2013 Tesla Model S Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 5%of 461 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the visibility of the 2013 Tesla Model S, 5% of the 461 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,500 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Mcu main computer failed, prevented me from using defrost couldn't see while driving almost caused an accident as my entire front window view got block. The mcu allows you to use the screen which lets you turn on defrost. Very dangerous situation. This also controls your headlights.”
NHTSA complaint #11361430, filed 2020-09, 55,841 miles“I own a 2013 Tesla Model S that has lost the mcu and will no longer charge. In addition, the mcu causes the touch screen to open very slowly. I have complained and Tesla would not replace the mcu and not compensate me for the inability to charge the car. The original complaint was that the touchscreen would not come on at all. I could not see any information whatsoever, during Tesla's attempt to fix the screen, I lost the ability to charge the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11374941, filed 2020-11, 115,000 miles“The media control unit (mcu) in my 2013 Tesla Model S stopped working when I rebooted the car while stationary (commonly needed to restore lost functionality), apparently due to a failure of the embedded multi-media card (emmc) memory. …”
NHTSA complaint #11363170, filed 2020-10, 69,000 miles“Was supercharging about 7 hours away from home, my screen turned off and would not reboot.. The dreaded mcu failure every Tesla owner fears, and every service center pretends does not exist. My car would not power off, as we were at the beach my A/C was on full blast. My car was now driveable with no key, and the doors would not lock whatsoever. Anyone with or without a key could just walk up touch the handle and get into my car. I had to stay close to superchargers as my A/C drained the battery heavily. …”
NHTSA complaint #11363100, filed 2020-10, 90,000 miles“The main/center screen blacks out on my Tesla, which is where all the car controls and back-up camera is viewed. Even when it doesn't completely black out, the back up camera doesn't function as it just stays frozen a lot of the time. Outside of the backup camera issues, all other functions, like turning on or off headlights is also impacted. At other times it seems like it impacts charging the car, which can leave me dead if I cannot charge. Other functions have also been impacted like turning air conditioning and navigation, however not necessarily safety issues. …”
NHTSA complaint #11374928, filed 2020-11, 60,000 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 2013 Tesla Model S
195 complaintsOther or unknown
122 complaintsSuspension
92 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
35 complaintsSteering
29 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsVehicle speed control
25 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsEngine
21 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsAir bags
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 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