries reported | 207 | 307 |
| Deaths reported | 35 | 8 |
| Most complained-about part | Electrical System | Electrical System |
| Share of complaints involving harm | 18.8% | 9.3% |
Tesla Model S by year
What breaks
Electrical System
1,001
18.9%
Other & Unspecified
863
16.3%
Suspension
730
13.8%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
672
12.7%
Steering
344
6.5%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
273
5.2%
Brakes
208
3.9%
Lights
195
3.7%
Subaru Outback by year
What breaks
Electrical System
2,289
18.5%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
2,092
16.9%
Other & Unspecified
1,322
10.7%
Engine & Cooling
1,023
8.3%
Transmission & Drivetrain
990
8.0%
Airbags
701
5.7%
Brakes
613
5.0%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
538
4.3%