2021 Tesla Model S Complaints

  • Steering, suspension 05/13/2025

    4 months after warranty and only 42,774 miles, I am being hit with a massive bill of almost $2,700 from Tesla service in Lyndhurst, OH. This to correct right and left front end basic suspension issues that should not occur. Clearly the front end is not designed to handle the weight of car. The service manager told me that he sees this every day!! The car is not safe to drive until repairs are made. There was no trauma to the front end only normal wear and tear. The front end started making noise which had me take it to the dealer.

  • Steering 04/08/2025

    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...

  • Structure 03/29/2025

    Front license plate holder is required in California. The bracket that holds the plate on the car is secured to the bumper with adhesive tape only. My bracket became loose, and thankfully we were able to retrieve the plate and bracket upon parking. This would have been an obvious hazard to us and other motorists if it fell off while on the street or highway. Tesla does not have any alternative solutions to fix or repair this issue and advised we purchase an aftermarket bracket. The front bracket on my car must be attached to meet NTSB safety standards.

  • Tires 02/10/2025

    I have a 2021 Tesla Model S Long Range with rear tire size 295 / 30 ZR 21. Both rear tires are worn so bad on the insides that the cords are showing. These tires were purchased and installed by Tesla along with a wheel alignment under 10,000 miles ago. The tires still look like new on the center and outside of the tire so I had no clue this was happening. The only way I became aware was because the low tire pressure warning kept coming on I started losing air slowly over the last month and thought maybe I had a puncture. The damage to the tire isn’t easily visible when just looking under the vehicle. I urge anyone with these tires to check them as it can easily result in a blow out.

  • Suspension 04/12/2023

    I purchased my Tesla in September 2021. At 12000 miles, I had to replace both rear tires due to severe inside wear. I replaced them and continued driving, but at 22000 miles, the same issue occurred. Each time, I performed service exclusively at Tesla, where they checked the alignment and assured me everything was fine. At 39,000 miles, the issue repeated. Tesla performed another alignment and TOE adjustment, assuring me it was resolved. However, after another 10,000 miles, the same problem occurred, with the inner tread worn down to the cords, while the rest of the tire had adequate tread. The car is currently at the dealership again, and I’ve been advised to do another alignment and replace the tires, with an estimated cost of $3,300. Despite repeated services and assurances, the underlying issue remains unresolved, and I’m unsure how to proceed.

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