CarRecallWatchThe 2021 Tesla Model S has 23 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 179 complaints with NHTSA, including 13 crashes, 2 fires, 5 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Forward Collision Avoidance (63 reports).
2021 Tesla Model S recalls
Delayed Rearview Camera Image Raises Backover Crash Risk
Certain Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X vehicles running software version 2026.8.6 may show the rearview camera image late after the vehicle is shifted into reverse.
Horn May Not Sound Due to Wrong Steering Air Bag Pad
Some Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles may have been built with a steering wheel air bag that has the incorrect horn pad.
Driver Airbag May Tear During Deployment
Certain Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles from model years 2021 through 2024 may have a driver's frontal airbag cushion that could tear when the airbag deploys.
Hood May Open While Driving, Blocking View
Certain Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles may have a hood latch assembly that fails to detect when the hood has not been fully latched after being opened.
Seat belt warning may not sound for unbelted driver
Some Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3 and Model Y vehicles may have a seat belt warning light and chime that do not activate as intended when the driver is unbelted.
Muted pedestrian alert sounds can raise crash risk
A factory reset can mute the Pedestrian Warning System sounds on certain Tesla Model S, Model 3, and Model X vehicles.
Dashboard brake and ABS warning text too small to read easily
The instrument panel on these Tesla vehicles displays the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights in an incorrect font size.
Driver Misuse Risk With Autosteer Driver-Assist Feature
This recall covers vehicles with Autosteer, an SAE Level 2 driver-assistance feature.
Wrong driver airbag may deploy incorrectly in crash
Some steering wheels or yokes were replaced with a different style, but an airbag not designed for that replacement may have been installed.
Front Seat Belts May Detach in a Crash
Certain front-row seat belts may not be properly connected to the pretensioner anchors, which means the belt can come loose from its attachment point.
Software may let vehicle run intersections or exceed speed limits
Certain Tesla Model S, Model X, Model 3 and Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta software, or with that software pending installation, may act unsafely around intersections.
Steering May Lose Power Assist on Rough Roads
Certain electric power steering systems may lose power assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.
Power Windows May Pinch Occupants and Injure Them
Certain Tesla vehicles may have a power window automatic reversal system that does not react correctly after detecting an obstruction.
Infotainment Screen May Freeze, Hiding Rearview Camera
The central infotainment computer in certain Tesla vehicles can overheat while the car is preparing for or during fast charging.
External speaker can drown out pedestrian warning sounds
Certain Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model X and Model Y vehicles from model years 2017 through 2022 have a Boombox feature that can play sounds through the external speaker while the vehicle is moving.
Side Curtain Airbag May Deploy Late or Improperly in a Crash
Some side curtain airbag inflators may have been assembled incorrectly.
External speaker can drown out EV pedestrian warning sounds
Certain Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model X and Model Y vehicles have a Boombox feature that can play sound through an external speaker while the car is moving.
Software glitch may reduce windshield defrosting and visibility
A software error can cause a heat pump valve to open unintentionally, trapping refrigerant inside the evaporator.
Seat Belt Chime May Not Sound, Raising Injury Risk
Certain Tesla vehicles may not sound the audible seat belt reminder chime when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt.
Vehicles May Roll Through All-Way Stops, Raising Crash Risk
Certain Tesla vehicles equipped with the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the "rolling stop" function to take the vehicle through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a complete stop.
Hood May Open Unexpectedly While Driving
The front trunk (frunk) latch assembly on certain Model S vehicles may be misaligned.
Driver Airbag May Tear During Deployment, Reducing Protection
The driver's frontal airbag cushion may tear when it deploys.
False Braking Alerts Could Cause Sudden Stops
Some Tesla vehicles from 2017 to 2019 may have a communication error in their forward collision avoidance system.
Most common 2021 Tesla Model S problems
Problem areas named in the 179 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 63 |
| Unknown Or Other | 45 |
| Steering | 29 |
| Electrical System | 25 |
| Service Brakes | 16 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 16 |
| Suspension | 16 |
| Lane Departure | 13 |
| Wheels | 10 |
| Tires | 10 |
What owners report
Tesla has taken away the ability to set maximum speed when using their Full Self Driving. THIS SHOULD BE ILLEGAL!!!! Now, the car can and will do 85 on a 60mph freeway! Sometimes you can't even tell you're speeding that fast until it's too late. INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS! They used to have that feature and they've taken it away. For the greed of collecting more data... AT THE EXPENSE OF EVERY DRIVER'S SAFETY
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. FSD was still engaged for another minute or two before I was finally able to get it to turn disengage. The vehicle was stuck in FSD mode and speeding for about 3 minutes before I was able to gain control back.
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 (EV-001) forged wheel. I am concerned that the crack in the rim spoke may represent a potential structural safety issue because the wheel is a critical component of the vehicle. After doing extensive research on the wheel, I was informed that the Forgiato EV001 has been discontinued. I am concerned about the availability of a proper replacement if the wheel is determined to be u
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 repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Front hood popped open during a tow, while the car was on the hood. This damaged the hood.
2021 Tesla Model S questions
Does the 2021 Tesla Model S have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 23 safety recalls for the 2021 Tesla Model S: Delayed Rearview Camera Image Raises Backover Crash Risk; Horn May Not Sound Due to Wrong Steering Air Bag Pad; Driver Airbag May Tear During Deployment; Hood May Open While Driving, Blocking View; Seat belt warning may not sound for unbelted driver. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Tesla Model S?
Based on 179 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance (63), Unknown Or Other (45), Steering (29).
How do I check if a recall on my 2021 Tesla Model S has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.