How many engine-related complaints does the 2016 Tesla Model S have?

NHTSA lists 86 Engine complaints for the 2016 Model S, which is 13% of the 646 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2016 Tesla Model S engine/acceleration issue?

No related recalls are listed in the NHTSA data provided for this Engine complaint category.

At what mileage do these engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 5,000 miles.

Are these engine complaints linked to crashes or injuries?

Yes, NHTSA data tied to these Engine complaints shows 35 crashes, 1 fire, and 37 injuries.

2016 Tesla Model S Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 86 Engine complaints for the 2016 Tesla Model S, 13% of all 646 complaints for the year, tied to 35 crashes, 1 fire and 37 injuries. Median mileage at failure was 5,000. No related recalls are listed for this issue.

Engine complaints: 86; 13% of 646
Crashes reported: 35
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 37
Median mileage: 5,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners describe the vehicle suddenly accelerating on its own from a stopped or parking position, reaching speeds between 40 and 60 mph without pedal input.
Several drivers report pressing the brake pedal firmly but the car continued forward or backward and struck a fence, wall, pillar, or another vehicle.
Some incidents happened while the driver was parking or slowly pulling into a space, with the car bolting forward unexpectedly and causing front-end damage.
A few reports mention no warning lights or audible alerts appearing before or during the sudden acceleration event.
One complaint referenced a crash in China where unintended acceleration was followed by a wheel detaching from the vehicle.

When 2016 Tesla Model S engine complaints were filed

First complaint May 10, 2016, latest Aug 19, 2026.

86 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2016 Q3 (17).

Engine recalls for the 2016 Tesla Model S

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Model S model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20122 (3%)
201343 (9%)
201433 (9%)
201557 (9%)
201686 (13%)
201736 (8%)
201828 (17%)
20194 (9%)
20208 (10%)
202116 (9%)
202210 (7%)
20236 (5%)
20240 (0%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine-related complaints does the 2016 Tesla Model S have?: NHTSA lists 86 Engine complaints for the 2016 Model S, which is 13% of the 646 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Tesla Model S engine/acceleration issue?: No related recalls are listed in the NHTSA data provided for this Engine complaint category.
At what mileage do these engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 5,000 miles.
Are these engine complaints linked to crashes or injuries?: Yes, NHTSA data tied to these Engine complaints shows 35 crashes, 1 fire, and 37 injuries.