2021 Tesla Model S Performance

I have started receiving airbag & seat safety issue alert but recieved appointment after a month even considering major safety concern. Some of 2021 vehicles are serviced under the recall Tesla sent. But told me mine doesn’t qualify for same issue for same year, same model cars. It seems like issue is with all Tesla Model S 2021 but Tesla charging big dollar amount to repair the safety concern. They have also mentioned there is on going concern with air suspension and all Tesla starts giving problem between 60,000 miles to 90,000 miles. It costs around $6000 to fix that issue and told me these are not safety concerns.

Vehicle: 2021 Tesla Model S Long Range VIN: [XXX] I am reporting multiple safety-related defects that existed at delivery or developed shortly thereafter, and Tesla has refused to diagnose or repair them under warranty. These defects create an unsafe driving condition and risk of loss of control or collision. Defect Summary: 1.Alignment Defect at Delivery: On the day I bought the car, the steering wheel pulled to the left and felt unstable. I reported this immediately to Tesla. They dismissed it as “normal.” 2.Premature Tire Wear: Within months, the left tire wore down to the steel belts on the left side while the right side had normal wear. An independent shop confirmed this was caused by suspension/bushing issues, not road damage. 3.Suspension/Bushing Failure: A third-party Tesla-certified shop confirmed that the suspension components are bent/tweaked and require replacement for safe driving. Tesla refused to inspect these components properly. 4.Unlatched Rear Seat at Delivery: The rear seat was delivered unlatched, which is a major safety hazard during braking or collision. 5.Broken Glass Under Rear Seat: Broken glass was found under the rear seat cushion at delivery, raising concerns about vehicle history and delivery inspection standards. 6.New Defect While in Tesla’s Custody: On Nov 17, 2025, moisture accumulated inside the left taillight while the vehicle was parked outdoors at Tesla’s Stockton facility. This can cause electrical shorting or lighting malfunction. Tesla’s Response: Tesla has repeatedly refused to inspect the suspension properly, dismissed my complaints, and produced an inaccurate service invoice that did not reflect what was discussed. They told me we are “at an impasse.” These defects pose a serious safety risk (tire blowout, loss of control, lighting malfunction). I request NHTSA investigate these issues as they may indicate broader problems with Tesla’s suspension, alignment, and delivery inspection processes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),

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.

I am the owner of a 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid (VIN# [XXX] ). At approximately 12,000 miles—well within the 4-year/50,000-mile Basic Vehicle Warranty—I began experiencing peeling on the yoke steering wheel. I reported this issue verbally at the time, but Tesla staff failed to document the concern, and the Tesla app provided no suitable method to submit the issue. Since then, I have made multiple good-faith attempts to schedule service for this defect. However, each time I have been met with out-of-pocket charge demands, including being told I must approve a $2,000 charge before Tesla would even address a basic light repair—effectively blocking my ability to have the steering wheel defect evaluated under warranty. When I explained that this issue is clearly a manufacturing defect and should be covered, I was told I did not complete the appointment. In reality, I was unable to proceed because of Tesla's unjust demand for payment for something that is not my fault. I have already reached out via email regarding this issue and received no meaningful resolution. I was also dismissed by Kennesaw store manager Hunter Moss during attempts to escalate. Public customer feedback suggests I am not alone—numerous Tesla owners have reported similar experiences with yoke steering defects and customer service dismissals. It’s frustrating and embarrassing to have friends and family see a visibly defective steering wheel in a premium vehicle like the Model S Plaid. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S. Code § 2301 et seq.), Tesla is legally obligated to honor express warranties and cannot deny warranty coverage due to internal miscommunication, technical limitations of the app, or improper handling of service requests. I am formally requesting a warranty-covered replacement of the yoke steering wheel without delay. Tesla has 7 days from receipt of this message to confirm a service appointment and warranty approval. If this matter is not resolved promptly, I will INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO

I have the yoke steering wheel. To activate the horn, you press on the right side of the steering wheel. I was driving at freeway speeds and a car did not see me and started to move into my lane. Due to the placement of the horn on the side next to windshield wipers, the wipers went on but not the horn. You have to take your eyes off the road to look down for the horn. Tesla is aware of the dangers of the placement of the horn and has a new yoke steering wheel with the horn in the traditional position, center of wheel. Unfortunately, Tesla has not on its own recalled the older model yoke although they have taken remedial steps to improve the design. I believe a formal recall should be initiated on this steering wheel.

Due to the yoke not having a traditional horn button it is hard to remember to push the tiny capacative touch button... very dangerous. Also the yoke feels more dangerous than a normal wheel.

I received recall notice for 24V-554 on 9/22/2024. The recall notice informs that Tesla will resolve the recall safety defect by over-the-air update via the car's WIFI capabilities. I have informed Tesla that my car's WIFI capabilities are broken and I scheduled service for October 3rd. Tesla informed that parts for my vehicle are not yet ready and rescheduled my service for October 24th. I informed Tesla that I am missing a required safety recall update, and asked if they able to push the update to me via the car's internet or otherwise remedy the issue of my car not having capability to resolve the safety defect. Tesla responded "Due to contraints at the service center we unfortunately had to reschedule you" for October 24th. The Safety Recall notice informed that if the manufacter is unable to remedy the safety defect within a reasonable time, I may notify the NHTSA.

To avoid collision on the highway with a deer crossing in front of me, I braked very hard. The left rear brake caliper mount broke as a result. I did not lose brake fluid pressure, thankfully but this could’ve been a catastrophic failure. I contacted Tesla who seemed indifferent and blaming the incident on my driving and the mileage of the car ( 48,000 ). I have never in my life heard of a caliper mount breaking on any car with any number of miles. I’m sure it happens, but it should not happen on a car with 1000 hp.

The horn is a button. As someone almost steered into me, I looked down to find the horn and almost ran into a child as my car swerved!!! This is incredibly unsafe to hide the horn button in an incredibly small area next to the wiper button and cruise control. How this was approved is beyond me!! Tesla needs to make all current cars correct by having the horn be accesible. Like every other car in the world!

Left turn signal button randomly stops working, have to click right signal then left again for it to work. Happens about 2-3 times per week

Went to a Tesla dealership to get my car aligned. 4 days later they told me that my car couldn’t be aligned because my fron lower control arm was bent or broken. I purchased the car from Tesla with 5700 miles. The cad had about 19k miles when it went in for alignment. Seen owning the vehicle I never had an accident or damage to vehicle that would cause such damage. Like always they like to blame the customer to we can cover the defects of there vehicles.

Driving on divided highway at night, the car slowed dramatically at each exit from the highway.

Dear Sir/Madam, I am highly concerned about the safety of the newest versions of Tesla Model S, Model X (without stalks), CyberTruck and Model 3 with the code name Highland. These models pose a significant danger when operated without intuitive direction signals, especially in the following situations: 1) Roundabouts: It is nearly impossible to correctly activate the signal lights. Please refer to the following example: [XXX] 2) Complete distraction of our focus from the road is required to operate signalling (eyes are EVERY TIME off a road), as shown in this example: [XXX] 3) In the event of a slightly dangerous occurrence, it is impossible to effectively and intuitively use the signals (or honk with the "Yoke" steering wheel). Please see: [XXX] Naturally, all of these points contribute to a significantly higher risk of accidents and undoubtedly impact the flow of traffic. Regards Alardo INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I have had my Tesla to their shop FOUR times to try to fix a safety airbag issue in the drivers side which they have had my car for weeks and weeks on end, only for me to get it back with the same issue after only a few days of repair! I asked them for a refund and other things and they have done nothing! They still make me pay full price for my lease even though they have had my car in their shop more than I have driving it.

Rear passenger seat belt came unattached from receiver on braking. 7 year old in booster seat lunged forward

After backing out of a parking space and turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel locked up. I could still drive forward and reverse but had no ability to steer the car. I left the car in order to turn it off and when I returned and turned it back on, the steering unlocked. I had this happen two times today.

Vehicle braked without warning with cruise control engaged. Luckily there were no other vehicles near us when this phantom braking occurred.

I was in the middle of a turn when someone veered into my lane. I tried to honk my horn to warn the other driver, but I couldn’t find it. The button was on the other side of the steering because the yoke was turned. I couldn’t find the horn button in time to avert a collision. Fortunately I was able to steer away in time.

Third time this week I have been thrown forward into the steering wheel with no cars or objects surrounding me.

Another automatic phantom braking throwing us toward in the car with no objects or other cars in proximity.

Oncoming vehicle suddenly turned in front of 2021 Tesla Model S resulting in collision at 34mph. Automatic braking did not engage, collision warning system failed to sound alert. Air bags deployed however seat belt completely spooled out causing the driver to strike the windshield and break the glass by contact with the top of the head. The vehicle was a total loss and the dealer never inspected the car.

The tiny selection on the yoke to sound the cars horn requires me to take my eyes off the road to find it. This is unsafe. Several times I needed to sound the horn and was unable to in time. The worst instance was when I was making a U-turn in a 4-way intersection and needed to sound the horn to warn off a driver about to turn in front of me from the other direction. The yoke was inverted about 270 degrees and it was impossible to find the tiny horn symbol. There needs to be a conventional horn in the center of the yoke that can be pushed quickly without diverting eyes from the road. This has occured multiple dates that I do not specifically recall.

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.

The steering wheel needs a center push horn. This is not available in 2021 model s. On occasions when someone seerved into my lane or to alert anyone on the road in an emergency, driver can’t be scrambling to find a touch sensitive button on the steering. When palm is placed on right side, it just triggers the wiper instead of horn sometimes adding to the chaos of the situation. This is a major issue. Please get it fixed. Don’t recall the exact date. So selecting random.

Im having total braking loss around freezing temps The issue occurs around freezing temps, after a car wash or if the roads are wet after driving on the highway for 20-30min without using the brakes. (Using one pedal driving) Last year I had the same issue and Tesla’s position was something to do with detergent in the car washes I use. Now they’re saying it’s because I put the “wrong” size rear tires on the car. They were sold to me and installed by Tesla as the factory recommended winter tires and rim package. They’re saying that the abs sensor is detecting the error and automatically applying ABS brakes because of the mismatch tire size. However, the issue is not an intermittent braking loss, it’s a complete braking loss. I’m also seeing abnormal front rotor wear. Tesla said this was an issue that was occurring on some other vehicles and they had a high level engineering team trying to figure it out. At the time mine was one of the first P2 refresh vehicles in Canada so I was guessing there weren’t that many being used in below freezing temps since they weren’t exporting to Europe at the time.

The Traffic-Aware Cruise Control has been braking unexpectedly and for no valid reason. The most recent example was when we were driving along US Hwy 24 between Wilkerson Pass and Fairplay, CO. The car suddenly braked even though there was no hazard. This has been happening regularly on this drive, in both directions, multiple times per drive. When this happens, the road is generally straight, with little, if any, elevation change. This is a safety issue because if this happens when a car is driving closely behind us, the unexpected braking could result in a rear-end collision. I have not reported this to Tesla because I understand this is a widespread issue that many people encounter, so I believe Tesla is fully aware of the issue. This problem seems to have gotten significantly worse after Tesla deactivated RADAR in the vehicle (without my consent). My understanding is that they are now using only cameras to manage Traffic Aware Cruise Control. Regardless of the reason, this issue has been happening with much greater frequency since around December, 2022 or January, 2023.

The horn placement on the yoke steering is dangerous and problematic. It is illogical and useless in the prevention of accident avoidance. I have had several scenarios where I have needed to use the horn and could not find it because I was in a turn, or I intuitively slammed the palm of my hand on the center of the yoke, where the horn should be located. Also, when holding the yoke in the proper position my thumb is not long enough to reach the horn button. Just by luck and quick action I was able to avoid being hit in multiple scenarios. It is DISTRESSING and UNNERVING to be driving a vehicle where you CANNOT find the horn when needed! I cannot stress enough how important it is to recall these vehicles and place the horn in the center of the yoke/steering. How this design ever passed safety regulations and put into production is mind boggling!

Our Tesla, in the "Full Self Drive" mode, has on more than one occasion applied the brakes suddenly without warning while traveling on the freeways. The date I indicate below was the last occurrence. I see that others have indicated this malady and I wanted to add our voice to this conversation. Thank you

The contact owned a 2021 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving approximately 100 MPH, as he took his foot off of the accelerator, with the vehicle brake control set to "aggressive slowdown," as the vehicle slowed the contact looked into the rearview mirror and observed white smoke issuing from the rear of the vehicle. The contact then depressed the brake pedal, and instead of slowing the vehicle accelerated at a dramatic rate and the contact lost control of the vehicle and left the roadway. The contact stated he was not aware of any warning lights being illuminated. The vehicle went into a ditch and continued straight following the ditch. The contact stated that the vehicle had not lost any speed, rather it seemed to be going faster. The vehicle crashed through a fence, drove up a slight berm, and went airborne. The contact's vehicle crashed into the ground, front end first, after flying 130 feet in the air, and began to roll end over end two to three times. The contact and his two passengers were unconscious after impact with the ground, the vehicle had come to a stop and caught on fire. The contact had attempted to exit the vehicle once he regained consciousness, however, he had difficulty since the driver's side door was jammed and his left ankle was dislocated and his right ankle was broken. The contact had managed to crawl out of the vehicle through the driver's side window which had completely shattered. The contact stated that the passenger in the front seat was not seriously injured, although he was transported to a hospital and released that same day. The passenger in the rear was transported and hospitalized with internal bleeding and a broken rib, the contact was not told which rib was broken by the passenger. The vehicle had been engulfed in fire and the contact had rolled into a ditch, a passerby was on the scene and called emergency services. The contact was transported from the scene by a rescue helicopter and flown to a trauma center. At the trauma center, the contact was treated for int

In August 2022 I was driving my Tesla S. I was traveling 25 miles an hour or less. I unfortunately lost consciousness for a very short time. My tesla then crashed into a parked car. There was snow emergency braking nor any emergency alarms. In theory describes shouldn’t of happened with an emergency braking system.

Car repeatedly, randomly slams in brakes while cruise control engaged for no apparent reason. Not speeding, no other cars or blockages around, open highway on a bright, clear day.

I was recently nearly involved in a traffic accident when I wasn't able to blow the horn on the Tesla steering wheel. I was backing up out of a parking stall in a parking lot and at the same time another car in the stall next to me was also backing up. I tried went to blow the horn on the steeling wheel and I was not able to find it quickly enough because it is very difficult to find the button in an emergency. Fortunately, the other driver in the car saw me just in the nick of time and was able to stop. The problem in my opinion, and many others on social media, is that Telsa chose to not put a horn in the normal place on the steering wheel where most other car manufactures place their horns. Another area of concern about this Yoke steering wheel are the turn signals. Unlike most cars, the directional signals on this model Tesla are located in a small area on the steeling wheel. These buttons are hard to find and use when attempting to turn at a street corner or to change lanes on the roadways. Consequently, sometimes it's just easier not to use the turn signal. I personally believe that this is also a safety concern for this car.

The position of the horn button on the steering yoke is problematic. The horn button on the 2021 Tesla model S is operated by the right thumb. This position causes activation problems in various situations. One example is where quick horn use is required, the natural muscle memory is to push the center of the yoke, (where the horn button is located on all manufactured vehicles). The initial reaction to push the center of the wheel, causes an UNSAFE delay in horn activation, as the user then struggles to find the small horn button with the right thumb. Most of the time, the horn button is missed and the windshield wipers are activated, which causes more confusion in a stressful situation. Another problem with the position of the horn button is that when making a tight turn and the wheel is spun 180 degrees, the horn button is impossible to find or activate in a timely manner. It is surprising to me that the horn button placement was allowed to be installed on a production vehicle. While driving the vehicle there have been numerous events where quick horn activation was needed. One of the events happened recently while exiting a public garage. While the yoke was turned 180 degrees to make a right turn, another vehicle almost hit our vehicle and when my wife tried to hit the horn, it was impossible to find the button since the wheel was upside down, ( spun 180 degrees). Only luck prevented an accident. Another event happened two days ago. While driving on a 4 lane highway, a vehicle aggressively changed lanes toward our car. The action of the other vehicle caused a startle response, when my wife tried to hit the horn, muscle memory caused her to push the center of the wheel, instead of the small button that is activated by the thumb. By the time she found the button, it was too late to prevent the other vehicle from swerving into our lane. Also, the windshield wipers were activated instead of the horn. The horn position needs to be changed to the center of the wheel.

On 4 Aug 2022, at 10:24am (CST), while traveling northbound on Hwy 287 just south of Henrietta, Texas with the Tesla Autopilot speed set at 80mph with a posted speed limit of 75mph, the car was in the left lane of a two-lane, high-speed highway, when the car suddenly and unexpectedly slammed on the brakes, gave a "TAKE CONTROL IMMEDIATELY" warning and rapidly shifted its lane position, almost causing a wreck with the car behind me. There were no vehicles beside me and nothing to the front or sides to cause concern or indicate that there was any reason for the sudden and abrupt braking maneuver.

Brakes are not strong enough to brake tires loose or cause anti lock. My Chevrolet Colorado out stops my Tesla. Hit an animal that my truck would not have. Helpless feeling.

The airbag module installed in the yoke has popped out while driving. It currently hangs by a wire. This makes the car completely inoperable safely. In fact had the airbag ever gone off in this condition it could cause serious injury and possibly death. Reached out to Tesla for repair and they are estimating 20 days to begin a repair. If cars with this problem get into an accident that activated the airbag I believe there could be very serious consequences for the driver.

The vehicle put the brakes on when on adaptive cruise, but with very few cars around. The last time, there was no car in front of me, but the vehicle braked so fast the the car behind me almost rear ended me. I’ve noticed that it happened twice on a South bound stretch of I-35 in Temple texas. This needs to be addressed or there is a strong potential for an accident.

Horn is supposed to be activated by covering the full right hand side of the yoke or pressing small horn button on the upper hand side of the yoke. Went to honk at car that swerved into my path, but right hand side cover feature is non-functional...horn did not sound...only way to activate the horn is to tap the small horn button that requires a shift in grip to reach and taking eyes off the road to locate since it is never in the same location given the yoke is never fully straight unless going straight (which you are not often doing when taking an evasive maneuver). Horn should not require this level of precision to activate!

It is still unknown, but I believe the brakes failed. My wife was driving and making a left turn into a residential neighborhood when she applied the brake and it didn't respond, even when pushing the pedal to the floor. All that resulted was a clicking noise. The brakes failing to respond, and the emergency braking not engaging did cause an impact with a curb and sidewalk. At the same time, the seatbelt did not lock on impact or when pushing the brake pedal to the floor. The safety of the my wife was put at risk as she could not stop the car. With the cars weight and the amount of power that it has, it creates a dangerous situation for anyone around, especially in a residential area. The vehicle is available for inspection and is currently at the Tesla Service Center. There was a warning light that said something regarding the "Hold" not working and another for "Regenerative Braking." I do have the four angle dash cam videos from the Tesla of both times that it did occur.

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. Without looking at the lights I started to accelerate only to find out that it picked up the left and turn light not the light controlling my lane. Almost crashed into oncoming traffic.

Tesla Service Center canceling appointments to repair driver airbag recall. Numerous attempts to have recall accomplished with Tesla Service Center in Palm Springs, CA. Unsuccessful since November 2021 (3 months).

The yoke is DANGEROUS, stupid, offers no benefit. The horn is way off center, meaning it's always in a different place, depending on the turn position. This is criminally stupid, and almost caused 3 accidents already for me. When you need a horn, it's to prevent an accident, and everyone intuitively slams the middle of the steering WHEEL.... There needs to be a recall and provide us with a proper steering wheel, with horn in the middle.

While in autopilot, the car brakes for no reason, phantom breaking. This happens while in right lane near exits, and happens inconsistently while in other lanes. It dropped from 83 on autopilot to 49 in one instance. The person in the back seat almost drove her head into the back of driver seat. The passengers will never buy a Tesla. Another issue, important controls for the car are not intuitive for use and provide distractions from driving. The blinkers and horn as well as tire pressure gauges and other items necessary for safety are too “non conforming”. Someone please address these issues with Tesla. Also, almost every control is so small and flat with no raised markings, those with essential tremors are susceptible to not be able to reach or activate controls due to the extremely small size of the controls.

Automatic emergency braking on interstate where it is dangerous to slam on the brakes in the middle of traffic.

In several potentially dangerous situations I was unable to locate the unusually positioned horn signal in time to reduce the potential for an accident. In these situations an accident did not occur but the situation could have been made much safer if the horn switch was located in the center of the steering wheel (yoke). This also applies to a lesser extent to the unusual position of the headlight high beam switch.

Tesla Sudden Acceleration Accident: I ordered a Tesla Model S on June 21, 2021 and received a Tesla Model S on November 10, 2021. On Monday, February 7th, 2022, at approximately 5pm EST, my Tesla Model S failed to stop in a parking lot. I was pulling into a parking lot at Fawcett Hospital in Port Charlotte, Florida. As I was turning into the parking spot, my Tesla accelerated and drove over the parking stop, crashed into a chain-link fence, and grazed the Honda SUV of a colleague. I tried to brake, but the Tesla did not respond. When the car finally came to a stop, I looked down and saw my foot on the brake pedal. The police reviewed the situation but did not issue any citations because, luckily, no one was injured, and the Honda SUV suffered almost no damages. I had the Tesla towed to the Tesla Service Department in Fort Myers, Florida, on the following day, Tuesday, February 8th, 2022, to check the vehicle. The Tesla Service Department charged me $175 for the service. It noted that "100% acceleration was recorded at approximately 4:55pm ET on February 7, 2022 and brakes were applied within three seconds: "Time stamp Monday 2/7 between 4:30-5:00pm Customer would like inspection he statedthe car wouldn't stop after he ran over a parking block and went through a fence. Requested vehicle log data for time stamp provided by customer to investigate collision event. Uponreviewing data, on February 7 2022, @ 16:55:59 / 100% acceleration recorded and on February 72022 @ 16:56:02 Brakes applied recorded. Upon reviewing of recorded data, 100% acceleration iscause of unwanted collision." The report does not indicate why the acceleration occurred.

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.