2021 Tesla Model S

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/28/2023· STEERING

  Went to a Tesla dealership to get my car aligned. 4 days later they told me that my car couldn’t be aligned because my fron lower control arm was bent or broken. I purchased the car from Tesla with 5700 miles. The cad had about 19k miles when it went in for alignment. Seen owning the vehicle I never had an accident or damage to vehicle that would cause such damage. Like always they like to blame the customer to we can cover the defects of there vehicles.

• 12/27/2023· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  Driving on divided highway at night, the car slowed dramatically at each exit from the highway.

• 12/24/2021· STEERING,WHEELS

  I’ve reported a continually present rack and pinion issue.. FOUR times. Tesla techs claim they don’t experience it or that it is ‘normal’ for this car. The car emits an audible grinding sound plus a visible wheel skipping when turned hard left or right. Today, the right front wheel began to emit a loud whirring sound in addition to the steering issue. Tesla refuses to investigate the issue beyond test drives. The situation could deteriorate quickly resulting in my inability to control the car while driving. It is a very SERIOUS matter.

• 12/19/2025· POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  7/30/2025 The vehicle experienced a confirmed TOTAL loss of function to include steering, restraint, and braking functionality at approximately 60 to 65 miles per hour. This catastrophic failure placed myself and and others at severe risk. Although Tesla’s service notes confirm the event occurred, no corrective repair was performed. The vehicle was completely inoperative with a matter of seconds with no prior warning. At this point in time the car has continued to not operate the same steering and noises has been in the shop 5 times still no answer or repairs in regard to it shutting down or any other issues that continue to return. The last visit I was asked to purchase new tires because maybe that’s why, I did. I continue to be told nothing is wrong with the vehicle making me feel extremely defeated when I know the vehicle is not the same as it was.

• 12/19/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  All 2021 Tesla Model S and/or X do not have horns in the center of the steering wheel. Instead, they have a button, which is impossible to find during an emergency situation, especially after many decades of muscle memory has been developed. Keep in mind that many, if not most, who can afford one of these cars do have decades of driving experience. I would really appreciate if these cars were recalled and Tesla were forced to replace the steering wheels with one that has a horn in the center of the wheel.

• 12/17/2023· SUSPENSION

  The suspension is very stiff and to the point when the smallest of pot holes, road bumps, or going over the road divider marker sends the shock to the body of the passenger. My family complaints of neck pain after a short ride. I live in San Jose, CA. I drive with the comfort mode with the soft ride setting for the suspension. This deep discomfort, pronounced for rear passengers is also increasingly deteriorating. Tesla inspected my car on Sept 8, 2023 - partially fixed the suspension noise. No change to the ride stiffness causing deep discomfort to passengers. Tesla inspected my car on Nov 8, 2023 for the same issue. No resolution. Tesla inspected my car on Dec 17, 2023 for the same issue. No resultion. I was told by Tesla technician who drove with me, that the ride is stiff, however, there are no fixes currently. A change to the setting and / or suspension will happen if there is a volume of complaints. Initially, the suspension had sound issues and frequent cranking. Tesla fixed it partially. However, this did not resolve the stiff suspension. I went to the Tesla dealership three times, each of the times, Tesla toggled with the settings but not avail. Tesla now claims that the suspension is what it is, any relief has to come from NHTSA or I have to sell my car.

• 12/16/2023· STEERING

  Dear Sir/Madam, I am highly concerned about the safety of the newest versions of Tesla Model S, Model X (without stalks), CyberTruck and Model 3 with the code name Highland. These models pose a significant danger when operated without intuitive direction signals, especially in the following situations: 1) Roundabouts: It is nearly impossible to correctly activate the signal lights. Please refer to the following example: [XXX] 2) Complete distraction of our focus from the road is required to operate signalling (eyes are EVERY TIME off a road), as shown in this example: [XXX] 3) In the event of a slightly dangerous occurrence, it is impossible to effectively and intuitively use the signals (or honk with the "Yoke" steering wheel). Please see: [XXX] Naturally, all of these points contribute to a significantly higher risk of accidents and undoubtedly impact the flow of traffic. Regards Alardo INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 12/15/2022· SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  Our Tesla, in the "Full Self Drive" mode, has on more than one occasion applied the brakes suddenly without warning while traveling on the freeways. The date I indicate below was the last occurrence. I see that others have indicated this malady and I wanted to add our voice to this conversation. Thank you

• 12/15/2021· LANE DEPARTURE

  Right and left door pillar cameras accumulate condensation, leaving door pillar cameras “blocked or blinded.” This affects collision avoidance. While the owners manual mentions that condensation can accumulate in these cameras, the stated remedy does not resolve the condensation. If you live in a wet or cold climate, these cameras are blocked or blinded most of the time.

• 12/12/2024· VISIBILITY

  The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the message “Climate Control System Service Required” was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local Tesla Service Center however, the vehicle was not repaired due a lack of available Service Techs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 59,000.

• 12/11/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCECrash

  This was a Autodrive malfunction event on a brand new Tesla Model S. I was in standstill traffic when my car, which had been engaged in Autodrive, lurched forward and suddenly accelerated at a high rate of speed into the car in front of us, without any driver prompts. The problem was immediately reported to Tesla who has been delaying in providing the data logs and engineering analysis for over two months. Tesla did what they called a "safety inspection" after the crash and says the car is fine. They have refused to try and replicate the malfunction because they maintain the car is fine. Luckily, no one was injured, and there was only property damage to my car and the car in front of me, but there is something wrong with the software, the cameras, and/or the front end sensors and their calibration for the car to have done that.

• 12/10/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  On [XXX] at approximately [XXX] I was driving down a small back alley/street in Baltimore when my Tesla Model S Plaid sedan stopped operating. It would not restart, including with the emergency restart bar. Since I was unable to restart it, I left it there while I ran into an appointment. About maybe 20 minutes later it started up like nothing was wrong. I did not receive any warnings on the dash from the car that there was an issue, and I thought it must have been a computer glitch. Unfortunately, sometime between 10:30 and 11:30 am I was driving the Tesla on a major feeder multi lane feeder branch to a highway. I was on [XXX] merging onto [XXX] when the car just stopped with no warning. It is a miracle that I didn’t get hit, but it caused a truly dangerous situation with horns blaring, cars and trucks going around me. It was very unsafe. This time I was able to start the car with the emergency start bar Tesla has available. I was then able to drive the car to my office where the car was picked up and towed to the dealership. To make a long story short, apparently, they (service department) drove the car around the parking lot, trying to reproduce the problem but they said they were not able to. The only thing they were able to tell me about the car was that it had two high-voltage spikes and possibly that’s what caused the problem, but they didn’t know how to fix that problem. I did talk to the lead tech on my car, but at one point he said they were out of resources and would refer this to his general manager. The service manager told me that since they can’t reproduce the problem, that my car is drivable, I should pick it up and drive it. I refused. A car that stops dead with no notice in moving traffic is not a safe car. I was astounded that they would expect me to drive the Tesla. I told the manager that I would not drive it until it was fixed. It is still there. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 12/09/2024· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I bought my car used last year! I have almost been involved in many accidents with this car! There is only 1 small button for the horn mixed in with other buttons on the right side of the steering wheel! When stress hits because somebody is heading right for you and you are frantically looking for a small button to lay in the horn it’s almost too late! It’s a MAJOR safety issue and they are offering a new steering wheel for almost 1900.00!!!! I already replaced the yoke wheel it came with! This is a total safety hazard and people are going to end up dead because of it if they don’t fix it!

• 12/07/2024· STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  The horn button on the yoke steering wheel is a safety hazard. In a situation that requires quick responsiveness immediate reaction is to press the center of the steering wheel. Tesla has come out with a retro fit and the new yoke has it in the center. I am paying $1,000 for the retro fit for my safety and the safety of others. I expect the NHS to also look at this concern and address to assist with the prevention of accidents.

• 12/04/2024· STEERING

  I have the yoke steering wheel. To activate the horn, you press on the right side of the steering wheel. I was driving at freeway speeds and a car did not see me and started to move into my lane. Due to the placement of the horn on the side next to windshield wipers, the wipers went on but not the horn. You have to take your eyes off the road to look down for the horn. Tesla is aware of the dangers of the placement of the horn and has a new yoke steering wheel with the horn in the traditional position, center of wheel. Unfortunately, Tesla has not on its own recalled the older model yoke although they have taken remedial steps to improve the design. I believe a formal recall should be initiated on this steering wheel.

• 12/02/2022· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrashFire

  The contact owned a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving approximately 100 MPH, as he took his foot off of the accelerator, with the vehicle brake control set to "aggressive slowdown," as the vehicle slowed the contact looked into the rearview mirror and observed white smoke issuing from the rear of the vehicle. The contact then depressed the brake pedal, and instead of slowing the vehicle accelerated at a dramatic rate and the contact lost control of the vehicle and left the roadway. The contact stated he was not aware of any warning lights being illuminated. The vehicle went into a ditch and continued straight following the ditch. The contact stated that the vehicle had not lost any speed, rather it seemed to be going faster. The vehicle crashed through a fence, drove up a slight berm, and went airborne. The contact's vehicle crashed into the ground, front end first, after flying 130 feet in the air, and began to roll end over end two to three times. The contact and his two passengers were unconscious after impact with the ground, the vehicle had come to a stop and caught on fire. The contact had attempted to exit the vehicle once he regained consciousness, however, he had difficulty since the driver's side door was jammed and his left ankle was dislocated and his right ankle was broken. The contact had managed to crawl out of the vehicle through the driver's side window which had completely shattered. The contact stated that the passenger in the front seat was not seriously injured, although he was transported to a hospital and released that same day. The passenger in the rear was transported and hospitalized with internal bleeding and a broken rib, the contact was not told which rib was broken by the passenger. The vehicle had been engulfed in fire and the contact had rolled into a ditch, a passerby was on the scene and called emergency services. The contact was transported from the scene by a rescue helicopter and flown to a trauma center. At the trauma center, the contact was treated for internal bleeding, the contact stated that 30 percent of his colon was removed, and his spleen had been ruptured. The contact had fractures of both orbits of his eyes, his nose was broken, and he had a severe concussion, with two broken ribs on the right side and one broken rib on the left of his chest. The contact stated that according to a police report and insurance investigation all the air bags had been deployed. The vehicle had burned completely and had to be lifted onto a flatbed truck and was driven to an impound lot. The fire had been so intense that the vehicle's black box was destroyed. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.

• 11/25/2023· WHEELS

  Have just learned (on routine check) that Front/Rear tire configuration has been backwards since delivery from the FACTORY; 24 mo, 24k miles. Factory specified FRONT REAR 255/45R19 285/40R19 NOTE REVERSAL Actual upon delivery FRONT REAR 285/40R19 255/45R19 ONLY service has been 1 left/right switch at 19k with NO front/back, per tire service recommendation; not detected then. And there’s NO chance it was reversed after delivery. I'm wondering effect on tread life, safety, drive-ability. Tech said this error would vastly affect performance, "Haven't you noticed car 'driving really funny'?" Notified Tesla; no response yet. In photos, Note door decal, fender placement will show front/rear.

• 11/23/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I lost the use of my right hand and am unable to activate the horn as it is a tiny button on the right side of the yoke rather than simply pressing the center of the yoke.

• 11/20/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION

  REAR PARKING SAFETY CAMERA FAILING WITH GREEN LINE, BRAND NEW CAR.HAPPENS IN MOTION AND STATIONARY, IN STREET AND IN DRIVEWAY. HAPPENS MULTIPLE TIMES, HAVE CAUGHT ON VIDEO. LONG KNOWN ISSUE DATING BACK ON SAME MODEL AT LEAST TO 2018, SEE HTTPS://TESLAMOTORSCLUB.COM/TMC/THREADS/GREEN-LINE-ON-SCREEN-WHEN-CAMERA-IS-ON-AT-DARK.129223/ FOR IDENTICAL ISSUE. MULTIPLE SERVICE TRIPS, MORE TIME IN SERVICE THAN IN MY GARAGE, SERVICE CENTER SAYS THEY CANT FIX IT. QUOTE FROM SERVICE TICKET "UNFORTUNATELY THIS IS A KNOWN CONCERN AND IS UNDER INVESTIGATION AND THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO AT THIS TIME." SEE ITEM 5 IN SERVICE DOC. THIS PROBLEM MAKES IT MORE DIFFICULT TO SAFELY PARK OF BACKUP.

• 11/18/2025· SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS,SEATS

  Vehicle: 2021 Tesla Model S Long Range VIN: [XXX] I am reporting multiple safety-related defects that existed at delivery or developed shortly thereafter, and Tesla has refused to diagnose or repair them under warranty. These defects create an unsafe driving condition and risk of loss of control or collision. Defect Summary: 1.Alignment Defect at Delivery: On the day I bought the car, the steering wheel pulled to the left and felt unstable. I reported this immediately to Tesla. They dismissed it as “normal.” 2.Premature Tire Wear: Within months, the left tire wore down to the steel belts on the left side while the right side had normal wear. An independent shop confirmed this was caused by suspension/bushing issues, not road damage. 3.Suspension/Bushing Failure: A third-party Tesla-certified shop confirmed that the suspension components are bent/tweaked and require replacement for safe driving. Tesla refused to inspect these components properly. 4.Unlatched Rear Seat at Delivery: The rear seat was delivered unlatched, which is a major safety hazard during braking or collision. 5.Broken Glass Under Rear Seat: Broken glass was found under the rear seat cushion at delivery, raising concerns about vehicle history and delivery inspection standards. 6.New Defect While in Tesla’s Custody: On Nov 17, 2025, moisture accumulated inside the left taillight while the vehicle was parked outdoors at Tesla’s Stockton facility. This can cause electrical shorting or lighting malfunction. Tesla’s Response: Tesla has repeatedly refused to inspect the suspension properly, dismissed my complaints, and produced an inaccurate service invoice that did not reflect what was discussed. They told me we are “at an impasse.” These defects pose a serious safety risk (tire blowout, loss of control, lighting malfunction). I request NHTSA investigate these issues as they may indicate broader problems with Tesla’s suspension, alignment, and delivery inspection processes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 11/17/2024· FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,BACK OVER PREVENTIONCrash

  I engaged Tesla's Autopark to park my car in my usual spot. The car kept going after reaching the back of the parking space, crashing into a pole located around one foot behind the parking spot. The time between when it should have braked and the post was of such short duration that I had no time to apply the brakes and prevent the accident. The car lacks both radar and lidar, either of which would have detected the post. Instead it relies on a single video camera. What made this parking different from previous safe parking attempt in the same space was that the car was perfectly lined up. That meant that the camera could not make use of parallax to enable the AI to notice that the post was moving against the background and must, therefore by close behind instead of 40 feet away. For Tesla Autopark to function safely, it needs to "know" how far back possible obstructions are. It could do so by never backing up with perfect alignment. Instead, the car should move enough from side to side to generate enough parallax effect for it to be able to determine if it is about the crash. The service manager who called to tell me that Tesla decided the accident was my fault absolutely refused to even hear my opinion on what Tesla could do to prevent such accidents in the future. He told me he had be instructed to deliver Tesla's disclaimer and to not listen to anything I might have to say. As an engineer who has patents in the area of both aviation and automotive safety, I have an opinion that might have been worthy of Tesla's hearing. I now suggest you folks warn people that Autopark should not be used to complete the parking procedure unless and until Tesla decides to address this problem. In the meantime, drivers should be cautioned to either not use the feature or to tap the brakes lightly to disengage the feature several feet before reaching the back of a parking space. The driver can then complete the maneuver manually.

• 11/17/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  The main computer of the car and all the screens frequently and intermittently stop working. The screens and computer is essential for safe operation of the car, as they are required to control functions like the windshield wipers, lights, turn signals, HVAC, and open the glove box. I have repeatedly requested that Tesla repair the problem, but their service department has been very difficult to work with. They are trying to invoice me for "troubleshooting", when the problem is clearly a defect, covered under lemon laws and the car's warranty. I have another appointment with the Tesla service department to repair the issue on Nov 23, however I wanted to document the problem with the NHTSA so that the issue is known. Here's a link to a video of the problem: https://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive/0ruzo24K7zIWGSkH35cIsF_ow#Tesla_no_work Additionally a photo of the car not working from Nov 3 is attached.

• 11/16/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side indicator was inoperable on the yoke steering wheel. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 24,500.

• 11/16/2022· FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  When in autopilot, at highway speeds, the car suddenly will brake. There is nothing that instigates this and it seems to be a safety hazard.

• 11/15/2024· STEERING,SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  Vehicle constantly overheats and causes charger to overheat. This causes the charging rate to reduce constantly. Home infrastructure has been checked and confirmed to be wired properly by multiple electricians. The suspension makes lots of noises and is a rough ride despite being constantly checked by the service center.

• 11/14/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  The horn on the Model S PLAID is a small button on the right side of the airbag. On two occasions, I needed to use the horn to warn another driver of danger to us both and on both occasions, I failed to find the horn button in time to use it. I am not troubled by the yoke at all, but the horn is an important safety issue in my view which must be rectified. Tesla has not provided me with any opportunity to provide feedback despite many attempts locally and via their online interfaces. They have not responded to two emails...thus my request that you inquire urgently on this issue with them. Consumer stated Tesla Plaid horn button being dangerously difficult to find in an emergency.

• 11/09/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  I was unable to locate the horn capacitive button on my steering yoke to alert a biker who strayed into my lane. finding this small button has been a repeated problem when in dangerous situations

• 11/08/2020· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 65-70 MPH WITH AUTO PILOT AND SPEED CONTROL ENGAGED. WENT TO CHANGE LANES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. PUT ON TURN SIGNAL, CANCELLED AUTO PILOT BY TURNING STEERING WHEEL TO RIGHT AND MOVED TO OPEN RIGHT LANE. THERE WERE NO VEHICLES AROUND US AT ALL. THE CAR SUDDENLY, UNEXPECTEDLY, AND VERY SHOCKINGLY SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES CAUSING ITEMS TO BE TOSSED AROUND IN THE CAR, ENGAGING ALL OF OUR SEAT BELTS WITH SOME DISCOMFORT, AND SENDING SOME LOUD ALARM OR WARNING SOUND TO GO OFF IN THE CAR. IT SCARED ME, MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER VERY MUCH. IF THERE HAD BEEN A VEHICLE IN THE LAND BEHIND US, THERE'S NO WAY THEY COULD HAVE AVOIDED HITTING US VERY VIOLENTLY AND CAUSING INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. THIS HAPPENED 2 OR 3 TIMES IN MY FORMER 2016 MODEL S, BUT I NEVER EXPECTED IT IN THIS 2021 MODEL. A GOOGLE SEARCH WILL REVEAL THE VAST NUMBER OF TESLA DRIVERS WHO HAVE HAD THE SAME OR SIMILAR EXPERIENCES.

• 11/04/2022· SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCECrash

  In August 2022 I was driving my Tesla S. I was traveling 25 miles an hour or less. I unfortunately lost consciousness for a very short time. My tesla then crashed into a parked car. There was snow emergency braking nor any emergency alarms. In theory describes shouldn’t of happened with an emergency braking system.

• 11/02/2025· TIRES

  Certified pre-owned 2021 Tesla Model S delivered on October 21, 2025 with worn Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires (255/35ZR21 front, 295/30ZR21 rear). Tread depth measured approximately 2/32" on the outer tread shoulders of all four tires, below Tesla’s published 5/32" delivery standard. Within the first week of ownership, the vehicle hydroplaned multiple times in wet conditions at normal speeds. Tesla service declined to replace the tires, stating measurements were “taken in the wrong location” and that only the inner grooves count, despite Tesla’s public documentation and national tire safety standards defining tread depth across the full width of the tire. Vehicle was returned in same condition without correction, leaving a continued safety risk from inadequate tread and summer tires unsuited for Ohio’s cold and wet seasonal conditions.

• 10/28/2024· TIRES

  295 / 30ZR 21 - My tire failed well before the tread life expired. You can see in the attached images that the tire failed at the meeting point between the tread and the sidewall.

• 10/26/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  Today was at least the 3rd time "phantom braking" has occurred. While traveling on I-64 in Virginia, my speed was about 75mph with adaptive cruise control on. Suddenly, the car braked hard, slowing to about 40mph. I thought the car was going to stop. Fortunately, there were no vehicles behind me or there could have been a rear end collision. I did not use the automatic feature again for the rest of that drive.

• 10/25/2024· STEERING

  Due to the yoke not having a traditional horn button it is hard to remember to push the tiny capacative touch button... very dangerous. Also the yoke feels more dangerous than a normal wheel.

• 10/25/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  There have been 4 instances of the instrument cluster screen and main information touch screen shutting down while driving the vehicle. First 2 episodes were in Aug of 2021 then twice in Oct of 2021. Episodes were separated by 1-2 weeks. Both screens are blank for approx 20-40 seconds. Subsequently no information such as speed, brake light indicators, radar/hazards, turn signals or any other information is displayed or can be used. Unknown if the turns signals or brake lights work when this happens as there is no way to see them on the blank screen. No clicking sound for the turns signal is audible either. Car continues to operate otherwise. Both screens then come back on without intervention and all functions return to normal. I have spoken with Tesla service and they state they are aware of this problem but they don't have a fix. They ran remote diagnostics but did not see any abnormalities. They also suggested that my USB drive to record the vehicles security/driving cameras was corrupted and may be causing the problem however I have not set up the USB drive in this car yet.

• 10/24/2023· SUSPENSION,WHEELS

  The 2021 and beyond Tesla Model S comes installed with camber arms that cause the wheel to be tilted in and thus wears the tire on the inside to the point of wearing out within 6 months. This is a flaw in the building and pertains to all the model S's 2021 and greater. This is a safety issue and is not addressed by Tesla. I think Tesla should be forced to provide a recall for this.

• 10/23/2023· WHEELS

  The OEM 21 inch wheel cracked which resulted in a flattening tire.

• 10/20/2025· STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  On October 17, 2025, while using Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode on my 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid, the car failed to stop at two red lights within a three-hour period. In each case, the car attempted to drive through the intersection even though the signal was solid red. I intervened manually and applied the brakes to prevent a potential collision. There were no prior warnings or alerts, and I have not modified the vehicle. This behavior endangers my safety and the safety of others. I am willing to provide the vehicle and any available data logs for inspection if requested.

• 10/18/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I have had at least 2 panic situations where I needed to use the horn to warn another vehicle that didn't see me that it was going to collide with me (lane change without checking, or crossing in front of me). The horn on my vehicle is a small force-press button with no raised markings, just an icon picture, just to the right of the large center pad that is the steering wheel (actually called a steering yolk) air bag. Decades of muscle memory has me pressing/slamming the largest thing at the center of the steering wheel in a panic situation. The time it takes to look down at the wheel to find the force-press button that is the horn is a major safety issue. All Tesla Model Ss and Xs from 2021 on have a steering yolk instead of a round wheel with this particular design/implementation for the horn. I have twice asked Tesla service to make the steering center airbag pad activate the horn. The 1st request was ignored. The 2nd request (Oct 18'2022) was responded to with "We do not offer a retrofit for that at this time. I will mark this [request] as feedback and remove it from your service ticket."

• 10/17/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

  See attached document for complaint.

• 10/16/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  In emergency situations I have trouble finding the horn button resulting in not able to warn other drivers of a dangerous situation. Other vehicles are set up so you can press the center airbag but the Tesla has a small button on the right spoke. The button is flush so you can not find it by feel but must look for it. The button is especially troublesome to find if the steering wheel/yoke is in anything other than the straight ahead position.

• 10/15/2022· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  Car repeatedly, randomly slams in brakes while cruise control engaged for no apparent reason. Not speeding, no other cars or blockages around, open highway on a bright, clear day.

• 10/11/2025· STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  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.

• 10/07/2024· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I received recall notice for 24V-554 on 9/22/2024. The recall notice informs that Tesla will resolve the recall safety defect by over-the-air update via the car's WIFI capabilities. I have informed Tesla that my car's WIFI capabilities are broken and I scheduled service for October 3rd. Tesla informed that parts for my vehicle are not yet ready and rescheduled my service for October 24th. I informed Tesla that I am missing a required safety recall update, and asked if they able to push the update to me via the car's internet or otherwise remedy the issue of my car not having capability to resolve the safety defect. Tesla responded "Due to contraints at the service center we unfortunately had to reschedule you" for October 24th. The Safety Recall notice informed that if the manufacter is unable to remedy the safety defect within a reasonable time, I may notify the NHTSA.

• 10/06/2022· STEERING

  I was recently nearly involved in a traffic accident when I wasn't able to blow the horn on the Tesla steering wheel. I was backing up out of a parking stall in a parking lot and at the same time another car in the stall next to me was also backing up. I tried went to blow the horn on the steeling wheel and I was not able to find it quickly enough because it is very difficult to find the button in an emergency. Fortunately, the other driver in the car saw me just in the nick of time and was able to stop. The problem in my opinion, and many others on social media, is that Telsa chose to not put a horn in the normal place on the steering wheel where most other car manufactures place their horns. Another area of concern about this Yoke steering wheel are the turn signals. Unlike most cars, the directional signals on this model Tesla are located in a small area on the steeling wheel. These buttons are hard to find and use when attempting to turn at a street corner or to change lanes on the roadways. Consequently, sometimes it's just easier not to use the turn signal. I personally believe that this is also a safety concern for this car.

• 10/05/2025· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  The reverse lights are incredibly insufficient and pose a safety risk when backing up. The lights are so dim, they are virtually ineffective to the point that they illuminate nothing that may be behind the car. This is not a bulb issue as they came from the factory, new, in this condition and the service center said there is nothing they can do. Other owners I have spoken with report the same issue.

• 10/03/2021· STRUCTURE

  UNKNOWN

• 10/02/2021· STEERING

  The Steering yoke is extremely poorly designed. It is very tiring to use, and doubtful that car could be controlled in an emergency. The directionals have no tactile feel. The switches for the horn, directionals, and wipers are flat, with no feel, and easily activated by error when my hand crosses their location. This is a very amateurish design. The standard directionals and shift lever need to be installed. I have been driving this car, with difficult, since 13 September and I hate it more each day.

• 10/01/2022· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  The vehicle intermittently brakes for no reason with the cruise control enabled. This is going to cause an accident.

• 09/28/2022· TIRES

  Michelin manufactures this tire specific for the Tesla Model S plaid vehicle. This tire wears pre maturely from the 300 rating most times under 10,000 miles causing tread separation on the inner wall. This specific wear can only be seen once the tire is removed from the vehicle. This is a well know issue on tesla forum boards and Michelin is not only not assisting with the issue, they are on back order for this tire that is specific for the Tesla Model S plaid. Not only did Michelin design a tire for this vehicle that wears well short of the rating, they are also not making enough to replace the worn out\defective tires. The tread separation is on the inside of the tire not visible to the driver that could potentially lead to a catastrophic accident if the tread separates at a high speed. The tire size is 295/30/21.

• 09/27/2022· FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  I have had multiple phantom forward collision warnings while driving and phantom braking while in autopilot. It happened twice today on a short 10 mile drive.