2016 Tesla Model S Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 0%of 649 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the seats of the 2016 Tesla Model S, 0% of the 649 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,000 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.
“The center touchscreen display is failing. This display controls most functions of the vehicle from climate control to entertainment. Currently, I am unable to active the rear defroster or adjust the climate controls. This is a known issue and the problems will get worse over time.”
NHTSA complaint #11354901, filed 2020-09, 38,000 miles“The drivers seat has a rocking issue. When braking and accelerating the seat rocks forward and backward which Tesla states they do not have a fix for and which their engineers claim is not a safety concern. I had to make a hard stop recently to avoid a collision and almost flew with my whole body into the steering wheel because the seat flung forward so far. I want to bring this to your attention before someone actually gets seriously injured because of this manufacturer turning a blind eye to something they believe is safe. …”
NHTSA complaint #11428669, filed 2021-08“The driver’s seat back will only rise partly from the reclined position. All other driver seat functions seem to be normal. I estimate the maximum upright angle to be 30 degrees from vertical, making driving difficult and sometimes painful. The manual states to not drive the car with more recline than 30 degrees as seat belts may not function as intended (driver may slip under belt during impact).”
NHTSA complaint #11496944, filed 2022-12Related service bulletins
- 10168253Oct 22, 2019On some Model S and Model X front seats, the forward inboard Huck BOM fastener and pivot bushing (nearest to the center console) used on the front lift links may develop an…
- 10161157May 24, 2019On some Model S base trim front seats, the forward inboard Huck BOM fastener and pivot bushing (nearest to the center console) used on the front lift links may develop an…
- 10161156May 24, 2019On some Model S and Model X front seats, the forward inboard Huck BOM fastener and pivot bushing (nearest to the center console) used on the front lift links may develop an…
- 10153435Jan 25, 2019On some Model S and Model X front seats, the forward inboard Huck BOM fastener and pivot bushing (nearest to the center console) used on the front lift links may develop an…
- 10153434Jan 25, 2019On some Model S base trim front seats, the forward inboard Huck BOM fastener and pivot bushing (nearest to the center console) used on the front lift links may develop an…
- 10143590Jul 19, 2018On some Model S base trim 1st row seats, the Huck BOM fastener and pivot bushing used on the front lift links may develop an interactive clearance condition, which might result…
- 10115679Jul 14, 2017On some Model S and Model X vehicles, the connection of the hook-and-loop material that secures the seat upholstery to the seat cushion foam might weaken, causing the upholstery…
- 10081820Jun 4, 2016This service bulletin contains installation instructions for the optional third row seat. Included in this procedure are steps to add the rear crossmember (if needed), remove and…
Seats: other model years
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