2017 Tesla Model S electrical system problems

Related recalls

• Recall 24V051000Jan 30, 20242,193,869 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

  Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

  Risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.

• Recall 23V838000Dec 12, 20232,031,220 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING:SOFTWARE

  Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.

  Risk: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 1, 2026ILElectrical SystemLighting

   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 · source
2. Filed Aug 9, 2026GAElectrical System

   2017 Tesla Model S P100D. Vehicle received a paid MCU2 infotainment upgrade (MCU1 to MCU2), which replaced both the center touchscreen computer and the instrument cluster. The original MCU1 architecture used an independent computer for the instrument cluster, providing redundancy. The MCU2 retrofit consolidated both displays onto a single processor with no fallback mode. The first MCU2 replacement unit experienced a touchscreen digitizer failure — touch input stopped…

   NHTSA complaint #11755807 · source
3. Filed Jul 22, 2026MAElectrical System

   My Tesla wouldn’t charge at Level 3, 2, or 1 charger resulting in the need for the tow and further service hours. Following the service I was told it was a software issue and that a power cycle resolved the issue which locked out the charging. It’s deeply concerning and baffling that this could happen at anytime resulting in days or weeks or down time for what is ultimately a software issue. This is my fourth hardware related software issue following a Tesla update.

   NHTSA complaint #11752080 · source
4. Filed Apr 3, 2026CACrashElectrical System

   Here’s a clear, professional paragraph you can use for your NHTSA report: ⸻ While using Tesla’s Auto Summon feature in a controlled parking environment, my vehicle (2017 Tesla Model S) made unintended contact with a stationary garage pillar. At the time, I was actively supervising the vehicle as required, and it was operating at low speed. The vehicle appeared to misjudge clearance while maneuvering, resulting in a sideswipe to the front passenger side and damage to the side…

   NHTSA complaint #11729097 · source
5. Filed Mar 11, 2026CAElectrical System

   The charge port latch failed to release the mobile connector (consistent with TSB SB-18-44-002) I had to call Tesla customer service for manual release instructions, which was very difficult to get through to (unclear through the Tesla App) After manual release, the mobile connector was damaged since it got stuck during a rainstorm. Tesla replaced the entire charging port for ~$1,000 without first testing the mobile connector Though a known defect, TSB SB-18-44-002 was never…

   NHTSA complaint #11723641 · source
6. Filed Nov 28, 2025CAElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   This is a supplemental filing to my prior NHTSA complaint (#11697718) regarding a high-voltage isolation fault and shutdown risk. The vehicle displayed warnings including “vehicle may shut down during driving,” “may not charge,” and repeated BMS isolation fault messages. It became inoperable at a public charging station. The manufacturer confirmed isolation faults in the drive unit and the A/C compressor. Their own service notes stated that the vehicle “may shut down during…

   NHTSA complaint #11701872 · source
7. Filed Nov 13, 2025CAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   This is an update to NHTSA Complaint #XXX with new safety information. My 2017 Tesla Model S (VIN [XXX] ) has a confirmed high-voltage isolation fault. Tesla replaced the rear drive unit under warranty, but Tesla’s own technician notes now state: “There is a risk of isolation alerts reoccurring during regular driving, use of HVAC system, or DC charging.” “Vehicle may power off due to isolation faults when the air conditioning is used.” This is Tesla acknowledging in writing…

   NHTSA complaint #11699154 · source
8. Filed Nov 5, 2025CAElectrical System

   While charging at a Tesla Supercharger, the vehicle began making extremely loud mechanical noises on October 7, 2025, as if something inside the high-voltage system was about to explode. A warning appeared stating “Vehicle may shut down at any time.” A service request was opened the next day. Tesla scheduled the first available appointment nearly a month later, leaving the vehicle unsafe to drive. Before that appointment date, on October 31, 2025, the vehicle completely shut…

   NHTSA complaint #11697718 · source
9. Filed Sep 23, 2025MAElectrical SystemLighting

   I have documented examples of 3 total incidents now where a Tesla OTA "Update" on my vehicle caused a safety issue. Event 1: Nov 27, 2025. Tesla OTA Update renders my left turn light non-functional for ~24 hours. Resolution per forums only was to not touch the card for 24 hours to allow it to shift into "sleep" mode which would resolve the issue. Instructions were that only a service center could resolve the issue. Event 2: Sept 3, 2025. Tesla OTA Update renders my car…

   NHTSA complaint #11689254 · source
10. Filed Aug 24, 2025NJElectrical SystemLightingVisibility & Wipers

    Tesla originally confirmed issues with the MCU1 system in my vehicle and upgraded it to MCU2. I Paid $1,599 for the repair/upgrade. Since then, the center screen has continued shutting off while driving. When this happens, the instrument cluster and controls go dark, I cannot see my speed, use the blinkers to signal, operate the AC/defroster, or access other critical vehicle functions. This has occurred multiple times on highways, including US-22 in New Jersey, which created…

    NHTSA complaint #11682696 · source
11. Filed Jan 16, 2025FLElectrical System

    The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V838000 (Electrical System) and 24V051000 (Electrical System); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

    NHTSA complaint #11636368 · source
12. Filed Jul 11, 2024CTElectrical System

    The contact owns a 2017 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V838000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The…

    NHTSA complaint #11601214 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology