Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2016 Tesla Model S
The 2016 Tesla Model S has a fair number of recalls and complaints, with notable issues in suspension and the electrical system. While it comes with advanced features, ensure critical systems are checked thoroughly, as evidence suggests room for improvements in reliability. The presence of both recalls and complaints presents a mixed picture for prospective buyers.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2016 Tesla Model S has 10 NHTSA recall campaigns and 611 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #24V376000 Seat Belt Warning System Malfunction/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V051000 Incorrect Font Size on Warning Lights/FMVSS 105 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V838000 Autopilot Controls Insufficient to Prevent Misuse NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V085000 Full Self-Driving Software May Cause Crash NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V037000 Vehicle May Fail to Stop at Stop Sign NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V00B000 Front Trunk Hood May Open Unexpectedly/FMVSS 113 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V035000 Center Display Can Lose Rearview Camera Image NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V002000 Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V204000 Loss of Power Steering Assist Due to Corrosion NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V260000 Parking Brake may not Release or Fully Apply NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Suspension 204 complaints
- Unknown or Other 144 complaints
- Electrical System 138 complaints
- Steering 82 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 75 complaints
- Service Brakes 54 complaints
Of the 611 complaints on file, 89 report a crash and 12 a fire; across all 611 complaints, owners report 64 injuries and 8 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Frequent suspension complaints
How to check: Inspect for worn or damaged suspension components.
Instrument cluster issues
How to check: Ensure that all warning lights are functional and readable.
Power steering assist reduction
How to check: Check for consistent steering functionality.
Passenger airbag recall
How to check: Verify airbag recalls are addressed.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual noises from the suspension.
Red flag: Knocking or grinding sounds.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard warning lights for readability.
Red flag: Unreadable or missing warnings.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Feel for steering responsiveness and ease.
Red flag: Heavy or inconsistent steering.
- 04
Stop-and-go traffic
What to check: Test parking brake engagement and release.
Red flag: Brake does not hold correctly.
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Observe for any hesitation or speed anomalies.
Red flag: Unintended speed changes.
- 06
Hard stopping
What to check: Ensure brakes respond firmly.
Red flag: Spongy or delayed braking.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the airbag inflator been replaced?
- Have all recalls been completed?
- What maintenance records are available?
- Any accidents requiring suspension repair?
- Are there issues with the steering system?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Maintenance history
- Original purchase invoice
- CarFax report
- Steering system inspection record
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2016 Tesla Model S at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2016 Tesla Model S? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.