2021 Tesla Model S Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
54/100
#7 most-complained of 14 Model S years
The 2021 Tesla Model S has a Complaint Index of 54, ranking 7th worst of 14 model years and earning a "Caution" verdict. Owners logged 178 complaints, 23 recalls, 13 crashes, 2 fires, and 1 death, with Collision Avoidance & Cameras the top problem area.
- Complaints
- 178
- Recalls
- 23
- Crashes / fires
- 13 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 105.5
- 108 city / 102.5 hwy
Top 2021 Tesla Model S problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras48 (27%)
- Other45 (25%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires32 (18%)
- Steering29 (16%)
- Electrical System28 (16%)
- Brakes16 (9%)
- Engine16 (9%)
- Structure & Body13 (7%)
- Lane Departure9 (5%)
- Seat Belts8 (4%)
What owners report
- Autopilot or Autosteer has reportedly caused sudden unprompted acceleration into a vehicle ahead while in standstill traffic.
- Owners describe Autopilot steering the car into a barrier or across lanes unexpectedly on the highway.
- Automatic emergency braking allegedly failed to activate before rear-ending a slowed vehicle at highway speed.
- Brake pedals reportedly went to the floor with only a clicking noise and no stopping power during a low-speed turn.
- A rear motor reportedly malfunctioned with a dashboard warning, then caught fire a short distance later.
- Rear parking camera reportedly showed a green line failure both in motion and parked, described as a long-known issue.
2021 Tesla Model S recalls
23 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V283000May 4, 2026Collision Avoidance & Cameras218,868 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Back over prevention:software
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."
Risk: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.
- NHTSA 25V172000Mar 19, 2025Airbags91 vehicles
Air bags
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.
Risk: An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-20-001.
- NHTSA 24V967000Dec 23, 2024Airbags487 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:cushion
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."
Risk: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.
2021 Tesla Model S fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 108 MPG
- Highway
- 102.5 MPG
- Combined
- 105.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $725
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Electricity
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Model S years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Tesla Model S reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2021 Model S a Complaint Index of 54, ranking 7th worst out of 14 model years, which puts it in the middle with a "Caution" verdict relative to other Model S years.
- What problems does the 2021 Tesla Model S have?
- NHTSA lists 178 complaints for the 2021 Model S, with Collision Avoidance & Cameras as the top problem area at 27% share, followed by Suspension, Wheels & Tires at 18% and Steering at 16%.
- Does the 2021 Tesla Model S have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 23 recalls tied to the 2021 Model S, covering areas like Collision Avoidance & Cameras, Airbags, Electrical System, and Seat Belts, none of which are do-not-drive recalls.
- Are there crashes or fires linked to the 2021 Tesla Model S?
- NHTSA complaint data tied to the 2021 Model S includes 13 crashes, 2 fires, 5 injuries, and 1 death.
- How does the 2021 Model S compare to other years?
- The 2021 model's Complaint Index of 54 is worse than 2019 (8), 2020 (31), 2022 (38), 2023 (46), 2024 (23), and 2025 (0), but better than 2013 through 2017.