2021 Tesla Model S: tire blowout or tread separation

Filed Nov 18, 2025 · Seat belts, Seats · CA

Vehicle: 2021 Tesla Model S Long Range VIN: [XXX] I am reporting multiple safety-related defects that existed at delivery or developed shortly thereafter, and Tesla has refused to diagnose or repair them under warranty. These defects create an unsafe driving condition and risk of loss of control or collision. Defect Summary: 1.Alignment Defect at Delivery: On the day I bought the car, the steering wheel pulled to the left and felt unstable. I reported this immediately to Tesla. They dismissed it as “normal.” 2.Premature Tire Wear: Within months, the left tire wore down to the steel belts on the left side while the right side had normal wear. An independent shop confirmed this was caused by suspension/bushing issues, not road damage. 3.Suspension/Bushing Failure: A third-party Tesla-certified shop confirmed that the suspension components are bent/tweaked and require replacement for safe driving. Tesla refused to inspect these components properly. 4.Unlatched Rear Seat at Delivery: The rear seat was delivered unlatched, which is a major safety hazard during braking or collision. 5.Broken Glass Under Rear Seat: Broken glass was found under the rear seat cushion at delivery, raising concerns about vehicle history and delivery inspection standards. 6.New Defect While in Tesla’s Custody: On Nov 17, 2025, moisture accumulated inside the left taillight while the vehicle was parked outdoors at Tesla’s Stockton facility. This can cause electrical shorting or lighting malfunction. Tesla’s Response: Tesla has repeatedly refused to inspect the suspension properly, dismissed my complaints, and produced an inaccurate service invoice that did not reflect what was discussed. They told me we are “at an impasse.” These defects pose a serious safety risk (tire blowout, loss of control, lighting malfunction). I request the federal safety agency investigate these issues as they may indicate broader problems with Tesla’s suspension, alignment, and delivery inspection processes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),

Filed Feb 28, 2025 · Tires · PA

I have a 2021 Tesla Model S Long Range with rear tire size 295 / 30 ZR 21. Both rear tires are worn so bad on the insides that the cords are showing. These tires were purchased and installed by Tesla along with a wheel alignment under 10,000 miles ago. The tires still look like new on the center and outside of the tire so I had no clue this was happening. The only way I became aware was because the low tire pressure warning kept coming on I started losing air slowly over the last month and thought maybe I had a puncture. The damage to the tire isn’t easily visible when just looking under the vehicle. I urge anyone with these tires to check them as it can easily result in a blow out.

Filed Aug 17, 2024 · Tires · TX

Tires wear less than 1k miles. Deflate, side wall wear, separation, tread wear etc. Have purchased around 8 tires from January 2022 - Present FRONT - 265/35/ZR21 101Y Extra Load REAR - 295/30/ZR21 102Y Extra Load Michelin honored tire failure for side wall separation then denied all other claims. And this is the only tire Tesla has on hand since there is no spare.

Filed Sep 28, 2022 · Tires · FL

Michelin manufactures this tire specific for the Tesla Model S plaid vehicle. This tire wears pre maturely from the 300 rating most times under 10,000 miles causing tread separation on the inner wall. This specific wear can only be seen once the tire is removed from the vehicle. This is a well know issue on tesla forum boards and Michelin is not only not assisting with the issue, they are on back order for this tire that is specific for the Tesla Model S plaid. Not only did Michelin design a tire for this vehicle that wears well short of the rating, they are also not making enough to replace the worn out\defective tires. The tread separation is on the inside of the tire not visible to the driver that could potentially lead to a catastrophic accident if the tread separates at a high speed. The tire size is 295/30/21.

Filed Sep 9, 2022 · Suspension · PA

Severe wear on rear tires, as the camber is off. Tire failure exposing cords. Potential to be a catastrophic failure. Many with this car experiencing same issue with 21” tire option. Car has poor suspension stance and or tires are incorrect for the load being carried

Filed Aug 25, 2022 · Suspension · TX

My vehicle had a total rear tire failure where the inside corner of tread separated from the sidewall. There appears to be abnormal wear on the very edge of the inside line of tread. The vehicle was just aligned and nothing was out of spec. Something about the tire design, weight of the vehicle, recommended tire pressure or suspension geometry is causing this failure. My tires were always kept at the recommended pressures. There was no indication of a problem until the tire went completely flat suddenly.

Filed Feb 3, 2022 · Driver assistance, Steering · NC · crash

Beta Autopilot was engaged, driver had hand on steering wheel, vehicle was traveling less than 35MPH (speed limit) and coming around a corner when it misjudged the road curve. The road curved to the left and as the car took the turn it took too wide of a turn and veered slightly off the road. Unfort the front right side of car went up and over the begining of a rock incline. The front right tire blew out and ONLY the side AIrBags deployed (both sides). The car traveled about 500 yards along the road and then turned itself off. I could not get the horn to work, nor put it in neutral. There were no warning signs before incident. In fact the I belong to a beta driving scoring rating and for that day Tesla rated me a 91/100. I called Tesla roadside assistance and they said they would not provide any help as it was viewed as an accident and not a self-driving issue. It was reported to Tesla and I have called several times to try and understand why the car didn't stay in the lane and why only the side airbags deployed. I reported this to Tesla Customer support and was now told they would not provide any information based upon their analysis, although initially I was told that it would take 5 weeks for engineering to review and get back to me. Vehicle is at repair facility and was told damage to car will be almost $28-30K. Car previously had issues with Forward Collision Warning system going off, although I was not aware there was a recall regarding this exact problem, back in October 2021