2017 Tesla Model S exterior lighting problems
26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the exterior lighting on the 2017 Tesla Model S — 6% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Sep 23, 2025
“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…”
filed Aug 24, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Exterior Lighting problems in other Model S years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Model S | 5 | 5% |
| 2022 Model S | 6 | 4% |
| 2021 Model S | 6 | 3% |
| 2019 Model S | 2 | 5% |
| 2018 Model S | 8 | 5% |
| 2016 Model S | 49 | 8% |
| 2015 Model S | 45 | 7% |
| 2014 Model S | 27 | 7% |
| 2013 Model S | 15 | 3% |
| 2012 Model S | 5 | 8% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2017 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.