2021 Tesla Model S Plaid — Full Specifications
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Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid is a hatchback powered by an electric motor, with an EPA-rated range of around 348 miles per charge. Owners often keep a Tesla Model S Plaid workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Related listing: see also the 2021 Tesla Model S page for the base Model S listing, which may cover additional engines and body styles.
Full Specifications
| Engine | Electric motor |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (A1) |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Hatchback |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 94 cu ft (2,662 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 26 cu ft (736 L) |
| EPA Range | 348 miles |
| Efficiency | 33.4 kWh/100 mi |
| CO₂ Emissions | 0 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 10 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 1 configuration for the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid, all with the Electric motor engine. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric motor | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 121 | 101 (102/99) | — | $750 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 94 cubic feet (about 2,662 litres) and luggage volume at 26 cubic feet (about 736 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid
Running Costs: 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid
Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Tesla Model S Plaid Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 24 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Electrical system (7), Air bags (4), Steering (3). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Back over prevention — campaign 26V283000, reported 5 May 2026. Risk: A delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Air bags — campaign 25V172000, reported 19 March 2025. Risk: An inoperative horn may prevent the driver from alerting other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Air bags — campaign 24V967000, reported 24 December 2024. Risk: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Latches/locks/linkages — campaign 24V554000, reported 24 July 2024. Risk: An unlatched hood can fully open, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Showing the 4 most recent of 24 campaigns.
Owners have filed 179 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid. The most-reported areas are Forward collision avoidance (48), Unspecified (45), Steering (29). Complaints include 13 reported crashes, 2 reported fires, 5 reported injuries, 1 reported death. That is well above the median of 38 complaints across the 5 Tesla Model S Plaid model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (7 recall campaigns · 25 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Steering (3 recall campaigns · 29 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
- Driver-assist sensors (48 owner complaints) — Check that driver-assist warning lights are off and sensors are clean and undamaged.
- Air bags (4 recall campaigns) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid have?
It's powered by an electric motor with an EPA-rated range of around 348 miles per charge.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid?
It uses around 33.4 kWh per 100 miles.
Does the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 24 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Electrical system (7), Air bags (4), Steering (3). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid?
Among the 179 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Forward collision avoidance (48 complaints), Unspecified (45 complaints), Steering (29 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 94 cubic feet (about 2,662 litres) and luggage volume at 26 cubic feet (about 736 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.