2021 Tesla Model S Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 1%of 179 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Tesla Model S, 1% of the 179 complaints for this model year.
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.
“Front axle half shafts have failed two times requiring replacement (on 3rd set now). During acceleration the steering wheel vibrates violently. Tesla service center diagnosed both times that front half shafts needed to be replaced. There seems to be some design or manufacturing problem - these items keep failing. The cost to fix is ~$1,650 so I delayed as long as possible until vibration became unbarable. First replacement was done under warranty, second replacement was required ~16,000 later and I was forced to pay for it. There is a Tesla service bulletin about this which I saw online.”
NHTSA complaint #11533847, filed 2023-07“7/30/2025 The vehicle experienced a confirmed TOTAL loss of function to include steering, restraint, and braking functionality at approximately 60 to 65 miles per hour. This catastrophic failure placed myself and and others at severe risk. Although Tesla’s service notes confirm the event occurred, no corrective repair was performed. The vehicle was completely inoperative with a matter of seconds with no prior warning. …”
NHTSA complaint #11706190, filed 2025-12Related service bulletins
- 10210723Feb 1, 2022Some Model S Palladium and Model X Palladium vehicles were built without a hydraulic control unit (HCU) wake-up line, and in rare circumstances, braking and stability control…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 33% |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 3 | 2% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 6 | 8% |
| 2019 | 3 | 7% |
| 2018 | 5 | 3% |
| 2017 | 10 | 2% |
| 2016 | 18 | 3% |
| 2015 | 29 | 4% |
| 2014 | 27 | 7% |
| 2013 | 35 | 8% |
| 2012 | 5 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2021 Tesla Model S
48 complaintsOther or unknown
45 complaintsSteering
29 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsWheels
10 complaintsLane departure
9 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsTires
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 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