2021 Tesla Model S Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Tesla Model S has a Complaint Index of 62 and ranks 6th worst out of 14 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Owners logged 178 complaints, led by Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues (27% share), along with 23 recall campaigns and 2 fires.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 62/100
- #6 of 14 Model S years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 178
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 23
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 13
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 5
- Top issue
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 105.5
- 108 city / 102.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 1
Top 2021 Tesla Model S problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Autopilot or Autosteer reportedly accelerated or lurched into a vehicle ahead without driver input while in standstill or slow traffic.
- Autopilot allegedly steered the car into a barrier or abruptly corrected course on the freeway despite full driver attention.
- Automatic emergency braking reportedly failed to engage or alert before low-speed collisions with a curb, parked car, or vehicle ahead.
- Owners describe brakes feeling weak or unresponsive, with one report of a clicking noise instead of braking force.
- A rear motor reportedly malfunctioned and later caught fire after the car displayed a speed-limit warning.
- Rear parking camera reportedly showed a persistent green line glitch on a brand-new car, in motion and parked.
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 shows a Complaint Index of 62 for the 2021 model, ranking 6th worst among 14 Model S years, with a Caution verdict relative to other years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Tesla Model S?
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras complaints lead at 27% share (48 complaints), followed by Suspension, Wheels & Tires at 18% and Steering at 16%, per NHTSA data.
- Does the 2021 Tesla Model S have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 23 recall campaigns tied to the 2021 Model S, covering areas like airbags, electrical system, and collision avoidance software, none marked do-not-drive.
- How does the 2021 Model S compare to other years?
- Its Complaint Index of 62 is worse than years like 2019 (8) and 2024 (23), which earned Best verdicts, but better than 2015 and 2016, which scored 92 and 100 and are rated Avoid.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Tesla Model S?
- EPA rates the 2021 Model S at 105.5 MPG combined (108 city / 102.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $725.