◆

2017 Tesla Model S repairs by problem area

Select a problem area

Need advice about a specific Tesla Model S problem?

Chart based on 111 repairs.

See TSBs and recalls for the 2017 Tesla Model S.

2017 Tesla Model S repair cost distribution

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 31 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

See repairs for all Tesla Model S model years.

Tesla Model S in Ontario, Canada Jun 2021 - Jun 2022
May 2022 21080 mi C $13000	The entire suspension was replaced on the vehicle as well as the brakes callipers rotors the electronic Nvidia powered screen and the charging port

Return to top

Tesla Model S in California, United States Feb 2018 - Jan 2021
Apr 2018 2000 mi	Seatbelt assembly replaced Backup camera wiring harness broken and needed replacement.
Feb 2020 18000 mi	Airbag warning indicator showed problems with airbag system. Wiring harness replaced.
Dec 2020 27000 mi	Driver's door handle broke & needed to be replaced. Main touchscreen is freezing and causing climate/radio to go away. Known issue for Tesla.

Return to top

Tesla Model S in Ontario, Canada May 2017 - Dec 2019
Jul 2017 744 mi	Valve malfunction was a manufacturer's Defect, so the 1-hour repair took a week to get the back ordered part.
Oct 2018 48360 mi	12VDC battery was replaced. The Tesla Mobile van came to my house and the car was repaired within 2 hours. No hassle at all.

Return to top

Tesla Model S in Pennsylvania, United States May 2017 - Nov 2018
Jun 2018 25000 mi	Fog light had to be replaced as part of annual service. I think the bumper fascia had to come off.

Tesla Model S in Texas, United States Feb 2017 - Jul 2019
Jul 2019 18000 mi	Panoramic roof water leak repair

Tesla Model S in Wisconsin, United States Mar 2018 - Apr 2022
Sep 2020 42000 mi	Headlamp halo partially burned out. Cosmetic issue. Covered by warranty
Feb 2022 57000 mi	heater PTC and HV junction box blew and were replaced

Tesla Model S in California, United States Jun 2021 - Jun 2022
Jun 2022 17000 mi	My dashboard instrument cluster had been rebooting while driving.

Tesla Model S in Minnesota, United States Mar 2017 - Jun 2022
Apr 2021 48000 mi	Software problem. Car would not turn on. Dealer reset car.

Tesla Model S in New York, United States Jan 2017 - Jun 2022
Mar 2017 2000 mi	Frameless window on right front door was not sealing tightly against weatherstripping. They adjusted it. No cost to me. They came to my house with a flatbed truck, left me a Tesla loaner, and when done, brought my car back the same way. Really great service.
Jul 2019 30000 mi	backup camera stopped working. The Tesla Ranger replaced it at my house, in my driveway, for free.
Apr 2022 50000 mi US $160	Steering got very stiff and car would not return to straight ahead by itself after turns. This had nothing to do with autopilot. A part in the steering was replaced. I was told this is not ever going to need service again. Also, only because of new tires, I had the wheels aligned.

Tesla Model S in Arizona, United States Nov 2017 - Jun 2022
Jan 2021 97000 mi US $300	Door handle wasn’t working.

Tesla Model S in Massachusetts, United States Jan 2017 - Jun 2022
Apr 2017 2000 mi	There had been a few yellow warning messages indicting a charging or electrical problem, perhaps affecting the 12v system or air suspension, which could make the car not start. Then when it didn't start, I called Tesla. They had the car trailered in to Boston (100 miles) where they after a weekend of sitting idle, they could start the car and couldn't replicate the failures. Two weeks later at a Supercharger, car would not start again. Photographed warning lights this time, which enabled them to diagnose the problem. Replaced 3rd Gen charger on refresh Model S due to CHG alerts present when Supercharging. This was causing the Car Needs Service alert to appear.
May 2017 3500 mi	Previous electrical problem from April repeated in May. On 3rd visit, got Regional involved. Two problems found related to wiring harness and guide pins. Extensive digging required. Two parts replaced. No problems since, including 1000+ trio.

Return to top

Tesla Model S in Georgia, United States Nov 2017 - Jul 2020
Nov 2018 8000 mi	MCU, the large center screen, developed a yellow border. Screen under warranty.
Nov 2019 14435 mi	MCU repaired due to yellow border (covered under warranty). MCU replacement not necessary as shop was able to remove yellow border. 1st repair, in 2018, was accomplished with a MCO replacement, and the yellow border appeared after approx 1 year. This repair consisted of just removing the yellow border. No MCU replacement occurred.

Tesla Model S in North Carolina, United States Aug 2017 - Jun 2022
Jul 2021 37000 mi	They reset the computer memory, cleared the cache, removed yellow line from the main control unit screen.
Mar 2022 43700 mi US $200	Retractable door handle on the driver side had to be replaced

Tesla Model S in Florida, United States Apr 2022 - Jun 2022
Jun 2022 61000 mi US $1500	Clicking at wheel when taking off and breaking

Tesla Model S in Virginia, United States May 2017 - Jun 2022
Aug 2017 500 mi	Aligned driver door and hatch. Replaced hatch glass as result of alignment.
Nov 2021 7000 mi US $1000	Battery coolant heater and 12 volt battery failure.

Tesla Model S in Ontario, Canada Feb 2018 - Mar 2018
Jan 2018 10540 mi	Air ride suspension required replacement. There was a leak in the system as the entire rear of vehicle was sitting on ground after a cold nite. Tesla replaced both rear shocks. Looks like problem solved. Also adjust windshield wiper spray pattern

Return to top

Tesla Model S in California, United States Mar 2018 - Sep 2019

Tesla Model S in California, United States Jun 2017 - Jun 2022
Sep 2017 3000 mi	Trim piece covering lower center console on passenger side not attached properly.
Feb 2018 9500 mi	Repair of chrome trim around left, rear window Re-alignment of hood with left fender
Oct 2019 33000 mi	Autopilot reported lost of contact with one of the cameras. Tesla determined that a B-pillar camera failed and replaced it.

Tesla Model S in California, United States Aug 2017 - Jun 2022
Nov 2019 26000 mi	Driver's side power window raised partway and then retracted. Dealer adjusted.
Jan 2020 26000 mi	Drivers side door handle did not extend. Door handle replaced. Also replaced driver's power window regulator. Both issues resolved.

Tesla Model S in California, United States May 2017 - Dec 2019
Apr 2019 38000 mi	Problem with bluetooth crashing WIFI when connected. Repair unsuccessful after 3 attempts.

Return to top

Tesla Model S in Michigan, United States Dec 2017 - Jun 2018
Feb 2018 7000 mi	I've cable

Tesla Model S in Texas, United States Apr 2017 - Jun 2019
May 2017 2 mi	Component near power steering rack was improperly installed and in contact/flexing with steering wheel movement. Loud "clicking" noise was worrisome but was easily and quickly corrected.

Return to top

Tesla Model S in Indiana, United States Jun 2016 - Jun 2020
Mar 2020 49814 mi	AC Compressor was replaced, due to it running loud at times.

Return to top

Tesla Model S in Texas, United States Nov 2016 - Jun 2021
Jan 2017	Front passenger fog light not coming on. Replaced by Tesla. Problem persisted. Tesla ordering new computer controller and fog light and will contact me to arrange another appointment to replace.
Feb 2017 8000 mi	Inspection of vehicle found both front fog lamps inop. Further inspection of vehicles fog lamps found all connections to fog lamps are securely fastened. Further inspection found intermittent voltage drops from BCM causing front fog lamps to be inop. Removed and replaced BCM Corrections: Module - Body Controller - BCM Removed and replaced BCM module. Performed firmware update, found both front fog lamps working as designed. Parts Replaced or Added Part Quantity BODY CONTROLLER, MODEL S 315 MHz (1010906-00-D)
Jul 2017 17419 mi	Driver's front seat squeaks from the bottom frame Corrections: Frame - Seat Base - Driver's Seat Removed and replaced driver's front seat frame. Verified proper fit and function. Test drove vehicle and did not hear the squeak from the bottom frame after repair. Parts Replaced or Added Part Quantity ASSEMBLY FRONT SEAT STRUCTURE LEFT (1017303-00-A) Driver's seat squeak can be heard from inside the seatback. Corrections: Front Seat Assemblies and Hardware General Diagnosis Applied leather conditioner to seat bolster and center console contact points.
Jun 2018 33500 mi	Concern: Customer: Touchscreen has yellow boarder around. (w) Corrections: Media Control Unit (Touchscreen) Removed and replaced media control unit touchscreen. Verified proper operation. ASY,MCU SUB-ASSY SHP OGS DISP AND PKG (1087293-00-A) 1
Jan 2020 56000 mi	Console compartment sliding door does not latch open any more. Yellow border around the console 17" monitor.
Jul 2020 58668 mi US $232	Sliding console door was not staying locked. Replaced console.

Tesla Model S in California, United States Apr 2019 - Jun 2022
Nov 2019 54000 mi US $1200	The main battery's thermal regulator failed, requiring replacement.
Jun 2021 60000 mi	recall on emmc module
Sep 2021 62000 mi US $1500	failing storage prompted the trip. Would have been free, but opted to upgrade the entire system to the latest instead of simple repair

Tesla Model S in Illinois, United States Mar 2017 - Jun 2022
Jan 2018 24000 mi	Steering wheel radio Roller wheel fell into steering wheel
Aug 2018 32000 mi	whine in compressor motor. right side. replaced.
Jan 2022 61000 mi US $300	Door handle replacement
May 2022 66000 mi US $260	Motorized Door handle failure

Tesla Model S in Texas, United States May 2016 - Dec 2018
Jul 2016	driver's side window wasn't set properly.
Oct 2017 20000 mi US $1100	Tires were in need of replacement. Tires needed to be replaced after normal wear and tear. Heavy car and regenerative braking contributed to the need to replace earlier than other cars.

Tesla Model S in Pennsylvania, United States Sep 2016 - Jun 2022
Jun 2022 20000 mi US $400	front left window would not close

Tesla Model S in Washington, United States Apr 2017 - Jun 2022
May 2018 15000 mi	Baffles for the radiators had flash on the parts that caused a scraping sound. It was an annoyance, but not a serious problem. One speaker was distorting. Replaced speaker Mirrors unfold randomly when not commanded.
Feb 2019 19000 mi US $400	Replace original 12V with an upgrade when original was failing.

Tesla Model S in Georgia, United States Jun 2016 - Aug 2020
Oct 2018 22000 mi	Battery cooling fan was making grinding noises.
Apr 2019 27000 mi	High voltage switch
Jan 2020 34000 mi	Receiving errors that car may not restart. Replaced battery coolant heater.

Return to top

Tesla Model S in British Columbia, Canada Jul 2016 - Jun 2022
Apr 2017 10540 mi	The fluorescent headlight bezel surround burned out. Was replaced under warranty
Jul 2020 48980 mi	Front HVAC louvre wasn’t opening.

Tesla Model S in Minnesota, United States Jul 2016 - Jul 2017
Sep 2016 6000 mi	Front trunk trim creased in one location. No water intrusion noticed, cosmetic issue. Center 17" screen would freeze, especially after regaining LTE signal after being outside of cell coverage area. Software issue, unable to fix. Logs reviewed & sent to Tesla HQ. Marks on sunroof glass from factory installation by robots. Glass cleaned & marks removed.
Oct 2016 6500 mi	Steering wheel has imprint on it. Right rear door handle loose. Spacers were not installed at factory. Spacers installed & problem solved. Both outside mirrors squeak when folding in/out. Taken apart & lubricated. Plastic scraps left in center console creases from new car delivery. Cleaned up. Right headlight buzzing. Headlight replaced.
Nov 2016 7400 mi	Both front seatbacks loose. Seat frames replaced.
Dec 2016 9000 mi	Left headlight buzzes. Headlight assembly replaced. Right side mirror does not fold/unfold property. Mirror will not unfold completely and will be loose, resulting in mirror moving around while driving. Fails to open properly about 50% of the time. Unable to fix because issue is software. HVAC panel vent right of steering wheel does not move smoothly. Vent needs to be replaced. Right mirror continued to not open properly. Service Advisor decided to replace mirror. While at Service Center Tesla HQ contacted the SA & said not to replace the mirror. Issue is software & no fix available now. Mirror assembly cleaned.
Mar 2017 10980 mi	Noise from coolant pump louvers. Cleaned. Rattle from interior dash trim near HVAC vent on left side of dash. Adjusted to prevent rattle. Armrest on drivers door would make creaking noise. Panels adjusted.

Tesla Model S in Ohio, United States Nov 2016 - Sep 2020
Apr 2017 4000 mi	Rear door handle didn't open quickly after first reveal. Wiper fluid spray occurred in a poor location.
Oct 2017 8000 mi	Yellow ring around LCD display.
Jun 2018 15000 mi	Ventilation Actuator was stuck and needed replaced.
Sep 2018 17775 mi	Slight yellowing occurred around the edge of the center console display.

Tesla Model S in Washington, United States Jun 2017 - Jun 2022
Dec 2017 15000 mi	Driver’s seat was rocking slightly. New seat ordered and replaced under warranty.
Apr 2019 27000 mi	Window regulator failed. Was replaced under warranty by a mobile service tech while the car sat in the driveway. I didn’t even have to bring it in; they came to me.
Jan 2021 39000 mi	Yellowing along border of center screen was cured using UV light under warranty.
Mar 2021 40000 mi US $308	Door handle was replaced on rear driver side passenger door.
Jun 2021 41000 mi US $224	12v battery was replaced after warning displayed it should be replaced.
Jun 2022 46700 mi	Door handle was squeaking, but had been replaced fairly recently so the adjusted it under warranty.

Tesla Model S in Georgia, United States Aug 2016 - Jun 2022
Feb 2021 35000 mi US $400	Rear door handle would not present
Mar 2022 46000 mi US $211	12V battery needed replacement

Tesla Model S in Massachusetts, United States Aug 2016 - Dec 2018
May 2018 20000 mi	Parking brake caliper recalibration, as per recall notice

Return to top

Tesla Model S in New York, United States Jun 2021 - Jun 2022
Jun 2022 105000 mi US $95	Charge Port door sensor failed, charge door would no longer open. Replaced charge door with new part purchased through Tesla service center.

Tesla Model S in California, United States Nov 2016 - Jun 2022
Sep 2021 186000 mi US $60	Replaced front brake pads.
May 2022 225000 mi	Noise in motor. Replaced entire drivetrain, under warranty. Replaced small 12 v. battery. Updated computer.

Tesla Model S in California, United States Jun 2016 - Aug 2022
May 2020 65000 mi US $400	Rats chewed thru wires under the Frunk which caused the AC to stop working.
Jan 2021 71000 mi US $335	Door handle on drivers side would not present.
Aug 2022 93000 mi	Power drive unit had to be replaced. Covered by warranty but took a long time to get the part.

Tesla Model S in Texas, United States Aug 2016 - Jul 2022
Mar 2018 12000 mi	Media player resets to the beginning of a track after exiting and reentering the vehicle.
Sep 2019 22000 mi US $370	Faulty actuator for one of the air vents was preventing airflow through one vent. Actuator replacement fixed the problem.
Jan 2021 31000 mi US $256	12 Volt battery needed replacement.
May 2021 34000 mi US $300	RF outside door handle was intermittently malfunctioning. When it failed, the door handle would present but pulling on the handle would not open the door. Tesla sent a mobile technician to my home. He replaced the door handle, for which I was charged $303. I was only charged for parts and not for labor or for the service visit, and the handle was working correctly when the tech left, about an hour after he arrived.
Jun 2021 34000 mi	The RF outside door handle that was replaced on 5/5/21 was again failing intermittently. In addition, the LF outside door handle was malfunctioning nearly 100% of the time. The problem with the LF handle was that when the door was unlocked, the door would immediately pop open, and when the door was closed, it would not latch and stay closed. A different mobile technician was sent to my home. He said that the RF handle had not been properly adjusted when it was installed on 5/5, a problem that he seems to have fixed. Unfortunately, in the process, he got the RF door glass out of alignment, causing wind noise on that side of the car, something that went unnoticed until after the technician had left. The technician then attempted to install an updated outside door handle on the driver’s side. After installation, he could not get the handle to “communicate” with the car. As a result, the LF outside door handle would not “present” so that door would not open from the outside at all. The technician called in another tech to assist him with uploading new firmware, but they were unable to do so. Their diagnosis was that the new part was faulty. I was not charged anything for this service visit, which lasted about 3 hours.
Aug 2021 35000 mi US $300	Tesla notified me that the repairs that my car needed were too complicated or required too much equipment to be handled by a mobile technician and that I would have to bring the car to the service center. July 20 – 5 weeks after the unsuccessful repair attempt – was the soonest appointment that I could get. They removed the RF door panel, adjusted the outside door handle and door glass, and seemed to fix the wind noise problem from 6/14. That door handle now seems to work properly. Upon disassembling the LF door, they decided that it needed a wiring harness, which they did not have in stock. It arrived within a couple of business days and was installed. Afterwards, Tesla said that they wanted to install “one more part,” again one that was not in stock locally. A couple of business days later, an updated control module arrived and was installed. Problems persisted, though, as they say that they had difficulty uploading firmware again (all of which makes me believe that the wiring harness really wasn’t defective at all.) On Thursday 8/5/21, after 17 days at the service center, my car was finally returned to me. Currently, everything seems to be working correctly. Initially, I was told that the repair would take 1 – 2 days, and I was given $200 in Uber credits for transportation. When it became apparent that the repairs would take a while, on Friday 7/23, I was given a loaner car to drive. The only charges for this visit were a total of roughly $300 for the wiring harness and the labor to install it. As a side note, I would like to point out that when I got my car back on 8/5, the interior – particularly the tan leather on the seats – was extremely dirty.
May 2022 40000 mi US $1633	Touchscreen developed bubbles and was dripping goo onto the console. Touchscreen was replaced.

Tesla Model S in Texas, United States Jun 2016 - Jun 2022
Aug 2017 10000 mi	Electric door handle replaced AC was not cooling properly..replaced intake louvres that directed air

Return to top

See TrueDelta's information for all Hatchbacks

See TrueDelta's information for all Tesla models.

2017 Tesla Model S repairs by problem area

2017 Tesla Model S repair cost distribution

2017 Tesla Model S

2017 Tesla Model S 4dr Hatch

2017 Tesla Model S 4dr Hatch

2017 Tesla Model S 4dr Hatch

2017 Tesla Model S 4dr Hatch

2017 Tesla Model S 4dr Hatch

2017 Tesla Model S 4dr Hatch

2016.5 Tesla Model S

2016.5 Tesla Model S 4dr Hatch

2016.5 Tesla Model S 4dr Hatch

2016.5 Tesla Model S 4dr Hatch

2017 Tesla Model S Repair Histories