2021 Tesla Model S: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Tesla Model S: 23 recalls, 179 owner complaints and up to 120 mpg combined.
Recalls
23 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Forward collision avoidance, Forward collision avoidance Vehicle recall #21V846000 · 2021 · 11,728 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 model s, model 3, model x, and 2020-2021 model y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error May cause false forward-collision warning (fcw) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (aeb) system.
Why it matters: Unexpected activation of the aeb system May cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla service has released an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021.
Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #21V868000 · 2021 · 7,600 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021 model x and model s vehicles. The driver's air bag cushion May tear during deployment.
Why it matters: A torn air bag May not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Tesla service will replace the driver's air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #21V00B000 · 2021 · 130,441 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 model s vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly May be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113, "hood latch system."
Why it matters: If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla service will inspect and reposition the latch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 18, 2022.
Steering Vehicle recall #22V037000 · 2022 · 53,822 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 model s and model x, 2017-2022 model 3, and 2020-2022 model y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the full self-driving (beta) software May allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Why it matters: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (ota) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022.
Seat belts, Electrical Vehicle recall #22V045000 · 2022 · 817,143 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 model s and model x, 2017-2022 model 3, and 2020-2022 model y vehicles. The audible chime May not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "occupant crash protection."
Why it matters: The driver May be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022.
Electrical, Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #22V050000 · 2022 · 26,681 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 model 3, model s, model x, and 2020-2022 model y vehicles. A software error May cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally and trap the refrigerant inside the evaporator, resulting in decreased defrosting performance. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "windshield defrosting…
Why it matters: Decreased defrosting performance May reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022.
Forward collision avoidance, Electrical Vehicle recall #22V063000 · 2022 · 578,607 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 model s, model x, model y, and 2017-2022 model 3 vehicles. The boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which May obscure the pedestrian warning system (pws) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "minimum sound…
Why it matters: Pedestrians May be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the pws sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (ota) software update that will disable the boombox functionality when the vehicle is in drive, neutral and reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022.
Airbags Vehicle recall #22V104000 · 2022 · 9 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 model s vehicles. The right or left side curtain air bag inflators May have been assembled incorrectly.
Why it matters: An incorrectly assembled inflator can cause a delayed or improper deployment of the side curtain air bag, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Tesla service centers will replace the side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2022.
Forward collision avoidance, Electrical Vehicle recall #22V235000 · 2022 · 594,894 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 model y, model x, model s, and 2017-2022 model 3 vehicles. The boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which May obscure the pedestrian warning system (pws) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "minimum sound…
Why it matters: Pedestrians May be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the pws sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (ota) software update that will disable the boombox functionality when the vehicle is in drive, neutral and reverse modes, including summon and Smart summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022.
Equipment, Backup camera Vehicle recall #22V296000 · 2022 · 129,960 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 model s, model x, and 2022 model 3 and model y vehicles operating certain firmware releases. The infotainment central processing unit (cpu) May overheat during the preparation or process of fast-charging, causing the cpu to lag or restart.
Why it matters: A lagging or restarting cpu May prevent the center screen from displaying the rearview camera image, gear selection, windshield visibility control settings, and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (ota) software update that will improve cpu temperature management, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 1, 2022.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #22V702000 · 2022 · 1,096,762 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 model 3, 2020-2022 model y, and 2021-2022 model s and model x vehicles. The window automatic reversal system May not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "power-operated window systems."
Why it matters: A closing window May exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (ota) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032.
Steering Vehicle recall #22V818000 · 2022 · 40,168 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 model s and model x vehicles. The electronic power assist steering (epas) system May experience a loss of power steering assist when driving on rough roads or after hitting a pothole.
Why it matters: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (ota) software update to recalibrate the epas system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 31, 2022.
Steering Vehicle recall #23V085000 · 2023 · 362,758 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 model s, model x, 2017-2023 model 3, and 2020-2023 model y vehicles equipped with full self-driving beta (fsd beta) software or pending installation.â the fsd beta system May allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming…
Why it matters: Fsd beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge.â owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.â
Seat belts Vehicle recall #23V488000 · 2023 · 15,869 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 model s and model x vehicles. The front-row seat belts May not be connected properly to the pretensioner anchors, which can cause the seat belts to detach.
Why it matters: A detached seat belt May not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Tesla service will inspect the front-row seat belts and connect the seat belts to pretensioner anchors, or replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2023.
Steering, Airbags Vehicle recall #23V743000 · 2023 · 194 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 model s and model x vehicles. An incorrect air bag May have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering wheel was replaced with a different style of yoke or steering wheel.
Why it matters: An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel May deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Tesla service will inspect and replace the driver air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024.
Electrical Vehicle recall #23V838000 · 2023 · 2,031,220 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 model s, 2016-2023 model x, 2017-2023 model 3, and 2020-2023 model y vehicles equipped with all versions of autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls May not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the sae level 2 advanced driver-assistance…
Why it matters: In certain circumstances when autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there May be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024.
Electrical Vehicle recall #24V051000 · 2024 · 2,193,869 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 model s, 2016-2024 model x, 2017-2023 model 3, 2019-2024 model y, and 2024 cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the brake, park, and antilock brake system (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "hydraulic and electric brake…
Why it matters: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge.
Forward collision avoidance, Electrical Vehicle recall #24V153000 · 2024 · 6,557 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 model s, 2020-2021 model x, 2018-2022 model 3, and 2020-2022 model y vehicles. A factory reset muted the pedestrian warning system (pws) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "minimum sound requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles."
Why it matters: Pedestrians May be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the pws sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla released an over-the-air (ota) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #24V376000 · 2024 · 125,233 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 model s, 2015-2024 model x, 2017-2023 model 3, and 2020-2023 model y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime May not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "occupant crash protection."
Why it matters: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (ota) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024.
Electrical, Latches & locks Vehicle recall #24V554000 · 2024 · 1,849,638 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 model 3, model s, model x, and 2020-2024 model y vehicles. The hood latch assembly May fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
Why it matters: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024.
Airbags Vehicle recall #24V967000 · 2024 · 487 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 model s and model x vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (fmvss) numbers 208, "occupant crash protection" and 212, "windshield mounting."
Why it matters: A torn air bag May not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025.
Airbags, Electrical Vehicle recall #25V172000 · 2025 · 91 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 model s and 2021-2025 model x vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad May have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding.
Why it matters: An inoperative horn May prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #26V283000 · 2026 · 218,868 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 model 3, 2020-2023 model y, 2021-2023 model s, and model x vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image May be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "rear visibility."
Why it matters: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla has released an over-the-air (ota) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Visibility (wipers, glass) Equipment recall #22E092000 · 2022 · 53 vehicles
What's wrong: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021 model s exterior side rearview mirrors, part numbers: 1622232-00-b and 1622233-00-b. The driver side exterior rearview mirrors are convex (curved glass) and the passenger side mirrors do not include the "objects in mirror are closer than they appear" etched warning. As such, these mirrors fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard…
Why it matters: When using the incorrect mirrors, the driver May misjudge the distance of other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Tesla service will replace the mirrors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 31, 2022.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Forward collision avoidance (48): the most common themes are electrical failure (5).
- Other / unknown (45): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (3).
- Steering (29): the most common themes are steering problems (22), noise or vibration (4).
- Electrical (25): the most common themes are electrical failure (7), stalls / loses power (2).
The 2021 Tesla Model S has 179 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 15 Model S model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 227). Complaints peaked in 2022 (68 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 6,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (80 complaints, 11 recalls), 2022 (139 complaints, 20 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric (179 and 186 kW AC 3-Phase) | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 124e | 115e | 120e | Electricity |
| Electric (149 and 276 kW AC 3-Phase) | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 114e | 106e | 110e | Electricity |
| Electric (250 and 250 kW AC 3-Phase) | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 102e | 99e | 101e | Electricity |
| Electric (149 and 276 kW AC 3-Phase) | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 98e | 93e | 96e | Electricity |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Tesla Model S.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Tesla Model S have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 23 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Tesla Model S, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Tesla Model S problems?
Owners have filed 179 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are forward collision avoidance (48), other / unknown (45), steering (29).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Tesla Model S get?
EPA ratings run up to 120 mpg combined, across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Tesla Model S repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.