2014 Tesla Model S Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 5%of 367 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,941miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the visibility of the 2014 Tesla Model S, 5% of the 367 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,941 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.
“I have owned this vehicle since dec 2014. I have replaced 2 windshields and had 2 other rock-chips filled. I have seen numerous things on Tesla blogs regarding multiple windshield cracks & chips from other owners. I just had one today due to a small rock where I was 2 car lengths back on the interstate. I recall only 2 other windshield repair/replacements on my cars since 2001.”
NHTSA complaint #11024253, filed 2017-09, 46,000 miles“When starting my vehicle, the vehicle's center console screen did not power on. The instrument cluster (behind steering wheel) did power on, but the vehicle was very slow (about 2 minutes) before it could be put into drive (the instrument cluster said that vehicle was powering up). I then attempted to restart the center console screen (mcu) manually (by pressing both buttons on steering wheel for 20 seconds), but nothing happened. …”
NHTSA complaint #11340296, filed 2020-07, 46,000 miles“When I went to start the car the central touchscreen failed. Could not control the lights, A/C, heating, could not recharge the car. Tesla charged me out of warranty over $2000 to replace the touchscreen with a refurbished one. They refused to give the old part to me even though this was replaced in nevada where the law states that they have to give the old parts back to the owner. I had to pay them another $1000 to get the part back as it contained so much private information.”
NHTSA complaint #11330856, filed 2020-06, 74,000 miles“On may 19th, I attempted to start the car but found that the main central touchscreen would not turn on. Multiple attempts to start, including all available reboot options as instructed by Tesla tech support via phone failed to restart the screen. Because service had to be performed at the dealership in atlanta, I was forced to drive the vehicle without the touchscreen. While basic functions were available, the loss of the touchscreen created a significant safety issue. I had to drive roughly 75 miles on the interstate during a heavy rainstorm. …”
NHTSA complaint #11338530, filed 2020-07, 80,000 miles“The media control unit (mcu) failed - this control unit should not be a consumable or wear part - when it fails the turn signals do not operate, the windshield defogger cannot be operated, and many other critical safety systems impacted - the mcu has been acting up and not normal for past 9 -12 months then finally failed completely 07/27/20”
NHTSA complaint #11342313, filed 2020-07, 91,000 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.
- 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 2014 Tesla Model S
133 complaintsSuspension
90 complaintsOther or unknown
83 complaintsExterior lighting
27 complaintsSteering
27 complaintsBody and structure
27 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
27 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsVehicle speed control
22 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsEngine
12 complaintsBrakes
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2014 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