2021 Tesla Model S Tires & Wheels Problems

Certified pre-owned 2021 Tesla Model S delivered on October 21, 2025 with worn Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires (255/35ZR21 front, 295/30ZR21 rear). Tread depth measured approximately 2/32" on the outer tread shoulders of all four tires, below Tesla’s published 5/32" delivery standard. Within the first week of ownership, the vehicle hydroplaned multiple times in wet conditions at normal speeds. Tesla service declined to replace the tires, stating measurements were “taken in the wrong location” and that only the inner grooves count, despite Tesla’s public documentation and national tire safety standards defining tread depth across the full width of the tire. Vehicle was returned in same condition without correction, leaving a continued safety risk from inadequate tread and summer tires unsuited for Ohio’s cold and wet seasonal conditions.

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.

295 / 30ZR 21 - My tire failed well before the tread life expired. You can see in the attached images that the tire failed at the meeting point between the tread and the sidewall.

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.

Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 295/30 ZR 21 102Y extra load Purchased Oct 2021, estimated 12,000 miles on vehicle and tire. Tire split along inside corner, nearly all the way around the tire. No warning, instant loss of pressure. No significant wear on the outside corner or the tread. Previously happened earlier in the year on the passenger side rear tire.

Have just learned (on routine check) that Front/Rear tire configuration has been backwards since delivery from the FACTORY; 24 mo, 24k miles. Factory specified FRONT REAR 255/45R19 285/40R19 NOTE REVERSAL Actual upon delivery FRONT REAR 285/40R19 255/45R19 ONLY service has been 1 left/right switch at 19k with NO front/back, per tire service recommendation; not detected then. And there’s NO chance it was reversed after delivery. I'm wondering effect on tread life, safety, drive-ability. Tech said this error would vastly affect performance, "Haven't you noticed car 'driving really funny'?" Notified Tesla; no response yet. In photos, Note door decal, fender placement will show front/rear.

The OEM 21 inch wheel cracked which resulted in a flattening tire.

Tire tread delaminated from the body of the tire, leading to loss of pressure and dangerous loss of vehicle control. Both rear tires had the same issue. 295 /30 R21

My rear driver side tire failed on the interstate and lost pressure so quickly I had to pull over immediately. Thankfully the tire remained intact enough for me to safely pull over and no one was injured. After realizing this wasn’t just a puncture, I was shocked. This is either a major defect with the tire or with Teslas installation of the tire. The inner part of the tire was shredded but the rest of the tire has significant tread left. These tires are less than 1 year old and less than 16500 miles of use. The tires offer a 30,000 mile warranty.

On both rear tires on the inner part of the tire the tread on Michelin 295 30zr21 is literally coming apart on both tires. Both at rear , no pot holes have been hit. rims are immaculate. Car was purchased brand new and only has 9800 miles. Almost like the tires are a used retreaded tires on a truck and the tread is literally detaching from the sidewalls. Luckily issue occurred while driving 25mph. Couldn’t imaging what would happen if driving fast. Tesla does not cover michelens issue but felt this needs to be reported. Someone will die if they blew out at higher speads. Will have bill from Tesla when tires are replaced.

15,000 miles and 22/32 (70%) tire tread evenly worn available. The tire tread completely separated from the sidewall of the tire. This is a common and known problem with this tire. Many cases are presented on various online forums with photos and documentation.

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.

I had a tire that kept loosing pressure so I took it in to see way. With only a little over 12,000 miles have I have a tire that is splitting between the tread and side wall. Its one the inside of the back drivers side tire.

WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY NEW TESLA S (APPROXIMATELY 1000 MILES) ON A COUNTY ROAD, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE SUDDENLY CAME OFF MY CAR, WENT ACROSS A ROAD WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND HIT A FENCE AT A LOCAL RESIDENCE. THERE WAS SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE LEFT FRONT AREA OF THE CAR WHICH CAN BE SEEN FROM THE ATTACHED PHOTOS.FORTUNATELY, I HAD JUST EXITED THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY WHERE I WAS DOING 65 MPH. I HAVE LITTLE DOUBT THAT IF THE ACCIDENT HAD OCCURRED 10 MINUTES EARLIER, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN SEVERAL FATALITIES INCLUDING ME. ALTHOUGH TESLA CLAIMS TO PRODUCE LUXURY VEHICLES, IT LEASED ME A CAR THAT WAS INHERENTLY DANGEROUS AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A FATAL ACCIDENT.