Model year
2021 Tesla Model S
NHTSA lists 23 recalls and 179 complaints for the 2021 Tesla Model S (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are UNKNOWN OR OTHER (45), STEERING (29), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING (27). NHTSA lists 14 investigations, including 5 investigations with no close date in the file. NHTSA lists crash-test variants for this model year and marks the overall rating Not Rated. EPA rates it 96–120 MPGe combined and 28.2–35.2 kWh/100 mi depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $650–$800, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2012 61 complaints
- 2013 461 complaints
- 2014 366 complaints
- 2015 668 complaints
- 2016 649 complaints
- 2017 428 complaints
- 2018 170 complaints
- 2019 44 complaints
- 2020 80 complaints
- 2021 179 complaints
- 2022 139 complaints
- 2023 114 complaints
- 2024 38 complaints
- 2025 6 complaints
- 2026 7 complaints
Recalls
26V283000 · May 4, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to…
25V172000 · Mar 19, 2025
AIR BAGS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.
24V967000 · Dec 23, 2024
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:CUSHION
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208, "Occupant Crash…
24V554000 · Jul 24, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
24V376000 · May 28, 2024
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to…
24V153000 · Feb 27, 2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal…
24V051000 · Jan 30, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As…
23V838000 · Dec 12, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING:SOFTWARE
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the…
23V743000 · Nov 3, 2023
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and Model X vehicles. An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering wheel was replaced with a different style of yoke or steering wheel.
23V488000 · Jul 14, 2023
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles. The front-row seat belts may not be connected properly to the pretensioner anchors, which can cause the seat belts to detach.
13 more recalls are in the NHTSA file for this name and are not listed here. Campaign numbers above link to NHTSA.
Complaints
179 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 13, fire flag on 2, injury field 5, deaths field 1. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE21020 | Autopilot & First Responder Scenes · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS | Aug 13, 2021 | Jun 8, 2022 |
| PE21023 | Tesla Passenger Play · EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:120/240 VAC ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:RECEPTACLE | Dec 21, 2021 | May 26, 2023 |
| PE22002 | Unexpected Brake Activation · FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL:SOFTWARE:SIGNAGE/SIGNAL RECOGNITION; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE:… | Feb 16, 2022 | Jun 29, 2026 |
| EA22002 | Autopilot System Driver Controls · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Jun 8, 2022 | Apr 25, 2024 |
| DP22005 | Pedestrian alert sounds · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM | Jan 27, 2023 | Aug 7, 2023 |
| PE23006 | Front seat belt anchor detachment · SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS; SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE; SEAT BELTS:FRONT; SEAT BELTS | Mar 24, 2023 | May 16, 2024 |
8 more actions are in the file and are not listed in this table.
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 HB AWD | Not rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | 5 · possibility 0.057 | — |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model S Performance (19in Wheels) · Automatic (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 114 | 106 | 110 | 30.6 | 387 | $700 |
| Model S Performance (21in Wheels) · Automatic (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 98 | 93 | 96 | 35.2 | 334 | $800 |
| Model S Long Range · Automatic (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 124 | 115 | 120 | 28.2 | 405 | $650 |
| Model S Plaid (21inch wheels) · Automatic (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | Electricity · EV | 102 | 99 | 101 | 33.4 | 348 | $750 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2021 Tesla Model S at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.