Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data
2021 Tesla Model S recalls
Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2021 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.
Recall summary by component24
NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h| Component | Campaigns |
|---|---|
| Electrical system | 7 |
| Air bags | 4 |
| Steering | 3 |
| Back over prevention | 2 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 |
| Seat belts | 2 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 |
| Visibility | 2 |
Safety recalls24
NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h| May 5, 202626V283000 | Back over prevention: softwareA delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. DetailsHide details for campaign 26V283000
|
| Mar 19, 202525V172000 | Air bagsAn inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. DetailsHide details for campaign 25V172000
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| Dec 24, 202424V967000 | Air bags: frontal driver sideA torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. DetailsHide details for campaign 24V967000
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| Jul 24, 202424V554000 | Latches/locks/linkages: hood latchAn unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash. Over-the-air remedy DetailsHide details for campaign 24V554000
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| May 28, 202424V376000 | Seat belts: front warning light/devicesA seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash. Over-the-air remedy DetailsHide details for campaign 24V376000
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| Feb 27, 202424V153000 | Forward collision avoidance: warnings external/pedestrian alertPedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash. Over-the-air remedy DetailsHide details for campaign 24V153000
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Buying a used 2021 Tesla Model S? Recalls cover the model; a history report checks one car's title, odometer and accident records. VinAudit history report → Sponsored · disclosure
Owner complaints by component179
NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h| Component | Complaints | % |
|---|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidance | 48 | 27 |
| Unknown or other | 45 | 25 |
| Steering | 29 | 16 |
| Electrical system | 25 | 14 |
| Vehicle speed control | 16 | 9 |
| Service brakes | 16 | 9 |
| Suspension | 16 | 9 |
| Wheels | 10 | 6 |
| Tires | 9 | 5 |
| Structure | 9 | 5 |
| Lane departure | 9 | 5 |
| Seat belts | 8 | 4 |
| Exterior lighting | 6 | 3 |
| Air bags | 5 | 3 |
| Visibility | 3 | 2 |
6 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.
Latest reports
- Vehicle speed control
“Tesla has taken away the ability to set maximum speed when using their Full Self Driving. THIS SHOULD BE ILLEGAL!!!! Now, the car can and will do 85 on a 60mph freeway!”
- Unknown or other
“I was driving to work this morning and engaged FSD mode in standard when suddenly the vehicle began to speed towards traffic and did not slow down while approaching a stopped semi truck.”
- Wheels
“I am filing this complaint regarding a potential safety issue involving a 22-inch Forgiato EV001 forged wheel installed on my 2021 Tesla Model S. The affected wheel is the front passenger-side wheel.”
Other Tesla Model S model years
- 20252 recalls6 complaints
- 20246 recalls38 complaints
- 202313 recalls114 complaints
- 202220 recalls139 complaints
- 202123 recalls179 complaints
- 202011 recalls80 complaints
- 201910 recalls44 complaints
- 201811 recalls169 complaints
- 20179 recalls428 complaints
All years: 2025 · 2024 · 2023 · 2022 · 2021 · 2020 · 2019 · 2018 · 2017 · 2016 · 2015 · 2014 · 2013 · 2012
Other Tesla models
2021 Tesla Model S recall questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Tesla Model S have?
NHTSA lists 24 safety recall campaigns for the 2021 Tesla Model S. The most recent, 26V283000 (reported May 5, 2026), concerns back over prevention. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.
What are the 2021 Tesla Model S recalls for?
The largest group is electrical system, with 7 campaigns. Others: air bags (4), steering (3), back over prevention (2). Each campaign below lists the defect, the risk and the free remedy.
What is the most common complaint about the 2021 Tesla Model S?
Forward collision avoidance is the most-reported component, named in 48 complaints out of 179 filed with NHTSA (27%). Across all complaints, owners reported 13 crashs and 2 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How do I check if a recall is open on my 2021 Tesla Model S?
Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Tesla recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Tesla dealer.
Check a specific Tesla by VIN
Need the factory options too? See the Tesla build sheet & window sticker guide.