2016 Tesla Model S problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 604 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Tesla Model S, filed between 2016-04-12 and 2025-07-31. The most common problem areas are the suspension (204, 34%), electrical system (137, 23%) and steering (81, 13%). Owners reported 89 crashes, 12 fires, 64 injuries and 8 deaths in these complaints. NHTSA lists 10 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Tesla Model S complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 204 | 34% | 35 | 8 | 23 |
| Unknown or other | 143 | 24% | 10 | 2 | 7 |
| Electrical system | 137 | 23% | 7 | 5 | 7 |
| Steering | 81 | 13% | 14 | 2 | 10 |
| Vehicle speed control | 74 | 12% | 32 | 1 | 37 |
| Service brakes | 51 | 8% | 18 | 1 | 12 |
| Exterior lighting | 49 | 8% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 28 | 5% | 6 | 0 | 1 |
| Structure | 28 | 5% | 6 | 0 | 2 |
| Visibility/wiper | 24 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 20 | 3% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Wheels | 15 | 2% | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 13 | 2% | 7 | 4 | 6 |
| Visibility | 13 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 12 | 2% | 4 | 0 | 2 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Suspension: 204 complaints
- 204 complaints of 604 (34%) name the suspension — springs, shocks and struts, control arms and ball joints.
- 18 of them also name the steering; owners reported 35 crashes, 8 fires, 23 injuries and 8 deaths in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Tesla Model S covers this system.
Electrical system: 137 complaints
- 137 complaints of 604 (23%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 34 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 7 crashes, 5 fires and 7 injuries in these complaints.
- 3 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2016 Tesla Model S; the latest, campaign 24V051000, says: “An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights.”
Steering: 81 complaints
- 81 complaints of 604 (13%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 28 of them also name the vehicle speed control; owners reported 14 crashes, 2 fires and 10 injuries in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2016 Tesla Model S; the latest, campaign 23V085000, says: “The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled…”
Vehicle speed control: 74 complaints
- 74 complaints of 604 (12%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- 28 of them also name the steering; owners reported 32 crashes, 1 fire, 37 injuries and 2 deaths in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Tesla Model S covers this system.
Service brakes: 51 complaints
- 51 complaints of 604 (8%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 20 of them also name the vehicle speed control; owners reported 18 crashes, 1 fire and 12 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Tesla Model S covers this system.
Exterior lighting: 49 complaints
- 49 complaints of 604 (8%) name the exterior lighting — headlights, tail and brake lights and turn signals.
- 15 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Tesla Model S covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 74 |
| 2017 | 72 |
| 2018 | 39 |
| 2019 | 34 |
| 2020 | 152 |
| 2021 | 91 |
| 2022 | 65 |
| 2023 | 37 |
| 2024 | 32 |
| 2025 | 8 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names MODEL S, MODEL S 60, MODEL S 60D, MODEL S 70, MODEL S 70D, MODEL S 75, MODEL S 75D, MODEL S 85, MODEL S 85D, MODEL S 90, MODEL S 90D, MODEL S P100D, MODEL S P85D, MODEL S P90D, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Tesla Model S recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Tesla Model S?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Tesla Model S's most common problem areas are the suspension (204 of 604 complaints), electrical system (137 of 604 complaints) and steering (81 of 604 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Tesla Model S have?
NHTSA has 604 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Tesla Model S, including 89 reported crashes and 12 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Tesla Model S's problems?
NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2016 Tesla Model S; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.