2012 Tesla Model S Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 10%of 61 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,700miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the visibility of the 2012 Tesla Model S, 10% of the 61 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,700 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The heater and defroster stopped working in this cold weather as we were driving home with my sons. They were freezing and cold. I was not able to see clearly rather very foggy windshield due to non-working cabin heater and defroster. This issue had happened to many many Tesla owners, infact Model S like mine and even the brand new Tesla model 3 and model y with just less than 10o miles. This clearly is a huge negligence on the part of Tesla not wanting to fix the issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11385791, filed 2020-12, 56,700 miles“This is related to NHTSA recall 21V-035. Tesla replaced the 8Gb memory card with a 64Gb memory card (so I'm told) but the main car display screen still does not function most of the time. This results in; -unavailability of the rearview camera display -defrost/defog control settings unavailable for purposes of ensuring visibility -and exterior turn signal lighting may increase the risk of a crash I've had this to Tesla twice now but it has not been fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #11432144, filed 2021-09“I tried to start the car and got the “Center Display unavailable” message. Reset the computer doesn’t help. I have to wait for more than 5 minutes for the system to be on.”
NHTSA complaint #11495377, filed 2022-11“The contact owns a 2012 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting). The contact stated that the center display screen failed to operate as needed. The dealer had been notified about the recall; however, the contact was informed that he did not qualify for the recall despite having received a letter for the recall. The manufacturer had not been notified of the issue. The contact stated that recently the center display screen started to operate as needed. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000. …”
NHTSA complaint #11434130, filed 2021-09, 51,000 milesRelated recalls
- 21V035000Jan 29, 2021Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2018 Tesla Model S and 2016-2018 Model X vehicles with a center display equipped with a NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor…Covers: Tesla Model S 2012–2018, Model X 2016–2018
Related service bulletins
- 10142978Dec 14, 2017On Model S, the windshield wiper motor bracket might become loose, resulting in a popping or clicking noise during windshield wiper operation.
- 10110742Mar 27, 2017Some Model S vehicles might experience wind noise from the leading edge of the panoramic roof at high speed.
- 10057920Apr 12, 2013Tesla motors inc. : service bulletin supersedes sb-12-95-002 revision dated november 12, 2012 . Mrb parts returns list for all non-maintenance related model s parts except…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 14% |
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 6 | 5% |
| 2022 | 6 | 4% |
| 2021 | 4 | 2% |
| 2019 | 3 | 7% |
| 2018 | 4 | 2% |
| 2017 | 25 | 6% |
| 2016 | 39 | 6% |
| 2015 | 39 | 6% |
| 2014 | 17 | 5% |
| 2013 | 22 | 5% |
| 2012 | 6 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2012 Tesla Model S
37 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Tesla Model S
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology