2017 Tesla Model S Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 6%of 429 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the visibility of the 2017 Tesla Model S, 6% of the 429 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 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 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“Main computer experienced the emmc failure which is widespread for this model and year, amongst others. I could tell it was imminent for failure, however we did not realize the vehicle needs this computer for turn signal control. Thus, my wife drove home from work with a dead computer and thought she has turn signals when she did not. Fortunately she made it home safely. We have not driven it since we realized this safety concern. Fufthermore, the backup camera also is unusable in this state. …”
NHTSA complaint #11342189, filed 2020-07, 78,000 miles“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“Purchased a used Tesla, today (on 2nd day) driving on local street, it was raining a bit, turned on wipers, didn't work, pulled over and attepmted few more times, no luck. Tesla attempted to address the issue remotely through basic troubleshooting but no luck. When wipers were turned on, it was pulling downward instead of going up. They ended up towing car, currently in service center.”
NHTSA complaint #11396127, filed 2021-02, 39,045 miles“Mcu sporadically freezes and/or reboots (while in motion) without any input from us. This renders the defrost controls and the backup camera inoperable until the system restarts, which takes several minutes. The problem has gotten progressively worse over time. This is a known mcu failure due to manufacturing error on the part of Tesla causing multiple replacements and rendering the car inoperable.”
NHTSA complaint #11331880, filed 2020-07, 34,000 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
- 10173429Mar 17, 2020On some Model S, Model X, and Model 3 vehicles, condensation might build up inside of the B-pillar applique, potentially obscuring the B-pillar camera. This condition might cause…
- 10143013May 15, 2018On some Model 3 vehicles, water might leak inside the motors of both front window motor/regulator assemblies. This might cause the motors to fail and potentially make the front…
- 10142978Dec 14, 2017On Model S, the windshield wiper motor bracket might become loose, resulting in a popping or clicking noise during windshield wiper operation.
- 10110750Apr 24, 2017On some Model S vehicles, the leading edge of the glass roof might be a source of wind noise.
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 2017 Tesla Model S
114 complaintsSuspension
107 complaintsOther or unknown
96 complaintsForward collision avoidance
68 complaintsSteering
47 complaintsVehicle speed control
35 complaintsExterior lighting
28 complaintsBrakes
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 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