2016 Tesla Model S Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 1%of 649 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 37,900miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Tesla Model S, 1% of the 649 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,900 miles.
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.
“Mcu computer is blacking out and requires constant resets. Connection to the app is spoty. Computer showing signs if not working properly. Reported to Tesla. Was told they cleared my memory and they are 'diverting my concerns'”
NHTSA complaint #11340760, filed 2020-07, 72,800 miles“On April 9th, 2022, the vehicle in traffic went from the drive gear to the park. vehicles were coming behind me at 55mph and I could not maneuver to safety. It took up to 4mins before I got moving. The incident occurred again on April 25th, while my kids and I were on the way to basketball practice. Finally, I got an appointment with Tesla service, and after two weeks of troubleshooting I was informed that the issue is an anomaly.”
NHTSA complaint #11463945, filed 2022-05“While driving on the freeway in the fast lane at 75 MPH I80W, the car began a loud humming sound that came from the rear. My passenger and I noted that it was significant sound that we took a video to record the sound. I was the driver and I noticed that the sound increased as I accelerated. Then without any warning the car began to decelerate and no longer accelerated. The car slowed considerably to 35 MPH and it became a major safety issue because I had to cross all lanes of traffic at this slow speed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11701515, filed 2025-11“Tesla pushed over-the-air software updates to my vehicle, which reduced the range the car could travel on a single charge, owners. The software updates, which started in may 2019, were made to fix for batteries that could ignite in non-crash scenarios.”
NHTSA complaint #11266422, filed 2019-10Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 5% |
| 2018 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% |
| 2016 | 5 | 1% |
| 2015 | 17 | 3% |
| 2014 | 12 | 3% |
| 2013 | 21 | 5% |
| 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
55 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 27, 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