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Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)Part report

2021 Tesla Model S Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
2%of 179 total for the year
Median mileage
34,850miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the visibility of the 2021 Tesla Model S, 2% of the 179 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,850 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

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.

“All of a sudden my 2 driver side windows wouldn't fully close yesterday. I reported it to Tesla via the app and they thought it was their existing safety recall due to software issue, but service rep said it wasn't. Instead the window trim off the vehicle is very fragile and typically they noticed it needs to be fixed within 12 months of ownership. This is an obvious defect that can cause many issues with flooding, theft, and more if left as is. …”

NHTSA complaint #11515519, filed 2023-04

“The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the message “Climate Control System Service Required” was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local Tesla Service Center however, the vehicle was not repaired due a lack of available Service Techs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 59,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11630460, filed 2024-12, 59,000 miles

“The contact's wife owns a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that after his wife entered the vehicle and closed the driver's side front door, the driver's side front window exploded. There was no impact on the window that could have caused it to explode. The contact's wife did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a claim with the insurance company. The failure mileage was approximately 10,700.”

NHTSA complaint #11477216, filed 2022-08, 10,700 miles

“The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V702000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”

NHTSA complaint #11517040, filed 2023-04

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026114%
2025117%
202425%
202365%
202264%
202142%
201937%
201842%
2017256%
2016396%
2015396%
2014175%
2013225%
2012610%

Other parts of the 2021 Tesla Model S

Forward collision avoidance
48 complaints
Other or unknown
45 complaints
Steering
29 complaints
Electrical system
25 complaints
Brakes
16 complaints
Suspension
16 complaints
Vehicle speed control
16 complaints
Wheels
10 complaints
Lane departure
9 complaints
Body and structure
9 complaints
Tires
9 complaints
Seat 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