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2016 Tesla Model S problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 Tesla Model S has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 604owner complaints
- 89crash reports
- 12fire reports
- 19%fail the UK MOT
604 complaints, against an average of 188 for the other 14 Tesla Model S model years.
Every Tesla Model S model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 Tesla Model S?
The components named most often in the 604 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2016 Tesla Model S owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 604 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- What causes clunking or suspension noise in the 2016 Tesla Model S?96 owners · 15.9%
- Why does the infotainment screen freeze, reboot or go black in my 2016 Tesla Model S?41 owners · 6.8%
- Why does the backup camera not work on my 2016 Tesla Model S?26 owners · 4.3%
- Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2016 Tesla Model S?19 owners · 3.1%
Has the 2016 Tesla Model S been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2016 Tesla Model S as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2016 Tesla Model S recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAMisalignment of the hood latch may prevent latching of the secondary latch
Risk: Misalignment of the hood latch may prevent latching of the secondary latch.
Fix: Inspect the secondary hood latch on affected vehicles. If the hood is not properly retained by the secondary latch the latch mechanism will be reassembled and repositioned to assure proper alignment.
UK DVSAWhen the emmc reaches accumulated lifetime wear the customer may experience a blank centre display
Risk: When the eMMC reaches accumulated lifetime wear the customer may experience a blank centre display.
Fix: Ensure current software is installed and upgrade the VCM daughterboard to a 64GB Micron eMMC.
UK DVSAThe propellant in the front passenger airbag inflator may degrade over time
Risk: The front passenger airbag inflator could rupture in the event the airbag is deployed.
Fix: Replace the front passenger air bag on affected vehicles.
UK DVSALoss of power steering assistance
Risk: Potential failure of steering gear motor bolts when exposed to long term high corrosive environment. This can lead to loss of power assistance to the steering which would result in additional effort from the driver to steer the vehicle.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the aluminium bolts with stainless steel bolts. Where necessary the steering rack will be replaced.
UK DVSAParking brake may not release correctly
Risk: An improperly manufactured internal caliper gear may fail. This may cause the EPB not to release and in some circumstances not to apply. An EPB warning light and message should appear.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the brake caliper.
UK DVSASeatbelt may not perform correctly
Risk: The driver and/or front passenger seatbelt could be improperly connected to the outboard lap pretensioner. The connection is secured by means of a bolt that fastens the steel anchor plate on the end of the seat belt to a steel anchor plate on the end of the pretensioner cable. If a collision occurs and the aforementioned condition exists there is an elevated risk of additional injury to the occupant of the seat.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected for inspection of the seatbelt connection to the pretensioner and the anchor plates. If the condition is evident the seatbelt/s will be reassembled to ensure proper connection.
EU Safety GateOn some Model S vehicles, the latch assembly of the front hood may be aligned too far rearward.While this alignment does not impact latching of the primary latch with the hood striker, it may prevent latching of the secondary latch. If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood may open without warning and obstruct the driver’s visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. If the primary latch is inadvertently released, the driver will receive an alert on the user interface.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 20/01/2022
EU Safety GateThe cable controlling the adjustment mechanisms for the left-hand seat in the second row could be badly-adjusted.In the event of a crash, this could lead to the backrest moving forwards, increasing the risk of injury for the occupant of the seat.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDefects in the gas generator of the passenger airbag lead to uncontrolled unfolding when the airbag is triggered.The excessively high internal pressure can damage the airbag casing, metal particles can come loose, causing injuries to the vehicle occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe connection between the safety belt and the safety belt tensioner has not been correctly established.There is a risk that the safety belt will fail to offer sufficient restraint force in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2016 Tesla Model S fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2016, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2016 Tesla Model S owners report?
12 of the 604 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
I was backing out of a parking space and the front driver side fore link broke. Internet search reveals this is a known issue associated with Tesla Model S during the period mine was manufactured (February 2016), caused an investigation & service bulletin from the NHTSA, and a recall in China, hence I wanted to report this occurence.
While the car is parked and locked the rear driver side door opens in its own. The door handle does not present itself and is scheduled for repair. This is new and started happening today. Despite how many times I close it. It opens on it own. The door is locked when this happens. Door sitting still. Plugged in to charge and locked. The door opens on its own. It unlatches, Does not fully open.
My driver's side of the vehicle looks like it's melting. I was informed by the service advisor at Tesla that this is a common issue, and the computer needs to be replaced at my expense.
on 5/20/25, I had my Tesla repaired as I had suspension issues. They repaired my car to rectify my suspension for both my front and rear tires. Then on 6/12/25, I was driving on the highway and going about 70-75 mph when I heard a huge pop. No warning indicators came on and something did not feel right. I figured nothing else came of it. I was about 30 miles away from home and when I got home, my tire was pushed inward. I was concerned on whether this was related to a bad repair since it was so soon to my previous repair and they indicated that they did not touch that area. After they saw my…
The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact depressed the brake and the vehicle kept rolling forward. The contact opened the door for the vehicle to come to a stop. On another occasion, the contact stated that the ADAS feature engaged and while driving at various speeds, and the vehicle failed to recognize stop signs, traffic lights, or pedestrians. The contact stated that the function was a paid feature; however, the system failed to…
My car slams on the brakes consistently at green lights when FSD is activated. This is version 12.5.4.2 of FSD. Tesla is not responding to my inquiries.
The accelerating pedal is the one that was affect it is available upon request for inspection. It put me in danger because while I was driving, it snapped off. Has not been inspected by others. There was no warning lamps and it just happened out of nowhere as well. I was driving.
Turned right into garage slowly. Car suddenly accelerated very fast by itself. I swerved and avoided 1 parked vehicle. Was not able to avoid another one. I braked. The car stopped. Airbags had gone off.
Incident Tesla Model S was up to date on recalls as far as we can tell, including the recent autopilot update via Tesla internet vehicle update releases. While driving in autopilot mode on the freeway in the lane next to the HOV lane, the autopilot got confused as to which lane it should keep and failed to maintain its lane. Incident vehicle drifted across the double lines into the HOV lane, where another Tesla Model S was driving. Both cars were damaged in the ensuing side bump impact, then the incident vehicle made a slight impact to another car rear bumper in front of the incident vehicle…
1.) Passenger Side Door is a potential hazard. Door latch and door mechanism does not open from the outside. 2.) Lane keep assist on Autopilot veers off to the right when it is first engaged and does not want to stay centered until it's been on for awhile.
Vehicle Error: Parking brake not applied/Vehicle may free roll. This issue appeared to be covered by the attached recall, but the service center indicated that it did not apply to my vehicle. Therefore, they charged me for the repair. I do not understand this as the recalled vehicle criteria seems to match my vehicle information. Are you able to evaluate whether this recall should apply to my vehicle? Thank you. Repair Notes: Installed Vehicle Set of Wheels. Replaced RH Park Brake Rear Brake Caliper. Replaced LH Park Brake Rear Brake Caliper.
Daytime running lights de soldered themselves from the headlight assembly, Tesla suggested a $4600.00 replacement of headlights at customer cost, no warranty.
2016 Tesla Model S: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 Tesla Model S reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 604 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Tesla Model S; the most common categories were suspension (204, 33.8%), electrical system (137, 22.7%), steering (81, 13.4%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year. 89 complaints mention a crash, 12 mention a fire, 64 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Tesla Model S?
Across 604 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are suspension (33.8% of complaints), electrical system (22.7% of complaints), steering (13.4% of complaints), vehicle speed control (12.3% of complaints), service brakes (8.6% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 Tesla Model S have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2016 Tesla Model S. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What causes clunking or suspension noise in the 2016 Tesla Model S?
96 of the 604 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Tesla Model S (15.9%) describe suspension clunks, worn parts or air suspension failures. One owner wrote: "The lower control arm on my left rear tire broke. Specifically, the aluminum of the knuckle joint snapped. This occured in my driveway while backing up. This caused extensive damage to the rest of the rear left suspension." (NHTSA complaint 11597203, June 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the infotainment screen freeze, reboot or go black in my 2016 Tesla Model S?
41 of the 604 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Tesla Model S (6.8%) describe the infotainment or touch screen freezing, rebooting or going black. One owner wrote: "Tesla 17 inch touchscreen blacks out repeatedly and then cycles and turns back on. This is more common in hot environments after charging. Sometimes it happens more than 10 times in a short drive." (NHTSA complaint 11466856, May 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the backup camera not work on my 2016 Tesla Model S?
26 of the 604 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Tesla Model S (4.3%) describe the rearview or backup camera failing or showing a blank screen. One owner wrote: "My Tesla is under a recall for bad memory. My Tesla constantly reboots. I often have to wait several minutes from when I get in the car until it is ready to drive with all functions. I sometimes am forced to drive with the center screen not working." (NHTSA complaint 11437810, October 2021). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2016 Tesla Model S?
19 of the 604 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2016 Tesla Model S (3.1%) describe headlights, taillights or brake lights failing or condensation in the lamps. One owner wrote: "Unknown. Both left and right daytime running lights are failing. Problem started about two months ago. The bright LED lights are slowly turning an amber color." (NHTSA complaint 11491510, October 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Model S
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2016 only; combines NHTSA's entries for 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 and MODEL S P90D.