2021 Tesla Model S

179 complaints on file, page 1 of 9.

1. Filed Sep 29, 2026Failure Sep 16, 2026seattle, WAAdaptive cruise control, Vehicle speed control

   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

   NHTSA complaint 11767911
2. Filed Sep 16, 2026Failure Sep 16, 2026Benicia, CAUnknown or other1 injured

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11764838
3. Filed Sep 15, 2026Failure Sep 7, 2026Ceres, CAUnknown or other, Wheels

   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 unsafe or defective. I have contacted both Forgiato and EV Sportline regarding the issue and have provided/requested information and photographs for warranty evaluation. I have also asked about having the wheel returned for inspection. I am currently waiting for further instructions, an inspection, or a determination regarding the wheel. At this time, I have not received a resolution. I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and consider whether similar complaints involving this wheel or other Forgiato forged wheels indicate a potential safety defect or trend. I can provide photographs, purchase information, warranty correspondence, and other documentation if requested.

   NHTSA complaint 11764570
4. Filed Aug 12, 2026Failure Jan 15, 202165,000 milesNew Port Richey, FLService brakes, Cruise control

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11756406
5. Filed Jul 7, 2026Failure Jun 8, 2026Irving, TXUnknown or other

   Front hood popped open during a tow, while the car was on the hood. This damaged the hood.

   NHTSA complaint 11748878
6. Filed May 13, 2026Failure May 13, 2026Moundville, ALAutomatic emergency braking, Seat belts, Service brakes

   I noticed it happened before but I couldn't quite figure out what happened! I was driving down the local road and got ready to go under a overpass and next thing u know my EV just slammed on brakes like I was about to hit someone! Seatbelt choked me and made me gag! But when I came through this time It caught me off but after that I realized there's a problem,especially going under that overpass! This couldn't been very dangerous to anyone! This is a VERY DANGEROUS and IMPORTANT SAFETY CONCERN! I STRIVE SAFETY AND THIS COULD BE FATAL!! I NEED TO REACH SONEONE IN SAFETY! ASAP

   NHTSA complaint 11737492
7. Filed May 11, 2026Failure Apr 5, 2026Rancho Palos Verdes, CAAdaptive cruise control, Unknown or otherCrash1 injured

   I was in full self driving mode and was travelling North bound 110 freeway transitioning to 405 freeway Northbound. In the right lane. Transition curved left. looked at my speed for a split second and as i looked up we were a split second from hitting freeway barrier head-on. We crashed through the barrier and ended on the embankment of the freeway. My car front end was totally demolished, front airbags went off. I was ok, but my wife suffered a L1 vertebrae fracture and was taken to Harbor UCLA Hospital for treatment. She was released 9 hours later with a back brace and pain meds. The accident occured at 8:34 am Sunday April 5th, Easter sunday while on our way to church. Its been over a month and my wife is still in a back brace, but healing slowly. USB Drive taken out of the glove box showed that all cameras cut off about 10 seconds before the crash. Not sure if the whole system turned off.

   NHTSA complaint 11737104
8. Filed Mar 9, 2026Failure Mar 9, 2026Woodlin Hills, CAElectrical system, Seat belts

   The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V045000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEAT BELTS); and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.

   NHTSA complaint 11722975
9. Filed Jan 17, 2026Failure Dec 1, 2025Westfield, INAir bags, Seat belts, Suspension

   I have started receiving airbag & seat safety issue alert but recieved appointment after a month even considering major safety concern. Some of 2021 vehicles are serviced under the recall Tesla sent. But told me mine doesn’t qualify for same issue for same year, same model cars. It seems like issue is with all Tesla Model S 2021 but Tesla charging big dollar amount to repair the safety concern. They have also mentioned there is on going concern with air suspension and all Tesla starts giving problem between 60,000 miles to 90,000 miles. It costs around $6000 to fix that issue and told me these are not safety concerns.

   NHTSA complaint 11711634
10. Filed Dec 19, 2025Failure Jul 30, 2025Adel, GAPower train, Unknown or other

    7/30/2025 The vehicle experienced a confirmed TOTAL loss of function to include steering, restraint, and braking functionality at approximately 60 to 65 miles per hour. This catastrophic failure placed myself and and others at severe risk. Although Tesla’s service notes confirm the event occurred, no corrective repair was performed. The vehicle was completely inoperative with a matter of seconds with no prior warning. At this point in time the car has continued to not operate the same steering and noises has been in the shop 5 times still no answer or repairs in regard to it shutting down or any other issues that continue to return. The last visit I was asked to purchase new tires because maybe that’s why, I did. I continue to be told nothing is wrong with the vehicle making me feel extremely defeated when I know the vehicle is not the same as it was.

    NHTSA complaint 11706190
11. Filed Nov 18, 2025Failure May 10, 2025Discovery Bay, CASeat belts, Seats, Suspension

    Vehicle: 2021 Tesla Model S Long Range VIN: [XXX] I am reporting multiple safety-related defects that existed at delivery or developed shortly thereafter, and Tesla has refused to diagnose or repair them under warranty. These defects create an unsafe driving condition and risk of loss of control or collision. Defect Summary: 1.Alignment Defect at Delivery: On the day I bought the car, the steering wheel pulled to the left and felt unstable. I reported this immediately to Tesla. They dismissed it as “normal.” 2.Premature Tire Wear: Within months, the left tire wore down to the steel belts on the left side while the right side had normal wear. An independent shop confirmed this was caused by suspension/bushing issues, not road damage. 3.Suspension/Bushing Failure: A third-party Tesla-certified shop confirmed that the suspension components are bent/tweaked and require replacement for safe driving. Tesla refused to inspect these components properly. 4.Unlatched Rear Seat at Delivery: The rear seat was delivered unlatched, which is a major safety hazard during braking or collision. 5.Broken Glass Under Rear Seat: Broken glass was found under the rear seat cushion at delivery, raising concerns about vehicle history and delivery inspection standards. 6.New Defect While in Tesla’s Custody: On Nov 17, 2025, moisture accumulated inside the left taillight while the vehicle was parked outdoors at Tesla’s Stockton facility. This can cause electrical shorting or lighting malfunction. Tesla’s Response: Tesla has repeatedly refused to inspect the suspension properly, dismissed my complaints, and produced an inaccurate service invoice that did not reflect what was discussed. They told me we are “at an impasse.” These defects pose a serious safety risk (tire blowout, loss of control, lighting malfunction). I request NHTSA investigate these issues as they may indicate broader problems with Tesla’s suspension, alignment, and delivery inspection processes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),

    NHTSA complaint 11700002
12. Filed Nov 2, 2025Failure Oct 22, 2025Lakewood, OHTires

    Certified pre-owned 2021 Tesla Model S delivered on October 21, 2025 with worn Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires (255/35ZR21 front, 295/30ZR21 rear). Tread depth measured approximately 2/32" on the outer tread shoulders of all four tires, below Tesla’s published 5/32" delivery standard. Within the first week of ownership, the vehicle hydroplaned multiple times in wet conditions at normal speeds. Tesla service declined to replace the tires, stating measurements were “taken in the wrong location” and that only the inner grooves count, despite Tesla’s public documentation and national tire safety standards defining tread depth across the full width of the tire. Vehicle was returned in same condition without correction, leaving a continued safety risk from inadequate tread and summer tires unsuited for Ohio’s cold and wet seasonal conditions.

    NHTSA complaint 11697026
13. Filed Oct 20, 2025Failure Oct 17, 2025Orland Park, ILAdaptive cruise control, Steering, Vehicle speed control

    On October 17, 2025, while using Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode on my 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid, the car failed to stop at two red lights within a three-hour period. In each case, the car attempted to drive through the intersection even though the signal was solid red. I intervened manually and applied the brakes to prevent a potential collision. There were no prior warnings or alerts, and I have not modified the vehicle. This behavior endangers my safety and the safety of others. I am willing to provide the vehicle and any available data logs for inspection if requested.

    NHTSA complaint 11694506
14. Filed Oct 11, 2025Failure Oct 10, 2025San Ramon, CABody, Unknown or other

    Tesla Model S 2021 Long Range: Upon closing the rear trunk close button from the app or close button on the hatch, the hatch goes down but won’t lock. It gives 3 beeps. Upon pressing open, it won’t go up and gives 3 beeps.

    NHTSA complaint 11692785
15. Filed Oct 5, 2025Failure Oct 4, 2025Johns Creek, GAExterior lighting

    The reverse lights are incredibly insufficient and pose a safety risk when backing up. The lights are so dim, they are virtually ineffective to the point that they illuminate nothing that may be behind the car. This is not a bulb issue as they came from the factory, new, in this condition and the service center said there is nothing they can do. Other owners I have spoken with report the same issue.

    NHTSA complaint 11691415
16. Filed Aug 14, 2025Failure May 12, 2025Thousand Oaks, CASuspension, Wheels

    Premature tire wear. Inside edges of rear tires wore out in 10k miles

    NHTSA complaint 11680711
17. Filed Aug 14, 2025Failure Aug 3, 2025Chicago, ILSteering, Body

    The wrap on the steering yoke is peeling, already had a steering yoke replacement 18 months ago under warranty, and this replacement steering yoke exibiting same peeling issue. Could be a safety grip issue as the yoke portion is more slippery at the peeled section. Tesla refuses to replace this faulty yoke as a covered safety item.

    NHTSA complaint 11680563
18. Filed Aug 5, 2025Failure Apr 5, 20221,000 milesBrownsville, TXElectrical system

    The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was connected to the charging port and independently went into Race mode. The contact stated that the charge increased from 0 to 60 instantly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a software failure. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while the vehicle was charging, the charging stopped intermittently, and the vehicle completely stopped charging. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with battery corrosion and failure. The contact was informed that the battery contained water and was corroded. The contact questioned whether the vehicle had been in a flood. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer several times due to the persistent failure. Additionally, the contact received an unknown recall notification with a similar description of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the unknown recall due to indications that the vehicle had been in a flood. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11678451
19. Filed Jun 29, 2025Failure May 31, 2025Santa Barbara, CAAdaptive cruise control, Suspension

    GETTING WARNING ONDASH THAT SAYS "Adaptive ride control unavailable. Vehicle speed limited - Proceed with caution". On the internet many reports are noted of the same problem w Tesla vehicles, especially Model S cars. These have occurred soon after to taking delivery of after 20-30 K miles. Mine occurred at about 31,000 miles in my Model S 2021. Tesla says the need "diagnostics done first " at $275 and then the fix for another $300. This does not seem right.

    NHTSA complaint 11670103
20. Filed May 13, 2025Failure May 13, 2025Pepper Pike, OHSteering, Suspension

    4 months after warranty and only 42,774 miles, I am being hit with a massive bill of almost $2,700 from Tesla service in Lyndhurst, OH. This to correct right and left front end basic suspension issues that should not occur. Clearly the front end is not designed to handle the weight of car. The service manager told me that he sees this every day!! The car is not safe to drive until repairs are made. There was no trauma to the front end only normal wear and tear. The front end started making noise which had me take it to the dealer.

    NHTSA complaint 11660683