2021 Tesla Model S forward collision avoidance problems
47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the forward collision avoidance on the 2021 Tesla Model S — 27% of all complaints for this model 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…”
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…”
filed May 11, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) soundsCampaign 24V153000 · Feb 27, 2024
- Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle…Campaign 22V235000 · Apr 12, 2022
- Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle…Campaign 22V063000 · Feb 4, 2022
- A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected…Campaign 21V846000 · Oct 29, 2021
Forward Collision Avoidance problems in other Model S years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Model S | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 Model S | 16 | 15% |
| 2022 Model S | 33 | 24% |
| 2020 Model S | 23 | 29% |
| 2019 Model S | 12 | 28% |
| 2018 Model S | 49 | 29% |
| 2017 Model S | 66 | 16% |
| 2016 Model S | 38 | 6% |
| 2015 Model S | 31 | 5% |
| 2014 Model S | 9 | 2% |
| 2013 Model S | 3 | 1% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 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.