Tesla Model S
Problems & Worst Years
Every reported problem for the Tesla Model S, model year by model year — ranked from 141 federal NHTSA complaints across 2021–2022.
An oddly specific complaint dominates both Tesla Model S years in this data: the horn button built into the steering wheel spoke. In 2021, 26 of 135 total complaints describe the steering horn button's placement as a functional problem — likely tied to the redesigned steering wheel introduced that year — and the same issue persists into 2022, cited 17 times out of 68 total complaints, with steering yoke design issues (6 reports) adding a related concern for anyone considering the yoke-equipped version.
Beyond the horn button, 2021 shows a phantom-braking complaint tied to adaptive cruise control (21 reports), suspension issues described as an uncomfortable ride (17), and tire delamination (13, safety-rated) — that year carries four safety-rated complaint categories out of twelve total. The 2022 model, with two safety-rated categories, shows lighter overall volume but continues several of the same threads: suspension wear concentrated on the rear tires (7), unreliable service brakes (7), and phantom braking again (6).
Recalls attached to this model span 22V037, 22V045, 22V050, 22V063, 22V235, 23V085, 23V743, 23V838, and 24V051 across both years, with 22V818 specific to 2021 — a long enough list that confirming completed recall work by VIN is a sensible step regardless of which year you're considering. Given the horn button and steering yoke issues are more about usability and design than mechanical failure, they're worth experiencing firsthand on a test drive rather than something a mechanic can necessarily catch. The suspension and brake complaints, on the other hand, are worth a physical inspection.
With only two model years represented and both showing modest volume, remember these figures reflect what owners chose to report rather than a measured failure rate — a pre-purchase inspection and documented service history remain the more reliable signal than the complaint counts alone.
Tesla Model S problems by year
Complaint volume by model year (bar = relative to the worst year). Theworst yearsare the most-complained-about, weighted by safety-risk problems.
| Year | Complaint volume | Problems | Safety / High | Most common problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021worst | 80 | 12 | 4/3 | Steering Horn Button Placement Other · 26 complaints |
| 2022worst | 61 | 12 | 2/6 | Horn Button Placement and Functionality Issues Other · 17 complaints |
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls, 2021–2022. Problem clustering and year rankings are derived from the complaint record; complaint volume reflects reports filed, not total incidence or fault rate. Vehicle image is illustrative.