2016 Tesla Model S Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 2%of 650 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 21,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the air bags of the 2016 Tesla Model S, 2% of the 650 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 21,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The vanity mirrors can easily fell off from the sun visors. I got this problem, and found the heavy mirror is glued by white double sided adhesive tape which will loss adhesion at high temperatures. Then the mirror fell because of gravity. Although, there is a plastic mirror cover, the cover has very fragile thin spin axles. I did not witness the whole process, but since I do not use that mirror so the mirror cover should not be damaged before this happed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11415361, filed 2021-05, 24,000 miles“My Tesla p90d 2016 was hit by a sprinkler truck on driver side,luckily ,I was fine and I am pretty sure the door was very firm.however, the side air bag didn't work and the door's shape had obvious change and tightly against me.I will attach photos below. I concern the sensor' position is too low or the quantity's too less. When accident happened, both of vehicle in motion on a crossroad. The sprinkler truck was full loaded.”
NHTSA complaint #11154387, filed 2018-11, 39,000 miles“Takata recall thank you for taking the time to review this complaint. I am sending it due to two main reasons: 1 - this is the second recall I've received for the same car; 2 - I am having safety issues with my Tesla since november 2018. After several e-mails and visiting a center in person, my issue remains unresolved and I am rarely getting any responses. The last time Tesla got back to me was in february. ----- core problem: I am having recurring issues with the electrical systems of the car, and they remain after taking it to a service center. …”
NHTSA complaint #11189826, filed 2019-03, 16,000 miles“Takata recall. I have a Tesla Model S 2016 and I received a recall notice about the airbag inflators over a month ago. I emailed Tesla service to schedule an appointment and over a month later (today) they responded that they do not have a service center near my location. Tesla have come to puerto rico to service my vehicle and over 100 others Tesla in puerto rico but now they can't replace my airbag inflator system that can explode due to high humidity? Puerto rico has very high humidity and I hear I will be injured if they can't service my car. Please help. …”
NHTSA complaint #11192277, filed 2019-03, 18,000 miles“-Airbag warning light on -Horn not working -Steering wheel scroll buttons not working -Clicking noise when turning wheel This failure occurred during normal driving. Airbags will not deploy and horn is inoperable, creating a safety risk myself and my family. I have never been into any accidents and have only driven normal. These safety systems should not fail. This is a manufacturing issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11709701, filed 2026-01Related recalls
- 19V002000Jan 7, 2019Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2014-2016 Model S vehicles equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag…Covers: Tesla Model S 2014–2016
Related service bulletins
- 10153424Jan 11, 2019The propellant in the front passenger airbag inflator might degrade over time, which could cause the inflator body to rupture in the event the airbag is deployed.
- 10153422Jan 7, 2019The propellant in the front passenger airbag inflator might degrade over time, which could cause the inflator body to rupture in the event the airbag is deployed.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 4 | 3% |
| 2021 | 5 | 3% |
| 2020 | 2 | 3% |
| 2019 | 2 | 5% |
| 2018 | 4 | 2% |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% |
| 2016 | 14 | 2% |
| 2015 | 22 | 3% |
| 2014 | 13 | 4% |
| 2013 | 8 | 2% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2016 Tesla Model S
211 complaintsOther or unknown
150 complaintsElectrical system
149 complaintsSteering
87 complaintsVehicle speed control
81 complaintsBrakes
56 complaintsExterior lighting
49 complaintsForward collision avoidance
39 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
39 complaintsBody and structure
30 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
21 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Tesla Model S
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology