Is the 2016 Tesla MODEL S reliable?

The 2016 Tesla MODEL S has 1012 complaints filed with NHTSA (3.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: SUSPENSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Tesla MODEL S?

Top problems: SUSPENSION (209 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (151 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (147 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Tesla MODEL S?

Yes, there are 10 recall(s): AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE, STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, PARKING BRAKE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE, BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH, STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES. Contact any Tesla dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to charge a 2016 Tesla MODEL S?

The 2016 Tesla MODEL S has an EPA rating of 99 MPGe. At the current US average residential electricity rate, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $776. State rates vary significantly — see the interactive calculator on this page.

Is the 2016 Tesla MODEL S often stolen?

Theft risk tier for the Tesla MODEL S: very-low. HLDI insurance loss data suggests lower-than-average theft claims for this model.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Tesla MODEL S?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Tesla MODEL S is approximately $2,121/year (ev-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Does the 2016 Tesla MODEL S qualify for tax credits?

The federal EV tax credit (Section 30D) expired for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. If purchased before that date, the 2016 Tesla MODEL S may still qualify on the 2025 tax return. State-level incentives remain active in 13+ states — see the incentives section on this page for details.

2016 Tesla MODEL S

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2016 Tesla MODEL S has 1012 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 3.7x the segment average of 276. The most common issue is suspension problems (21% of all complaints), specifically: this is a report made in the public interest to address the continuing problem of snapping tesla model s suspension components. please note that i am not filing any false information, this is a genuine report made to try and save lives. the vin belongs to a tesla which is in the wrecking yard but . There are 10 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 19 fire reports filed.

19 fire reports 128 crash reports 98 injuries

1012

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

3.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

SUSPENSION

209 complaints

21%

• THIS IS A REPORT MADE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO ADDRESS THE CONTINUING PROBLEM OF SNAPPING TESLA MODEL S SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM NOT FILING ANY FALSE INFORMATION, THIS IS A GENUINE REPORT MADE TO TRY AND SAVE LIVES. THE VIN BELONGS TO A TESLA WHICH IS IN THE WRECKING YARD BUT
• THIS VEHICLE IS FOR SALE AS A SALVAGE WRECK. HTTPS://M.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETENC.ASPX?AUCTIONID=0&ITEMID=21970334&ROWID=1&PAGESOURCE=VEHICLERESULTS# THE FRONT SUSPENSION HAS COMPLETELY TORN AWAY. THE WHEEL IS IN THE FRUNK OF THE CAR AND APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN SLICED IN HALF. THAT IS INDICATIVE OF
• 2016 TESLA MODEL S. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUSPENSION/ FRONT WHEEL CONTROL ARM ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE CONTROL ARM BROKE, WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO BACK OUT OF HIS GARAGE. *JB

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 8 fire reports💥 35 crashes

“THIS IS A REPORT MADE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO ADDRESS THE CONTINUING PROBLEM OF SNAPPING TESLA MODEL S SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM NOT FILING ANY FALSE INFORMATION, THIS IS A GENUINE REPORT MADE TO TRY AND SAVE LIVES. THE VIN BELONGS TO A TESLA WHICH IS IN THE WRECKING YARD BUT ”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Tesla MODEL S

Based on 617 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 26K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

336

30-60K

139

60-100K

124

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SUSPENSION

In line with typicalmedian 10K mi · 149 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 36K mi · 90 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 5K mi · 64 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

In line with typicalmedian 5K mi · 62 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 9K mi · 32 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

In line with typicalmedian 26K mi · 13 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (10)

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE07/01/2019

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.

Fix: 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.

Very low theft risk

Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2016 Tesla MODEL S

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local electricity price)

Per year

$769

Per month

$64

Per mile

6.4¢

kWh/mi

0.34

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Tesla MODEL S

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,121

Full coverage / month

$177

Liability only / year

$816

vs US avg

+27%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (ev-luxury)1.62x

× theft risk0.85x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$2121

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Tesla MODEL S Service Intervals

Oil change

N/A (electric vehicle)

Tire rotation

6K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Cabin air filter

24K mi

EVs have no oil, no spark plugs, no transmission fluid. Brake fluid every 2 years. Tire rotation every 6,250 miles. HEPA cabin filter every 2 years (Model S/X). AC desiccant bag every 6 years.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Tesla New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

8 yr / 120K mi

EV battery

8 yr / 150K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

12 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / 50K mi

Battery: Model S/X 8yr/150K miles; Model 3/Y Standard Range 8yr/100K, Long Range/Performance 8yr/120K

These are the terms for a new Tesla. If you're buying a used 2016 MODEL S, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Tesla dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

EV Incentives for 2016 Tesla MODEL S

Updated 2026-07

Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30

Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.

State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)

CaliforniaUp to $12,000

Clean Cars 4 All

ColoradoUp to $5,000

Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit

ConnecticutUp to $4,250

CHEAPR (Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate)

DelawareUp to $2,500

Clean Vehicle Rebate

IllinoisUp to $4,000

Illinois EV Rebate Program

MarylandUp to $3,000

Excise Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles

MassachusettsUp to $3,500

MOR-EV

New JerseyUp to $4,000

Charge Up New Jersey

New YorkUp to $2,000

Drive Clean Rebate

OregonUp to $7,500

Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate

PennsylvaniaUp to $3,000

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program

Rhode IslandUp to $2,500

DRIVEEV

TexasUp to $2,500

Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive

VermontUp to $5,000

Incentive Program for New Electric Vehicles

See full state-by-state EV incentive details

Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.

Estimated Repair Costs

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 1012 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
SUSPENSION: THIS IS A REPORT MADE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST TO ADDRESS THE CONTINUING PROBLEM OF SNAPPING TESLA MODEL S SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM NOT FILING ANY FALSE INFORMATION, THIS IS A GENUINE REPORT MADE TO TRY AND SAVE LIVES. THE VIN BELONGS TO A TESLA WHICH IS IN THE WRECKING YARD BUT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE TESLA AUTOPILOT MADE IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC SAFETY. THE VIN IS NOT THE ACTUAL VEHICLE INVOLVED. HERE IS A FRESHLY POSTED YOUTUBE VIDEO IN WHICH AN OWNER DRIVES HANDS FREE FOR ALMOST AN HOUR WITHOUT RECEIVING ANY "HOLD STEERING WHEEL" NAGS. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TESLA MODEL S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE LOW 12-VOLT BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY PACK WAS NOT IN SYNC AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SPEED CONTROL: UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OCCURRED ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS WITH 2 DIFFERENT DRIVERS WITHIN 2 WEEKS. MODEL S 70D INCIDENT 1: MY WIFE WAS AT A STOP SIGN. SHE REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE BRAKE AND BEFORE APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR THE CAR SURGED FORWARD AGGRESSIVELY. SINCE HER FOOT NEVER TOUCHED THE ACCEL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 10 recalls have been completed — free at any Tesla dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)