2021 Tesla Model S Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 9%of 179 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 8,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2021 Tesla Model S, 9% of the 179 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 8,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driving on highway at 65-70 MPH with auto pilot and speed control engaged. Went to change lanes from left to right. Put on turn signal, cancelled auto pilot by turning steering wheel to right and moved to open right lane. There were no vehicles around us at all. The car suddenly, unexpectedly, and very shockingly slammed on the brakes causing items to be tossed around in the car, engaging all of our seat belts with some discomfort, and sending some loud alarm or warning sound to go off in the car. It scared me, my wife and daughter very much. …”
NHTSA complaint #11373709, filed 2020-11, 275 miles“I was driving on I39 north of Madison WI this afternoon, it was a clear day with light traffic and early afternoon on adaptive cruise control when the car on two occasions braked hard for no apparent reason. This braking would be a serious safety concern if a car had been behind me, as they would not have anticipated me braking so severely for no reason. From my reading this is a known problem with this car.”
NHTSA complaint #11451788, filed 2022-02“On March 19, 2023, I put my Tesla in drive and it went into reverse . When I tried to brake the speed accelerated. We were unable to stop the vehicle, while driving in reverse the car hit two mailboxes and two ceramic flower pots. It has been over 6 weeks and Tesla will not return my calls or messages. My insurance company looked at the body of the vehicle for a repair estimate. Nothing indicated that there was a problem prior to the incident.”
NHTSA complaint #11519299, filed 2023-04“experiencing phantom braking. On a recent trip I had several episodes of phantom braking where the vehicle slammed on the brakes without any obstacles in front of the car. Just an open road. While this has happened on two lane roads with oncoming traffic on this recent trip it happened on a freeway with nothing in front of it. There were a lot of bugs in the air and I'm wondering if a bug hitting a camera was the cause. Also, the car at a stop light gave me a heads up that the light had changed. …”
NHTSA complaint #11455714, filed 2022-03“On October 17, 2025, while using Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode on my 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid, the car failed to stop at two red lights within a three-hour period. In each case, the car attempted to drive through the intersection even though the signal was solid red. I intervened manually and applied the brakes to prevent a potential collision. There were no prior warnings or alerts, and I have not modified the vehicle. This behavior endangers my safety and the safety of others. I am willing to provide the vehicle and any available data logs for inspection if requested.”
NHTSA complaint #11694506, filed 2025-10Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 29% |
| 2023 | 7 | 6% |
| 2022 | 9 | 6% |
| 2021 | 16 | 9% |
| 2020 | 8 | 10% |
| 2019 | 3 | 7% |
| 2018 | 28 | 16% |
| 2017 | 36 | 8% |
| 2016 | 81 | 12% |
| 2015 | 40 | 6% |
| 2014 | 22 | 6% |
| 2013 | 25 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2021 Tesla Model S
48 complaintsOther or unknown
45 complaintsSteering
29 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsSuspension
16 complaintsWheels
10 complaintsLane departure
9 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsTires
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Tesla Model S
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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