2016 Tesla Model S

647 complaints on file, page 1 of 33.

1. Filed Sep 29, 2026Failure Aug 26, 2026Tyler, TXPower train

   I am requesting help with a very common issue on Tesla Model S and X vehicles that they refuse to extend warranty to repair. The rear drive motor on all performance models made from 2012-2020 have a very common issue of a faulty internal factory seal that should prevent liquid coolant from entering the electric rear drive motor and destroying it. I received 1 warning before my car shut off and stranded me at a storage facility where I had to spend the night in my hot car because the facilities gates shut and lock at 11pm and reopen at 6am. I had no way to get out of the facility and I didn’t want to abandon my car with windows down and unlocked. I stayed with my vehicle until the wrecker service got there at noon the next day to transport my vehicle to the local Tesla service center. After the technician performed his inspection he notified me that the rear drive until had been ruined due to the faulty seal failing. The only option I was offered was a replacement rear drive motor for $7400. I am not in the position to just fork over that much money. I had to purchase a inexpensive car to travel to work daily. I honestly believe that Tesla knows the design and manufacturing process is flawed and that all rear drive motors will eventually fail due to this factory defect. The company should stand behind the products they make after being aware of this very important manufacturing defect. This occurred 8-25/26-2026 with 81,092 miles. If you review any Tesla forum, you will see that this is a serious issue that is dangerous and unsafe for consumers. I don’t feel like it should be the consumer’s responsibility if this is a known issue with these particular years and models of the vehicles they build. Please review this matter and help me and many other consumers with a defective product that is dangerous, inconvenient, and extremely costly for customers.

   NHTSA complaint 11767780
2. Filed Sep 14, 2026Failure Sep 13, 2026Ronkonkoma, NYBody

   The doors are not opening/closing properly. I have had intermittent issues that are now more constant. When the doors unlock they do not unlatch when I pull the exterior handle. Yesterday on 9/13/26 my front drivers side door was not closing. Each time I closed it the latch released and it would pop back open slightly on its own. I had to hold it closed and eventually it stayed shut while making strange electrical sounds. Now it only opens with the interior handle, not the exterior.

   NHTSA complaint 11764012
3. Filed Aug 28, 2026Failure Jul 29, 2026linden, MIVisibility/wiper

   I had a new windshield installed by a official Tesla Service Center that has a large distorted area in the center of the windshield. I complained about the large distortion and I was told that all the of stocked parts for my car are affected by the issue and they don't have any estimates or information that the items in stock will be replaced or updated. I am attaching a video of the distortion that I believe is a significant safety issue. The affected area is in the center below the rearview mirror and is approximately 4 x 3 inches in size. This issue needs to be resolved by Tesla by getting the supplier to correct the issue and replace their stock so they can replace my windshield.

   NHTSA complaint 11760356
4. Filed Aug 19, 2026Failure Dec 19, 2023Chula Vista, CAAutomatic emergency braking, Warnings, Vehicle speed controlCrash

   UPDATE to Complaint XXX. Reference VIN [XXX] Tesla Model S 2016. Incident XXX [XXX] XXX Report XXX. Tractor [XXX] Unit XXX + Trailer XXX. 11 sec forward camera video proves Tesla BEHIND trailer at Time 0, 30ft gap. Tesla travels 88ft (30ft gap + 53ft trailer + 5ft to diesel tank/step) in 3-4 sec to lateral impact at driver diesel tank/step. Calculation: 88ft/3sec=29ft/sec avg requires 50-60 mph peak. At 5 mph (7.33 ft/sec) would need 12 sec - impossible. Proves Sudden Unintended Acceleration. Lateral impact, video shake rightward, NOT CVC 21658(a) lane change. AEB failure + FCW failure, no braking/warning. Request EDR preservation. Contact [XXX] [XXX] [XXX]. OMB [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11758003
5. Filed Aug 15, 2026Failure Jul 31, 2026Paso Robles, CAElectrical system, Vehicle speed control

   This complaint covers a 13-month continuous chain of severe electrical system failures stemming from a deficient federal safety recall remedy on my vehicle's Media Control Unit (MCU) architecture. Tesla's corporate policy has been to replace only the isolated center screen explicitly tracked by the recall while leaving connected legacy components intact on mismatched architecture. This creates an uneven electrical strain loop that has systematically destroyed my vehicle’s electronics over the last year.In July 2025, the initial recall failure required a VCM processor card swap. In September 2025, the resulting voltage strain forced a center navigation screen upgrade, during which the facility held my car for two full weeks. In December 2025, this continuous parasitic power drain burned out my 12V auxiliary system, forcing me to pay out of pocket for a replacement battery. Now, in August 2026, the 2016 dashboard instrument cluster has completely blacked out while traveling at highway speeds (70 MPH), leaving the vehicle completely illegal and unsafe to drive with zero speedometer visibility.The service facility is actively attempting to evade its 12-month workmanship and parts warranty obligations. Their official technician notes confirm the dashboard screen arrived completely black, yet their recorded remedy was to execute a temporary software reboot and officially instruct me in writing to 'perform scroll wheel resets as needed' while actively operating the vehicle on public highways. Following my official written rejection of the vehicle due to this safety hazard, the local facility even attempted an unauthorized forced delivery transport of the vehicle to my house to hide their failed repair before turning back. They are using temporary software patches to run down the remaining days on my parts warranty and dodge an incomplete federal recall remedy. I am requesting a formal federal investigation into this facility.

   NHTSA complaint 11757143
6. Filed Aug 10, 2026Failure Aug 8, 2026131,700 milesMidland Park, NJLatches/locks/linkages

   The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the hood inadvertently opened and blocked the windshield. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road while the windshield was blocked. The hood was securely closed after several attempts. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the hood was bent, and the hood arms were bent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,700.

   NHTSA complaint 11755932
7. Filed Jul 22, 2026Failure Jun 14, 2026Ardmore, PASteering

   While driving my vehicle straight approaching an intersection, I lost complete steering capability and feedback from the steering wheel. The lower intermediate shaft on the steering column complete separated from the splines on the rack and pinion. If I wasn't already preparing to stop at the stop sign this could have happened while driving on a curve in the road or at high speeds on a highway. The car was taken to a Tesla service center for repair (towed at my expense). I was told by the service representative that this is issue was not a safety issue nor product fault of Tesla's and the repair would need to be out of pocket ($8,500). There were no indicator lights nor warnings of a steering problem prior to the incident. Tesla has a known safety service bulletin for this model which states the u-joint on the intermediate shaft may become corroded and seize due to exposure to wintery conditions forcing binding in the steering wheel, and this issue is not considered a safety risk. It does not state the shaft may come off while driving the car.

   NHTSA complaint 11752028
8. Filed Jul 22, 2026Failure Jun 14, 2026Ardmore, PASteering

   While driving my vehicle straight approaching an intersection, I lost complete steering capability and feedback from the steering wheel. The lower intermediate shaft on the steering column complete separated from the splines on the rack and pinion. If I wasn't already preparing to stop at the stop sign this could have happened while driving on a curve in the road or at high speeds on a highway. The car was taken to a Tesla service center for repair (towed at my expense). I was told by the service representative that this is issue was not a safety issue nor product fault of Tesla's and the repair would need to be out of pocket ($8,500). There were no indicator lights nor warnings of a steering problem prior to the incident. Tesla has a known safety service bulletin for this model which states the u-joint on the intermediate shaft may become corroded and seize due to exposure to wintery conditions forcing binding in the steering wheel, and this issue is not considered a safety risk. It does not state the shaft may come off while driving the car.

   NHTSA complaint 11752027
9. Filed Jul 7, 2026Failure Jul 6, 2026Pinole, CAUnknown or other

   Instrument cluster and/or infotainment systems frequently freezing or not showing anything. Instrument cluster freezing/blackout This is a daily occurrence making it impossible to to know if you are in drive, reverse, or neutral. Additionally you not know how fast you are going, charge level, nor any status lights (airbag, low tire, etc.). Infotainment systems freezing/blackout This is also a daily occurrence shutting down environmental controls, backup cameras, speakers, charging, etc. While neither of these issues inhibit the operation of the vehicle both make driving a significant risk. I have taken it in for repair and the only option is a $1,500 upgrade to a completely new system.

   NHTSA complaint 11748697
10. Filed Jun 29, 2026Failure Jun 11, 2026Cupertino, CAElectrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Vehicle speed control

    On 6/11/26, around 2:10 pm, when i was slowly pulling over to park on a road side, the car suddenly rushed forward unexpectedly. It was so powerful, at the time I could only hear the panic reactions from the two passengers and sense the imminent collision with the parked bmw in the front of several car length away. Right before the collision i steered the wheel to the right to avoid the bmw and my car came to violent halt less than a foot next to the bmw. I came out of my car to check the tire position before backing out to park a bit behind. This was on a country road, a Thursday afternoon with not much traffic. There was no distraction. If not were the enough spacing i would have no doubt crashed into the bmw in the front. When the dust settled, I did a "power off" reset to the model S and drove the rest of the day normally without any incidents. I went to Tesla service center near where i live the next morning, 6/12/26, to report it. They asked the precise time the incident occurred. But did not inspect the car. I was told an inner inquiry will be opened and it would take at least a few days. They said i could continue to drive the car normally which i have not because of not knowing what had caused it. I went to the service center today 6/29/26 after more than two weeks of no feedback. I was very disappointed in the answers given. The guy said basically based on the design of the car the incident could not have been caused by the car ,without providing any info as to what had been found from the promised inquiry. There was no written report on this. The person offered to check the brakes but also said he did not think its necessary. Just to made me feel better he said. At last, he provided the tesla web site to request "private data" during time window of the incident. I told him i will seek help from NHTSA now that tesla is not. I was told by AI, tesla has collected data on every car they sold to the details that can reveal how the paddles were pressed.

    NHTSA complaint 11747285
11. Filed Jun 26, 2026Failure Dec 19, 2023Fremont, CAElectrical system, Automatic emergency braking, Vehicle speed controlCrash

    "What happened?

    NHTSA complaint 11746807
12. Filed Jun 22, 2026Failure Jun 14, 2026Ardmore, PASteering

    I was driving straight down a road at 10 mph approaching a stop sign. When I lost complete control of steering, the steering wheel was completely free. Moving with no response to the wheels. There was zero warning lights or check engine notifications. The intermediate shaft in the steering column completely disconnected from the rack and pinion with both the upper and lower bolts still attached to the intermediate shaft. I was able to stop the vehicle but it remained in the middle of the traveling lane of the road due to zero steering capability. I called AAA to have the vehicle moved out of the public street and towed to my residence. Tesla has a service bulletin for this part stating it needs to be replaced with a new upgraded part but it is not a voluntary recall as they stat it is not a safety or life threatening risk.

    NHTSA complaint 11745790
13. Filed Jun 16, 2026Failure Mar 31, 2026108,000 milesScottsdale, AZSuspension

    The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that approximately six days after purchasing the vehicle, while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle drove over a bump in the road, and a grinding sound was heard coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that after driving over a bump in the road, the vehicle felt different while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who reportedly observed significant corrosion and rust affecting the suspension system and advised the contact that all suspension components needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic advised the contact not to drive the vehicle due to safety concerns and indicated there might be structural damage to the vehicle. The contact stated that after the suggestion, the contact continued operating the vehicle. The following day, the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was purchased, and the contact was advised that the failure was associated with worn brake pads. The dealer replaced the brake pads. The contact believed that additional repairs may have been performed but was not advised of any other work completed. The vehicle had not been modified and had not been inspected by Tesla. The contact believed that the vehicle may have an inaccurate odometer reading; however, no evidence was available to support the concern. The contact remained concerned that the corrosion and possible structural damage might exist within the suspension system even though the brake pad was replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11744540
14. Filed May 8, 2026Failure May 8, 2026poway, CASuspension

    Driver side rear control arm broke in half propagating along what appears to be a weld seam line for this hollow aluminum suspension part. It is incredible that a critical safety component holding a 5,000 pound curb weight vehicle was allowed on the car. The potential situation of a complete lower control arm break while driving at highway speeds is beyond imagining. Not only would such a situation endanger occupants but all other vehicles in the vicinity. This vehicle has never been in an automobile accident. It has 120,000 miles. It has never been used off road or for commercial usage. My wife and I are the original owners and only drivers.

    NHTSA complaint 11736676
15. Filed May 6, 2026Failure Apr 16, 2026Westford, MASuspension

    On a side street approximately 1/4 mile before we were going to enter a highway the car suddenly resisted motion substantially and I had to immediately pull to the side. I tried reverse and the resistance was higher, I put it back in forward and it released. However, I immediately but slowly headed for my service station 2 miles away. A warning message appeared just as I brought the car to a stop at the station, but I did not notice what it said as I was being directed to move the car to a parking spot. Before I could fully back the car into the spot the rear wheel collapsed. The rear control arm failed and has been replaced. I have retained the failed control arm. Photos attached of the part as well as the rear wheel when it collapsed. If the initial resistance had occurred one minute later, I would have been on the highway and could have lost control of the vehicle. A serious accident would have been likely risking our safety and any others our car would have collided with. Note: This is the second suspension part failure on this car. The first was also reported to NHTSA.

    NHTSA complaint 11736109
16. Filed May 4, 2026Failure Apr 29, 2026Sunnyvale, CAElectrical system, Power train, Vehicle speed control

    I own a 2016 Model S P100D equipped with the Large Drive Unit (LDU). The component that fails is the rotor coolant seal in the rear drive unit motor. Coolant leaks internally into the motor and inverter, causing bearing wear, corrosion, isolation faults, and eventual complete drive unit failure. The affected drive units are still installed and available for inspection upon request. This defect puts my safety and the safety of others at risk because it can cause sudden loss of propulsion (especially at highway speeds), power reduction, or total drivetrain shutdown, potentially leading to a crash. Coolant in high-voltage areas also raises electrical fault/fire risks. The problem is widely reproduced and confirmed: Tesla service centers are familiar with it and replace failed units with updated “-U” revisions that include a coolant bypass. Independent EV shops confirm the exact root cause (rotor seal failure) via encoder inspections showing coolant intrusion and through disassembly. This is a documented pattern failure in all 2012–2020 LDU vehicles. No police or insurance inspections have occurred yet, as no crash or total failure has happened. Tesla is aware of the recurring issue through service records on similar vehicles. Early symptoms before full failure typically include rear motor whining/grinding (especially under load), reduced power warnings, “Rear Drive Unit Fault” messages, and visible coolant on the speed sensor. These can appear gradually. My vehicles have not yet experienced total failure, but the defect is known to be inevitable. I am proactively monitoring encoder sensors. Because this is a systemic design defect affecting thousands of vehicles with clear safety implications, I request NHTSA open an investigation and require Tesla to issue a recall for free repairs/replacements on all affected 2012–2020 LDU vehicles.

    NHTSA complaint 11735433
17. Filed May 4, 2026Failure May 3, 2026Sunnyvale, CAElectrical system, Power train, Vehicle speed control

    I own three 2016 Tesla vehicles with the same known safety defect: two Model S P100D and one Model X P100D, all equipped with the Large Drive Unit (LDU). The component that fails is the rotor coolant seal in the rear drive unit motor. Coolant leaks internally into the motor and inverter, causing bearing wear, corrosion, isolation faults, and eventual complete drive unit failure. The affected drive units are still installed and available for inspection upon request. This defect puts my safety and the safety of others at risk because it can cause sudden loss of propulsion (especially at highway speeds), power reduction, or total drivetrain shutdown, potentially leading to a crash. Coolant in high-voltage areas also raises electrical fault/FIRE risks. The problem is widely reproduced and confirmed: Tesla service centers are familiar with it and replace failed units with updated “-U” revisions that include a coolant bypass. Independent EV shops confirm the exact root cause (rotor seal failure) via encoder inspections showing coolant intrusion and through disassembly. This is a documented pattern failure in all 2012–2020 LDU vehicles. No police or insurance inspections have occurred yet, as no crash or total failure has happened. Tesla is aware of the recurring issue through service records on similar vehicles. Early symptoms before full failure typically include rear motor whining/grinding (especially under load), reduced power warnings, “Rear Drive Unit Fault” messages, and visible coolant on the speed sensor. These can appear gradually. My vehicles have not yet experienced total failure, but the defect is known to be inevitable. I am proactively monitoring encoder sensors. Because this is a systemic design defect affecting thousands of vehicles with clear safety implications, I request NHTSA open an investigation and require Tesla to issue a recall for free repairs/replacements on all affected 2012–2020 LDU vehicles.

    NHTSA complaint 11735429
18. Filed Apr 17, 2026Failure Apr 8, 2026Orlando, FLElectrical system, Power train

    The rear Large Drive Unit (LDU) has coolant intrusion due to a known design defect in the internal rotor seal. Coolant from the stator cooling system is leaking past the seal into the motor, degrading the winding insulation. An independent inspection by The Electrified Garage (Orlando, FL) on 04/08/2026 confirmed moisture at the rotor sensor (yellow condition) and degraded insulation resistance measured at 3.0 megohms (should be hundreds of megohms on a healthy unit). The vehicle requires a complete drive unit replacement at an estimated cost of $7,000. This is a well-documented design defect affecting 2012-2016 Model S vehicles. Tesla has acknowledged the issue by redesigning the seals in later production units and performing "coolant deletes" on remanufactured replacement units, but has not issued a recall or extended warranty coverage. The vehicle currently has 53,542 miles and no prior drivetrain warnings, yet the drive unit is failing due to a manufacturing/design defect, not owner abuse or normal wear.

    NHTSA complaint 11731846
19. Filed Apr 2, 2026Failure Apr 2, 2026Antelope, CAUnknown or other

    Emmc memory recall, took into tesla today April 2 2026 for them to address the issue and they have refused to accept their issue on memory failure and replacement of the emmc 8gb module for a 64gb micron emmc module. Instead they insisted a $1,500 upgrade package instead of the free recall that is required for change. The current car screen in does not work due to this module failing.

    NHTSA complaint 11728899
20. Filed Mar 15, 2026Failure Mar 15, 2026Old forge, PAAir bags

    I was driving about 20mph, my airbag deployed for no reason. No recalls, no warnings, nothing. I had my [XXX] daughter in the car and it was all filled with white smoke. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11724472