2021 Tesla Model S Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control Problems

NHTSA component category: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL · data through 07/14/2026

25Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control complaints

14.3%Of all 175 complaints

#4Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control ranks on this vehicle

Unspecified / other43 · 24.6%

STEERING29 · 16.6%

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING27 · 15.4%

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL25 · 14.3%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM22 · 12.6%

Share of the 175 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2021 Tesla Model S overview page.

What owners report

“The Traffic-Aware Cruise Control has been braking unexpectedly and for no valid reason. The most recent example was when we were driving along US Hwy…”NHTSA complaint 11506840 — filed 02/12/2023

“Today was at least the 3rd time "phantom braking" has occurred. While traveling on I-64 in Virginia, my speed was about 75mph with adaptive cruise…”NHTSA complaint 11491043 — filed 10/26/2022

“Car repeatedly, randomly slams in brakes while cruise control engaged for no apparent reason. Not speeding, no other cars or blockages around, open highway on…”NHTSA complaint 11489392 — filed 10/15/2022

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Tesla Model S have forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control problems?

Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control is the #4 most-reported problem area on the 2021 Tesla Model S: 25 of 175 complaints on file (14.3%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2021 Tesla Model S have in total?

175 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 13 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, 4 reported injuries, and 1 reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.