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2016 Tesla Model S

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

Tesla Model S
Pictured: Tesla Model S (Facelift ab 04-2016) (cropped). Photo: Peteratkins, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Large Cars
Body styles
70 4dr Sedan RWD, 70d 4dr Sedan AWD, 90d 4dr Sedan AWD, P90d 4dr Sedan AWD
Engines
Electric motor
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
EV
EV range
315 mi · 10 h on 240 V
Length
195.7 in
Curb weight
4,420–4,936 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
10 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Long EV rangeUp to 315 miles on a charge (EPA).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints649 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 6 for similar models — most often about the suspension.
  • 10 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 33 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2016 Tesla Model S is a large car powered by electricity and all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.

It measures about 196 inches long and 77 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,420 lb (70 4dr Sedan RWD).

The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 315 miles and takes about 10 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 10 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 649 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.

What changed for 2016

  • Longest EV range up from 270 to 315 miles

Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Model S →

Trims, performance & features

Powertrain–Electric motor

Built in: Fremont, California

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 Model S configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
70 4dr Sedan RWD195.7 in77.2 in56.7 in116.5 in65.4 / 66.9 in4,420 lb47/53
70d 4dr Sedan AWD195.7 in77.2 in56.7 in116.5 in65.4 / 66.9 in4,597 lb48/52
90d 4dr Sedan AWD195.7 in77.2 in56.7 in116.5 in65.4 / 66.9 in4,824 lb48/52
P90d 4dr Sedan AWD195.7 in77.2 in56.7 in116.5 in65.4 / 66.9 in4,936 lb50/50

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Model S AWD - 60D EV193 (front) 193 (rear) (60 kW-hr battery pack)Automatic (A1)All-Wheel Drive218 mi · 32 kWh/100mi–$700–
Model S AWD - 90D EV193 (front) 193 (rear) (90 kW-hr battery pack)Automatic (A1)All-Wheel Drive294 mi · 33 kWh/100mi–$750–
Model S AWD - 75D EV193 (front) 193 (rear) (75 kW-hr battery pack)Automatic (A1)All-Wheel Drive259 mi · 33 kWh/100mi–$750–
Model S AWD - 70D EV193 (front) 193 (rear) (70 kW-hr battery pack)Automatic (A1)All-Wheel Drive240 mi · 33 kWh/100mi–$750–
Model S AWD - 85D EV193 (front) 193 (rear) (85 kW-hr battery pack)Automatic (A1)All-Wheel Drive270 mi · 34 kWh/100mi–$750–
Model S (60 kW-hr battery pack) EV285 kW AC Induction (60 kW-hr battery pack)Automatic (A1)Rear-Wheel Drive210 mi · 34 kWh/100mi–$750–
Model S (75 kW-hr battery pack) EV285 kW AC Induction (75 kW-hr battery pack)Automatic (A1)Rear-Wheel Drive249 mi · 34 kWh/100mi–$750–
Model S AWD - P100D EV193 (front) 375 (rear) (100 kW-hr battery pack)Automatic (A1)All-Wheel Drive315 mi · 35 kWh/100mi–$800–
Model S AWD - P90D EV193 (front) 375 (rear) (90 kW-hr battery pack)Automatic (A1)All-Wheel Drive270 mi · 35 kWh/100mi–$800–
Model S AWD - P85D EV193 (front) 375 (rear) (85 kW-hr battery pack)Automatic (A1)All-Wheel Drive253 mi · 36 kWh/100mi–$800–
Model S (70 kW-hr battery pack) EV285 kW AC Induction (70 kW-hr battery pack)Automatic (A1)Rear-Wheel Drive234 mi · 38 kWh/100mi–$850–
Model S (85 kW-hr battery pack) EV285 kW AC Induction (85 kW-hr battery pack)Automatic (A1)Rear-Wheel Drive265 mi · 38 kWh/100mi–$850–
Model S (90 kW-hr battery pack) EV285 kW AC Induction (90 kW-hr battery pack)Automatic (A1)Rear-Wheel Drive265 mi · 38 kWh/100mi–$850–
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $8,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.2 MPG2016 Large Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Tesla Model S.

Similar 2016 large cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 Tesla Model S (this car)315 miNot rated10
2016 BMW 5 Series30 MPGNot rated0
2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class23 MPGNot rated0
2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class26 MPGNot rated0
2016 BMW 7 Series24 MPGNot rated0
2016 Audi A630 MPGNot rated3
2016 Lexus LS20 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (10)

Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices · May 28, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V376000 · 125,233 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk
A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel · Jan 30, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V051000 · 2,193,869 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk
Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Electrical System › Adas › Driver Monitoring › Software · Dec 12, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V838000 · 2,031,220 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
Risk
In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
Steering › Automated/Adaptive Steering · Feb 15, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V085000 · 362,758 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation.  The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
Risk
FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge.  Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023.  Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752.  Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
Steering › Automated/Adaptive Steering · Jan 27, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V037000 · 53,822 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Risk
Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · Dec 21, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V00B000 · 130,441 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113, "Hood Latch System."
Risk
If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla Service will inspect and reposition the latch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-11-003.
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System · Jan 29, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V035000 · 134,951 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor and an 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device. When the 8GB eMMC NAND flash memory device for the center display reaches lifetime wear, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem, causing a failure in some of the center display functions.
Risk
The eMMC controller wear-out condition can cause the loss of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Owners should ensure their vehicles are operating firmware release 2020.48.48.12 or newer, which will alert owners if the eMMC is approaching lifetime wear. Tesla will notify owners, and will replace the VCM daughterboard with one containing an enhanced eMMC controller, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-21-001.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 7, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V002000 · 68,673 vehicles

Problem
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.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Mar 29, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V204000 · 70,421 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Tesla Model S vehicles equipped with Bosch steering racks. The aluminum bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture causing a reduction or complete loss of power steering assist.
Risk
Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla will notify owners, and Tesla Service Centers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts and add a corrosion-preventative sealer, free of charge. The recall began May 7, 2019. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-18-32-002.
Parking Brake · Apr 19, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V260000 · 31,709 vehicles

Problem
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016 Model S and Model X vehicles. The electric parking brake calipers have an internal gear that may be improperly manufactured, possibly resulting in the gear fracturing during parking brake application or release.
Risk
If the gear breaks during parking brake release, the vehicle will not be able to be moved. If the gear breaks during parking brake application, the parking brake may not adequately hold the vehicle, potentially resulting in the vehicle rolling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Tesla will notify owners, and service centers will replace both the left and right electric parking brake calipers, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2018. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-17-33-002.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 Tesla Model S is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

649Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
92Involved a crash
12Involved a fire
64Injuries reported
26,500 miTypical mileage at failure
Suspension211
Unknown Or Other150
Electrical System146
Steering87
Vehicle Speed Control81
Service Brakes53
Exterior Lighting49
Structure › Body28
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/08: 124/09: 424/10: 424/11: 324/12: 125/01: 125/02: 225/04: 125/06: 325/07: 325/08: 125/10: 225/11: 225/12: 126/01: 326/02: 326/03: 226/04: 226/05: 426/06: 426/07: 326/08: 426/09: 226/10: 224/0824/1125/0225/0725/1126/0226/0526/08max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 Tesla Model S buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 10 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Suspension — 211 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  3. Electrical System — 146 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Steering — 87 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 26,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 315 miles.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Tesla Model S. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Model S years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Model S410 mi195.7 inNot rated07
2025 Model S410 mi195.7 inNot rated26
2024 Model S402 mi195.7 inNot rated638
2023 Model S405 mi195.7 inNot rated13115
2022 Model S405 mi195.7 inNot rated20139
2021 Model S405 mi195.7 inNot rated23179
2020 Model S402 mi195.7 inNot rated1180
2019 Model S370 mi195.7 inNot rated1044
2018 Model S335 mi195.7 inNot rated11170
2017 Model S335 mi195.7 inNot rated9429
2015 Model S270 mi195.7 inNot rated9668
2014 Model S265 mi195.7 inNot rated9365

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Tesla. How we calculate this →