Problems · NHTSA complaints
2016 Tesla Model S problems
Owners filed 604 complaints about the 2016 Tesla Model S with NHTSA between Apr 2016 and Jul 2025. The most-cited component is suspension (204).
Complaints
604
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
89
Reported by owners
Fires
12
Reported by owners
Injuries
64
People reported injured
Deaths
8
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Suspension204
- Electrical system137
- Steering81
- Vehicle speed control74
- Service brakes51
- Exterior lighting49
- Forward collision avoidance28
- Structure28
- Visibility/wiper24
- Back over prevention20
- Wheels15
- Fuel/propulsion system13
- Visibility13
- Power train12
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
74
72
39
34
152
91
65
37
32
8
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 74 |
| 2017 | 72 |
| 2018 | 39 |
| 2019 | 34 |
| 2020 | 152 |
| 2021 | 91 |
| 2022 | 65 |
| 2023 | 37 |
| 2024 | 32 |
| 2025 | 8 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
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.”
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.”
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.”
Vehicle speed control
74 reports32 crashes1 fire
“The accelerating pedal is the one that was affect it is available upon request for inspection. It put me in danger because while I was driving, it snapped off. Has not been inspected by others. There was no warning lamps and it just happened out of nowhere as well. I was driving.”
Service brakes
51 reports18 crashes1 fire
“Vehicle Error: Parking brake not applied/Vehicle may free roll. This issue appeared to be covered by the attached recall, but the service center indicated that it did not apply to my vehicle. Therefore, they charged me for the repair. I do not understand this as the recalled vehicle criteria seems to match my vehicle information. Are you able to evaluate whether this recall should apply to my vehicle? Thank you. Repair Notes: Installed Vehicle Set of Wheels. Replaced RH Park Brake Rear Brake Caliper. Replaced LH Park Brake Rear Brake Caliper.”
Exterior lighting
49 reports1 crash
“Tesla designed a combined headlight with no serviceable parts. This includes headlights, high beams, and namely daytime running lights. All of these components are on an LED strip that apparently has a tendency to overheat and fail prematurely. For example, the replacement cost for a portion of the daytime running light (on one side) is over $1,000. This is apparently a known weak point and should be addressed.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.