The 2021 Tesla Model S is associated with 176 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 24 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Other / Uncategorized, accounting for 24 reports (14% of total complaints). EPA records certify all-electric efficiency of 96 to 120 MPGe with an estimated driving range of 334–405 miles across 4 certified vehicle configurations. Detailed NHTSA crash-test ratings are not available in the current AutoUtility dataset for this model year.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 176 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 24 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Other / Uncategorized (24 / 14%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 13 crash / 2 fire / 2 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: Not rated by NHTSA
- • EPA Efficiency: 96–120 MPGe (4 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Model S Long Range 100% Electric | Electric Motor | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 124 MPGe | 115 MPGe | 120 MPGe | 405 mi | $650 / yr |
| Model S Performance (19in Wheels) 100% Electric | Electric Motor | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 114 MPGe | 106 MPGe | 110 MPGe | 387 mi | $700 / yr |
| Model S Plaid (21inch wheels) 100% Electric | Electric Motor | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 102 MPGe | 99 MPGe | 101 MPGe | 348 mi | $750 / yr |
| Model S Performance (21in Wheels) 100% Electric | Electric Motor | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 98 MPGe | 93 MPGe | 96 MPGe | 334 mi | $800 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
Electric Range & Charging: The 2021 Tesla Model S provides an official EPA-rated driving range of up to 405 miles on a single battery charge.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| 5 HB AWD | Not Rated | Not Rated | Not Rated | | 5.7% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Standard and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Standard in official NHTSA records for tested 2021 Tesla Model S models.
View complete 2021 Tesla Model S crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2021 Tesla Model S problems & component breakdown (61 categories) →
Affected Component: BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Defect Summary: 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."
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: AIR BAGS
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:CUSHION
Defect Summary: 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."
Free Manufacturer 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.
View all 2021 Tesla Model S recalls & campaign history (24 campaigns) →