What 604 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Tesla Model S 75

Tesla service center refuses to perform recall on my car: - Manufacturer Recall NumberTBD, NHTSA Recall Number21V035 - Manufacturer Recall NumberTBD NHTSA Recall Number17V-260 - Manufacturer Recall NumberTBDNHTSA Recall NumberTBD - Manufacturer Recall NumberTBD NHTSA Recall Number21V-00B

NHTSA ODI 11462638

Bubbles first appeared in the dashboard / instrument control panel display on the driver side on 3/25. The bubbles have been moving around over time and at some points while I've been driving (unable to take a photo), have travelled to the speedometer blocking my visibility of current speed.

NHTSA ODI 11461643

Driver side fore link failure, driver side suspension collapsed on the tire. The car came to an immediate stop. The car did go up in the air for some time before stopping. Since the driver side fore link failed, Tesla said that they have to change both the fore links.

NHTSA ODI 11456643

I took my car in for the tesla video card replacement voluntary recall. After the "repair," my display screen acts erratically and visually becomes distractive. So far the service centers are trying to UPSELL me a new system to replace the current "repaired" system for $1500. I have had no luck with them taking responsibility for this issue. The big screen flickers the navigation screen and also distorts the items on the screen. As of yet, they keep saying this is normal function/behavior and all I have been asking is to have the screen operate as it is intended. (which it was prior to the chip update). Also, I believe the issue is also affecting the audio in the car.....at times the sound has become distorted and think that sound is absent from the turn signals. I know the audio system must have been impacted by their "repair" because initially the system sounded twice as clear than before the chip upgrade.

NHTSA ODI 11455890

- when using TACC / "autopilot", especially when cruising at speed limit on the rightmost lane of the highway, i have experienced quite some occurrences of "phantom braking". this happens especially more frequent when approaching freeway on ramps (even with no incoming vehicle) and when there is vehicle parked on the right shoulder. - the automatically actuated brake really shocked me. if i hadn't reacted quickly enough to step on the accelerator pedal, i would had been rear ended really badly. - i thought that was a one off situation, but since it happened more than once and now that this issue has become headlines, i think it needs to be seriously investigated and fixed. - i have reported this issue to TESLA. the service manager of the local service center promptly responded that unfortunately this is a software issue which is still in "beta". - vehicle did have problem with the left repeater camera which TESLA replaced as goodwill. but i believe that was not the cause of the "phantom braking" episodes. the vehicle was purchased with the (now $12k) "Full Self-Driving" package. now, almost 6 years later, the development of the software is still not done. TESLA promised to upgrade the cameras suite, but several requests of service were cancelled due to, i believe, lack of parts, and/or they need to upgrade the MCU to be able to deploy the latest FSD package. i appreciate TESLA efforts to push the boundary of ADAS to reach full autonomy. i just wish they communicate better to the early adopters and provide us all with clearer timelines (with best/worst case scenarios). (i also appreciate my local TESLA service manager for responding quickly to my initial report of concerns. i acknowledge that completely fixing the issue is beyond his control at this time.) (date provided in this report is approximate, i think TESLA can review the logs of such emergency braking occurrences)

NHTSA ODI 11453040

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the center console failed to operate as needed without warning. The contact also stated that the side mirrors would independently fold in without warning. The contact then received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting). The contact called several service centers in relation to the recall and was informed that parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11452073

A newer Tesla will come to a complete stop with the one pedal operation, however my older car does not. It will roll through a stop sign or red light. This has been fixed on full self driving cars but should be fixed on single pedal operation cars.

NHTSA ODI 11451498

When using the cruise control, vehicle will break hard, almost to a stop. This happens mostly on a curve 1 or 2 lanes when going highway speeds for no apparent reason.

NHTSA ODI 11450511

The recent upgrade of the Tesla MCU UI (User Interface) firmware from V10 to V11 has significant User Experience problems creating a less safe vehicle. Standard pieces of automotive functionality have been moved off the main screen and into sub-menus. Two weeks ago, my car was forcefully or accidentally (may be my fault) updated to the V11 UI. To my dismay the window defrost button was moved from a single press on at the bottom of the touchscreen to multiple precise presses. I experienced how unsafe this is while driving in northern New Mexico on a snowy curvy mountain road after sunset departing Bandelier National Monument. The front windshield began fogging up as I reached 50 mph on the one lane 55mph speed limit road. Previously, a quick glance at the screen would be sufficient to make sure my finger was over the correct button. But now, the defroster button is hidden. I'm in the middle of a turn, my window is quickly fogging up, and I need the defroster ASAP. I didn't have time to take my eyes off the road for multiple seconds to make sure I was using the touchscreen correctly and wait for the slow UI animations to run. So, I did an unsafe, but least worst thing and stopped in the middle of the road. I enabled the defroster and continued the trip, but was shocked I needed to risk being rear ended to enable the defroster. These changes have not been thought through from a safety perspective. The goal seems to make the UI pretty, at the expense of safety. I could enable the defroster on previous vehicles without taking my eyes off the road at all, because they had physical buttons. The V10 defroster button location was simple to locate with a glance. The V11 defroster button requires multiple seconds and is now a significant safety hazard. I dislike the V11 firmware for many other reasons, but this is the most clear safety issue. Note: The defroster can be turned on via voice control, but it is not available in areas without mobile/cell service.

NHTSA ODI 11449938

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer's app was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the screen display had malfunctioned while driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was 37,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11449689

Left suspension front fore link broken, damaged left front tire and wasn't driable.

NHTSA ODI 11449355

Some versions of Model S and X front drive unit halfshafts might cause excessive vibrations during hard acceleration at higher ride height settings. If the drive shaft fails while driving on the freeway then it will not be safe especially with kids in the car. Tesla needs to add this on their recall list. Please see service bulletin https://cdn.motor1.com/pdf-files/sb-21-39-001-replace-front-drive-unit-halfshafts.pdf

NHTSA ODI 11447935

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, he heard a popping sound coming from the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and inspected the vehicle but found no failure. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact continued driving however, at 5 MPH he heard another popping sound. The contact called a local towing company to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. While attempting to place the vehicle on the flatbed, the contact was informed that a large metallic part had fractured and detached from the vehicle. The dealer’s diagnostic result was that the driver’s side front lower fore link collar had broken off the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired out of pocket. The mechanic was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000.

NHTSA ODI 11447315

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lightning). The contact stated that the display screen for the cameras was inoperable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and sent an associate to the contact's residence to inspect the vehicle. The associate inspected the hood latch and tires but not the display screen. The manufacturer informed the contact that there was a shortage of parts for the recall repair and canceled the recall repair appointment. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11446609

Brakes became 95% unresponsive after a car wash and near 0 degree F weather. This caused a low speed rear-end collision. Some ice build up on calipers, rotors were clean. Unsure of exact cause. Vehicle will be inspected ASAP, but I'm betting we find nothing after the ice dissipates. No warning lights. Contacted Tesla and remote diagnostics revealed no issues.

NHTSA ODI 11446550

Immediately after purchase of the vehicle from Tesla and on my way home from the dealer, I rolled my driver-side window down, then attempted to roll the window up upon entering the freeway. The window went half-way up, then rolled back down automatically. I attempted many times to roll the window up, but it would not go up. On the freeway, this caused a safety issue due to wind and debris entering inside the vehicle and causing safety problems for me. I took the car back to Tesla for repair. They indicated they fixed the problem, but this issue has occurred 6 more times, and each time I take the car in, they indicate it has been fixed, while the problem occurs again, not just with the driver-side window, but with other windows as well. I am seriously concerned about my safety and the safety of my family. This issue has occurred in various situations causing serious safety issues: 1. I took my car to Big Bear to ski, and the problem occurred in extremely cold temperature, exposing me and my family to extreme temperatures while attempting to operate the vehicle with the window down and unable to maintain cabin temperature for a few hours while trying to come back from the trip. 2. In two instances this issue occurred in the rain, causing water to enter the cabin and interfering with visibility and safely operating the vehicle. 3. In one instance this issue occurred while I was passing a place where landscaping sprinklers were on and I was sprayed in the face with water, seriously jeopardizing my visibility and I had to stop in place to clear my face from water before being able to see again and safely resume operation of the vehicle. 4. There are many more instances. Tesla is refusing to take back the vehicle as a lemon, despite repairing the vehicle 7 times all together, with the problem still occurring intermittently. I refuse to let my family drive the vehicle for fear of their safety, and I only drive it myself under very limited circumstances.

NHTSA ODI 11446341

The tail light flooded during rain and the tail light would not turn on. I was notified of this issue after an officer pulled me over and gave me a notice. There were no warning signs. In search of the issue online, it appears that it is a very common issue with the Model S tail lights.

NHTSA ODI 11445891

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11445630

Car was being pulled out of parking spot and front suspension failed. TESLA rode side service took car to TESLA dealer. TESLA said car was too heavy for parts and now the knuckles and the fore links for the front suspension need to be replaced. The car had a full alignment in February and everything was good. They said they were aware of a problem others are concerned about bit they can't do anything at this point as there is no open recall in the United States.

NHTSA ODI 11445429

Sir/Madam, I own a Tesla Model S 2016 year car. I bought it in Nov 2018 from Tesla dealership. The car had free super charging and all warranty. In a parking lot entrance, someone rear ended my car and affected car back bumper and slight dent on quarter panel. The other car may not have traveled more than 5 miles as he was turning inside parking lot. The insurance company totaled my car saying Tesla won't provide parts quickly to repair. Since they can't wait, they totaled the car. Insurance company gave the car to us after deducting salvage value. Tesla didn't do body work in our area. So I took it to another shop and repaired the bumper and quarter panel. Due to pandemic we couldn't get rebuilt title quickly. Since my car was fully insured, insurance company said we can drive the car. While we were waiting for rebuilt title, I continue to use super charging and other work from Tesla. Once the salvage title entered into the DMV system, Tesla had access to it and since then, they removed all warranty and super charging. I am a realtor and use this car very much for my business. I explained to Tesla officers the need to have super charging, but they are saying once the car has rebuilt title, they will remove super charging capability. I told them I was using super charging it after my car was fixed, but they didn't care. I asked them if they can inspect the car for safety issue and they don't want to do it. Now my problem is I couldn't super charge even in other providers super charging location also. I provided all the details about the fix, rebuilt title etc. Even if they don't want to provide warranty, I certainly need super charging for free or by paying fee. I am wiling to do any safety check they want me to do. I am doing all other services in Tesla dealership only. I hope your department could intervene and help with situation.

NHTSA ODI 11445229

Tesla has released new Firmware 11 software, Version 2021.44.25.2, for the Master Computer Screen which is what controls all the software controlled functions of the vehicle. During the update, which was not communicated in advance of the update, Tesla did a complete USER INTERFACE change & redesign. This materially changed how the vehicle functions from a usability standpoint and a safety standpoint. With the said User Interface update and change (Again, Complete redesign), Tesla changed locations of "buttons" to activate functions required for safety. One major change (Among too many to be able to list in a Safety Complaint) was Window Defroster/Defogger, to keep windows clear of fog & frost. Tesla has moved buttons and options which were directly accessible with a single touch and no menu changes, and has moved said changes into sub-menu's. Doing this now requires the driver to take their eyes off the road, and at least one hand off the wheel for an extended length of time to navigate sub-menu's to find the placement of the button to activate defrosters. Instead of a fraction of a second glance to hit the button, now requires 2-5 seconds of looking to find it. Same goes for heat/ac controls. Further, the redesign materially changes the functionality of the vehicles menus, and completely changes the functionality of every and all options under the menu's. Again, Tesla did this with no prior notification that such a change would be taking place. Further, Tesla service will not reverse the software changes. Tesla, with this update, has focused more on a stupid "Holiday Light Show", and providing more games to the driver. I do not want a stupid light show or games. I want my vehicle to operate how it was advertised in a usability manor that does not decrease safety.

NHTSA ODI 11445300

Over the course of 3 years, I reported that steering was "too loose". Often times any of the driver assisted functions would stop working, and the steering felt so loose that it was almost like the wheels felt like they would fall off. Often times it felt as though the car was out of alignment. I commented with the Tesla Service Center team members many occasions over the last 3 years that the steering did not feel right and starting happening after 2 years of ownership. I did purchase an extended warranty beyond the basic warranty. I asked on several occasions in writing if they thought the safety of driving with the steering so loose would be in question, and they would never respond in writing. They would only tell me verbally that safety was not an issue. After pushing them to determine what the root cause of the loose driving was about and the loss of assisted driving functionality, they said that my steering column needed to be replaced. I was only informed of this after my warranty had lapsed. The cost to fix it was $3500, and I have no other options on places to get it fixed other than the Tesla Service Center(s). Needless to say, I was not very happy about this considering that I paid over $80K for the auto in July of 2017. I also purchased AutoPilot software in 2020, but it did not work very well considering the steering problems. My hunch is that Tesla is trying to avoid this problem and wait for folks to go beyond their basic warranty and have them pay for new steering columns. I would appreciate your investigation into this and help me with my concerns. Also the safety of the car seems to be in question, and not sure if they are trained to tell customers not to worry about this issue that I have discovered. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11444687

Failure to fix the problem in a reasonable period of time. Recall notice was sent March 22, 2021 and still no promised replacement of the defective part.

NHTSA ODI 11444272

I backed my tesla out of my driveway on 12/17. I could see as I backed into the street another car at the stop sign waiting to turn left. I was blocking part of the road so as the car was in reverse moving back, I put my tesla in "D". I clearly saw the D. I stepped on accelerator seeing they were patiently waiting and I wanted to get out of their way. As I touched gas I was in shock-I kept going in reverse! The car dash said "D" and in my shock i pressed down on the gas more. I ended up accelerating more in reverse and smashed right into a parked car on the street! I knew I was swerving back and steered into the middle of the street I thought. I never heard the warning sign on my car because it was in D. I didnt see the car in my rearview mirror and in the shock of the speed and my correct into the middle of the road, I dented my neighbors front left bumper only. Thankfully I didn't damage their lights. It only did a small scrape in the front right rear side of my model S. I did replicate the problem one more time on camera about 15 minutes later. But I was in such shock the camera drops below the road so it has my voice on it and I didn't want to hit someone else again. This is very dangerous to accelerate backwards when the dash says "D". I've taken the tesla in many times for the screens freezing. They say its memory issues and want me to pay 2500 to upgrade the internal parts. This puts my kids and anyone at risk if they're behind me when Im shifting to drive and drive off. There again were no warnings before the crash because the car was in D.

NHTSA ODI 11443419

I was notified of this recall in March/2021 and Tesla says they have no time to fix it and they will schedule my appointment at some point. My Navigation and other key functions freeze frequently in busy metropolitan areas as well as rural and fails to keep up with notifications causing unsafe driving conditions. The remedy they suggested was to delete my driving navigation history to free up space which takes a ridiculous amount of time and only temporarily solves the problem. The recall notice is below. The Feb 06,2021 Manufacturer Recall NumberSB2121001 NHTSA Recall Number21V035 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete Summary The eMMC flash memory device is rated for an industry-standard 3,000 Program/Erase (“P/E”) cycles. Over time, and depending on usage of the affected component, the eMMC hardware exhausts cycles for each NAND cell. When the eMMC NAND cell hardware reaches lifetime wear, as measured by the number of P/E cycles and remaining available storage capacity, the eMMC controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem. This wear-out condition can cause failures of the center display software components, and may indirectly cause loss of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting.

NHTSA ODI 11441280