2016 Tesla Model S structure problems
29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the structure on the 2016 Tesla Model S — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Jan 6, 2026
“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.”
filed Apr 20, 2024
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Structure problems in other Model S years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Model S | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 Model S | 8 | 6% |
| 2021 Model S | 9 | 5% |
| 2020 Model S | 5 | 6% |
| 2019 Model S | 2 | 5% |
| 2018 Model S | 10 | 6% |
| 2017 Model S | 14 | 3% |
| 2015 Model S | 30 | 5% |
| 2014 Model S | 26 | 7% |
| 2013 Model S | 19 | 4% |
| 2012 Model S | 2 | 3% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 Tesla Model S
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.