2021 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
2021 · All trims · All engines
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Tesla Model S has 5 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are 12V Auxiliary Battery / DC-DC Converter Failure Cascade ($220-$1,800 repair) and First-Row Seat Belt Not Connected to Pretensioner Anchor (Recall 23V488) ($0-$0 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $1,800. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:CUSHION
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."
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2021 Tesla Model S has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 12V Auxiliary Battery / DC-DC Converter Failure Cascade, First-Row Seat Belt Not Connected to Pretensioner Anchor (Recall 23V488), Charge Port Door / Latch Actuator Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2021 Tesla Model S has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: 12V Auxiliary Battery / DC-DC Converter Failure Cascade and First-Row Seat Belt Not Connected to Pretensioner Anchor (Recall 23V488). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Tesla Model S issues range from $0 to $1,800, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 12V Auxiliary Battery / DC-DC Converter Failure Cascade, typically costs $220-$1,800 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The low-voltage 12V lead-acid battery on early-to-mid Model S (concentrated in 2015-2018 build years) fails prematurely due to a poor original vendor cell plus constant vampire-load strain from always-on electronics. Roughly a third of Tesla NHTSA low-voltage complaints trace her… Repairs typically run $220-$1,800. Severity: high.
Tesla issued a safety recall (NHTSA campaign 23V488, Tesla SB-23-20-004) on model-year 2021-2023 Model S and Model X because a first-row seat belt may not have been properly reconnected to its pretensioner anchor after a prior service step. If the belt is not secured to its ancho… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
AIR BAGS
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.
+ 24 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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The charge port door fails to open on command, or the internal latch fails to lock/release the charge cable. The actuator motor stops engaging the latch mechanism, or the electrical command isn't fulfilled, so the door won't 'push-to-open,' won't close, or the connector locks/unl… Repairs typically run $150-$700. Severity: medium.
The rear integrated electronic parking brake (EPB) calipers seize or the caliper actuator motor fails, throwing 'EPB_w053 - Parking brake did not release' or 'EPB_w052 - Parking brake functions degraded.' The caliper shaft can seize (often from moisture/corrosion in cars driven l… Repairs typically run $350-$1,600. Severity: medium.
The 2021+ refresh Model S and X yoke steering wheel has a return spring that can fail, causing the steering wheel to feel notchy or off-center when returning to center after a turn. Some owners report a clicking sound. Round-wheel retrofit became a $700 option around 2022-2023 —… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: low.
