Home · 2017 Tesla Model S 75d · Complaints

What 379 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Tesla Model S 75d

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (379)Crash / fire / injury (50)Electrical system (104)Suspension (104)Steering (42)Driver assistance (41)Speed control (33)Lights (24)Visibility & wipers (23)Brakes (20)Lane Departure (19)Backup camera & sensors (17)

104 of 379 complaints match · Electrical system · clear filters · page 2 of 5

Feb 23, 2022Electrical systemFire

The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while charging the vehicle at a charge station, the contact entered the vehicle and after a few minutes, an abnormal plastic burning odor was present in the interior of the vehicle. The contact noticed white smoke coming from the front of the hood of the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and unpluged the charger from the vehicle and waited a few minutes for the white smoke to clear from the front of the vehicle on its own. No warning lights illuminated the vehicle, and the only message that appeared on the vehicle monitor was charging was almost complete. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer who diagnosed the failure as the fan condenser had overheated and it would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however, the contact had not picked up the vehicle from the dealership at this time. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23, 227.

NHTSA ODI 11453694

Feb 18, 2022Electrical systemDriver assistance

The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that on three separate occasions while driving at highway speeds with cruise control engaged, the vehicle would suddenly brake on its own. The contact was uncertain if any warning lights would appear on the instrument panel prior to the failure. The service center nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The contact stated that he was able to document the exact time that the latest failure occurred on the vehicle. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

NHTSA ODI 11452686

Jan 18, 2022Electrical system

The scroll wheel on the steering wheel failed which prevents the vehicle display from showing critical information. This scroll wheels are also used to reboot the computer when the system fails so it is a safety concern that needs to be addressed. Many Tesla owners have had a similar failure of the scroll wheels and a disassembly of the component clearly shows a defect in the manufacture of the part in that it has a thin extension that breaks due to normal use and as a result, failure of the scroll wheel is highly probable.

NHTSA ODI 11447888

Dec 10, 2021Visibility & wipersElectrical system

The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the center display would inadvertently turn blank and the dashboard lights would turn off. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to turn off the center display and turn it back on. The contact stated that the center display software was reset but failure reoccurred several times while driving. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11443358

Oct 17, 2021Electrical system

I am asking [XXX] a mgr. at Centinela Tesla for a refund of the money I spent on an upgrade for the model S which after being installed began shutting down intermittently. Tesla's system records all shutdowns of the cars screens, so If Tesla does not have records of the cars screens shutting down prior to the upgrade, this would indicate it did begin with the upgrade.  The NHTSA made a recall for an issue with the back up cameras which was when TESLA offered me a 1500.00 dollar upgrade instead of the free NHTSA recall fix, saying it was better.  A [XXX] at Torrance Tesla said he saw 2 shutdowns recorded in the week prior and did not have time to look up beyond that week.. [XXX] gave me a free accessory saying sorry for your problems but this is all I can do.  The receipt for the free accessory states it was given at no charge for the troubles with the screens. Tesla's mechanic explained once the upgrade was completed to make the dash cams functional the system must shutdown & restart to rid it self of data accumulation. The cars screens did not shut down prior to having the upgrade because the dash cams only became active as a result of the upgrade hence creating the data which must be expelled by shutting down.  Once this issue becomes evident to the customer Tesla simply tells you we don't have a workaround for this issue and sends you on your way.  Befoe agreeing to the upgrade I asked [XXX] a manager at Centinela Tesla that preformed the installation if this upgrade would make the on board camera system function as dashcams, which she said yes.  We communicated through text so there is a record of our conversation.  After four months with the issue I sold the car.  [XXX] please make my refund, so I don't need to take this issue to small claims court. [XXX] date is 09-13-2021 Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11437038

Oct 5, 2021Electrical system

The main screen will go blank, turn off and not reboot up. The rear camera will not turn on, or turn off during backing up. Car will not boot up for several minutes.

NHTSA ODI 11435596

Jul 30, 2021Electrical system

Compter screen goes black. I loose all functions . Its the same issue that is noted in the CR recall summary. However, they want to charge me 2000 to fix the firmware problems. Furthermore, the car has an extended warranty that apparently they won't honor.

NHTSA ODI 11427228

Jul 14, 2021Electrical systemLane Departure

My 2017 Tesla S 75D has been having issues with the eMMC/daughterboard main computer/screen/control panel blanking out, where basically the screen that has the majority of controls goes black for a few hours. On one occasion the steering wheel was affected--it locked up. To temporarily remedy the issue, I have to reboot the software/car, but I have to be parked and stopped for 30 minutes to an hour, to go through this procedure. This is a reoccurring problem that started in 2020 and it seems other issues, have stemmed from this. For example, the system has a delay of 1-2 minutes to start up--at every start up; other sporadic issues such as no sound (as in there are no sounds, music, alarms or otherwise, working, at all); the key FOB is delayed in being detected (even after replacing the battery).

NHTSA ODI 11424762

May 22, 2021Electrical systemLane Departure

THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GOES DARK AND INOPERABLE AT TIMES WHEN DRIVING. ALERTS ARE NOTED THAT VEHICLE SAFETY WARNINGS ARE DISABLED. WE’VE TRIED TO REMEDY WITH THE DEALER NOW ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND WE’VE BEEN CHARGED FOR APPOINTMENTS ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THIS IS A VEHICLE RECALL. DESPITE ALL THESE ATTEMPTS TESLA PALM SPRINGS DEALER KEEPS SAYING THEY WILL LET US KNOW WHEN PARTS TO REPAIR BECOME AVAILABLE. OTHER RATTLING REPAIRS IN CENTER COUNSEL ARE DELAYED PENDING THIS RECALL CORRECTION. BUT WE NEVER HEAR BACK FROM THE DEALER ABOUT THIS CORRECTION. IT SEEMS EXCESSIVE ON THE TIME WAITING TO GET THE COMPONENT/PART TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE. WHAT CAN BE DONE? IT SEEMS LIKE A SAFETY ISSUE TO KEEP DRIVING THE CAR WITHOUT THIS CORRECTION.

NHTSA ODI 11418116

Apr 8, 2021Electrical systemDriver assistance

BELOW IS THE LIST OF DATES I'VE EMAILED ABOUT ISSUES REGARDING AUTOPILOT AND TOUCHSCREEN, AND MICROPHONE ISSUES. THE FIRST REPORTING OF IT WAS LESS THAN A MONTH AFTER PURCHASE: 10.19.2017. I HAVE ALL OF THE EMAILS AND VIDEOS (WITHIN EMAILS) TO PROVE ALL OF MY STATEMENTS ABOUT PROBLEMS WITH AP AND THE TOUCHSCREEN, ALONG WITH MICROPHONE ISSUES. I CAN PROVIDE THE SPREADSHEET OF THE DATA IF YOU NEED IT. NOW THAT TESLA HAS ACKNOWLEDGED A PROBLEM WITH THE E-MMC UNIT WITHIN MY TESLA, THEIR SERVICE CENTER NOW STATES IT IS ON BACKORDER AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA OF WHEN IT MAY BE AVAILABLE. THEIR MOST RECENT LETTER DATED 3.22.21 STATES "PARTS TO REPLACE THE VCM DAUGHTERBOARD ON YOUR VEHICLE ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE." HOWEVER, IF I PAY $1,500 FOR THE COST OF THE INFOTAINMENT UPGRADE, THEY CAN DO IT WITHIN A WEEK! I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THIS FIXED WHEN THERE IS A REMEDY! DATES OF EMAILS AND COMPLAINTS ABOUT AP AND TOUCHSCREEN, AND MICROPHONE ISSUES, ARE AS FOLLOWS: DATE OF PURCHASE 9.24.2017 1. 10.16.2017 2. 10.19.2017 3. 12.08.2017 4. 12.13.2017 5. 12.19.2017 6. 12.26.2019 7. 04.19.2018 8. 05.07.2018 9. 05.08.2018 10. 05.20.2018 11. 08.17.2018 12. 09.25.2018 13. 11.19.2018 14. 02.18.2019 15. 02.26.2019 16. 03.04.2019 17. 04.07.2019 18. 04.19.2019 19.04.24.2019 20. 05.03.2019 21.05.09.2019 22.05.20.2019 23.07.10.2019 24.07.11.2019 25. 09.16.2019 26.12.18.2019 27.01.13.2020 28.03.03.2021 (28) ATTEMPTS TO RESOLVE THESE ISSUES IS FAR MORE THAN THE REASONABLE NUMBER OF ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR THESE DEFECTS. THE FIRST ATTEMPT WAS LESS THAN 30 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE. MY MODEL S HAS BEEN IN THE JACKSONVILLE, FL TESLA SERVICE CENTER FOR OVER 50 DAYS TOTAL. TWO TIMES I HAD A LOANER FOR THREE WEEKS EACH. THANK YOU, [XXX] PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11406999

Apr 7, 2021Electrical system

NHTSA RECALL #21V035. MY TOUCH SCREEN, FANS, BLINKERS AND LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT WHILE DRIVING 4 TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH, IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS AND ON THE HIGHWAY. TESLA SAYS THEY DO NOT HAVE PARTS TO FIX IT. THE RECALL STATES THE FIX IS TO BE AVAILABLE STARTING MARCH. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO FORCE TESLA TO ACTUALLY FIX THE CAR?

NHTSA ODI 11406967

Apr 5, 2021Electrical systemDriver assistance

I COMPLAIN THAT TESLA FAILED TO REMEDY THE DEFECT OF MALFUNCTIONING EMMC BY REPLACING VCM DAUGHTERBOARD (SEE THE LETTER RECEIVED) WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME. SINCE LAST NOVEMBER I HAVE RECEIVED A NUMBER OF LETTERS FROM TESLA INFORMING THE RECALL AND NOTHING HAPPENED.

NHTSA ODI 11406558

Mar 28, 2021Electrical system

I HAD TO REPLACE CHARGING SYSTEM WITH TOTAL EXPENSE OF 2589.75. UNFORTUNATELY THE CHARGING SYSTEM THAT IS PART OF BATTERY, IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AS LONG AS THE BATTERY. MY MILEAGE WAS 56814. ALL MY SAVINGS FROM GAS AND REGULAR MAINTENANCE COSTS IS EVAPORATED. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL PEOPLE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. THE CHARGING SYSTEM IS NOT LASTING AS LING AS THE BATTERY. I FIND IT TESLA'S SELLING POINT OF " POTENTIAL SAVINGS" IS MISLEADING. I AM NOT SURE IF ANYONE OUT THERE MADE THE SAVINGS BY OWNING THE CAR AS MUCH AS IT CLAIMS. IN MY OPINION TESLA SHOULD REMOVE THE POTENTIAL SAVINGS CL;AIM TOTALLY. ITS JUST A UNREALISTIC AND MISLEADING CLAIM.

NHTSA ODI 11405209

Mar 23, 2021Electrical systemDriver assistance

THIS WAS ISSUED A FULL RECALL BY NHSTA. THE VENDOR, TESLA INDICTED ONLY A COUPLE OF WEEKS BEFORE A CHIP REPLACEMENT WAS AVAILABLE. TO DATE NO REPAIR HAS BEEN MADE AND THE VENDOR IS NON RESPONSIVE. YOUR HELP NEED TO EFFECT THIS RECALL

NHTSA ODI 11404471

Mar 22, 2021Electrical systemEquipment

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 TESLA MODEL S. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE MEDIA CONTROL UNIT BECAME INOPERABLE CAUSING SEVERAL OTHER ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS TO FAIL TO OPERATE AS NEEDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE CAUSED THE TURN SIGNALS TO NOT FUNCTION AS NEEDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALER TESLA-BELLEVUE (14408 NE 20TH ST, BELLEVUE, WA 98007) AND THE MCU MODULE VERSION 1 WAS REPLACED WITH VERSION 2 HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.

NHTSA ODI 11404269

Mar 9, 2021Electrical systemLights

SINCE LAST YEAR, I'VE BEEN HAVING FREQUENT(6-8WEEKS) ISSUES WITH THIS CAR ALL CENTRAL TOUCHSCREEN RELATED. IT STARTED SMALL BUT KEEPS GETTING BIGGER AND BIGGER. I DON'T DRIVE MUCH SINCE COVID AND I THINK IF THAT WASN'T THE CASE THE ISSUE WOULD'VE BEEN UNBEARABLE. LAST NOVEMBER IT WAS JUST THE SCREEN SHUTTING DOWN WHILE DRIVING. THIS JAN/FEB THE ISSUE WORSENED WHERE THE SCREEN/LIGHTS ACTED LIKE THEY WERE POSSESSED, THE CENTRAL SCREEN DISPLAY SHOWED A BATTERY WARNING TO PULL OVER AS THE CAR IS ABOUT TO DIE EVEN THE OTHER SCREEN SHOWED OVER 200MILES LEFT. THE WORST OF IT ALL, I WAS ON A NARROW STREET(1LANE EACH) GOING HOME, I HAD NO NOISE NO MUSIC IN THE CAR. THE CAR WENT FROM SILENT TO EXTREMELY LOUD ON ITS OWN. EVERY SINGLE ALARM WARNING SOUND IN THE CAR STARTED AT THE EXACT SAME TIME AT FULL VOLUME. STARTLED, I VEERED OFF THE ROAD AND QUICKLY PULLED OVER. IF THERE WERE OTHER CARS NEARBY I WOULD HAVE CRASHED. I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FROM TESLA HIGHLIGHTING MOST OF THE ISSUES EXCEPT THE SOUND COMPONENT. THE SERVICE CENTER REFUSED TO FIX ISSUES STATING THAT IT DOESN'T AFFECT DRIVING. EXCEPT THAT IT DOES BY STARTLING YOU TO CRASH. NO OTHER CAR DOES THAT. BOTH THE RECALL LETTER AND THE 1800# CONFIRM THAT THESE ISSUES STEM FROM A PIECE OF HARDWARE THAT NEED TO BE REPLACED BUT THE SERVICE MANAGER DOES NOT WANT TO FIX OR REPLACE THE TOUCHSCREEN. HE SAYS IT'LL BE 1500$ TO REPLACE EVEN THOUGH IT'S UNDER WARRANTY AND ASSURED ME NUMEROUS TIMES THAT THE PROBLEMS WILL THEN STOP. HE KEPT SAYING THAT A SOFTWARE UPDATE WILL TEMPORARILY PATCH THINGS UP UNTIL THE NEXT BREAKDOWN WHICH IS GUARANTEED AND USUALLY EVERY 2 MONTHS OR SO. SERIOUSLY HOW CAN A SOFTWARE UPDATE FIX A HARDWARE ISSUE(THAT HE REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE EVEN THOUGH HIS COMPANY HAS). THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A BETTER PART OF A YEAR. I SHOULDN'T BE FORCED TO PAY FOR SAFETY AT THIS POINT THE SERVICE CTR IS IGNORING ME

NHTSA ODI 11399934

Feb 3, 2021Electrical system

THE CENTRAL SCREEN WENT BLANK I TOOK TO THE DEALER THEY TRIED TO FIX IT IT HAPPENED TWICE THE WIPERS AND AC CONTINUED TO RUN EVEN WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE CAR LAST TIME IT HAPPENED AT THE REPAIR SHOP THE ODOMETER MILEAGE JUMPED FROM 21 000 TO 58 000 I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO REPAIR SHOP AND THEY SAID IT IS A COMPUTER GLITCH AND FIXED (?) THE PROBLEM AND MILEAGE WAS ADJUSTED I AM WONDERING IF MILEAGE CAN BE ADJUSTED BY THE DEALER , I THINK IT IS ILLEGAL. INTERMITTENTLY THE CAMERAS ARE FOGGING EVEN WHEN IT IS NOT COLD. NO CLEAR EXPLANATION GIVEN BY THE CREW AT REPAIR PLACE

NHTSA ODI 11394570

Feb 2, 2021Electrical system

MY ON BOARD MCU, MAIN SCREEN KEEPS GOING BLANK WHILE DRIVING. THIS CAUSES THE LOSS OF FUNCTIONALITY OF MY VEHICLE CONTROLS. I LOSE CONTROL OF THE DEFROST AND OTHER CLIMATE FUNCTIONS. ONE MORNING WHILE DRIVING IN EXTREME FOG AND HIGH HUMIDITY I COULD BARELY SEE BECAUSE I COULD NOT CONTROL THE DEFROST FUNCTION. HAVING THE MAIN SCREEN GO OUT ALSO CAUSES A LARGE DISTRACTION

NHTSA ODI 11391147

Feb 2, 2021Electrical systemLightsVisibility & wipers

I HAVE BEEN REACHING OUT TO TESLA SERVICE CENTER REPEATEDLY REGARDING THE EMMC UNIT FAILURE WHERE IT HAS GONE COMPLETELY BLANK AND TURNS OFF DURING MY DRIVE SEVERAL TIMES. I LOSE ALL AIR CONTROL, BLUETOOTH, REARVIEW CAMERA, AND EVERYTHING THAT THE MAIN MCU UNIT CONTROLS. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN WHEN IT WAS VERY COLD OUTSIDE DURING THE NIGHT WHEN I LOST VISIBILITY DUE TO THE FOGGING INSIDE AND NO DEFOGGING CONTROL AVAILABLE. I CONTACTED THE SERVICE CENTER IMMEDIATELY ON DECEMBER 22, 2020 AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT, WHICH THEY DIAGNOSED VIA LOGS ON THEIR END AND NEVER AGREED TO PHYSICALLY DIAGNOSE MY CAR IN PERSON. THEY KEEP CLAIMING THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT WILL BE ADDRESSED IN A FUTURE FIRMWARE UPGRADE, FOR WHICH THEY DO NOT KNOW THE TIMELINE AT ALL SINCE THE ENGINEERS ARE STILL WORKING ON IT, AND THAT THIS IS NOT A HARDWARE ISSUE. I DETAILED ALL THE ISSUES I WAS HAVING WHERE EITHER MY SCREEN WOULD FREEZE UP OR GO BLACK AND TURN OFF COMPLETELY AND GAVE THEM EXACT DATES/TIMESTAMPS. EACH TIME THEY SAW THERE WAS AN ERROR AND VERIFIED THAT THE LOGS SHOWED AN ISSUE BUT THAT THIS WAS STILL NOT A HARDWARE ISSUE AND I HAVE TO JUST PUT UP WITH THIS UNTIL THE FIRMWARE UPGRADE IS ROLLED OUT. THIS WAS THEIR JUSTIFICATION FOR NOT REPLACING MY UNIT UNDER THE WARRANTY ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM, AND NOW I DON'T SEE MY VIN IN THE RECALL DATABASE EITHER. I AM FRUSTRATED AND EXPRESSED TO THEM SEVERAL TIMES THAT I AM HONESTLY SCARED DRIVING THE CAR. I HAVE LOGGED ALL THE MESSAGING CONVERSATION WITH THEM AS PROOF, AND I HAVE VIDEOS, PICTURES SHOWING THE FAILURES AS THEY OCCURRED. I HAVE HAD TO PULL OVER SEVERAL TIMES WHEN THESE ISSUES OCCURRED TO REBOOT THE SYSTEM BEFORE I FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE AGAIN, OR I HAVE HAD TO SIT IN PARK WHEN I START MY CAR AND WAIT UNTIL I REBOOT BEFORE I CAN START DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI 11391175

Feb 2, 2021Electrical systemDriver assistance

MCU UNIT GOES BLANK AND HAS DIFFICULTY COMING BACK ONLINE, WHICH PRECLUDES ME FROM SAFELY DRIVING MY CAR; THE CAR WAS STATIONARY.

NHTSA ODI 11391189

Feb 1, 2021Electrical systemDriver assistance

CENTER CONSOLE GETS BLACK SCREEN OCCURRENCES AND LOSS OF AUDIO HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 15-20 TIMES. PURCHASED CAR FROM TESLA IN MID OCTOBER. SCREEN ISSUES SINCE HAVING THE CAR AND NO AUDIO, TESLA STATES TO PATIENTLY AWAIT FE UPDATE HAVE HAD THE CAR SERVICED MULTIPLE TIMES FOR THE ISSUE. SEVERAL APPOINTMENTS CANCELED BY TESLA STATING THERE IS NO FIX AND TO PERFORM RESET ON CAR WHICH IM NOW DOING EVERY 5-10 DAYS.THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN PARK AND HAVE HAD TO DRIVE MULTIPLE TIMES ON THE FREEWAY AND SURFACE ROADS WITH NO SCREEN OR AUDIO. HAS OCCURRED 11-17-20, 11-28-20, 12-8-20, 12-19-20, 1-2-21, 1-8,21,. WHEN BLACK SCREEN OCCURS NO WARNING CHIMES OR AUDIO PRESENT. TESLA REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE HE ISSUE DESPITE BEING AWARE OF IT AND HAVING BEEN GIVING EXACT DATES OF OCCUPANCIES PICTURES OF BLACK SCREEN ETC.

NHTSA ODI 11391109

Jan 29, 2021Electrical system

MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS ARE NO LONGER WORKING IN CAR. THE SCREEN HASN'T HAD A YELLOW FRAME AROUND IT FOR NEARLY A YEAR.THEY REPLACE THE FIRST ONE UNDER WARRANTY AND THEN IT DID IT AGAIN WHILE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IF I WANTED IT REPLACED I WAS TO PAY OUT-OF-POCKET. SO I HAD THEM NOTE IN THE NOTES THAT MY CAR NEEDED A SCREEN EVEN THOUGH THE WARRANTY WAS TO FALL OUT. MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS NO LONGER WORK. CERTAIN CLIMATE CONTROL FEATURES DON'T WORK. MOBILE APP NO LONGER WORKS WITH VEHICLE ON MOST FUNCTIONS. SCREEN SOMETIMES STAYS BLACK AND DOES NOT BOOT UP. MAYBE STUCK FOR MULTIPLE MINUTES WHILE CAR IS BOOTING UP. MOST OF THE TIME WHEN THE SCREEN GIVES US PROBLEMS IT IS NOT WHEN DRIVING. IT IS USUALLY WHEN WE FIRST GET INTO THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE HAD ONE OCCURRENCE WHERE THE SCREEN SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR NEARLY A YEAR. AND IT SEEMS THAT MORE FEATURES ARE FAILING AS TIME GOES ON

NHTSA ODI 11390664

Jan 28, 2021Electrical systemBackup camera & sensors

THE TESLA MODEL S MAIN SCREEN BLACKED OUT, CAUSING ME TO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO ANY OF THE CAR'S CONTROL SYSTEM OTHER THAN TO DRIVE IT (NO BACKUP CAMERA, CLIMATE CONTROL, MUSIC, DOOR LOCKING, SUSPENSION ADJUSTING, TURN SIGNAL CHIMING, AND OTHER ESSENTIAL SAFETY FEATUES). WHEN I TOOK IT TO TESLA, THEY IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM BUT TOLD ME TO FIX THE ROOT OF IT, I'D HAVE TO PAY FOR AN "MCU2 UPGRADE" OF OVER $1000 EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW THE COMPUTER CHIP IS BAD (AND WILL GO BAD AGAIN). THIS HAPPENS SOMETIMES WHILE THE CAR IS PARKED AND OTHER TIMES WHEN IN MOTION.

NHTSA ODI 11390558

Jan 27, 2021Electrical system

OWN TESLA MODEL S FOR 4 YRS NOW AND FOR LAST 3 MONTHS I HAVE STARTED NOTICING THAT THE MCU (TOUCHSCREEN) DOESN'T POWER UP AND SOMETIMES I HAVE TO WAIT FOR 5-10 MINUTES FOR CAR TO POWER ON. I HAVE REPORTED 4-5 OCCURRENCES OF THIS ISSUE TO TESLA ALREADY BUT EVERYTIME THEY PUSHED BACK CITING IT IS NOT MCU RELATED. IN FACT I REPORTED THEM THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE PART OF NHTSA RECALL ISSUE SENT OUT TO TESLA ASKING TO REPLACE MCUS FOR 2017/2018 MAKES BUT TESLA HAS NOT TAKE ANY ACTION YET. I REPORTED ANOTHER OCCURENCE OF IT TODAY AGAIN AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH TESLA SERVICE ON 11TH FEB,21. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY BE A SAFETY ISSUE IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY AND MY CAR WON'T POWER UP. REQUEST NHTSA TO INTERVENE AND GET MY MCU ISSUE RESOLVED BY LIASONING WITH TESLA TEAM AS I HAVE TRIED MY BEST TO PUSH TESLA FOR A FIX BUT UNFORTUNATELY COULDN'T GET A RESOLUTION YET

NHTSA ODI 11390419

Jan 27, 2021Electrical system

MEDIA CONTROL UNIT 1 SOFTWARE KEPT CRASHING AND FAILING. POSSIBLE ROOT CAUSE IS FPGA AND/OR MMCU. SPENT $2500 TO REPLACE WITH MCU2 TO HELP ELIMINATE ISSUE. SEEMS LIKE LOTS OF OWNERS ARE HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES.

NHTSA ODI 11390422

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Working with the data? Download all 379 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 24, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2017 Tesla Model S 75d verdict →