2016 Tesla Model S problems
Outside the engine, 4 documented faults affect 2016 cars, such as corrosion of the power steering motor bolts on the Model S.

2016 Tesla Model S score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 4 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- EngineNot analysed
- Gearbox10.0No documented faults
- Suspension8.61 fault
- Brakes8.61 fault
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering7.91 fault
- Electrical system10.0No documented faults
- Electronics and infotainment8.61 fault
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior10.0No documented faults
- Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults
What changes compared with the 2015 Tesla Model S
- Starts to be affected by: model S parking brake failure (2017 campaign) (rest of the car)
Faults outside the engine in the 2016 Tesla Model S
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalSteeringCorrosion of the power steering motor bolts on the Model SIn March 2018 Tesla recalled around 123,000 Model S cars built before April 2016 because the power steering motor bolts could corrode, especially in areas with road salt, and increase the effort needed to turn the steering wheel.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronics and infotainmentCentral touchscreen (MCU unit) failure on the Model SAccording to the fiches-auto.fr entry, the Model S central screen has failed in 3 of 21 testimonies, in one case before 2,000 km. The entry also mentions a campaign over the Nvidia Tegra 3 chips in cars built before 2018.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesModel S parking brake failure (2017 campaign)In April 2017 Tesla inspected 53,000 of the 76,000 Model S and X cars sold in 2016 for a parking brake fault (Brembo bore the cost), around 5% of the units; the repair took about 45 minutes.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionPremature wear of the front suspension and bushes on the Model SThe fiches-auto.fr entry records 3 suspension mentions in 21 testimonies: premature wear of front parts, collapsed air suspension and faulty bushes, with one case that required replacing the whole wishbone at 40,000 km.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Tesla Model S reliable?
Outside the engine, 4 documented faults affect 2016 cars, such as corrosion of the power steering motor bolts on the Model S.
Is the 2016 Tesla Model S better than the 2015?
Our score goes from 6.8 in 2015 to 6.8 in 2016. Starts to be affected by: model S parking brake failure (2017 campaign) (rest of the car).
What is the best year for the Tesla Model S?
According to our score, the best are 2021, 2020 and 2019 (8.6/10). The year with the worst score is 2012 (6.8/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2016 Tesla Model S have?
The most important ones documented for 2016 cars are: corrosion of the power steering motor bolts on the Model S (steering, high severity), central touchscreen (MCU unit) failure on the Model S (electronics and infotainment, medium severity), model S parking brake failure (2017 campaign) (brakes, medium severity) and premature wear of the front suspension and bushes on the Model S (suspension, medium severity).
Own a 2016 Tesla Model S? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.