2016 Tesla Model S: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Mid-cycle facelift year; still shares the era's high complaint volume, with suspension links and the recalled MCU eMMC touchscreen the headline issues. Fast, spacious and Supercharger-equipped, but plan for aging-EV repair costs. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2016 Tesla Model S ranged from $66,000 to $134,500 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Mid-cycle facelift year; still shares the era's high complaint volume, with suspension links and the recalled MCU eMMC touchscreen the headline issues. Fast, spacious and Supercharger-equipped, but plan for aging-EV repair costs.
Sources (4)
- rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/tesla-model-s-years-to-avoid/
- whatcar.comhttps://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/used-review/n996
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/tesla-model-s-buying-guide
- electrifying.comhttps://www.electrifying.com/used-reviews/tesla/model-s/review
Known issues
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Touchscreen / MCU eMMC failure: the center screen freezes or goes blank as the eMMC memory wears out, knocking out climate, charging and camera functions. Tesla recalled the affected MCU units.
widespread · 451 NHTSA complaints · typically 50k–150k miles · electrical
-
Front-suspension fore-link, control-arm and ball-joint breakage is the defining problem of these years, with parts cracking or separating and steering pulling to one side.
widespread · 407 NHTSA complaints · typically 40k–120k miles · suspension
-
Large drive-unit replacement: motor noise and coolant ingress lead to warranty drive-unit swaps on some cars.
occasional · 29 NHTSA complaints · typically 30k–120k miles · other
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Door-handle motors and window regulators fail, leaving handles unresponsive or windows stuck.
commonly reported · body
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Center-screen delamination and a yellow border ('yellow band') around the display appear with age and heat.
occasional · electrical
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/products/vehicle/models?modelYear=2016&make=tesla&issue…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Supercharger network access, with some VINs retaining free Supercharging.
- Low routine maintenance and relaxed one-pedal regenerative driving.
- Strong real-world range (up to ~315 miles on the 100 kWh pack) and ferocious acceleration on Ludicrous P models.
- Spacious hatchback practicality plus a front trunk.
- Over-the-air software updates keep features current, and 2016+ cars use the cleaner facelift styling and Autopilot HW2 hardware.
Cons
- Expensive out-of-warranty repairs, with battery and drive-unit replacement a risk on higher-mileage cars.
- High insurance cost.
- Interior fit and finish trails luxury rivals at the price.
- Peak-era complaint volume: MCU eMMC touchscreen failures (recalled) and front-suspension link breakage are the headline weak points.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | $66,000 | $94,990 | Electric (BEV) | — |
| 70 | $70,000 | $94,990 | Electric (BEV) | — |
| 75 | $74,500 | $94,990 | Electric (BEV) | — |
| 90D | $88,000 | $94,990 | Electric (BEV) | — |
| P90D | $108,000 | $109,990 | Electric (BEV) | — |
| P100D | $134,500 | $109,990 | Electric (BEV) | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2016-tesla-model_s-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($66,000). Higher trims started higher (up to $134,500), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/tesla-model-s/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $1,000–1,100/yr |
| Insurance (high tier) | ≈ $2,800–2,900/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~300k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/tesla/s
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/tesla-model-s-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2016 Tesla Model S have?
Documented issue patterns include: Touchscreen / MCU eMMC failure: the center screen freezes or goes blank as the eMMC memory wears out, knocking out climate, charging and camera functions. Tesla recalled the affected MCU units; Front-suspension fore-link, control-arm and ball-joint breakage is the defining problem of these years, with parts cracking or separating and steering pulling to one side; Large drive-unit replacement: motor noise and coolant ingress lead to warranty drive-unit swaps on some cars; Door-handle motors and window regulators fail, leaving handles unresponsive or windows stuck. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2016 Tesla Model S reliable?
Mid-cycle facelift year; still shares the era's high complaint volume, with suspension links and the recalled MCU eMMC touchscreen the headline issues. Fast, spacious and Supercharger-equipped, but plan for aging-EV repair costs.
How much did the 2016 Tesla Model S cost new?
Between $66,000 and $134,500 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Tesla Model S expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $1,000–1,100/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.