How many 2016 Tesla Model S owners complained about transmission or powertrain problems?

NHTSA lists 17 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Tesla Model S, which is 3% of the 646 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for 2016 Tesla Model S transmission or powertrain issues?

No. NHTSA lists no related recalls tied to the Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Tesla Model S.

At what mileage do 2016 Model S powertrain problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2016 Model S is 5,000 miles.

How does the 2016 Model S compare to other years for this problem area?

The 2016 Model S had 17 complaints (3% share) in this area, lower in share than 2012 (8%) and 2013 (8%) but higher than 2017 (2%) and 2018 (3%).

2016 Tesla Model S Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 17 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Tesla Model S, 3% of its 646 total complaints for the year. Two crashes are linked to this area, with a median failure mileage of 5,000 miles. No related recalls are on file.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 17; 3% of 646
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 5,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report the vehicle unexpectedly shifting itself from drive into park while moving in traffic, forcing a slow restart before regaining control.
Some describe the gear selector engaging drive but the car rolling backward instead, resulting in a collision.
Owners describe front drive unit halfshafts causing excessive vibration during hard acceleration, especially at higher ride height settings.
One owner reported coolant leaking past the rear drive unit's rotor seal into the motor windings, degrading insulation.
Suspension and steering components, including fore links, alt links, and toe links, were reported as corroded and needing replacement.

When 2016 Tesla Model S transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 17, 2016, latest May 4, 2026.

17 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2016 to May 2026; peak Jul 2020 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2016 Tesla Model S

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Model S model year

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

20125 (8%)
201335 (8%)
201427 (7%)
201529 (4%)
201617 (3%)
20179 (2%)
20185 (3%)
20193 (7%)
20206 (8%)
20212 (1%)
20223 (2%)
20233 (3%)
20240 (0%)
20252 (33%)

Frequently asked questions

How many 2016 Tesla Model S owners complained about transmission or powertrain problems?: NHTSA lists 17 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Tesla Model S, which is 3% of the 646 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for 2016 Tesla Model S transmission or powertrain issues?: No. NHTSA lists no related recalls tied to the Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Tesla Model S.
At what mileage do 2016 Model S powertrain problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2016 Model S is 5,000 miles.
Did any 2016 Model S powertrain complaints involve crashes?: Yes, NHTSA records 2 crashes among the 17 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Model S, with no reported injuries or fires.
How does the 2016 Model S compare to other years for this problem area?: The 2016 Model S had 17 complaints (3% share) in this area, lower in share than 2012 (8%) and 2013 (8%) but higher than 2017 (2%) and 2018 (3%).