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2011 Tesla RoadsterRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint for the 2011 Tesla Roadster. Most complaints involve suspension (1).

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Combined MPG
—
No EPA rating found
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
1
Top: suspension
Fuel cost / yr
—
No EPA estimate
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2011 Tesla Roadster as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2016 – Jun 2016
  1. Suspension1

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 Roadster model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20081
20111
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Suspension

1 report
“LEFT REAR SUSPENSION ROD FAILURE WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT LOW SPEED (NO INJURIES OR DAMAGE TO OTHER VEHICLES) IN 2012 ON CITY STREET, RESULTING IN ABRUPT STOPPAGE OF VEHICLE, WHICH COLLAPSED ON LEFT REAR WHEEL- SUSPENSION ROD WAS REPLACED BY TESLA. NOW REPORTING AS HAVE READ RE CONCERNS FOR SUSPENSION RODS ON MODEL S. DATE IMPRECISE, CAN OBTAIN EXACT DATE FROM TESLA IF NECESSARY.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 13, 2016SuspensionODI 10873864
Send a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Tesla Roadster as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026
05 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
07 —FAQ

2011 Roadster questions

How many recalls does the 2011 Tesla Roadster have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.

What are the most common 2011 Tesla Roadster problems?

Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026