2021 Tesla Model S vehicle speed control problems
14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the vehicle speed control on the 2021 Tesla Model S — 8% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“On October 17, 2025, while using Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode on my 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid, the car failed to stop at two red lights within a three-hour period. In each case, the car attempted to drive through the intersection even though the signal was solid red. I intervened manually and…”
filed Oct 20, 2025
“Vehicle braked without warning with cruise control engaged. Luckily there were no other vehicles near us when this phantom braking occurred.”
filed Aug 25, 2023
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Vehicle Speed Control problems in other Model S years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Model S | 6 | 6% |
| 2022 Model S | 9 | 7% |
| 2020 Model S | 8 | 10% |
| 2019 Model S | 3 | 7% |
| 2018 Model S | 27 | 16% |
| 2017 Model S | 35 | 8% |
| 2016 Model S | 79 | 12% |
| 2015 Model S | 40 | 6% |
| 2014 Model S | 22 | 6% |
| 2013 Model S | 25 | 5% |
| 2012 Model S | 1 | 2% |
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.