2021 Tesla Model S problems & reliability
178 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Tesla Model S, alongside 23 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Sep 22, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several components.
3 complaints report injuries (5 injured, 1 deaths reported).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2021 Tesla Model S vehicles were involved in 9 fatal crashes with 5 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance → | 47 | 26% |
| Unknown / Other | 45 | 25% |
| Steering → | 29 | 16% |
| Electrical System → | 25 | 14% |
| Service Brakes → | 16 | 9% |
| Suspension → | 16 | 9% |
| Vehicle Speed Control → | 15 | 8% |
| Wheels → | 10 | 6% |
| Lane Departure | 9 | 5% |
| Structure | 9 | 5% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 21 reported components →Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Complaints by incident year
What owners 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 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…”
Unknown / Other · filed Sep 16, 2026
“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…”
Wheels · filed Sep 15, 2026
“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…”
Service Brakes · filed Aug 12, 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.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2021 Tesla Model S?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.