Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated September 21, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.

Recalls

0 total

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

No recalls on record for this model

No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.

Owner complaints by system

178 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Worth reading
11

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 5 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

software faults 7unintended acceleration 4
A recent report: I was driving to work this morning and engaged FSD mode in standard when suddenly the vehicle began to speed towards traffic and did not slow down while approaching a stopped semi truck. When I tried…
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I was driving to work this morning and engaged FSD mode in standard when suddenly the vehicle began to speed towards traffic and did not slow down while approaching a stopped semi truck. When I tried to brake, the FSD mode did not disengage and the car skidded a bit before I swerved out of the way to avoid the truck. FSD was still engaged for another minute or two before I was finally able to get it to turn disengage. The vehicle was stuck in FSD mode and speeding for about 3 minutes before I was able to gain control back.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11764838 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Worth reading
26

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 13sudden stalling 2
A recent report: 7/30/2025 The vehicle experienced a confirmed TOTAL loss of function to include steering, restraint, and braking functionality at approximately 60 to 65 miles per hour. This catastrophic failure…
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7/30/2025 The vehicle experienced a confirmed TOTAL loss of function to include steering, restraint, and braking functionality at approximately 60 to 65 miles per hour. This catastrophic failure placed myself and and others at severe risk. Although Tesla’s service notes confirm the event occurred, no corrective repair was performed. The vehicle was completely inoperative with a matter of seconds with no prior warning. At this point in time the car has continued to not operate the same steering and noises has been in the shop 5 times still no answer or repairs in regard to it shutting down or any other issues that continue to return. The last visit I was asked to purchase new tires because maybe that’s why, I did. I continue to be told nothing is wrong with the vehicle making me feel extremely defeated when I know the vehicle is not the same as it was.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11706190 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
41

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 5 mention a crash, 3 mention an injury.

software faults 32loss of braking 5unintended acceleration 2
A recent report: 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…
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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 repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11756406 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Read closely
71

Most reports here involve premature wear. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

premature wear 18loss of steering 5
A recent report: I was in full self driving mode and was travelling North bound 110 freeway transitioning to 405 freeway Northbound. In the right lane. Transition curved left. looked at my speed for a split second…
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I was in full self driving mode and was travelling North bound 110 freeway transitioning to 405 freeway Northbound. In the right lane. Transition curved left. looked at my speed for a split second and as i looked up we were a split second from hitting freeway barrier head-on. We crashed through the barrier and ended on the embankment of the freeway. My car front end was totally demolished, front airbags went off. I was ok, but my wife suffered a L1 vertebrae fracture and was taken to Harbor UCLA Hospital for treatment. She was released 9 hours later with a back brace and pain meds. The accident occured at 8:34 am Sunday April 5th, Easter sunday while on our way to church. Its been over a month and my wife is still in a back brace, but healing slowly. USB Drive taken out of the glove box showed that all cameras cut off about 10 seconds before the crash. Not sure if the whole system turned off.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11737104 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading
8

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

software faults 2airbags not deploying 2
A recent report: The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V045000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEAT BELTS); and requested to be removed from the recall distribution…
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The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V045000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEAT BELTS); and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11722975 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
12

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 4
A recent report: Front hood popped open during a tow, while the car was on the hood. This damaged the hood.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11748878 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Minor
9

Most reports here involve premature wear.

premature wear 1software faults 1
A recent report: I am filing this complaint regarding a potential safety issue involving a 22-inch Forgiato EV001 forged wheel installed on my 2021 Tesla Model S. The affected wheel is the front passenger-side wheel…
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I am filing this complaint regarding a potential safety issue involving a 22-inch Forgiato EV001 forged wheel installed on my 2021 Tesla Model S. The affected wheel is the front passenger-side wheel. I discovered a crack/hairline fracture on one of the rim spokes of the wheel. The wheel is a 22-inch Forgiato EV001 (EV-001) forged wheel. I am concerned that the crack in the rim spoke may represent a potential structural safety issue because the wheel is a critical component of the vehicle. After doing extensive research on the wheel, I was informed that the Forgiato EV001 has been discontinued. I am concerned about the availability of a proper replacement if the wheel is determined to be unsafe or defective. I have contacted both Forgiato and EV Sportline regarding the issue and have provided/requested information and photographs for warranty evaluation. I have also asked about having the wheel returned for inspection. I am currently waiting for further instructions, an inspection, or a determination regarding the wheel. At this time, I have not received a resolution. I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and consider whether similar complaints involving this wheel or other Forgiato forged wheels indicate a potential safety defect or trend. I can provide photographs, purchase information, warranty correspondence, and other documentation if requested.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11764570 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 178 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2020 and 2026, roughly 30 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.