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NHTSA-Verified · Common Problems

2021 Tesla Model S
Common Problems

Ranked from 80 federal NHTSA complaints and 10 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.

4
Safety
3
High severity
4
Medium
1
Low
4 problems on this vehicle involve a crash, fire, or injury risk. If you are experiencing one, stop driving and have it inspected.

12 Common Problems

Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.

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  1. 1

    Steering Horn Button Placement

    26complaints
    Medium severityOther

    The horn button is placed on the steering wheel yoke, making it difficult to find during emergencies.

  2. 2

    Adaptive Cruise Control Phantom Braking

    21complaints
    High severityOther

    Adaptive cruise control randomly applies brakes without warning, posing a significant safety risk.

  3. 3

    Suspension Issues Leading to Uncomfortable Ride

    17complaints
    Medium severitySuspension

    The suspension produces loud clicking and whistling noises, especially over bumps, leading to a rough ride and neck pain for passengers.

    $150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  4. 4

    Tire Delamination

    13complaints
    Safety riskOther

    Tires delaminate from the body, leading to rapid loss of pressure and potential loss of vehicle control.

  5. 5

    Electrical System Glitches

    12complaints
    High severityElectrical

    Random glitches in the instrument panel screen affect visibility and safety during driving.

    Related recalls: 22V037000, 22V045000, 22V050000, 22V063000, 22V235000, 23V838000, 24V051000

  6. 6

    Phantom Braking During Autopilot

    11complaints
    Safety riskElectrical

    The vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly applies the brakes while in autopilot mode, posing a serious safety risk.

    Related recalls: 22V037000, 22V045000, 22V050000, 22V063000, 22V235000, 23V838000, 24V051000

  7. 7

    Steering Yoke Design Issues

    10complaints
    Medium severitySteering

    The steering yoke design causes difficulty in locating the horn button, increasing the risk of accidents due to delayed horn response.

    Related recalls: 22V818000, 23V085000, 23V743000

  8. 8

    Forward Collision Avoidance System Errors

    8complaints
    Safety riskElectrical

    The forward collision avoidance system frequently malfunctions, applying brakes unexpectedly or failing to detect obstacles.

    Related recalls: 22V037000, 22V045000, 22V050000, 22V063000, 22V235000, 23V838000, 24V051000

  9. 9

    Tire Failure Before Expected Wear

    6complaints
    High severityOther

    Tires show signs of premature wear, with inner edges wearing out rapidly, exposing the cords, despite regular maintenance.

  10. 10

    Visibility and Wiper Issues

    6complaints
    Low severityOther

    Windows and wipers malfunction, affecting visibility and safety during inclement weather conditions.

  11. 11

    Airbag Malfunction

    3complaints
    Safety riskOther

    The airbag system malfunctions, potentially failing to deploy during a collision, increasing the risk of injury.

  12. 12

    Main Computer and Screen Issues

    2complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    Frequent and intermittent shutdowns of the main computer and touch screens affect vehicle operation.

    Related recalls: 22V037000, 22V045000, 22V050000, 22V063000, 22V235000, 23V838000, 24V051000

Other years & sources

2022 Tesla Model SAll NHTSA complaints for this vehicle →

Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.

2021 Tesla Model S Problems & Recalls | WrenchConnect