2021 Tesla Model S problems & reliability

Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.

Most reported problems

Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.

Common symptoms owners describe

Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.

Complaints by incident year

What owners report

• “I noticed it happened before but I couldn't quite figure out what happened! I was driving down the local road and got ready to go under a overpass and next thing u know my EV just slammed on brakes like I was about to hit someone! Seatbelt choked me and made me gag! But when I came through this time It caught me off…”

  Seat Belts · filed May 13, 2026

• “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…”

  Unknown OR Other · filed May 11, 2026

• “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.”

  Electrical System · filed Mar 9, 2026

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.

Federal defect investigations

• FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions

  Engineering Analysis EA26002 · opened Mar 18, 2026 · open

• Traffic safety violations while Full Self Driving ("FSD") is engaged

  Preliminary Evaluation PE25012 · opened Oct 7, 2025 · open

• Compliance with Standing General Order 2021-01 Reporting Requirements

  Audit Query AQ25002 · opened Aug 20, 2025 · open

• Actually Smart Summon sessions resulting in low-speed impacts.

  Preliminary Evaluation PE24033 · opened Jan 6, 2025 · closed Apr 3, 2026

• FSD Collisions in Reduced Roadway Visibility Conditions

  Preliminary Evaluation PE24031 · opened Oct 17, 2024 · closed Mar 18, 2026

• Recall 23V838 Remedy Effectiveness

  Recall Query RQ24009 · opened Apr 25, 2024 · open

• Sudden Unintended Acceleration

  Defect Petition DP23002 · opened Jun 29, 2023 · open

• Defect Petition Interlock Request

  Defect Petition DP23001 · opened Apr 7, 2023 · closed Mar 18, 2026

Technical service bulletins

91 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Tesla Model S. The 10 most recent:

• On some Model S and Model X vehicles, the compression gap of the HVAC drain funnel seal is wider than intended, which may cause water ingress. Inspect the sponge area of the HVAC drain funnel for water ingress. If water…

  SB-26-18-001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 4, 2026

• On certain Model S and Model X vehicles, the HV battery umbrella valves, over time, may become damaged due to road debris. Replace all 5 umbrella valves with updated parts. This new revision, R1, updates the affected…

  SB-25-16-004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 3, 2025

• On certain Model S and Model X vehicles built between approximately January 2021 and September 22, 2022, the High Voltage (HV) battery ports’ plungers intended for internal water leak egress (also known as flood ports)…

  SB-25-16-002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 2, 2025

• On certain Model S and Model X vehicles, the HV battery umbrella valves, over time, may become damaged due to road debris.

  SB-25-16-004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 4, 2025

• Messaging sent directly to customers who have queued with Tesla Service to perform Service Bulletin SB-25-16-002 "Replace Flood Port Plungers". The customer is informed that their vehicle is in queue to receive parts…

  N/A · Other · issued May 13, 2025

• Proactive messaging sent directly to customers affected by Service Bulletin SB-25-16-002 "Replace Flood Port Plungers". The customer is informed that their vehicle is impacted by Service Bulletin SB-25-16-002, the…

  N/A · Other · issued May 13, 2025

• On certain Model S and Model X vehicles built between approximately January 2021 and September 22, 2022, the High Voltage (HV) battery ports’ plungers intended for internal water leak egress (also known as flood ports)…

  SB-25-16-002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 5, 2025

• Certain Model S and Model X vehicles were equipped with driver airbags that do not meet internal quality standards.

  SB-21-20-007 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 2, 2025

• On certain Model S, Model X and Model Y vehicles, the interior camera requires replacement to mitigate reduced driver attentiveness detection performance in low-light conditions.

  SB-24-17-005 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 3, 2025

• Some Model S and Model X vehicles with 1st Generation Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) antennas might suffer from lower-than-expected navigation signal strength under certain circumstances.

  SB-24-21-002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 21, 2025

TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.

Safety recalls

The 2021 Tesla Model S has 23 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.