Recalls, complaints, and safety data from NHTSA
The 2021 Tesla Model S has 24 recalls, 173 complaints.
24
Recalls
173
Complaints
N/A
Safety Rating
Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated May 15, 2026
22V037000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functio...
21V868000
AIR BAGS
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021 Model X and Model S vehicles. The driver's air bag cushion may tear during deployment.
22V045000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not ...
21V00B000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood ...
21V846000
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. ...
22V050000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A software error may cause a valve in t...
22V063000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to b...
22V104000
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S vehicles. The right or left side curtain air bag inflators may have been assembled incorre...
22V235000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to b...
22V296000
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S, Model X, and 2022 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles operating certain firmware releases. The i...
22V702000
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles. The window automatic rever...
22E092000
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021 Model S exterior side rearview mirrors, part numbers: 1622232-00-B and 1622233-00-B. The driver side ex...
22V818000
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electronic power assist steering (EPAS) system may experience a ...
23V085000
STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving...
23V488000
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 preten...
23V743000
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
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 ...
23V838000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING: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...
24V051000
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...
24V153000
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT
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 res...
24V376000
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 ...
24V554000
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 det...
25V172000
AIR BAGS
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 insta...
24V967000
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 v...
26V283000
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 versio...
Overall
Not Rated
Front Crash
Not Rated
Side Crash
Not Rated
Rollover
★★★★★
Rating for: 2021 Tesla Model S 5 HB AWD
| Date ↓ | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 5, 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | I was in full self driving mode and was travelling North bound 110 freeway transitioning to 405 free... |
| Mar 9, 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS | The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 2... |
| Dec 1, 2025 | SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS | I have started receiving airbag & seat safety issue alert but recieved appointment after a month eve... |
| Oct 22, 2025 | TIRES | Certified pre-owned 2021 Tesla Model S delivered on October 21, 2025 with worn Michelin Pilot Sport ... |
| Oct 17, 2025 | STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | On October 17, 2025, while using Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode on my 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid, the ca... |
| Oct 10, 2025 | STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Tesla Model S 2021 Long Range: Upon closing the rear trunk close button from the app or close button... |
| Oct 4, 2025 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | The reverse lights are incredibly insufficient and pose a safety risk when backing up. The lights ar... |
| Aug 3, 2025 | STEERING,STRUCTURE | The wrap on the steering yoke is peeling, already had a steering yoke replacement 18 months ago unde... |
| Jul 30, 2025 | POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 7/30/2025 The vehicle experienced a confirmed TOTAL loss of function to include steering, restraint,... |
| May 31, 2025 | SUSPENSION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | GETTING WARNING ONDASH THAT SAYS "Adaptive ride control unavailable. Vehicle speed limited - Procee... |
| May 13, 2025 | STEERING,SUSPENSION | 4 months after warranty and only 42,774 miles, I am being hit with a massive bill of almost $2,700 f... |
| May 12, 2025 | SUSPENSION,WHEELS | Premature tire wear. Inside edges of rear tires wore out in 10k miles |
| May 10, 2025 | SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS,SEATS | Vehicle: 2021 Tesla Model S Long Range VIN: [XXX] I am reporting multiple safety-related defects t... |
| Apr 8, 2025 | STEERING | I am the owner of a 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid (VIN# [XXX] ). At approximately 12,000 miles—well withi... |
| Mar 29, 2025 | STRUCTURE | Front license plate holder is required in California. The bracket that holds the plate on the car is... |
| Feb 10, 2025 | TIRES | I have a 2021 Tesla Model S Long Range with rear tire size 295 / 30 ZR 21. Both rear tires are worn ... |
| Dec 12, 2024 | VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the message ... |
| Nov 30, 2024 | STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The horn button on the yoke steering wheel is a safety hazard. In a situation that requires quick re... |
| Nov 25, 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I bought my car used last year! I have almost been involved in many accidents with this car! There i... |
| Nov 8, 2024 | STEERING | I have the yoke steering wheel. To activate the horn, you press on the right side of the steering w... |