Research · Large Cars · 10 NHTSA variants

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.

Combined MPG
89–104mpg
EPA · 12 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
604
Top: suspension
Fuel cost / yr
$700est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 Tesla Model S as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

604 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2016 – Jul 2025
  1. Suspension204
  2. Electrical system137
  3. Steering81
  4. Vehicle speed control74
  5. Service brakes51
  6. Exterior lighting49
  7. Forward collision avoidance28
  8. Structure28
  9. Visibility/wiper24

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Model S model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201259
2013461
2014367
2015646
2016604
2017379
2018128
2022141
2023115
202438
20256
20268
Crashes reported
89
Fires reported
12
Injuries reported
64
Deaths reported
8
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Suspension

204 reports35 crashes8 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 26, 2025SuspensionODI 11676368

Electrical system

137 reports7 crashes5 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 14, 2025Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11673529

Steering

81 reports14 crashes2 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 7, 2025Steering, Service brakes, hydraulic, Electrical systemODI 11653299
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

12 versions rated by the EPA
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.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Model S AWD - 60D
Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive
101107104$700—
Model S AWD - 75D
Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive
102105103$750—
Model S AWD - 90D
Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive
101107103$750—
Model S AWD - 70D
Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive
101102101$750—
Model S AWD - 85D
Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive
95106100$750—
Model S (60 kW-hr battery pack)
Auto (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive
9810199$750—
Model S (75 kW-hr battery pack)
Auto (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive
9710098$750—
Model S AWD - P100D
Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive
9210598$800—
Model S AWD - P85D
Auto (A1) · All-Wheel Drive
899893$800—
Model S (70 kW-hr battery pack)
Auto (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive
889089$850—
Model S (85 kW-hr battery pack)
Auto (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive
889089$850—
Model S (90 kW-hr battery pack)
Auto (A1) · Rear-Wheel Drive
889089$850—
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

15 tested variants
Overall rating
—/ 5
Not rated
Tesla Model S 60 5 HB RWD Later Release
Frontal crash
Not rated
Side crash
Not rated
Side pole
Not rated
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
5.7%
Overall
5 / 5
Tesla Model S 60 5 HB RWD Early Release
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
5.7%
Overall
— / 5
Tesla Model S 60D 5 HB AWD Later Release
Frontal crash
Not rated
Side crash
Not rated
Side pole
Not rated
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
5.7%
Overall
— / 5
Tesla Model S 60D 5 HB AWD Early Release
Frontal crash
Not rated
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
5.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 10923Vehicle 10922Vehicle 10925
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Tire rotation6,000–8,000 mi6–12 monthsEVs wear tires faster (weight, torque)
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–4 yearsRegen braking spares the pads, not the fluid
Battery coolantPer manualPer manualIntervals 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
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

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.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026