NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Tesla Model S
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Tesla Model S is a full-size electric luxury sedan that has anchored Tesla's lineup since its debut. Positioned against established German flagships, it targets tech-forward buyers who want serious performance alongside premium refinement. The 2020-through-2025 generation carries over the swooping fastback silhouette and a cabin built around massive touchscreen controls, making it one of the most distinctive offerings in the luxury segment.
The 2021 Tesla Model S earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Its 5-star rollover rating stands out for families and child-seat buyers. It has 23 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
Reviewers generally praise the Model S for its breathtaking acceleration, long driving range, and a minimalist interior anchored by an expansive touchscreen. Most find the ride quality and handling to be class-competitive. Common criticisms tend to center on the heavy reliance on touchscreen controls for basic functions and the learning curve that comes with Tesla's software-driven ownership experience.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15898
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE26V283000
Risk: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.
Reported 2026-05-05
AIR BAGS25V172000
Risk: An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla service will inspect and install an air bag with the correct horn pad as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 20, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-25-20-001.
Reported 2025-03-19
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:CUSHION24V967000
Risk: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Tesla service will replace the air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-20-001.
Reported 2024-12-24
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH24V554000
Risk: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-012.
Reported 2024-07-24
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES24V376000
Risk: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Reported 2024-05-28
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT24V153000
Risk: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.
Reported 2024-02-27
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL24V051000
Risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Reported 2024-01-30
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE23V838000
Risk: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
Reported 2023-12-12
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR23V743000
Risk: An air bag that is not designed to function with the replacement steering yoke or wheel may deploy incorrectly, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and replace the driver air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-20-005.
Reported 2023-11-03
SEAT BELTS:FRONT23V488000
Risk: A detached seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect the front-row seat belts and connect the seat belts to pretensioner anchors, or replace the seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-20-004.
Reported 2023-07-14
STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING23V085000
Risk: FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
Reported 2023-02-15
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM22V818000
Risk: A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update to recalibrate the EPAS system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 31, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-014.
Reported 2022-11-01
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
174 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.