2021 Tesla Model S reliability record
NHTSA consumer complaints and recall campaigns for the 2021 Tesla Model S from the dataset labeled 2026. The source file does not provide an exact snapshot date. Use the reported issues to guide further checks; these counts do not establish failure rates or repair costs.
- NHTSA complaints
- 276
- Dataset year: 2026; snapshot day not provided
- Top problem area
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- 42 complaints
- Recalls on record
- 23
- see below
- Reported harm
- 30 reported crashes · 5 injuries · 2 deaths · 2 fires
How this record compares
raw NHTSA counts, not defect ratesCounts are not adjusted for vehicles sold, time in service or reporting frequency. A larger count does not establish a higher chance of failure, and these comparisons do not set the maintenance budget in our calculator.
Complaint rank
#1,938
of 4,194 vehicle records
Vs Tesla median
-207
median 483 across 33 Tesla records
Vs 2019-2023
+37
median 240 complaints in 444 records
Top component share
19%
Forward Collision Avoidance: 52 complaints
What owners report fails — 2021 Tesla Model S
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER 42
- STEERING 29
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING 27
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL 25
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 22
23 recalls on record for the 2021 Tesla Model S
- NHTSA 26V283000 · 2026 · BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- NHTSA 24V967000 · 2025 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:CUSHION A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- NHTSA 25V172000 · 2025 · AIR BAGS An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
- NHTSA 23V743000 · 2024 · STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasi
- NHTSA 23V838000 · 2024 · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operatio
Estimate the 5-year cost to own a 2021 Tesla Model S
Build a separate budget with your purchase price, insurance quote, mileage and maintenance estimate. Complaint counts do not enter that calculation. Unknown local taxes and fees stay listed as costs to confirm.
Open TCO calculatorThese are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated defect rates, and not adjusted for how many 2021 Tesla Model S units were produced or sold. High-volume and older vehicles naturally accumulate more complaints. Use this as one research signal, not a verdict on any individual vehicle. Dataset year: 2026; exact snapshot day not supplied. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain).
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Tesla Model S reliable?
NHTSA has 276 consumer complaints on record for the 2021 Tesla Model S and 23 recalls. The most-reported problem area is unknown or other (42 reports). These are unverified consumer reports filed with the government, not validated failure rates, and are not adjusted for how many 2021 Tesla Model S units were produced — popular vehicles naturally accumulate more reports.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Tesla Model S?
Owners most often report problems with: unknown or other (42), steering (29), forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking (27), forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control (25). Each figure is the number of complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
How much does it cost to own a 2021 Tesla Model S?
This complaint dataset does not measure repair prices or predict a maintenance budget for the 2021 Tesla Model S. Use your purchase price, insurance quotes, fuel use and a maintenance estimate in the separate five-year cost calculator. It does not convert complaint counts into repair costs, and any unknown taxes remain excluded and clearly listed.