Photo: Norbert Aepli, Switzerland (User:Noebu) / CC BY 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2016 Tesla Model S: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Model S years.
One of the Tesla Model S years to avoid. All Model S years
7,852 owner complaints, most about suspension. 10 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Model S?The 2016 Tesla Model S has 7852 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 10 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are suspension and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Tesla Model S vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Model S years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the Model S?
Across the 15 Model S model years we track, complaint volume runs from 59 (2012) to 7,852 (2016). With 7,852 complaints, the 2016 Model S sits above the model's median of 160.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 Model S
air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
Campaign 19V002000Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2014-2016 Model S vehicles equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
steering:electric power assist system
Campaign 18V204000Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Tesla Model S vehicles equipped with Bosch steering racks. The aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture causing a reduction or complete loss of power steering assist.
parking brake
Campaign 17V260000Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electric parking brake calipers have an internal gear that may be improperly manufactured, possibly resulting in the gear fracturing during parking brake application or release.
electrical system:adas:autonomous/self driving:software
Campaign 22V037000Tesla, 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.
Show 6 more recalls
back over prevention:software
Campaign 21V035000Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center display functions.
latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
Campaign 21V00B000Tesla, 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."
steering:automated/adaptive steering
Campaign 23V085000Tesla, 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.
electrical system:adas:autonomous/self driving:software
Campaign 23V838000Tesla, 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.
electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Campaign 24V051000Tesla, 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."
seat belts:front:warning light/devices
Campaign 24V376000Tesla, 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."
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is mixed and varies significantly by vehicle generation.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Model S. See the full Model S owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Model S listings typically run $19,899–$42,587.
Other Model S model years
Compare every Model S year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Model S against its rivals
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