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

While backing out of a parking space turning the steering I felt the car lurch and then heard a grinding noise from the left front tire area. Car was un-driveable and the front wheel moved forward and backward in the wheel well causing the tire to rub.

NHTSA ODI 11443799

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

The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact state that while driving at slow speeds over minor bumps in the road, an abnormal clunking noise would emit from the vehicle. He also stated that as the failure was intermittent and that no warning light would appear on the instrument panel during the failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a service center where a service manager requested to ride along with the contact to evaluate the failure. The service manager was able to diagnose the failure and the service center replaced the fore link assembly on the driver’s side as well as other parts on the suspension. The contact questioned why the passenger’s side fore link assembly was not repaired. The contact was informed that the passenger’s side had no visible damage. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was 13,224.

NHTSA ODI 11443039

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Front suspension failed while driving on highway at about 60MPH. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car was hard to steer on highway when the the front suspension failed. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Tesla service confirmed that front suspension failed and did the replacement. See the attached receipts for details. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No

NHTSA ODI 11440225

I was parallel parking and as I was turning the steering wheel I heard a loud think. Without thinking too much about it, I continued to try to park and get my car out of the way. There began to feel pressure on the front tire so I got out to evaluate the issue. I saw that the tire was attached to the arch liner of the vehicle. I quickly ran back into the car to straighten out the wheel. I then noticed the car was able to drive but when applying the break, the tire would touch/move onto the arch liner. I called roadside assistance and when they arrived, we evaluated that the force link in the suspension snapped. He asked if I hit anything but there was absolutely no impact, contact, potholes associated with this break. It seems to be faulty mechanics. Thankfully I was parking and not driving on a highway.

NHTSA ODI 11437878

- What component or system failed or malfunctioned - Front suspension Fore Link - Fore Link Assy - How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Yes - Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer? - Yes - Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer? - Yes - Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - No There is a TSB for this issue. However my car was just outside the recall window.

NHTSA ODI 11437820

While driving in heavy traffic on highway 92, the left hand fore link assembly (Tesla part no 1041570-00-B) finally cracked. A loud crunch and a dark smoke plume was let out as the front left tire made contact with the wheel well. I stopped to check for a blown tire, but found none. The vehicle was still operable and maneuverable, though for any braking or more than mild turning, the tire again made contact with the wheel well and gave off loud crunching sounds. No warning lamps or messages prior to the failure, but some weeks prior, the left fore wheel's tire thread depth had started wearing down significantly – down to 1mm, vs the others being 4, 6, and 4 – this part had probably been slowly degrading until it finally cracked and failed permanently on the road. This problem is apparently widely experienced, reported, and published (see https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/cracked-forelink.95637 for others experiencing it at least back through 2017). I towed the vehicle to my nearest Tesla service center, and though it apparently is common and seems like a production defect, I had to pay for the whole repair of both fore link assemblies myself.

NHTSA ODI 11437430

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

The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, an unknown dealer informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated while driving 55-65 MPH, the navigation screen inadvertently turned blank. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The contact also stated that the rearview camera would turn on with delay while reversing. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000. Parts distribution disconnect

NHTSA ODI 11436612

I have a 2017 Tesla Model S whose warranty just expired. The Model S is known for door handle defects and my car is no exception. The door handles on the Model S extend and retract and the defective design causes wire failure. This is well documented on the teslamotorsclub.com forums. I paid Tesla to replace the front passenger handle which would present but not open the door when pulled. Since this was an inconvenience and a safety issue I paid to have it replaced even though Tesla should cover the defect repair. I just checked my remaining door handles and they do not extend to open the door when the car is unlocked. The only one that functions is the new one I paid to replace. This means that if I were unconscious in the drivers seat anyone responding to aid me wouldn’t be able to open my door from the outside. In fact unless they started breaking in only one door would work. My chances don’t sound that great! I contacted Tesla with my concerns and they have provided me with a quote for replacement. I think they should cover the repair and recall all Model S to replace known defective handles. My car has version 2.5 of the defective design. The replacement I paid for is the 3.0 design which allegedly finally fixes the defect. I’m a Tesla shareholder and I know it would be expensive but everyone should have working door handles.

NHTSA ODI 11435992

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

Backing up into a parking space I heard a loud pop, soon after driving back home I noticed something felt loose on the LH side , come to find out my left fore link had snapped , my vehicle has low miles not even 25k and it snapped ! What if this would have happens at higher speeds! Supper scary! There needs to be a remedy to this!! RECALL!!

NHTSA ODI 11435483

Front passenger fore link broke while driving. Normal daily driving. Miles 29,426. Tesla is charging me for the repair even though it’s a known defect. Have photos to prove it.

NHTSA ODI 11434796

I was pulling out of my garage when I had trouble turning the wheel and there was this cracking sound from the front of the car. I looked at the left front tire and there was a liner inside the wheel well that crumpled against the tire and the steering was not responding the way it should. I pulled the car back into the garage as the car could not be safely driven. My wife and I were about to take a 3 hour road trip. Thankfully this happened when we just started on the road and not when we were driving 60 mph on the highway. I made an appointment with Tesla. The service technician came to the house a week later (the car remained in the garage) and told me I had to have the car towed to the Tesla service center; which I did today. He told me that the front control arm had snapped off. Tesla Service center currently has the car. I do have a piece that broke off from the car that I recovered inside my garage. There were no warning messages or other symptoms that I am aware off to the best of my recollection.

NHTSA ODI 11429671

The contact owns a 2017 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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the center console and display screen would go completely black. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11428960

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

Reversing out of my driveway and front driver side suspension control arm broke. Wheel smashed into wheel well crumpling in some sections and damaging other car paneling. Car was unable to drive and partially blocked street until towed. No warning lights or errors were present before or after the incident. Vehicle has not been inspected by anyone yet. Safety was not greatly compromised aside, but had failure had occurred on busier street or higher speeds could have been catastrophic.

NHTSA ODI 11427093

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

Front RH side lower control arm unexpectedly snapped without any outside collision or driving error. Moving at low speed. Avoided catastrophic incident being on a local road and not the highway.

NHTSA ODI 11422788

2017 Model S 75D, Suspension Defect. Pulling out of my garage, I heard a snap when I turned the steering wheel. I drove about 1 mile and could hear clicking. Did not receive an error message from the car, but I came back home and made an appointment with Tesla Repair. I tried to drive it to the appointment, but the entire front end of the car dropped and scraped as I pulled it out of my garage. I called Tesla Roadside assistance and had it towed to the Tesla repair shop. I never received any warning or messages from the car system.

NHTSA ODI 11422366

The upper control arm was replaced by Tesla outside of warranty because, as mentioned by technician, "the upper control arm ball joint was rubbing metal on metal and will fail eventually". I initially noticed this when the wheels were squeaking loudly while turning the wheel. According to the technician, this has been a common issue on the car. I realize Tesla did a recall in China but not in US so I'm submitting this info in case the data is helpful for any potential recall in the future. Please contact me for videos.

NHTSA ODI 11422032

The contact owns a 2017 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 local dealer 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 had experienced an unstated the failure. The failure mileage was 18,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11420419

The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the instrument panel went blank and the contact was unable to control any electronic features inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the Back Over Prevention warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he experienced the failure several times per week. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed that the software needed to be updated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting). The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and was informed the vehicle was not eligible for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 11418717

2017 Tesla Model. Consumer writes in regards to multiple issues with multimedia unit. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MULTIMEDIA UNIT REBOOTED REPEATEDLY, THE UNIT WOULD FREEZE PREVENTING THE OPERATION OF THE TURN SIGNALS AND CLIMATE CONTROL, AND THERE WAS YELLOEING AROUND THE EDGES OF THE SCREEN. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE RADIO WAS DAMAGED DURING THE REPAIR PROCESS. THE CONSUMER DECLINED TO PAY FOR THE COST OF THE RADIO REPAIR. THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO SUBMIT A REIMBURSEMENT FORM, AFTER RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE MULTIMEDIA UNIT BUT, WAS DECLINED.

NHTSA ODI 11418725

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