2016 Tesla Model S visibility/wiper problems
26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the visibility/wiper on the 2016 Tesla Model S — 4% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“I had a new windshield installed by a official Tesla Service Center that has a large distorted area in the center of the windshield. I complained about the large distortion and I was told that all the of stocked parts for my car are affected by the issue and they don't have any estimates or…”
filed Aug 28, 2026
“My 2016 Tesla Model S (45,500 miles) is experiencing a complete failure of the Media Control Unit (MCU1), resulting in a total loss of the rearview camera display and defrost/defogging controls. This is a critical safety hazard. The unit was previously replaced by Tesla in 2021 under NHTSA Recall…”
filed Jan 18, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Visibility/wiper problems in other Model S years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Model S | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 Model S | 6 | 5% |
| 2022 Model S | 5 | 4% |
| 2021 Model S | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 Model S | 3 | 7% |
| 2018 Model S | 2 | 1% |
| 2017 Model S | 15 | 4% |
| 2015 Model S | 31 | 5% |
| 2014 Model S | 15 | 4% |
| 2013 Model S | 18 | 4% |
| 2012 Model S | 5 | 8% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 Tesla Model S
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.