Home · 2021 Tesla Model S Bev · Complaints

What 175 owners told NHTSA about the 2021 Tesla Model S Bev

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (175)Crash / fire / injury (15)Driver assistance (47)Steering (29)Electrical system (25)Suspension (16)Brakes (15)Speed control (14)Body & structure (9)Lane Departure (9)Tires (9)Wheels (9)

9 of 175 complaints match · Body & structure · clear filters

Oct 11, 2025Body & structure

Tesla Model S 2021 Long Range: Upon closing the rear trunk close button from the app or close button on the hatch, the hatch goes down but won’t lock. It gives 3 beeps. Upon pressing open, it won’t go up and gives 3 beeps.

NHTSA ODI 11692785

Aug 14, 2025SteeringBody & structure

The wrap on the steering yoke is peeling, already had a steering yoke replacement 18 months ago under warranty, and this replacement steering yoke exibiting same peeling issue. Could be a safety grip issue as the yoke portion is more slippery at the peeled section. Tesla refuses to replace this faulty yoke as a covered safety item.

NHTSA ODI 11680563

Apr 2, 2025Body & structure

Front license plate holder is required in California. The bracket that holds the plate on the car is secured to the bumper with adhesive tape only. My bracket became loose, and thankfully we were able to retrieve the plate and bracket upon parking. This would have been an obvious hazard to us and other motorists if it fell off while on the street or highway. Tesla does not have any alternative solutions to fix or repair this issue and advised we purchase an aftermarket bracket. The front bracket on my car must be attached to meet NTSB safety standards.

NHTSA ODI 11652414

Mar 23, 2024Body & structure

I recently encountered a problem with my Tesla where the drivers door opened on its own while operating the vehicle. Tesla reported it was a faulty door handle. I am concerned that the software interlocks related to the door operation have anomalies that create a safety hazard fo car occupants.

NHTSA ODI 11579075

Sep 18, 2023AirbagsSeat beltsBody & structure

I have had my Tesla to their shop FOUR times to try to fix a safety airbag issue in the drivers side which they have had my car for weeks and weeks on end, only for me to get it back with the same issue after only a few days of repair! I asked them for a refund and other things and they have done nothing! They still make me pay full price for my lease even though they have had my car in their shop more than I have driving it.

NHTSA ODI 11545272

May 8, 2023Body & structure

Drivers door will not latch and car thinks the door is closed/latched. This allows the driver to drive away with the door unlatched. I've had to open and close the door while moving to get it to latch which is obviously unsafe. In attached picture you can see how open the door is but the car gives no indication this is the case. Tesla has confirm the issue and has tried twice to correct the issue but it has not been corrected yet. No warning lights or error messages even with the door obviously open.

NHTSA ODI 11520996

Sep 6, 2022Body & structure

Spontaneous explosion of front passenger door window while driving

NHTSA ODI 11483181

Mar 17, 2022Body & structure

Rear passenger door opened while driving on the highway. I was the only occupant, car doors were locked when this happened

NHTSA ODI 11457068

Oct 3, 2021Body & structure

UNKNOWN

NHTSA ODI 11435271

Working with the data? Download all 175 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 20, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2021 Tesla Model S Bev verdict →