KnownCarProblems2021 Tesla Model S Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 179 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Tesla Model S, most often about the driver assistance (28% of complaints, typically around 6,000 miles). It is 6th of 15 Model S model years by number of complaints and has 23 recalls.
Most common 2021 Tesla Model S problems
Driver assistance
51 complaints · 28%Half of these problems showed up before 6,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, warnings, assist.
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH or slower, the pedestrian alert warning system failed to activate as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic found no failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA…
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle approached another vehicle that had slowed for a traffic light and did not automatically start braking. The contact manually applied the brakes, but the vehicle crashed into the rear end of the vehicle in front.…
Other or unspecified
45 complaints · 25%Steering
29 complaints · 16%Electrical
25 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 6,000 miles. Parts named most often: adas.
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH or slower, the pedestrian alert warning system failed to activate as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic found no failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA…
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was connected to the charging port and independently went into race mode. The contact stated that the charge increased from 0 to 60 instantly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a…
Wheels and tires
19 complaints · 11%Parts named most often: sidewall, tread/belt.
While I was driving my new Tesla s (approximately 1000 miles) on a county road, the left front tire suddenly came off my car, went across a road with oncoming traffic and hit a fence at a local residence. There was substantial damage to the left front area of the car which can be seen from the attached…
Brakes
16 complaints · 9%The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with the cruise control feature engaged, the brakes independently activated without the brake pedal being depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or…
Speed control
16 complaints · 9%Parts named most often: accelerator pedal, cruise control.
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with the cruise control feature engaged, the brakes independently activated without the brake pedal being depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or…
Suspension
16 complaints · 9%
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2021 Tesla Model S recalls
Backup camera: software
Risk: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed july 3, 2026. Owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is sb-26-00-001.
Full defect summary
Tesla, inc. (tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 model 3, 2020-2023 model y, 2021-2023 model s, and model x vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 111, "rear visibility."
Air bags
Risk: An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed may 20, 2025. Owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is sb-25-20-001.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: cushion
Risk: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed february 21, 2025. Owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is sb-24-20-001.
Full defect summary
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."
Electrical: software
Risk: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed september 24, 2024. Owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is sb-24-00-012.
Full defect summary
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.
Seat belts: warning light/devices
Risk: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed july 26, 2024. Owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is sb-24-00-008.
Full defect summary
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."
Driver assistance: external/pedestrian alert
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the pws sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed april 27, 2024. Owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is sb-24-00-006.
Full defect summary
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."
Electrical: instrument cluster/panel
Risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is sb-24-00-003.
Full defect summary
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."
Electrical: software
Risk: In certain circumstances when autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed february 10, 2024. Owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is sb-23-00-008.
Full defect summary
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.
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
Risk: An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Tesla service will inspect and replace the driver air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed january 2, 2024. Owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is sb-23-20-005.
Full defect summary
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.
Seat belts: front
Risk: A detached seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Tesla service will inspect the front-row seat belts and connect the seat belts to pretensioner anchors, or replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed september 12, 2023. Owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is sb-23-20-004.
Full defect summary
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.
Steering: automated/adaptive steering
Risk: Fsd beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.â owner notification letters were mailed april 15, 2023.â owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.â tesla's number for this recall is sb-23-00-001.
Full defect summary
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.â 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.
Steering: electric power assist system
Risk: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the epas system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed december 31, 2022. Owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is sb-22-00-014.
Full defect summary
Tesla, inc. (tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 model s and model x vehicles. The electronic power assist steering (epas) system may experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.
Visibility and wipers: power window devices and controls
Risk: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed march 31, 2032. Owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is sb-22-00-013.
Full defect summary
Tesla, inc. (tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 model 3, 2020-2022 model y, and 2021-2022 model s and model x vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 118, "power-operated window systems."
Equipment: video (touch)screen/monitor/unit
Risk: A lagging or restarting cpu may prevent the center screen from displaying the rearview camera image, gear selection, windshield visibility control settings, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will improve cpu temperature management, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed july 1, 2022. Owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is sb-22-00-009.
Full defect summary
Tesla, inc. (tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 model s, model x, and 2022 model 3 and model y vehicles operating certain firmware releases. The infotainment central processing unit (cpu) may overheat during the preparation or process of fast-charging, causing the cpu to lag or restart.
Driver assistance: external/pedestrian alert
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the pws sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the boombox functionality when the vehicle is in drive, neutral and reverse modes, including summon and smart summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed june 6, 2022. Owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is sb-22-00-003. Note: this recall supersedes recall 22v-063. Vehicles configured with summon or smart summon and already remedied under 22v-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.
Full defect summary
Tesla, inc. (tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 model y, model x, model s, and 2017-2022 model 3 vehicles. The boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure 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."
Air bags: inflator
Risk: An incorrectly assembled inflator can cause a delayed or improper deployment of the side curtain air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Tesla service centers will replace the side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed april 28, 2022. Owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is sb-22-20-001.
Full defect summary
Tesla, inc. (tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 model s vehicles. The right or left side curtain air bag inflators may have been assembled incorrectly.
Driver assistance: external/pedestrian alert
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the pws sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the boombox functionality when the vehicle is in drive, neutral and reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed april 5, 2022. Owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is sb-22-00-003. Note: this recall has been superseded by recall 22v-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is sb-22-00-003.
Full defect summary
Tesla, inc. (tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 model s, model x, model y, and 2017-2022 model 3 vehicles. The boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure 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."
Electrical: software
Risk: Decreased defrosting performance may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed april 1, 2022. Owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is sb-22-18-002.
Full defect summary
Tesla, inc. (tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 model 3, model s, model x, and 2020-2022 model y vehicles. A software error may cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally and trap the refrigerant inside the evaporator, resulting in decreased defrosting performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 103, "windshield defrosting and defogging systems."
Seat belts: front
Risk: The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed april 1, 2022. Owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is sb-22-00-002.
Full defect summary
Tesla, inc. (tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 model s and model x, 2017-2022 model 3, and 2020-2022 model y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 208, "occupant crash protection."
Steering: automated/adaptive steering
Risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed march 28, 2022. Owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is sb-22-00-001.
Full defect summary
Tesla, inc. (tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 model s and model x, 2017-2022 model 3, and 2020-2022 model y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the full self-driving (beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Doors and locks: latch
Risk: If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla service will inspect and reposition the latch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed february 18, 2022. Owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is sb-21-11-003.
Full defect summary
Tesla, inc. (tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 model s vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 113, "hood latch system."
Air bags: cushion
Risk: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: Tesla service will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed january 7, 2022. Owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is sb-21-20-007.
Full defect summary
Tesla, inc. (tesla) is recalling certain 2021 model x and model s vehicles. The driver's air bag cushion may tear during deployment.
Driver assistance: camera
Risk: Unexpected activation of the aeb system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began october 25, 2021. Owners may contact tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is sb-21-00-004.
Full defect summary
Tesla, inc. (tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 model s, model 3, model x, and 2020-2021 model y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (fcw) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (aeb) system.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Fsd collisions in reduced roadway visibility conditions
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) is opening this engineering analysis to evaluate teslaâs full self driving beta and full self driving (supervised) (collectively, fsd) degradation detection system. The focus of this investigation will be to assess the systemâs ability, when encountering reduced roadway visibility conditions, to detect degradation and alert the driver with sufficient time to respond. Odi will evaluate the performance of fsd in degraded roadway conditions and the updates or modifications by tesla to the degradation detection system, including the timing, purpose, and capabilities of the updates, and teslaâs assessment of their safety impact. Teslaâs fsd is an
Traffic safety violations while full self driving ("fsd") is engaged
Summary
The office of defects investigation (âodiâ) is opening this preliminary evaluation (pe) to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of fsd executing driving maneuvers that constitute traï¬c safety violations. This investigation concerns versions of fsd that tesla has labeled as "fsd (supervised)" and "fsd (beta)." tesla characterizes fsd as an sae level 2 partial automation system requiring a fully attentive driver who is engaged in the driving task at all times. Level 2 partial automation systems are designed to support and assist the driver in performing certain aspects of the driving task, requiring a driver to supervise and intervene as necessary.â the driver r
Compliance with standing general order 2021-01 reporting requirements
Summary
The office of defects investigation (âodiâ) has identified numerous incident reports submitted by tesla, inc. (âteslaâ) in response to standing general order 2021-01 (the âsgoâ), in which the reported crashes occurred several months or more before the dates of the reports. The majority of these reports involved crashes in which the standing general order in place at the time required a report to be submitted within one or five days of tesla receiving notice of the crash. When the reports were submitted, tesla submitted them in one of two ways. Many of the reports were submitted as part of a single batch, while others were submitted on a rolling basis. Preliminary engagement betwe
Actually smart summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.
Summary
On january 6, 2025, the office of defects investigations (odi) opened preliminary evaluation 24003 (pe24033) to investigate actually smart summon (summon) sessions resulting in crashes during active sessions. According to tesla, summon is a short-distance sae level 2 system, controlled by the user from a cell phone within a certain distance and intended for use in parking lots and on private property. Odi analyzed complaint data provided by tesla as well as complaints submitted to odi from consumers to identify summon incidents resulting in crashes. Odi's analysis indicates that almost all summon reported crashes involved minor property damage claims with no reported incidents involving a vu
Fsd collisions in reduced roadway visibility conditions
Summary
On october 17, 2024, nhtsaâs office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe24031) of teslaâs full self driving beta and full self driving (supervised) (collectively, fsd) to assess: the ability of the fsd system to detect and respond appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions; whether any other fsd crashes had occurred under degraded roadway visibility conditions that are similar in nature to the four sgo-reported crashes identified in the opening document, and if so, the contributing circumstances for each of those crashes; and any updates or modifications by tesla to the fsd system that may affect the performance of fsd in degraded roadway visibil
Recall 23v838 remedy effectiveness
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) is opening a recall query to assess the remedy adequacy of recall 23v838. On december 12, 2023, tesla filed a defect information report (recall 23v838) applicable to all tesla models produced and equipped with any version of its autopilot system, which tesla described as an sae level 2 (l2) advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). Autopilot is the simultaneous engagement of teslaâs traffic-aware cruise control (tacc) and autosteer. In describing the safety defect, teslaâs defect information report (dir) explained that âthe prominence and scope of the systemâs controls may be insufficient to prevent driver misuse,â and tesla committed to th
Sudden unintended acceleration
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) received a petition requesting that odi reevaluate its decision to deny dp20-001 on the basis that intermittent high electrical current demands on the vehicles' 12vdc systems may have caused some or all of the incidents examined by odi in dp20-001. The petitioner bases this information on a review of open-source research and the dp20-001 denial. The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following odi number: 11528471.
Defect petition interlock request
Summary
On march 21, 2023, the office of defects investigation (odi) received a petition requesting a ârecall of all tesla carsâ produced from 2013 to the date on which the petition was filed due to what petitioner considers to be the increased likelihood of pedal misapplication. Attached to the petition is a paper authored by petitioner. According to petitioner, the differences in the operator controls between the subject tesla vehicles and internal combustion engine powered vehicles promote driver pedal misapplication, leading to sudden unintended acceleration (sua) incidents. To fix this alleged defect, petitioner argues that the subject vehicles should be equipped with measures that require:
Front seat belt anchor detachment
Summary
On march 24, 2023, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation (pe) after receiving 2 consumer complaints alleging the front seat belts had suddenly detached from the outboard lap pretensioner anchor while in motion in model year (my) 2022-2023 tesla model x vehicles. In its june 19, 2023 response to odiâs may 4, 2023 information request letter of the pe, tesla reported that its review of field repair data identified 12 additional warranty claims of the subject condition in the affected vehicles. On july 14, 2023, tesla filed a safety recall (NHTSA no. 23v-488) of 15,869 my 2021 - 2023 tesla model s and model x vehicles. The recall remedy is an inspection o
Pedestrian alert sounds
Summary
Nhtsa received a petition on or about july 18, 2022, requesting that federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the united states. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under odi number 11486072. Fmvss 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 kg or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after march 1, 2021.on january 27, 2023, NHTSA opened defect petition (dp) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matt
Questions about the 2021 Tesla Model S
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Tesla Model S?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: driver assistance (51 complaints, typically around 6,000 miles); other or unspecified (45 complaints); steering (29 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2021 Tesla Model S have?
- 23 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 4, 2026 (backup camera). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2021 a bad year for the Tesla Model S?
- It is 6th of 15 Model S model years by number of complaints, with 179 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.