2016 Tesla Model S Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 5%of 649 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 26,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the body and structure of the 2016 Tesla Model S, 5% of the 649 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 26,000 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Please see the attached report I filed on safer car.gove and the letter I wrote to Tesla. I have not got response to any of those.. .this problem happened after I had successfully turned the car 90 degree to park headon. The car had to be at a very low speed at that time. Then when I as just a couple of feet from the curb, the car accelerated out of control. If you get the report from Tesla, you will find that car could not have accelerated this fast even if I had pressed the accelerator pedal by mistake. Many other drivers have experienced the same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11342364, filed 2020-07, 26,000 miles“As usual, I drove Tesla to work. My parking spot is a head-in parking spot. To park my car I have to make a 90-degree turn, so I pressed the breaks to slow the car. Just as the car completed the 90-degree turn and I was about to stop the car to complete parking, it accelerated out of control. It jumped the curb in the front and hit bushes about 5-6 feet ahead. The car suffered extensive damage that is estimated to cost about $20,000. I also trust that Tesla is committed to making Tesla 100% safe to drive. Therefore, it is in both parties' interest to find what exactly happened. …”
NHTSA complaint #11257753, filed 2019-09, 26,000 miles“Rear passenger door handle fails to open door. This has been a on-going issue with Tesla Model S vehicles. My first 2013 Model S had over 15 door handles replaced due to failure. My current 2016 Model S has had around 6. The last was front passenger door handle replaced in may 2018 which would not extend nor open the door. I have the failed unit in hand, as I had to pay out of pocket non-warranty (as I was over the warranty mileage), technician stated that the door handle shorted out due to water intrusion from poor design (his words). Rear passenger door handle has now failed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11157088, filed 2018-12, 72,000 miles“While attempting to park my Tesla s75 d in a costco space, the car bolted. It felt like it was in autopilot mode without me engaging it manually. I slammed on the brakes. It hit the rear bumper of the car parked in front. Fortunately, it didn't do any damage to that vehicle but it caused plenty of damage to my front end. I'll need a new bumper and hood. It also deactivated my autopilot and radar which are behind the bumper. I can still drive the car and feel fairly safe as I believe the computer accidentally engaged the autopilot and now the autopilot isn't operational. …”
NHTSA complaint #11054973, filed 2017-12, 5,900 miles“Takata recall. A serious incident happened to my Tesla Model S in december 16, 2016 when I applied the brake pedal vehicle failed to stop at parking spot. The vehicle kept running over a concrete barrier and hit a wall which resulted in a significant damage to the vehicle. I called Tesla motor customer support immediately after the incident and told them about what happened. Pictures of the crash are uploaded below. Repairing the vehicle damages costed $11,717.85 and over 2 months to fixed plus expenses associated with car rental and towing that beside the inconvenience I went through. …”
NHTSA complaint #11000097, filed 2017-06, 7,757 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10173429Mar 17, 2020On some Model S, Model X, and Model 3 vehicles, condensation might build up inside of the B-pillar applique, potentially obscuring the B-pillar camera. This condition might cause…
- 10168254Oct 31, 2019On some Model S vehicles, the G625 ground branch of the front body harness might have too much slack. This might cause chafing or other damage to the ground cable.
- 10110745Mar 28, 2017It is possible to accidentally break off the aeroshield support tab from the HV Battery. If the tab breaks, the mid aeroshield is not fully supported, reducing the aerodynamic…
- 10110755Oct 4, 2016Instructions for installing the carbon fiber spoiler.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 8 | 6% |
| 2021 | 9 | 5% |
| 2020 | 5 | 6% |
| 2019 | 2 | 5% |
| 2018 | 10 | 6% |
| 2017 | 14 | 3% |
| 2016 | 30 | 5% |
| 2015 | 30 | 4% |
| 2014 | 27 | 7% |
| 2013 | 19 | 4% |
| 2012 | 2 | 3% |
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 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