2017 Tesla Model S Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 7%of 431 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2017 Tesla Model S, 7% of the 431 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have been reaching out to Tesla service center repeatedly regarding the emmc unit failure where it has gone completely blank and turns off during my drive several times. I lose all air control, bluetooth, rearview camera, and everything that the main mcu unit controls. I have had this happen when it was very cold outside during the night when I lost visibility due to the fogging inside and no defogging control available. …”
NHTSA complaint #11391175, filed 2021-02, 58,000 miles“My car's mcu (media control unit touchscreen) is near death and 900 miles from being out of warranty. The screen went black on me for an entire day before coming back and constantly freezes and needs reboots. During this time, I lost ability to turn on and off the headlights, must rely on auto. Lost ability to control the HVAC and defrost. Lost ability to adjust air suspension. Lost ability to use backup camera.”
NHTSA complaint #11331659, filed 2020-06, 49,000 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“Touch screen is completely black multiple times per week. Usually at beginning of trips, but occasionally suddenly occurs in the middle of trips. Black out can last upwards of 10 minutes (per smartphone stop watch). Touchscreen blackout limits access to fog light controls, back up camera, garage controls, passenger airbag status indicator, and all audible warnings including emergency brake alert and turn signal noises. The vehicle is covered under Tesla's new extended warranty. I requested service on 10/17. Was scheduled to bring car in on 11/12 (next available). …”
NHTSA complaint #11376212, filed 2020-11, 61,000 miles“day time running light on driver side headlight burned out, it cannot be replaced, you have to replace the whole headlight assembly which costs about $1,000.00 plus labor, I think this is not right , on my other. cars I can change the running light myself and only cost a couple. of dollars”
NHTSA complaint #11768294, filed 2026-10Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 | 4% |
| 2022 | 6 | 4% |
| 2021 | 6 | 3% |
| 2019 | 2 | 5% |
| 2018 | 8 | 5% |
| 2017 | 28 | 7% |
| 2016 | 49 | 8% |
| 2015 | 46 | 7% |
| 2014 | 27 | 7% |
| 2013 | 15 | 3% |
| 2012 | 5 | 8% |
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 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
25 complaintsLane departure
24 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
20 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