2017 Tesla Model S other reported problems

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am reporting a serious safety defect regarding the front control arms on my 2017 Tesla Model S (VIN: [XXX] ). The front control arm bushings are failing, with visible cracking and tearing, as documented by a certified mechanic. These failures directly compromise vehicle steering, handling, and safety, creating a high risk of loss of control or accident. Tesla has issued a known service bulletin related to this issue, yet refused to perform repairs free of charge, despite acknowledging the bulletin exists. Timeline of Communications and Attempts to Resolve: Dec 2015 – First reported issue to Tesla Service Center. Inspection was refused without a payment of $270. Tesla claimed the vehicle was out of warranty and refused free inspection or repair. Independent Mechanic Inspection – Confirmed front control arm bushings are cracked/ripped; photos were taken. Dec 27, 2025 – Email sent to [XXX] . Received a call from a local Tesla center stating nothing could be done because the car was out of warranty. I explained it is a safety issue, but it was disregarded. Jan 10 and Jan 18, 2026 – Follow-up emails sent to [XXX] , but no response was received. Jan 23, 2026 – Email sent to [XXX] , documenting safety concerns and service bulletin reference; no acknowledgment or response was received. I and Tesla have all the emails amd photos but unfortunately I was nit able to attach. If requested I can email or fi d out ways to shareholders. Please let me know. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11718165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

CRITICAL SAFETY FAILURE: Loss of Driver Override and Extreme HMI/Signaling Latency. 1. Loss of Override & Unintended Acceleration: While operating FSD (Supervised), the vehicle ignored a 65 mph set-point and accelerated to 80 mph. I attempted to reduce speed by pulling down on the steering stalk 4-5 times, but the vehicle ignored all manual inputs, requiring a hard disengagement. 2. Lane Departure / Path Failure: The vehicle failed to maintain lane centering, specifically crossing over the centerline into opposing traffic. This occured without warning or system-initiated steering alerts 3. False Signaling / Path Failure: I’ve seen at least two occurrences where system exhibits dangerous signaling conflicts, such as activating a right-turn signal while simultaneously executing a left-turn maneuver. One time it was on a 45–55 mph rural corridor where trailing drivers frequently overtake slower vehicles. A false right-turn signal acts as a dangerous "all-clear" for a trailing driver to pass on the left, creating a high- probability broadside collision scenario when the Tesla physically executes its left turn. I have no idea if this has occurred more than these two times as I don’t check this. The other time I caught on video, by chance, as I was trying to capture the surging behavior to show the Tesla service center 4. Audio & Visual HMI Latency: Audible instructions arrive 100+ feet after turns, and the map UI auto-zooms away from the driver’s focus, requiring constant manual screen contact to view street names. This forces significant Visual-Manual Distraction. 5. Confirmed Inadequacy: Tesla Service Invoice #[XXX] (Jan 27, 2025) documents: 'The current computer is a little too slow for full self driving function...' confirming the hardware is unfit for safety-critical processing. This incident is directly relevant to NHTSA Investigation PE25012. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11710572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I am reporting multiple safety-related defects on my 2017 Tesla Model S (VIN [XXX] ) that were present at the time of purchase but not disclosed by the selling dealer (Starling Ford, Titusville, FL). A certified independent EV repair facility (The Electrified Garage) inspected the vehicle on 11/17/2025 and documented the following safety defects: • failing/worn suspension components (control arms, thrust arms, cracked bushings) • torn sway-bar link boots • inoperative right-rear window regulator • driver window contacting internal wiring harness • moisture in the rear inner tail lamp • previous A/C drain blockage causing interior water intrusion These issues pose risks related to steering stability, electrical safety, visibility, and structural integrity. All of these conditions existed prior to the sale and were not disclosed. I am requesting NHTSA to log this complaint for federal safety review as these defects involve suspension, electrical moisture intrusion, and visibility issues that may impact the safe operation of the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11701035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Car auto accelerated in parking lot structure. Hit column; air bags did not deploy so no injury to me, the driver. Dealer refuses to confirm the data to support their conclusion that driver was at fault. Vehicle inspected by dealer owned collision center and dealer related insurance company. No warning or messages prior to auto acceleration.

NHTSA complaint #11649563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Tesla Model S has a problem when the electronic actuator for the rear lift gate failed, it cannot be opened unless serviced by Tesla. This creates a safety concern - (1) - The emergency release cable is hard to locate because it is covered by plastic that is only engraved with a picture making it impossible to find a dim/dark situation. (2) The emergency cable failed to unlatch the lift gate making it impossible to open if someone is trapped inside. There is no way to open the lift gate until someone remove the trim and peel off the cover and experiment with unplug / replug the connection wire and hope it will unlock the lift gate making it impossible for most owners. (3) When the actuator failed, the instrument cluster should not just say rear lift gate is open, proceed with caution, it should provide descriptive warnings the gate may fly open, from outside it looks like it is closed and cannot be manually lift up and driver. The driver likely will continue to drive and all warnings stop after reaching 35 mph once until the next drive. (4) On older model, there is option for child jump seats for kids and toddlers. This will be a nightmare if the electronic part failed but no way to open it until serviced by Tesla. This is not a one off problem but a common problem as reported here and easily searchable on the internet. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11612214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Tesla will not let me update my software to correct the safety issue. Please compel Tesla to update my vehicle's software. I received a recall letter stating my vehicle's software needs to be updated. I checked my vehicle and the letter is correct; my software is out of date. However, when I tried to update my software the vehicle tells me that I have the most up to date software. I tried to make a service appointment three times to have the software updated. However, every time I tried to schedule an appointment, the Tesla app tells me that my vehicle has the most up to date software and "service is not required." The app will not let me make an appointment to update the software.

NHTSA complaint #11590867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I received a recall notice (NHTSA recall no: 23V-838) early February 2024 about a recall related to Autosteer, increasing the risk for collision. The remedy specified was that I will be receiving an OTA firmware update and it should be remedied as long as the vehicle is running 2023.44.30 software version or later (free of charge). But until today, I have not received this update and my vehicle (as of 4/27/2024) is running 2022.8.10.20 . The reason the Tesla service center is giving me is that this is because my vehicle is on MCU1 (infotainment version) and I might need to pay around ~$2000 to upgrade the hardware to MCU2 to get the new software version. I have concerns that even though the letter says I will start receiving updates in Dec 2023, I havent received it yet and is risky.

NHTSA complaint #11585645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Autopilot drove me off the road during turning right on Hwy 183 on April 4, 2023. 9:04 pm. My tesla Model S was on Autopilot and Car went off the road during right turn and about to hit the red light pole.

NHTSA complaint #11581251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Tesla has failed to provide the software updates to fix the recalls on my and ALL other MCU1 cars that have FSD paid for. This is because Tesla has not delivered sent FSD to these cars, and hopes owners will pay $2,000 to upgrade to MCU2. Tesla has LIED that all cars with FSD paid for will be upgraded to the required hardware necessary to use FSD. This has now became a safety issue as recalls are not being addressed!! Tesla States vehicles should be running software version 2023.44.30 or later... We are stuck at 2022.8.10!

NHTSA complaint #11579551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Upon use of the vehicle defroster feature in cold weather, my windshield cracked. There was no impact to the windshield. The vehicle cabin is bound by glass and spontaneously cracking glass during normal use of the vehicle is not safe.

NHTSA complaint #11571727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Center screen is leaking gel and is discolored.

NHTSA complaint #11533604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1. Component; Tesla tried to push version 2022.8.10.12 (currently am on version 2022.8.10.8) This caused MCU 2.5 to no longer communicate with the Instrument cluster screen. 2. Saftey; a. Instrument cluster doesn't indicate whether vehicle is in Drive or Reverse mode. 3. & 4. On 7/19/23 Tesla Tech confirmed issue and duplicated issue. 5. Issue commenced shortly before 7/15/23 when the software update was pushed by OTA from Tesla. The warning lights on the Instrument cluster have been photographed and provided to Tesla prior to the tech scheduled appointment 7/19/23. Auto was working fine before the sw update, now Tesla wants $2,800 for me to update the hardware.(first quoted $1500 then see chat incresing pricing. Yesterday when driving car on freeway at 55 mph, the IC showed only going 8mph no matter what speed I was going.

NHTSA complaint #11533501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When using the automated cruise control or full self driving, it will unexpectedly phantom brake. Seems to happen more when there is full sun. I have the latest updates. Did much better when cloudy, but it would still phantom break a few times during a 12 hour trip. But when in full sun, it did brake 10+ times.

NHTSA complaint #11524072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I was driving at low speed when I suddenly felt a very loud pop and snap. I thought I had a flat tire. The car pulled to the left. I had trouble pulling over and thought I was going to hit someone. I was able to come to a stop abruptly. I checked for a flat and had none. I called Tesla after limping the car home because I could not see a flat. The car had a broken control arm and had completely pulled the left wheel against the frame. Almost like I got something really hard but I hadn't. I had just pulled away from a stop sign when the snap took place. I was put at risk as well as my child. I couldn't control my vehicle. There were no warning messages. The vehicle was repaired by tesla and they didn't even call me to tell me what was wrong with it. I found out it was the control arm from the documents i was given.

NHTSA complaint #11517098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The car, which was equipped by Tesla's Full Self-Driving Beta software v11.3.3, attempted to make a premature left lane change in preparation for a left turn at the light, which almost put me in front of a pickup truck waiting in the center turn lane. Please find the attached dash cam video on this link: https://share.icloud.com/photos/0e9EMY-_AQSWXtCRe9YedeE7A

NHTSA complaint #11514925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Windshield cracked after using Defrost. Had no chips or blemishes on the windshield prior to the incident. Outside temperature was 18F, car was covered in 1in snow from the night before; ran defrost for 20 minutes.Removed snow with plastic bristled brush, drive 5 miles and let it sit after shut down. Came back to see two foot long cracks near the defrost vent.

NHTSA complaint #11513494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

open recall is being refused of service.

NHTSA complaint #11498607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My car hardly functions anymore and the Tesla service center is saying I need a new Infotainment Upgrade. This issue causes the car to not function properly.

NHTSA complaint #11495214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 day

NHTSA complaint #11491528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Fingers can get caught in the retracting door handles which retract if the key fob is pressed while fingers are in the door handle

NHTSA complaint #11485844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My vehicle had a 360-degree dashcam safety recording feature, and a safety feature called Sentry which warns people who are too close to the car or bump the car that it is recording them. Tesla removed the feature from my car, presumably because it did not work with the hardware (they quickly upgraded the next cars), and now shows the Sentry feature in the software and even pretends like it is recording, but it is not. The feature was removed on all HW 2.0 MCU 1 vehicles even though it's paid for in the Advanced Autopilot package. Tesla should have to recall these cars and put in the appropriate hardware that all cars built shortly after my car have once they learned that the equipment they put in was not sufficient for what was advertised. I have recordings from my vehicle from when the feature was there that I can share with you to prove that the feature was there, then it was removed because of the inadequate hardware in the car (rather than recalling them to upgrade the hardware).

NHTSA complaint #11476697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The display screen, which controls the vehicles defrost, a key road visibility function, repeatedly freezes during driving, incapacitating the defrost, heat and cooling systems .This presenta an extreme risk to life and limb that needs immediate attention action that Tesla refuses to address. Tesla has replaced the recalled chip, however, the problem persists and they claim it’s the age of computer and I would have to upgrade it at my expense. They claim my full car warranty doesn’t cover this as a pre-owned vehicle. Given that this is still related to the recall issue with the Tesla computer, they need to repair this at their expense by replacing the unit as they have with others in the past. Please help all affected Tesla owners before someone dies by representing us again as huge multinational company more interested in hitting sales targets than customer safety.

NHTSA complaint #11470546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Went to back into charger and back up camera still showed photo from where car was parked at home before I started my trip. I noticed a car behind me in mirror but picture showed no cars (and wrong location).

NHTSA complaint #11470066 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The backup camera stopped working. I took the vehicle to the Tesla dealership and had to have the camera replaced. I am aware that there is a recall on Model 3 Tesla’s for a camera issue. I have also seen multiple sites online where Tesla drivers report issues with the backup camera for Model S vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11457203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Since Tesla has disabled the radar, and went to vision only, my car is a nightmare to drive on autopilot or FSD on two lane roads at night. Phantom braking, numerous times it has went onto the shoulder thinking an oncoming car a 1/4 away was in our lane, twice it even went into the oncoming traffic lane. Never did this when radar was enabled. My car has radar but they turned it off in software update

NHTSA complaint #11451116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

There is an unresolved eMMC memory chip recall, but all my appointments to have it corrected were canceled, reasoning lock of parts. Tesla claims to have delivered software solution, however my center screen restarts frequently, and during that process several functions do not work. Among them A/C, defroster, heat... The reboot process is initiated automatically and takes anywhere from 3 to 12 minutes. After my recent appointment was canceled i was informed not to make further appointments for this recall.

NHTSA complaint #11450439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.