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2021 Tesla Model S: problems, recalls and range
The 2021 Tesla Model S has 23 recalls on file, more than any other Model S year in our data[1]. The 2021 Tesla Model S has 23 recalls on file, more than any other Model S year in our data[1]. Owners filed 179 complaints with NHTSA[2].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 179 owner complaints for this model year[2]. Of those, 13 mention a crash, 2 mention a fire, 5 mention injuries and 1 reports a death[2]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one component.
The biggest named groups:
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes |
|---|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidance[3] | 48 | 9 |
| Unknown or other[4] | 45 | 3 |
| Steering[5] | 29 | 2 |
| Electrical system[6] | 25 | 1 |
| Brakes[7] | 16 | 3 |
| Speed control[8] | 16 | 2 |
| Suspension[9] | 16 | 0 |
| Wheels[10] | 10 | 0 |
We also read a small sample of complaint texts for four of these groups. It is a sample, so treat it as a hint, not a ranking of what goes wrong.
Forward collision avoidance. In the sample we read, owners describe the car braking hard for no clear reason while Autopilot or cruise control was on, often on highways with no cars nearby[3]. A few other texts describe driver assistance lurching forward or steering off the road[3]. The median mileage at failure for this group is 6,000[3]. Recall 21V846 covers one software version that could cause false collision warnings or unexpected automatic braking[11].
Steering. In the sample, several texts are about the yoke-style steering wheel. Owners say it is awkward in tight turns and that the horn and turn signals sit in touch buttons that are hard to find in a hurry[5]. A couple of texts describe a grinding noise or reduced power steering assist[5].
Electrical system. The sample is scattered. Two texts describe the instrument cluster or center screen going blank while driving. Others mention a rear camera image problem, climate control, a warning chime or the hazard button[6].
Suspension. In the sample, some owners describe the inside edge of the rear tires wearing out fast, and some link it to the larger wheel option. A couple describe a tire failure[9]. Others mention creaks, clicks, a stiff ride or adaptive ride warnings[9].
Recalls
NHTSA lists a recall for every item below. Newest first. An over-the-air update means the fix arrives as a software update. Where the notice only says Tesla will release an update, we do not claim it is available yet.
- Rear camera delay (26V283). A software version could show the rearview image late when the car is put in reverse. That reduces your view behind the car and raises crash risk. Tesla released a free over-the-air software update[12].
- Horn pad (25V172). An air bag with the wrong horn pad may have been installed, so the horn might not sound. Tesla service will inspect and fit the correct air bag if needed, free of charge[13].
- Driver air bag tear (24V967). The driver's air bag could tear when it deploys, so it may not protect you well in a crash. A Tesla service visit will swap the whole air bag unit at no cost[14].
- Hood latch software (24V554). The hood latch may fail to notice that the hood is unlatched, and an unlatched hood can fully open and block your view. Tesla released a free over-the-air software update[15].
- Seat belt warning (24V376). The seat belt warning light and chime may not work as intended for an unbelted driver. The recall says Tesla will release a free over-the-air software update[16].
- Pedestrian warning muted (24V153). A factory reset muted the pedestrian warning sounds, so people nearby may not hear the car coming. Tesla released a free over-the-air software update[17].
- Warning light font (24V051). The Brake, Park and Antilock Brake System warning lights showed in a font that was too small, which can make them hard to read. Tesla began releasing a free over-the-air software update[18].
- Autosteer controls (23V838). The Autosteer controls may not be prominent enough to prevent a driver from misusing the driver assistance feature, which raises crash risk. The recall says Tesla will release a free over-the-air software update[19].
- Wrong air bag after wheel swap (23V743). If a steering yoke or round wheel was replaced with a different style, an air bag that does not match it may have been installed and could deploy incorrectly. Tesla service will inspect and replace the driver air bag as needed, free of charge[20].
- Front seat belts (23V488). The front seat belts may not be attached properly to the pretensioner anchors and could come loose. Tesla service will inspect and reconnect or replace them as needed, free of charge[21].
- Full Self-Driving Beta behavior (23V085). Cars with the Full Self-Driving Beta software, or waiting for it, might act unsafely at intersections or respond poorly to speed limit changes. The recall says Tesla will release a free over-the-air software update[22].
- Power steering assist (22V818). The power steering assist can drop out on rough roads or after a pothole, so steering takes more effort, especially at low speed. Tesla released a free over-the-air software update to recalibrate the system[23].
- Power window reversal (22V702). The window may not react correctly when it meets an obstruction and could pinch a passenger before it backs off. The recall says Tesla will perform a free over-the-air software update[24].
- Screen overheating (22V296). The infotainment computer may overheat while preparing for or doing fast charging, which can make the screen lag or restart and hide the rearview image and warning lights. Tesla will perform a free over-the-air software update to manage the temperature[25].
- Boombox and pedestrian warning, replacement (22V235). The Boombox function can play sounds outside while the car is moving, which may drown out the pedestrian warning sounds. Tesla will perform a free over-the-air software update that disables Boombox in Drive, Neutral and Reverse. This recall replaces 22V063, and cars already updated under that one need the new software[26].
- Side curtain air bags (22V104). The side curtain air bag inflators may have been assembled incorrectly, which can delay or spoil deployment. Tesla service centers will swap the side curtain air bags at no cost to the owner[27].
- Boombox and pedestrian warning, first version (22V063). The same Boombox issue as above. This recall was later replaced by 22V235[28].
- Heat pump defrosting (22V050). A software error may trap refrigerant in the heat pump, which weakens defrosting and can reduce your view out. Tesla will perform a free over-the-air software update[29].
- Seat belt chime (22V045). The chime may not sound at start-up when the driver has not buckled up. Tesla will perform a free over-the-air software update[30].
- Rolling stop (22V037). The rolling stop feature in the Full Self-Driving Beta software may let the car pass through an all-way stop without stopping first. Tesla will perform a free over-the-air software update that disables it[31].
- Hood latch alignment (21V00B). The front trunk latch may be misaligned, so the secondary hood latch might not engage and the hood could open unexpectedly[32]. Tesla Service will inspect the latch and reposition it as needed, free of charge[32].
- Driver air bag tear (21V868). The driver's air bag cushion may tear when it deploys. Tesla Service will put in a new driver's air bag at no cost[33].
- False braking warning (21V846). In one software version, a communication error could cause a false collision warning or unexpected automatic emergency braking, which could stop the car suddenly. Tesla Service released a free over-the-air software update[11].
Fuel economy and range
This is an electric car, so EPA rates it in MPGe, This is an electric car, so EPA rates it in MPGe.. Ratings differ by version:
| Version | MPGe combined | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Long Range[34] | 120 | 405 miles |
| Performance (19in wheels)[35] | 110 | 387 miles |
| Plaid (21in wheels)[36] | 101 | 348 miles |
| Performance (21in wheels)[37] | 96 | 334 miles |
The Performance version is rated 110 MPGe with 19 inch wheels and 96 MPGe with 21 inch wheels[35][37].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 2021 Model S 5 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 5.7%[38]. Our data does not include other crash test stars for this car.
Engine and size
EPA lists the electric motor versions at 489 to 662 hp, depending on the version[39]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US cars[40].
How 2021 compares with other Model S years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 61 | 8 |
| 2013 | 461 | 11 |
| 2014 | 366 | 9 |
| 2015 | 668 | 9 |
| 2016 | 648 | 10 |
| 2017 | 428 | 9 |
| 2018 | 170 | 11 |
| 2019 | 44 | 10 |
| 2020 | 80 | 11 |
| 2021 | 179 | 23 |
| 2022 | 139 | 20 |
| 2023 | 114 | 13 |
| 2024 | 38 | 6 |
| 2025 | 6 | 2 |
| 2026 | 7 | 0 |
Counts of complaints and recalls on file are not adjusted for sales, so use them only to compare years of the same model[1].
Should you buy a used 2021 Model S?
This model year has a long recall list, but most of the fixes are free over-the-air software updates[12][15][17][23]. Merge the last two sentences to bring it to 5. Before you buy, ask for the car's recall status, because several notices only say an update will be released[16][19][22]. In the complaint texts we read, owners raise sudden braking with driver assistance on, the yoke steering wheel controls and uneven rear tire wear[3][5][9]. If the car has the yoke, try it before you buy. Test the driver assistance on a highway and have the rear tires checked. Complaints are not adjusted for sales, so they say little about how common each issue is.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Tesla Model S?
- The largest named complaint group is forward collision avoidance with 48 complaints, ahead of steering with 29 and electrical with 25[3][5][6]. In the sample of texts we read, owners describe sudden braking with driver assistance on[3].
- How many recalls does the 2021 Tesla Model S have?
- NHTSA lists 23 recalls for the 2021 model year, the most of any Model S year in our data[1]. Check each notice, since some only say a software update will be released[16][19][22].
Facts and sources
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Tesla Model S model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- NHTSA has 179 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Tesla Model S (13 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 5 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 48 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (9 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 6,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 45 complaints name the unknown or other component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 29 complaints name the steering component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 25 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 6,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 16 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 16 complaints name the speed control component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 16 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 10 complaints name the wheels component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 21V846, filed October 29, 2021: Forward Collision Avoidance › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 26V283, filed May 4, 2026: Back Over Prevention › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 25V172, filed March 19, 2025: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V967, filed December 23, 2024: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Cushion. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V554, filed July 24, 2024: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V376, filed May 28, 2024: Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light / Devices. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V153, filed February 27, 2024: Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings › External / Pedestrian Alert. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 24V051, filed January 30, 2024: Electrical System › Instrument Cluster / Panel. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V838, filed December 12, 2023: Electrical System › Adas › Driver Monitoring › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V743, filed November 3, 2023: Steering › Steering Wheel / Handle Bar. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V488, filed July 14, 2023: Seat Belts › Front. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V085, filed February 15, 2023: Steering › Automated / Adaptive Steering. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V818, filed November 1, 2022: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V702, filed September 19, 2022: Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V296, filed May 3, 2022: Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment › Video (Touch)Screen / Monitor / Unit. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V235, filed April 12, 2022: Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings › External / Pedestrian Alert. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V104, filed February 23, 2022: Air Bags › Side / Window › Curtain › Inflator. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V063, filed February 4, 2022: Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings › External / Pedestrian Alert. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V050, filed February 2, 2022: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V045, filed February 1, 2022: Seat Belts › Front. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V037, filed January 27, 2022: Steering › Automated / Adaptive Steering. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V00B, filed December 21, 2021: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Hood › Latch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V868, filed November 9, 2021: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Cushion. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Model S Long Range, electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 120 MPGe combined, 405 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Model S Performance (19in Wheels), electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 110 MPGe combined, 387 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Model S Plaid (21inch wheels), electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 101 MPGe combined, 348 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Model S Performance (21in Wheels), electric, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 96 MPGe combined, 334 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB AWD: rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 5.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2021 Tesla Model S with electric motor: rated 489 to 662 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MODEL S 4DR SEDAN AWD: length 196 in, width 77 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 117 in, curb weight 4,969 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov