2017 Tesla Model S Back-over prevention (rear camera) Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 5%of 431 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the back-over prevention of the 2017 Tesla Model S, 5% of the 431 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My Tesla is experiencing the mcu problems outlined in NHTSA ea20-003 from 13 jan 21 and prior. While in motion, on city streets and highways, and regardless of speed, my vehicle's mcu will spontaneously and at random intervals freeze. This results in loss of heat/cooling, front and rear defrosters, infotainment/GPS, adas safety features and convenience, all cameras including backup camera, and turn signal audio indicators. The only resolution is to stop my vehicle, issue a reboot command, and wait up to 10 minutes for systems to restore. …”
NHTSA complaint #11388822, filed 2021-01, 25,000 miles“The Tesla Model S main screen blacked out, causing me to not have access to any of the car's control system other than to drive it (no backup camera, climate control, music, door locking, suspension adjusting, turn signal chiming, and other essential safety featues). When I took it to Tesla, they identified the problem but told me to fix the root of it, I'd have to pay for an mcu2 upgrade of over $1000 even though they know the computer chip is bad (and will go bad again). This happens sometimes while the car is parked and other times when in motion.”
NHTSA complaint #11390558, filed 2021-01, 22,000 miles“The mcu touchscreen fails constantly causing no access to rear view camera, AC controls, navigation, and loss of preset settings for mirrors and drive seat position. Reboot takes over 5 mins while car is in operation to no AC working. Both headlights have been replaced over 10 times due to burned out daytime running lights. I have paid for the last replacement only for it to fail again.”
NHTSA complaint #11375158, filed 2020-11, 108,000 miles“The mcu screen goes blank repeatedly. It requires a reboot. When this occurs loss of numerous vehicle functions occurs which creates safety issues. Control of defogging, rear back up camera etc are some of the last safety features. Currently has only occurred in stationary vehicle”
NHTSA complaint #11375164, filed 2020-11, 17,000 miles“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, filed 2023-08Related service bulletins
- 10110752Apr 19, 2017On some Model S and Model X vehicles with 2nd generation Autopilot, the forward facing camera pitch (vertical angle) might be out of the specifications required for some future…
- 10110749Mar 16, 2017On some vehicles with 2nd generation Autopilot, the forward facing camera pitch (vertical angle) might be out of the specifications required for some future Autopilot features.
Back-over prevention (rear camera): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 2 | 1% |
| 2020 | 2 | 3% |
| 2019 | 2 | 5% |
| 2018 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 20 | 5% |
| 2016 | 21 | 3% |
| 2015 | 13 | 2% |
| 2014 | 5 | 1% |
| 2013 | 8 | 2% |
| 2012 | 2 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2017 Tesla Model S
114 complaintsSuspension
107 complaintsOther or unknown
96 complaintsForward collision avoidance
69 complaintsSteering
48 complaintsVehicle speed control
36 complaintsExterior lighting
28 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
25 complaintsLane departure
24 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsWheels
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 Tesla Model S
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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