2021 Tesla Model S: common problems and reliability

The 2021 Tesla Model S has 174 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 24 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are forward collision avoidance and steering. Owners most often flag poor long-term reliability (older models) — multiple expensive failures per year out of warranty, including door handles, trunk latches, 12v battery systems, infotainment screens, and suspension components (control arms). frequency: very frequent (for older models).

Safety record for the 2021 model year

174
Owner complaints
24
Recalls
13
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Tesla Model S vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

forward collision avoidance
47
steering
29
electrical system
25
suspension
16
service brakes
15

Recalls affecting the 2021 Model S

electrical system:adas:autonomous/self driving:software

Campaign 22V037000

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 a…

air bags

Campaign 21V868000

Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021 Model X and Model S vehicles. The driver's air bag cushion may tear during deployment.

electrical system:software

Campaign 22V045000

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 s…

latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Campaign 21V00B000

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 re…

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is mixed and varies significantly by vehicle generation. Long-term owners of older models (specifically pre-2021, with mentions of a 2015 model) report severe dissatisfaction with long-term reliability and ownership costs, describing the vehicle as p

  • Poor long-term reliability (older models) — Multiple expensive failures per year out of warranty, including door handles, trunk latches, 12V battery systems, infotainment screens, and suspension components (control arms). Frequency: very frequent (for older models).
  • Full Self-Driving (FSD) / Autopilot system flaws — Phantom braking, unreliable object detection due to cameras-only sensor suite, hard braking for shadows, erratic lane changes, and general inability to be trusted without constant supervision. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Subpar build quality and interior materials — Described as "low build quality," lacking the refinement, comfort, and quietness expected in the luxury segment. Interior criticized for minimalist design choices that compromise functionality and luxury feel. Frequency: recurrent.
  • High ownership costs out of warranty — Significant annual repair expenses reported for vehicles outside the factory warranty period. Frequency: recurrent (for older models).
  • Suspension and brake failures — Cited as primary reasons for high failure rates in mandatory vehicle inspections (e.g., TÜV in Germany). Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Model S.

Typical used price

Used Model S listings typically run $16,795–$31,876 across 2012 to 2023 model years.

Other Model S model years

2019 Model S2017 Model S2016 Model S2015 Model S2014 Model S2012 Model S
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