2016 Tesla Model SRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 604 owner complaints for the 2016 Tesla Model S. Most complaints involve suspension (204) and electrical system (137). The EPA rates it 89–104 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Suspension204
- Electrical system137
- Steering81
- Vehicle speed control74
- Service brakes51
- Exterior lighting49
- Forward collision avoidance28
- Structure28
- Visibility/wiper24
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Suspension
“I was backing out of a parking space and the front driver side fore link broke. Internet search reveals this is a known issue associated with Tesla Model S during the period mine was manufactured (February 2016), caused an investigation & service bulletin from the NHTSA, and a recall in China, hence I wanted to report this occurence.”
Electrical system
“While the car is parked and locked the rear driver side door opens in its own. The door handle does not present itself and is scheduled for repair. This is new and started happening today. Despite how many times I close it. It opens on it own. The door is locked when this happens. Door sitting still. Plugged in to charge and locked. The door opens on its own. It unlatches, Does not fully open.”
Steering
“The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact depressed the brake and the vehicle kept rolling forward. The contact opened the door for the vehicle to come to a stop. On another occasion, the contact stated that the ADAS feature engaged and while driving at various speeds, and the vehicle failed to recognize stop signs, traffic lights, or pedestrians. The contact stated that the function was a paid feature; however, the system failed to operate as designed. On another occasion, the contact stated that the steering will shift to one side while driving at various speeds, and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was made aware, and the contact had a pending appointment scheduled. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Large Cars
- Engines
- Electric motor
- Transmissions
- Automatic (A1)
- Drive
- All-Wheel Drive · Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Electricity
- EV range
- 315 mi (EPA)
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model S AWD - 60D Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | 101 | 107 | 104 | $700 | — |
| Model S AWD - 75D Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | 102 | 105 | 103 | $750 | — |
| Model S AWD - 90D Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | 101 | 107 | 103 | $750 | — |
| Model S AWD - 70D Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | 101 | 102 | 101 | $750 | — |
| Model S AWD - 85D Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | 95 | 106 | 100 | $750 | — |
| Model S (60 kW-hr battery pack) Auto (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive | 98 | 101 | 99 | $750 | — |
| Model S (75 kW-hr battery pack) Auto (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive | 97 | 100 | 98 | $750 | — |
| Model S AWD - P100D Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | 92 | 105 | 98 | $800 | — |
| Model S AWD - P85D Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive | 89 | 98 | 93 | $800 | — |
| Model S (70 kW-hr battery pack) Auto (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive | 88 | 90 | 89 | $850 | — |
| Model S (85 kW-hr battery pack) Auto (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive | 88 | 90 | 89 | $850 | — |
| Model S (90 kW-hr battery pack) Auto (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive | 88 | 90 | 89 | $850 | — |
- 104mpg comb.
- 103mpg comb.
- 103mpg comb.
- 101mpg comb.
- 100mpg comb.
- 99mpg comb.
- 98mpg comb.
- 98mpg comb.
- 93mpg comb.
- 89mpg comb.
- 89mpg comb.
- 89mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- Not rated
- Side crash
- Not rated
- Side pole
- Not rated
- Rollover
- 5 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 5.7%
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 5 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 5.7%
- Frontal crash
- Not rated
- Side crash
- Not rated
- Side pole
- Not rated
- Rollover
- 5 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 5.7%
- Frontal crash
- Not rated
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 5 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 5.7%
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tire rotation | 6,000–8,000 mi | 6–12 months | EVs wear tires faster (weight, torque) |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–4 years | Regen braking spares the pads, not the fluid |
| Battery coolant | Per manual | Per manual | Intervals vary widely by maker |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years |
- Tire rotation6,000–8,000 mi
6–12 months - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–4 years - Battery coolantPer manual
Per manual - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2016 Model S questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Tesla Model S have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.
What are the most common 2016 Tesla Model S problems?
Owners filed 604 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (204), electrical system (137), steering (81). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2016 Tesla Model S get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Tesla Model S at 89–104 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (12 versions rated).
How safe is the 2016 Tesla Model S?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Tesla Model S 5 out of 5 stars overall.