2016 Tesla Model S body & structure problems

Related recalls

• Recall 21V00B000Dec 21, 2021130,441 vehicles
  LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

  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.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 14, 2026NYBody & Structure

   The doors are not opening/closing properly. I have had intermittent issues that are now more constant. When the doors unlock they do not unlatch when I pull the exterior handle. Yesterday on 9/13/26 my front drivers side door was not closing. Each time I closed it the latch released and it would pop back open slightly on its own. I had to hold it closed and eventually it stayed shut while making strange electrical sounds. Now it only opens with the interior handle, not the…

   NHTSA complaint #11764012 · source
2. Filed Aug 10, 2026131,700 miNJBody & Structure

   The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the hood inadvertently opened and blocked the windshield. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road while the windshield was blocked. The hood was securely closed after several attempts. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the hood was bent, and the hood arms were bent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure.…

   NHTSA complaint #11755932 · source
3. Filed Jan 6, 2026NJBody & Structure

   The retracting door handle on my Tesla Model S failed, creating a dangerous situation where I could not enter the vehicle when needed. This defect poses a serious safety risk because if this failure occurred during a medical emergency, a crash, or a fire, neither I nor first responders would be able to access the vehicle quickly. In real‑world scenarios — such as needing to reach a child in the back seat, assisting an injured passenger, or evacuating the vehicle in traffic —…

   NHTSA complaint #11709158 · source
4. Filed Jan 14, 2025CABody & Structure

   The Trunk/Hatchback failed to open. When I attempted to use the EMERGENCY release ( which you would expect to work in a real emergency) IT DID NOT WORK!! The truck would not open. How can you have an emergency release cord that does not work?!! And they are now charging to repair this!

   NHTSA complaint #11635982 · source
5. Filed Nov 26, 2024CABody & Structure

   The latches for the rear passenger doors of a Model S are electric and do not function in the event the vehicle loses electrical power from the 12v system. A mechanical release is provided in the rear of interior passenger compartment. However the release pulls are located under the carpeting and no labelling is provided and no instructions are posted. The emergency door release pulls consistent of plastic tab about 1-inch long by 0.5-inch wide and connected to a release…

   NHTSA complaint #11627580 · source
6. Filed Apr 20, 2024CABody & StructureDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   1.) Passenger Side Door is a potential hazard. Door latch and door mechanism does not open from the outside. 2.) Lane keep assist on Autopilot veers off to the right when it is first engaged and does not want to stay centered until it's been on for awhile.

   NHTSA complaint #11584181 · source
7. Filed Feb 7, 2024CABody & StructureOther / Unknown

   The passenger door handle and locking mechanism was not functioning properly. The front passenger door handle was not presenting. Also, every time I parked the car or unlocked the car, the door would pop open. Also, while in drive and when the car was in motion the passenger door would pop open unexpectedly. Safety is put at risk as the door would pop open while the car was in drive and in motion. The problem was reproduced several times and the Tesla service center…

   NHTSA complaint #11570623 · source
8. Filed Dec 24, 2023PABody & Structure

   In April, 2023 we received a recall notice directly from Tesla about a safety recall involving the front trunk hood opening while driving. The letter stated we would be contacted later about the fix. But we have never heard anything since from Tesla yet the recall does not show up on your website for our car. Can you explain what happened to the supposedly required repair?

   NHTSA complaint #11561710 · source
9. Filed Dec 14, 2023MICrashTowedAirbagsBody & StructureDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   So essentially I stopped for a charge about 30 minutes before, I charged it, then hopped back on the turnpike as I was heading to Outer Banks NC, while I was on the turn pike where I believe at the time I started to go around a curve not a sharp one but a curve right after coming off this bridge. Every 1 minute and 30 seconds you have to put your hands on the wheel and give it a jerk to keep it enable so it had to have popped up within the 1 minute and 30 seconds. As I was…

   NHTSA complaint #11560159 · source
10. Filed Nov 9, 2023CABody & Structure

    Front trunk latch would not engage to latch frunk, and when frunk opened, would not engage to lock frunk. Error message kept repeating that frunk was opened, but it would not latch. When asked about the existing recall, was told that it does not apply to my vehicle, despite the problem being exactly as described in the recall.

    NHTSA complaint #11554447 · source
11. Filed Nov 9, 2023CABody & Structure

    Every time the car was put into park, or when the car turned off the passenger front door would pop open. Please see concern 7 on Tesla repair invoice.

    NHTSA complaint #11554446 · source
12. Filed Oct 30, 2022FLBody & StructureDriver Assistance & Safety TechLighting

    Warning doors are opening by itself headlights are not working and parking sensors emergency braking as well a lot of issues with this car.

    NHTSA complaint #11491515 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology