2021 Tesla MODEL S problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
176 owner complaints analyzed
23 distinct recall campaigns
6,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 15 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Unknown Or Other is the most frequently named component, appearing in 43 of 176 complaints (24.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 49 | 27.8% |
| Steering behavior | 45 | 25.6% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 8 | 4.5% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 0.6% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | 43 |
| Steering | 29 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 27 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 25 |
| Electrical System | 22 |
| Service Brakes | 16 |
| Suspension | 16 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 13 |
Unknown Or Other: 43; Steering: 29; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 27; Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control: 25; Electrical System: 22; Service Brakes: 16; Suspension: 16; Vehicle Speed Control: 13
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 12 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 3 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 12; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (12). 161 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2022 | 68 |
| 2023 | 44 |
| 2024 | 24 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 6 |
2020: 2; 2021: 17; 2022: 68; 2023: 44; 2024: 24; 2025: 15; 2026: 6
Pattern summary
Unknown Or Other leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 49 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 45 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 8 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11373709 · 2020-11-08 (November 8, 2020)
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 65-70 MPH WITH AUTO PILOT AND SPEED CONTROL ENGAGED. WENT TO CHANGE LANES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. PUT ON TURN SIGNAL, CANCELLED AUTO PILOT BY TURNING STEERING WHEEL TO RIGHT AND MOVED TO OPEN RIGHT LANE. THERE WERE NO VEHICLES AROUND US AT ALL. THE CAR SUDDENLY, UNEXPECTEDLY, AND VERY SHOCKINGLY SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES CAUSING ITEMS TO BE TOSSED AROUND IN THE CAR, ENGAGING ALL OF OUR SEAT BELTS WITH SOME DISCOMFORT, AND SENDING SOME LOUD ALARM OR WARNING SOUND TO GO OFF IN THE CAR. IT SCARED ME, MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER VERY MUCH. I…
Owner-reported narrative. 275 miles reported. Look up ODI 11373709 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11438038 · 2021-10-25 (October 25, 2021)
There have been 4 instances of the instrument cluster screen and main information touch screen shutting down while driving the vehicle. First 2 episodes were in Aug of 2021 then twice in Oct of 2021. Episodes were separated by 1-2 weeks. Both screens are blank for approx 20-40 seconds. Subsequently no information such as speed, brake light indicators, radar/hazards, turn signals or any other information is displayed or can be used. Unknown if the turns signals or brake lights work when this happens as there is no way to see them on the blank sc…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11438038 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11423327 · 2021-07-03 (July 3, 2021)
This has to do with Tesla's new yoke steering wheel. I find myself awkwardly trying to make simple 90 degree turns. However, a more significant turn, such as a legal U turn, is altogether more dangerous. First you must twist your arms upside down to execute the turn, or you need to rotate grips but the wheel is only designed to be gripped while straight/upright. This causes a very real threat of missing your hold on the wheel. Then as you try to controllably/slowly straighten the vehicle the steering wheel rips through your hands before yo…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11423327 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11447508 · 2022-01-14 (January 14, 2022)
The rear passenger side Adaptive Suspension wiring harness was either installed improperly or routed improperly and rubbed against the inside of the tire. After many miles, this harness was worn down to the point of breaking electrical contact, which puts the vehicle into a fallback state. When the dampers are disabled, the car becomes floaty and disconnected and is dangerous to drive. There were warnings in the system immediately when this broke. It is available for inspection, as Tesla has stated they cannot fix it for 6 weeks. The problem …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11447508 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11463610 · 2022-05-06 (May 6, 2022)
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH or slower, the pedestrian alert warning system failed to activate as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic found no failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V235000 (Electrical System, Forward Collison Avoidance). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 6,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 6,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11463610 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11488122 · 2022-10-06 (October 6, 2022)
I was recently nearly involved in a traffic accident when I wasn't able to blow the horn on the Tesla steering wheel. I was backing up out of a parking stall in a parking lot and at the same time another car in the stall next to me was also backing up. I tried went to blow the horn on the steeling wheel and I was not able to find it quickly enough because it is very difficult to find the button in an emergency. Fortunately, the other driver in the car saw me just in the nick of time and was able to stop. The problem in my opinion, and many othe…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11488122 at NHTSA ↗