114 of the
673 complaints about the 2017 Tesla Model S are about the
electrical system — 17% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
35,125 miles.
2017 Tesla Model S P100D. Vehicle received a paid MCU2 infotainment upgrade (MCU1 to MCU2), which replaced both the center touchscreen computer and the instrument cluster. The original MCU1 architecture used an independent computer for the instrument cluster, providing redundancy. The MCU2 retrofit consolidated both displays onto a single processor with no fallback mode. The first MCU2 replacement unit experienced a touchscreen digitizer failure — touch input stopped responding but the displays remained powered and the instrument cluster continued to function. Tesla replaced it with a second MCU2 unit. The second MCU2 unit has experienced three complete blackout events where both the center display and the instrument cluster simultaneously lose all power — no backlight, no image, no data. One of these events occurred while driving at speed on the road. I lost all instrumentation: speedometer, gear indicator, turn signal feedback, warning lamps, backup camera, and climate controls. I had to pull over with no way to confirm my speed or signal to other drivers. The vehicle remained mechanically drivable — steering, brakes, and motor continued to function. During the recent blackout a few days back, the vehicle had been stored in a closed garage and was not heat-soaked. I have video evidence of the car with both screens completely dead while the vehicle is in gear and moving. A scroll-wheel reboot restored the screens each time. This is my fourth service visit to Tesla for this upgrade. The MCU2 architecture provides no independent fallback display for critical safety information such as speed, gear state, or warning indicators during a processor crash. The prior MCU1 system maintained instrument cluster functionality independently of the infotainment computer.
NHTSA complaint #11755807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Natick, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My Tesla wouldn’t charge at Level 3, 2, or 1 charger resulting in the need for the tow and further service hours. Following the service I was told it was a software issue and that a power cycle resolved the issue which locked out the charging. It’s deeply concerning and baffling that this could happen at anytime resulting in days or weeks or down time for what is ultimately a software issue. This is my fourth hardware related software issue following a Tesla update.
NHTSA complaint #11752080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, CACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:PARKING ASSIST:SENSORS
Here’s a clear, professional paragraph you can use for your NHTSA report: ⸻ While using Tesla’s Auto Summon feature in a controlled parking environment, my vehicle (2017 Tesla Model S) made unintended contact with a stationary garage pillar. At the time, I was actively supervising the vehicle as required, and it was operating at low speed. The vehicle appeared to misjudge clearance while maneuvering, resulting in a sideswipe to the front passenger side and damage to the side mirror. This incident posed a safety risk as the vehicle’s automated steering did not maintain adequate distance from a fixed object, which could present greater danger in tighter environments or near pedestrians. There were no warning lamps, alerts, or abnormal sounds prior to the incident to indicate an imminent issue. No emergency crews responded, and there were no injuries. The collision involved only a stationary object (garage pillar).
NHTSA complaint #11729097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sonora, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The charge port latch failed to release the mobile connector (consistent with TSB SB-18-44-002) I had to call Tesla customer service for manual release instructions, which was very difficult to get through to (unclear through the Tesla App) After manual release, the mobile connector was damaged since it got stuck during a rainstorm. Tesla replaced the entire charging port for ~$1,000 without first testing the mobile connector Though a known defect, TSB SB-18-44-002 was never applied to my vehicle and since my vehicle was out of warranty, I was charge for the full replacement of the charging port. I was put at risk because I was stranded with a charging port cable unable to release from my vehicle and unable to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11723641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yorba Linda, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This is a supplemental filing to my prior NHTSA complaint (#11697718) regarding a high-voltage isolation fault and shutdown risk. The vehicle displayed warnings including “vehicle may shut down during driving,” “may not charge,” and repeated BMS isolation fault messages. It became inoperable at a public charging station. The manufacturer confirmed isolation faults in the drive unit and the A/C compressor. Their own service notes stated that the vehicle “may shut down during regular driving” and that charging “may not be safe.” Despite this, the vehicle was left at 0% state of charge for an extended period and then charged by the manufacturer. They later stated to a regulator that the vehicle was “trickle charged at 1 amp for 6 hours,” but the vehicle’s range increased by approximately 100 miles, which is not physically possible at that charging current (1 amp at 240V for 6 hours = 1.44 kWh ≈ 4–5 miles). This discrepancy suggests the vehicle may have been charged at a higher rate than claimed and without proper cooling, despite the documented A/C failure that is necessary for battery thermal management. Battery condition is unknown because the manufacturer refused to perform or provide a battery health analysis, isolation resistance values, thermal logs, or charging session data. The safety defect could not be verified as repaired. While this safety issue remained unresolved, the manufacturer rejected a Tesla roadside tow arranged under regulator instruction to second service center and instead arranged an unauthorized tow to remove the vehicle from their facility without my consent. The vehicle was taken to a non-manufacturer storage lot while still in an unsafe state. I am concerned about: • high-voltage isolation faults, • shutdown risk during driving, • unsafe charging performed by the manufacturer, • possible battery damage from low SOC and charging without A/C cooling, and • mishandling of an active safety defect. The vehicle is available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11701872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yorba Linda, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This is an update to NHTSA Complaint #XXX with new safety information. My 2017 Tesla Model S (VIN [XXX] ) has a confirmed high-voltage isolation fault. Tesla replaced the rear drive unit under warranty, but Tesla’s own technician notes now state: “There is a risk of isolation alerts reoccurring during regular driving, use of HVAC system, or DC charging.” “Vehicle may power off due to isolation faults when the air conditioning is used.” This is Tesla acknowledging in writing that the vehicle may shut off during normal driving, even after repair. This presents a serious crash risk. The original failure occurred during Supercharging, with warnings including: • “Electrical system power reduced — vehicle may shut down unexpectedly” • “Vehicle may not restart” • “Air conditioning reduced — DC charging reduced” Tesla reproduced the isolation fault during diagnosis. Even after replacing the rear drive unit, Tesla documented that the isolation defect still exists and prevents a battery health check or DC fast-charge validation. Tesla has attempted to return the vehicle to me in this unsafe condition, while admitting the defect persists. They also stated they may charge storage fees or tow the vehicle, despite the unresolved safety issue. The defect affects the HV bus and can cause loss of propulsion, shutdown during driving, and charging failure. Tesla has not provided numeric test results (megohm isolation readings, insulation tests, or validation data) proving the vehicle is safe. This is an ongoing, manufacturer-confirmed HV isolation defect that can lead to sudden power loss. I request NHTSA review Tesla’s handling of this issue and link this filing to Case #XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11699154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yorba Linda, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While charging at a Tesla Supercharger, the vehicle began making extremely loud mechanical noises on October 7, 2025, as if something inside the high-voltage system was about to explode. A warning appeared stating “Vehicle may shut down at any time.” A service request was opened the next day. Tesla scheduled the first available appointment nearly a month later, leaving the vehicle unsafe to drive. Before that appointment date, on October 31, 2025, the vehicle completely shut down at a Supercharger and could not be restarted. Tesla Roadside Assistance was dispatched three times before the car was successfully towed to a Tesla Service Center. The failure was diagnosed by the service center as a high-voltage isolation fault logged in the Battery Management System. The problem disables the vehicle suddenly and without warning, posing a serious safety hazard if it occurs while driving. Warning lamps and shutdown messages were present prior to the failure. Tesla service staff stated they could not access diagnostic data until the customer paid for unrelated parts (12-volt battery and A/C compressor). After being challenged, they later retrieved limited battery data proving that the high-voltage system had recorded faults. Tesla has not yet issued a written warranty determination or performed a full battery inspection. The incident demonstrates that a high-voltage battery isolation fault can cause the vehicle to become completely inoperable and may create risk of sudden loss of power while driving or charging. The component (battery pack and related electrical systems) remains in Tesla’s possession and can be inspected upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11697718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Natick, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have documented examples of 3 total incidents now where a Tesla OTA "Update" on my vehicle caused a safety issue. Event 1: Nov 27, 2025. Tesla OTA Update renders my left turn light non-functional for ~24 hours. Resolution per forums only was to not touch the card for 24 hours to allow it to shift into "sleep" mode which would resolve the issue. Instructions were that only a service center could resolve the issue. Event 2: Sept 3, 2025. Tesla OTA Update renders my car unable to charge. The issue is resolved following a ~24 hour "sleep" cycle which allows my car to somehow resume charging. Telsa advised the only resolution was to come in for service and to replace a $3000 part. Event 3: Sept 23, 2025. Tesla OTA Update once again renders my car unable to use it's left turn light. Power cycling the vehicle was able to resolve the issue but once again the instructions was only that service could resolve the issue. Each "update" risks sigificant "safety" related issues and Tesla's only resolution is to pay hundreds of dollars for someone to "troubleshoot" that which shouldn't be a problem.
NHTSA complaint #11689254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kendall Park, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Tesla originally confirmed issues with the MCU1 system in my vehicle and upgraded it to MCU2. I Paid $1,599 for the repair/upgrade. Since then, the center screen has continued shutting off while driving. When this happens, the instrument cluster and controls go dark, I cannot see my speed, use the blinkers to signal, operate the AC/defroster, or access other critical vehicle functions. This has occurred multiple times on highways, including US-22 in New Jersey, which created serious danger because I could not monitor speed or signal properly. Although Tesla addressed the MCU1 problem by upgrading me to MCU2, they told me afterward the vehicle was still “safe to drive,” despite the failures continuing. I believe this is unsafe because I lose visibility of all driving information and access to basic controls. Tesla now refuses to repair these ongoing problems. After I raised complaints about the severity of the issue, I was dismissed and mocked for my speech disability during phone calls, and Tesla placed me on a service restriction. As a result, I am unable to obtain further repairs for this safety defect. I am afraid to drive the car. No Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assistance, Parking Collision Warning, or Rear Cross Traffic Warning features were involved in this failure.
NHTSA complaint #11682696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bradenton, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V838000 (Electrical System) and 24V051000 (Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11636368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #11609663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roxbury, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V838000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The contact was informed by the Tesla Service Center that the infotainment system hardware needed to be replaced for the software update under the recall. VIN tool showed no open recall.
NHTSA complaint #11601214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bonita Springs, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V838000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local service center was contacted. 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 not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11587384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orange, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at 60 MPH in autopilot and changing lanes, the vehicle jerked violently to the left. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V838000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11579908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Jose, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V838000 (Electrical System) however, the recall was not repaired. The contact stated there was several appointments made to repair the vehicle under recall, but the appointments were cancelled. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated an appointment was later granted, however the repair to the fix the recall was not applied, and it was reported as repaired as it no longer showed as an unrepaired recall for the VIN. VIN tool shows no open recall.
NHTSA complaint #11577554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redondo Beach, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V838000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. In addition, the contact stated that the software would reboot while driving. Due to the failure, the defrost system was inoperable while driving in inclement weather. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11576010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FLCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While in autosteer, I pressed on the brakes which normally deactivates the autosteer while coming to a stop. In this particular case the car did not brake upon command and the car maintained acceleration thru a stop light and veered into a median causing a collision with a curb causing structural damage to the frame of the vehicle. I have put in a claim with both my insurance and Tesla and advise that the brakes did not activate in a timely fashion upon disengaging from Autosteer thus causing the collision and was advise by Tesla that I would be responsible to cover the damages when the accident was caused by the vehicle not disengaging. I was only advised after the fact of the recall for the very reason I complained to Tesla in the first place and have been waiting 5 months for a resolution.
NHTSA complaint #11575851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V838000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that he had opened several service tickets with the manufacturer for the recall repair. The manufacturer informed the contact twice that the update for the recall remedy software version 2023.44.30 had been performed on the vehicle; however, the contact verified that the current software installed on the vehicle was version 2022.8.10.17. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that they did not have a software version 2023.44.30 available for his vehicle at the time. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11575659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irving, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V051000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. 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 not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11572377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V838000 (Electrical System) however, the contact was informed by the dealer, that the computer needed to be updated from Media Control Unit 1 to Media Control Unit 2 to receive proper software updates. The contact stated the vehicle was using the latest autosteer computer software however, the infotainment was using on the Media Control Unit 1 computer which was no longer receiving software updates or safety updates. The contact stated that the computer was able to receive updates, however, the manufacturer chose not to write codes for the older computers due to the cost. The vehicle was not updated version 2022.8.10.16 to the necessary version 2023.44.30 or later due to the cost. The approximate failure mileage was 91,840.
NHTSA complaint #11572193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,840 milesLos Angeles, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V838000 (Electrical System) however, the contact was informed by the dealer, that the computer needed to be updated from Media Control Unit 1 to Media Control Unit 2 to receive proper software updates. The contact stated the vehicle was using the latest autosteer computer software however, the infotainment was using on the Media Control Unit 1 computer which was no longer receiving software updates or safety updates. The contact stated that the computer was able to receive updates, however, the manufacturer chose not to write codes for the older computers due to the cost. The vehicle was not updated version 2022.8.10.16 to the necessary version 2023.44.30 or later due to the cost. The approximate failure mileage was 91,840.
NHTSA complaint #11572193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pocatello, ID
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The screen that shows the rear view camera turns on intermittently when engaged. It will often not turn on when shipped to reverse. The sentry system has stopped working as well as the main screen will shut off while driving from time to time, which removes the ability to turn on any heat or air, defroster etc... This was a previous recall and I am a new purchaser of the vehicle. I notified Tesla, they stated that they see where it is having issues but it was already recalled and fixed and any new fixes are no longer under the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11541254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beverly, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The back-up camera is not functioning. I get a black screen whenever I put the car in reverse. I can use the mirrors but the visibility behind the car is not very good. This makes it much ch more difficult to back out and avoid other cars and pedestrians. I have tried to reset/restart the various software systems with no improvement. I understand there is a recall for other Model 3 and Model S cars, I don’t u sweats d how my VIN is not covered as it has tb exact same issue as reported for the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11528020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V085000 (Steering, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to make right and left turns as signaled by the software. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11525450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesChandler, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the steering wheel electronics malfunctioned causing the horn to become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local service center to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the horn failure was caused by a faulty steering wheel air bag module assembly, and that the module assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #11523203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Centennial, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This is a 2017 Tesla Model S with 31K miles. The vehicle has lost its ability to charge on ny AC current. Only charges with DC from Tesla supercharger. Service told me that I needed a replacement part (Kit, Service, Gen3, charge sys, 48A, 1PH (1462537-02-E). Invoiced amount was $2500. Tesla refused to cover under 8 year battery warranty even though the problem is directly related to charging the battery.
NHTSA complaint #11505934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redwood City, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The emergency trunk release does not work when the cinch motor fails on the power tailgate. Part is scheduled to be replaced by Tesla.
NHTSA complaint #11502489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodinville, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
coolant leaking, before tesla can even look at my car they say i need new valves. Only way they could know this is if there is a faulty part. This should be a recall! Believe this is the Battery coolant.
NHTSA complaint #11493191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Tesla designs a single piece headlight with no serviceable parts. This includes headlights, high beams, and namely daytime running lights. All of these components are on an LED strip that overheats and un-solders due to this high heat, which causes premature failure. Some owners have reported as little as 3 months of life before failing. The daytime running lights are essential for safety driving in low light situations. These daytime running lights are seemingly built to fail. The lights dim then eventually no longer work. Tesla's solution is to have the customer purchase a brand new headlight at $1438.33. My vehicle is 4 years old and has been through. Tesla should either goodwill swap out these headlights for a non-built to fail component, or offer a repair for a quality LED strip with proper heat distribution. Without daytime running lights safety is a major concern on foggy, rainy, and low light situations. I have attached an image showing how the failure begins on top then slowly goes all the way down to the side of the headlight which fails later.
NHTSA complaint #11491517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,000 milesWilliamstown, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, he noticed that the 17-inch center display screen was black. The message "Wait For Start" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle tuned on after nearly 20 minutes. The contact was able to drive the vehicle, however, the center display screen remained black. The contact was unable to monitor the vehicle's speed and other functions while driving. The contact attempted to contact the manufacturer several times, however, the phone line was not being answered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.
NHTSA complaint #11488946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.