Worst 2021 Tesla Model S Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Steering Defects
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Tesla Model S.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 29 | 2 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 26 | 5 | — | 24,556 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 24 | 3 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 22 | 1 | — | 7,950 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Brakes | 14 | 3 | — | 275 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 13 | 1 | — | 275 mi | |
| Body Structure | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 9 | — | — | 1,000 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 8 | 3 | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbags | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Warning | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Adas:Autonomous/Self Driving | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Latches / Locks | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Adas:Video Monitor/Screen | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal:Switch | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward-Collision Avoidance Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance:Software:Pedestrian/Cyclist/Object/Obstacle/ Recognition | 1 | — | — | — |
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Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Tesla Model S. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2021 Tesla Model S
22 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~10,073,731 vehicles.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 212, "Windshield Mounting."
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
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."
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."
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."
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.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and Model X vehicles. An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering wheel was replaced with a different style of yoke or steering wheel.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles. The front-row seat belts may not be connected properly to the pretensioner anchors, which can cause the seat belts to detach.
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
+ 12 more recalls
Other Tesla Model S Years
2021 Tesla Model S — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Tesla Model S reliable?
What are common problems with the 2021 Tesla Model S?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Tesla Model S?
How safe is the 2021 Tesla Model S?
Does the 2021 Tesla Model S have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2021 Tesla Model S?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Tesla Model S reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2021 Tesla Model S
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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