2016 Tesla Model S structure problems
30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the structure on the 2016 Tesla Model S — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The doors are not opening/closing properly. I have had intermittent issues that are now more constant. When the doors unlock they do not unlatch when I pull the exterior handle. Yesterday on 9/13/26 my front drivers side door was not closing. Each time I closed it the latch released and it would…”
filed Sep 14, 2026
“The retracting door handle on my Tesla Model S failed, creating a dangerous situation where I could not enter the vehicle when needed. This defect poses a serious safety risk because if this failure occurred during a medical emergency, a crash, or a fire, neither I nor first responders would be…”
filed Jan 6, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Structure problems in other Model S years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Model S | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 Model S | 8 | 6% |
| 2021 Model S | 9 | 5% |
| 2020 Model S | 5 | 6% |
| 2019 Model S | 2 | 5% |
| 2018 Model S | 10 | 6% |
| 2017 Model S | 14 | 3% |
| 2015 Model S | 30 | 4% |
| 2014 Model S | 26 | 7% |
| 2013 Model S | 19 | 4% |
| 2012 Model S | 2 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 Tesla Model S
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.