2016 Tesla Model S: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings
EPA rates the 2016 Tesla Model S at 89–104 MPGe combined with 210–315 miles of EPA-rated range across 13 versions. NHTSA lists 10 safety recalls and 649 owner complaints for this model year. Its best NHTSA overall crash-test rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
Safety recalls
10
EPA combined MPGe
89–104
NHTSA overall rating
5/5
Recall file dated Oct 27, 2026 · EPA file dated Sep 29, 2026 · updated Oct 27, 2026, 7:34 AM EDT
Check your own car: enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls for that exact vehicle, and contact a Tesla dealer to schedule the repair — safety recall repairs are free. The list below covers the whole model year, so not every recall applies to every car.
2016 Tesla Model S recalls
NHTSA's recall file lists 10 safety recalls for the 2016 Tesla Model S, newest first.
Seat belts: Front: Warning light/devices
NHTSA 24V376000Reported May 28, 2024
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-24-00-008)
Units affected
125,233 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-24-00-003)
Units affected
2,193,869 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk
Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-23-00-008)
Units affected
2,031,220 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
Risk
In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-23-00-001)
Units affected
362,758 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
Risk
FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-22-00-001)
Units affected
53,822 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Risk
Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-21-11-003)
Units affected
130,441 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113, "Hood Latch System."
Risk
If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla Service will inspect and reposition the latch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-11-003.
Visibility: Defroster/defogger/HVAC system and 2 more components
NHTSA 21V035000Reported Jan 29, 2021
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-21-21-001)
Components
Visibility: Defroster/defogger/HVAC system; Exterior lighting: Turn signal; Back over prevention: Software
Units affected
134,951 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center display functions.
Risk
The eMMC controller wear-out condition can cause the loss of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners should ensure their vehicles are operating firmware release 2020.48.48.12 or newer, which will alert owners if the eMMC is approaching lifetime wear. Tesla will notify owners, and will replace the VCM daughterboard with one containing an enhanced eMMC controller, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-21-001.
Air bags: Frontal: Passenger side: Inflator module
NHTSA 19V002000Reported Jan 7, 2019
Filed by
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-19-20-001)
Units affected
68,673 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2014-2016 Model S vehicles equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the passenger frontal air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began May 29, 2019. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-19-20-001.
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-18-32-002)
Units affected
70,421 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Tesla Model S vehicles equipped with Bosch steering racks. The aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture causing a reduction or complete loss of power steering assist.
Risk
Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts and add a corrosion-preventative sealer, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-18-32-002.
Tesla, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SB-17-33-002)
Units affected
31,709 (estimate)
Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electric parking brake calipers have an internal gear that may be improperly manufactured, possibly resulting in the gear fracturing during parking brake application or release.
Risk
If the gear breaks during parking brake release, the vehicle will not be able to be moved. If the gear breaks during parking brake application, the parking brake may not adequately hold the vehicle, potentially resulting in the vehicle rolling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will notify owners, and service centers will replace both the left and right electric parking brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2018. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-17-33-002.
Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.
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2016 Tesla Model S fuel economy by version
EPA city/highway/combined estimates for each engine, transmission and drive combination; electric figures are in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent). Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year (55% city, 45% highway) at EPA's current fuel-price assumptions; your cost will vary.
Electric (193 (front) 375 (rear) (90 kW-hr battery pack))
Single-speed
All-Wheel Drive
Electricity
91/100/95 MPGe
270 mi 35 kWh/100 mi
$800
0
Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA), file dated Sep 29, 2026. Each version links to its FuelEconomy.gov record.
EPA estimates come from standardized lab tests so cars can be compared fairly; real-world mileage depends on speed, weather, load, tires and driving style.
2016 Tesla Model S crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the tested versions. More stars mean a lower chance of serious injury in that type of crash. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
2016 Tesla Model S NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Tested vehicle
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk
Forward collision warning
2016 Tesla Model S 60 5 HB RWD Early Release
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5.7%
Standard
2016 Tesla Model S 60 5 HB RWD Later Release
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
5 stars
5.7%
No
2016 Tesla Model S 60D 5 HB AWD Early Release
Not rated
Not rated
5 stars
5 stars
5.7%
Standard
2016 Tesla Model S 60D 5 HB AWD Later Release
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
5 stars
5.7%
No
2016 Tesla Model S 70 5 HB RWD
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5.7%
Standard
2016 Tesla Model S 70D 5 HB AWD
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5.7%
Standard
2016 Tesla Model S 75 5 HB RWD Early Release
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5.7%
Standard
2016 Tesla Model S 75 5 HB RWD Later Release
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
5 stars
5.7%
No
2016 Tesla Model S 75D 5 HB AWD Early Release
Not rated
Not rated
5 stars
5 stars
5.7%
Standard
2016 Tesla Model S 75D 5 HB AWD Later Release
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
5 stars
5.7%
No
2016 Tesla Model S 85 5 HB RWD
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5.7%
Standard
2016 Tesla Model S 85D 5 HB AWD
Not rated
Not rated
5 stars
5 stars
5.7%
Standard
2016 Tesla Model S 90 5 HB RWD
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5.7%
Standard
2016 Tesla Model S 90D 5 HB AWD Early Release
Not rated
Not rated
5 stars
5 stars
5.7%
Standard
2016 Tesla Model S 90D 5 HB AWD Later Release
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
5 stars
5.7%
No
2016 Tesla Model S P100D 5 HB AWD Early Release
Not rated
Not rated
5 stars
5 stars
5.7%
Standard
2016 Tesla Model S P100D 5 HB AWD Later Release
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
5 stars
5.7%
No
2016 Tesla Model S P85D 5 HB AWD
Not rated
Not rated
5 stars
5 stars
5.7%
Standard
2016 Tesla Model S P90D 5 HB AWD Early Release
Not rated
Not rated
5 stars
5 stars
5.7%
Standard
2016 Tesla Model S P90D 5 HB AWD Later Release
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
5 stars
5.7%
No
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program), checked Oct 26, 2026.
Star ratings compare vehicles of similar size and weight; a frontal rating for a large pickup is not directly comparable with one for a small car.
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2016 Tesla Model S owner complaints
Owners have filed 649 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Tesla Model S, most recently on Oct 21, 2026. 92 mention a crash, 12 a fire, 64 injured people and 8 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.
Most-cited components in 2016 Tesla Model S complaints
Component named in complaints
Mentions
Suspension
211
Unknown or other
150
Electrical system
146
Steering
87
Vehicle speed control
81
Service brakes
53
Exterior lighting
49
Structure: Body
28
Visibility/wiper
26
Forward collision avoidance: Adaptive cruise control
23
Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.
