2016 Tesla Model S Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 1%of 650 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 131,700miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2016 Tesla Model S, 1% of the 650 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 131,700 miles. 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 doors on my Tesla are electronic from the inside and outside. Sometimes the car will not let me out or in, especially in the rear drivers side door where the kids are. It will not open the door and presents a huge safety issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11436809, filed 2021-10“The passenger door handle and locking mechanism was not functioning properly. The front passenger door handle was not presenting. Also, every time I parked the car or unlocked the car, the door would pop open. Also, while in drive and when the car was in motion the passenger door would pop open unexpectedly. Safety is put at risk as the door would pop open while the car was in drive and in motion. The problem was reproduced several times and the Tesla service center acknowledged the problem and fixed it. They charged me $477. There were no warning signs.”
NHTSA complaint #11570623, filed 2024-02“The Trunk/Hatchback failed to open. When I attempted to use the EMERGENCY release ( which you would expect to work in a real emergency) IT DID NOT WORK!! The truck would not open. How can you have an emergency release cord that does not work?!! And they are now charging to repair this!”
NHTSA complaint #11635982, filed 2025-01“The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the hood inadvertently opened and blocked the windshield. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road while the windshield was blocked. The hood was securely closed after several attempts. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the hood was bent, and the hood arms were bent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,700.”
NHTSA complaint #11755932, filed 2026-08, 131,700 miles“Every time the car was put into park, or when the car turned off the passenger front door would pop open. Please see concern 7 on Tesla repair invoice.”
NHTSA complaint #11554446, filed 2023-11Related recalls
- 21V00B000Dec 21, 2021Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch…Covers: Tesla Model S 2014–2021
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 4 | 5% |
| 2019 | 2 | 5% |
| 2018 | 6 | 4% |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 1% |
| 2015 | 8 | 1% |
| 2014 | 4 | 1% |
| 2013 | 2 | 0% |
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 28, 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