2016 Tesla Model S Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 150about this part
- Share
- 23%of 649 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 37,666miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 150 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2016 Tesla Model S, 23% of the 649 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,666 miles. 10 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The main screen on my 2016 Tesla Model S has gone out and I am being told in his a known bad mcu issue. My car is 52 months old with 50,361 miles. This needs to be declared a defect so Tesla is responsible for fixing this issue. I have been told the repair is over $2,000. Consumer stated telsa refuses to repair the vehicle under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #11341898, filed 2020-07, 50,361 miles“The main computer in the car goes blank. This affects all parts of the car. It has happened while stationary and in motion. When it shuts off you lose control of all systems including: navigation, emergency braking, lane assistance, use of cameras, all access to safety features. I have read there is a recall but when I contacted the manufacturer they refused to fix the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11388714, filed 2021-01, 96,000 miles“Center control panel is not very responsive and freezes often. Many of the main controls for the car are on the instrument center panel. I received a recall notice from Tesla but they refuse to correct the problem and keep saying parts are not available. It is has been 3 months since I receive the notice and I feel they are delaying correcting the known issue with emmc duaghterboard change.”
NHTSA complaint #11414300, filed 2021-04, 74,000 miles“Main control unit (mcu)has shut down several times. The screen has gone black and navigation functions and maps disappeared. Inconvenience more than anything there. I have lost the backup camera and defrost functions. The car has remained pretty much drivable though I don't think I had turn signals (or at least the indication on dash). The car has been both stationary and moving when these things happened.”
NHTSA complaint #11375097, filed 2020-11, 120,000 miles“My center screen went black (mcu failure) while driving on a long trip. I was unable to see the backup camera or parking sensors. My aeb did not produce an audible warning when activated. I could not use hands free bluetooth for calling. I could not adjust climate control.”
NHTSA complaint #11337471, filed 2020-07, 51,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11008831Sep 30, 2024Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a…
- 11008830Sep 30, 2024Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a…
- 11008829Sep 30, 2024Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a…
- 11008827Sep 30, 2024Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a…
- 11008824Sep 30, 2024Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a…
- 11008807Sep 30, 2024Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a…
- 11008806Sep 30, 2024Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a…
- 11008805Sep 30, 2024Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a…
- 11008803Sep 30, 2024Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a…
- 11008800Sep 30, 2024Tesla does not provide physical owner's manual copies. Instead, all available owner’s manual content is integrated into the vehicle software, and only the content relevant for a…
Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 29% |
| 2024 | 23 | 61% |
| 2023 | 58 | 50% |
| 2022 | 34 | 24% |
| 2021 | 45 | 25% |
| 2020 | 14 | 18% |
| 2019 | 4 | 9% |
| 2018 | 36 | 21% |
| 2017 | 96 | 22% |
| 2016 | 150 | 23% |
| 2015 | 189 | 28% |
| 2014 | 83 | 23% |
| 2013 | 122 | 26% |
| 2012 | 12 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2016 Tesla Model S
211 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 complaintsFuel system
15 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