general problems of the 2016 Tesla Model S - part 1

-airbag warning light on -horn not working -steering wheel scroll buttons not working -clicking noise when turning wheel this failure occurred during normal driving. Airbags will not deploy and horn is inoperable, creating a safety risk myself and my family. I have never been into any accidents and have only driven normal. These safety systems should not fail. This is a manufacturing issue.

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 21v-035. However, this replacement part has failed again after only a few years of low-mileage use. Tesla service is refusing to provide a free repair or a goodwill discount for an mcu2 upgrade, claiming the 'recall repair' only had a 1-year warranty. It is unacceptable that a safety-critical component replaced under a federal recall fails twice in 45,000 miles. Tesla has failed to provide a permanent fix for the emmc defect identified by NHTSA. By refusing to restore the camera functionality without charging full price, Tesla is knowingly allowing a safety defect to persist. I request an investigation into these premature failures of recall-replaced components.

While driving on the freeway in the fast lane at 75 mph i80w, the car began a loud humming sound that came from the rear. My passenger and I noted that it was significant sound that we took a video to record the sound. I was the driver and I noticed that the sound increased as I accelerated. Then without any warning the car began to decelerate and no longer accelerated. The car slowed considerably to 35 mph and it became a major safety issue because I had to cross all lanes of traffic at this slow speed. It was only after the car had completely shut down that the warning messages began to display. I reached the side of the road and we waited for the tow truck driver for about an hour. Subsequently, the car was towed to a Tesla dealer near my home. I was informed that the drive unit needed to be replaced with an explanation of internal failure, costing over $7000. However, the root cause of the internal failure was never explained or investigated even at my request stating that they do not take apart the drive unit. This incident occurred after driving 7hrs of heavy rainfall for 2 days. A quick google search of "2016 Tesla Model S drive unit failure" reveals plenty of Tesla owners that had similar issues.

I am writing to formally report a recall-related safety defect that occurred after the emmc recall service on my vehicle’s media control unit (mcu). Following the recall, the display adhesive began to leak and the screen started separating from its frame. The adhesive continues to drip onto the dashboard and the display shows signs of delamination. This is a safety issue that directly affects driver visibility and may result in electrical contamination inside the mcu. Under federal law, Tesla is required to correct any defect that is related to or arises from a recalled component. This obligation is clearly stated in 49 u. S. Code section 30120 and 49 cfr section 573. 6. The adhesive leakage and display delamination meet the definition of a related safety defect under 49 cfr section 573. 5(c) because the problem is connected to the same system that was recalled and repaired. A manufacturer performing a recall repair must return the system to safe operating condition. Tesla is therefore responsible for verifying and correcting any new or worsening safety defect identified during or after recall service. Tesla’s own internal service bulletin sb-21-17-003 confirms this obligation. It states that if display delamination, bubbling, or adhesive leakage is observed, the entire mcu assembly must be replaced. The service department’s statement that Tesla is “not obligated” to inspect or replace the screen is incorrect and contradicts both federal recall requirements and Tesla’s own technical documentation.

The center touchscreen in my Tesla Model S developed a yellow discoloration and later began leaking a sticky fluid from the edges of the display. This fluid appears to be seeping from inside the screen and emits a noticeable odor. The touchscreen is the primary interface for controlling most of the vehicle’s safety-critical systems, including the backup camera, gear selection, climate control, lights, and driver assistance settings. The leak causes visible streaking and distortion on the display. This directly impacts the rearview camera feed — making it harder to see obstacles or pedestrians when reversing — which is a federally mandated safety feature under fmvss 111. The problem worsens in hot weather and may result in fluid dripping onto electronics below, creating an electrical hazard or sudden display failure while driving. This appears to be a known design flaw in which the adhesive or seal inside the display fails over time. The issue can impair visibility of safety alerts, rearview camera images, and vehicle status, posing a significant safety risk to occupants and others.

While the car is parked and locked the rear driver side door opens in its own. The door handle does not present itself and is scheduled for repair. This is new and started happening today. Despite how many times I close it. It opens on it own. The door is locked when this happens. Door sitting still. Plugged in to charge and locked. The door opens on its own. It unlatches, does not fully open.

My driver's side of the vehicle looks like it's melting. I was informed by the service advisor at Tesla that this is a common issue, and the computer needs to be replaced at my expense.

Component failure: the Tesla nema 14-50 charging adapter for my 2016 Model S malfunctioned, causing overheating that melted a prong and led to an electrical fire. The defective adapter appears identical to those in Tesla's November 2016 recall, though mine was designated "not affected. " the damaged adapter and charging cable are available for inspection. Safety risk: this malfunction created a serious fire hazard endangering myself and my property. The electrical fire damaged both my vehicle and charging equipment, and the fire could have spread to my home, potentially endangering my family and neighbors. Verification: I took the damaged adapter to the Tesla service center in colorado springs, where technicians acknowledged the damage but refused to replace it under the recall. They visually confirmed the melted prong and fire damage. Manufacturer response: after the incident, I contacted Tesla corporate requesting replacement of the defective equipment. They responded that they don't believe the electrical fire was caused by the defective plug, despite physical evidence showing the same issue as recalled units. Warning signs: prior to failure, I noticed intermittent charging interruptions and the adapter becoming unusually hot. These symptoms began approximately three weeks before the fire incident. There were no dashboard warnings about potential charging equipment issues.

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v838000 (electrical system) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Received and ota notice on the dashboard that states "battery fuse replacement" is required. The fuse is due to a li-ion battery that wears out for a safety system. Life expectancy of the battery is 10 years. It has not lasted 8 full years. This is stated as a safety issue and Tesla has since redesigned this item to not required the batteries. I have alerted Tesla about this issue, have not had a reply, as yet. The vehicle can be operated without this safety device, which seems inappropriate. I feel this should be replaced under warranty and/or recall - but it appears Tesla will want to charge an excessive amount of money.

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the instrument cluster became inoperable on several occasions. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the failure would reoccur unless the vehicle was updated with a new infotainment center and a faster processor. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer several times due to the failure. The contact stated that recently the instrument cluster and the ecm were replaced. In addition, the vehicle recently received a software update. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

Driving 75mph on cruise control. Car sensed a vehicle in front of me (which there were no vehicles in sight) my Tesla started flashing the red car light and making the alert noise. My vehicle automatically slammed on the brakes dropping me to about 40mph instantly. My greatest fear continuing to drive this vehicle is if I use cruise control, and it senses a vehicle in front of me without their actually being a vehicle and slams on the brakes again myself or someone is going to get hurt. This has the potential to cause death or cause severe injury.

Sudden unintended acceleration appeared to cause the Tesla while parking the car on the street in front of home accelerate go out of control and crash into the home totaling the car and damaging the house. Two days prior the vehicle was brought into a Tesla service location where Tesla replaced the 12 volt battery that they believed was causing the car not to power on properly at that time. After the crash and googling to see if others suffered similar issues it appears the NHTSA recently reopened a review of sudden unintended acceleration and this incident seems to align with concerns of the petitioner ronald a. Belt. The police filed a report and it’s at the towing place where the insurer allstate is going to evaluate the car for a total loss.

Dear NHTSA, I am writing to file a complaint regarding a sua incident that occurred on October 20, 2023, involving my 2016 Tesla Model S. On the day of the incident, I pulled into my garage and began to park my car. When I pressed the brake pedal, the car suddenly accelerated forward, crashing into the garage wall and totaling the vehicle. The garage wall was severely damaged and will need to be rebuilt. This is not the first time that my Tesla has experienced sua. In 2017, I filed a complaint with NHTSA regarding a similar incident. In my previous complaint (issue # 11000097 dated June 19, 2017), I described a similar incident that occurred in December 2016. At the time, Tesla denied that the incident was caused by sua and no further action was taken. I am convinced that the sua incident on October 25, 2023, was caused by a defect in my Tesla Model S. I am also concerned that other Tesla owners may be at risk of similar incidents. I urge NHTSA to investigate this matter and take appropriate action to protect consumers. I believe that Tesla should be held liable for the damages to my vehicle and my garage wall, and that the company should be required to recall all Tesla Model S vehicles that are at risk of sua. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,.

The glue that was used on the screen of the Tesla has been leaking and the service center refused to pay for the repairs. The glue is now exposed into the car and outside of the screen and is toxic. I am now breathing toxic glue and its giving me and my family headaches when we are inside of the Tesla.

At 22 degrees fahrenheit, the vehicles cabin heat shut off after hearing a noise. The noise appeared to be a broken cabin heating element. The window screen quickly fogged, and water began attaching to the outside of the windscreen, building up as ice. The windscreen was completely almost blocked. This problem has appeared common in my online research. I was informed by a non manufacture repair business that the issue became apparent during the low temperature cold weather in December 2022. The vehicle will be inspected by the manufacture. No warnings, alerts, or service indicators were show. The vehicle is still showing proper operation.

The main display in the vehicle is leaking very sticky hazardous fluid. Sometimes display goes out, sticky fingers make screen issues worse when so many controls are handled electronically. Tesla refuses to correct issue without spending $2000+ with dealer. This started 3 years ago. Leaking fluid on lcd is both main display and driver heads up dashboard. Huge safety issue with sun reflects on the bubble portions. Hard to read.

Cpu compatibility to existing os and memory system causing multiple failures during driving with: 1. Instrument cluster reset or reboot (temporarily disables all controls related to buttons/knobs on steering wheel and possibly other safety functions), 2. Main nav/computer screen reset or reboot (temporarily disables all controls), 3. Auto braking activation (cannot be disabled by user) enabled at dangerous and unpredictable times of city traffic, 4. Backup camera picture not updating/frozen during backing uo vehicle, creating illusion a. Not moving when in reverse while driving, b. Not showing objects that may be directly behind vehicle when in reverse manufacturer (Tesla) service ticket opened and closed as “resolved with memory reset” without follow-up if problems still occur.

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that over time, the adhesive for both the forward display and center console had degraded to the point that both components were able to move freely. The contact stated that the center console eventually lost electrical power, and as a result, he lost control and visibility of important vehicle safety features and information. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to provide a specific diagnosis, but the vehicle was repaired after replacing both the forward display and center console. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.

Bubbles first appeared in the dashboard / instrument control panel display on the driver side on 3/25. The bubbles have been moving around over time and at some points while I've been driving (unable to take a photo), have travelled to the speedometer blocking my visibility of current speed.

I took my car in for the Tesla video card replacement voluntary recall. After the "repair," my display screen acts erratically and visually becomes distractive. So far the service centers are trying to upsell me a new system to replace the current "repaired" system for $1500. I have had no luck with them taking responsibility for this issue. The big screen flickers the navigation screen and also distorts the items on the screen. As of yet, they keep saying this is normal function/behavior and all I have been asking is to have the screen operate as it is intended. (which it was prior to the chip update). Also, I believe the issue is also affecting the audio in the car. . . . . At times the sound has become distorted and think that sound is absent from the turn signals. I know the audio system must have been impacted by their "repair" because initially the system sounded twice as clear than before the chip upgrade.

While on the road/highway, the screen goes blank and soon starts rebooting itself. This is a big distraction and a matter of anxiety for the driver who fears sudden stopping of the car till the screen comes back up in a few minutes. This has happened to me intermittently many times. I have reported it several times but nothing was done since the technician at Tesla couldn’t repeat it the one time they may have test driven the car. That is the problem with intermittent issues. But for me, that one more time it happens next time, and I get anxious and distracted, it may result in an accident. I think this is a serious safety issues that many other Tesla owners have reported as seen on the web. Since your form asks for one specific date of incident I have indicated one approximate date but this has happened several times over last three years.

The recent upgrade of the Tesla mcu ui (user interface) firmware from v10 to v11 has significant user experience problems creating a less safe vehicle. Standard pieces of automotive functionality have been moved off the main screen and into sub-menus. Two weeks ago, my car was forcefully or accidentally (may be my fault) updated to the v11 ui. To my dismay the window defrost button was moved from a single press on at the bottom of the touchscreen to multiple precise presses. I experienced how unsafe this is while driving in northern new mexico on a snowy curvy mountain road after sunset departing bandelier national monument. The front windshield began fogging up as I reached 50 mph on the one lane 55mph speed limit road. Previously, a quick glance at the screen would be sufficient to make sure my finger was over the correct button. But now, the defroster button is hidden. I'm in the middle of a turn, my window is quickly fogging up, and I need the defroster ASAP. I didn't have time to take my eyes off the road for multiple seconds to make sure I was using the touchscreen correctly and wait for the slow ui animations to run. So, I did an unsafe, but least worst thing and stopped in the middle of the road. I enabled the defroster and continued the trip, but was shocked I needed to risk being rear ended to enable the defroster. These changes have not been thought through from a safety perspective. The goal seems to make the ui pretty, at the expense of safety. I could enable the defroster on previous vehicles without taking my eyes off the road at all, because they had physical buttons. The v10 defroster button location was simple to locate with a glance. The v11 defroster button requires multiple seconds and is now a significant safety hazard. I dislike the v11 firmware for many other reasons, but this is the most clear safety issue. Note: the defroster can be turned on via voice control, but it is not available in areas without mobile/cell service.

My Tesla is under a recall for bad memory. My Tesla constantly reboots. I often have to wait several minutes from when I get in the car until it is ready to drive with all functions. I sometimes am forced to drive with the center screen not working. This takes away my backup camera. A required safety feature. Tesla says the part is not available. I request a reliable loaner until they get the part repaired under recall.

2 problems: 1. ) the emmc chip for the screen has not yet been replaced due to supply issue? 2. ) the battery heater stopped working causing driving ability issues. This should be a recall. The car lost both acceleration and braking power and made it dangerous to drive. I was unable to charge the battery, and had to have the car towed a long distance, costing me over $1,000 to have repaired.

A heater which warms the large battery which powers Tesla's evs burned out while I was charging my vehicle at a Tesla supercharger. It appears to have been caused by a high voltage 'short' from moisture. I was able to continue driving the vehicle for over 100 miles, but did not have 'regenerative' braking. This made the stopping distance much longer - nearly causing a collision. When I stopped at another Tesla supercharger the car would not charge and had to be towed. This defect should warrant a recall.

The doors on my Tesla are electronic from the inside and outside. Sometimes the car will not let me out or in, especially in the rear drivers side door where the kids are. It will not open the door and presents a huge safety issue. My sons was trapped in the door previously and we couldn't get the door to open - it took about 5 cycles of locking and unlocking the car for the doors electronic door handle to finally allow the door to be opened recently there was a lawsuit for a similar issue in which a man became trapped inside a Tesla and died of smoke inhalation because the doors would not open and first responders couldn't get in the car either. I contacted Tesla, who was able to diagnose my car and create a repair estimate for the malfunctioning door handles without even looking at the car because the problem is so widespread and well known. They want $700 to repair my door handles that are locking me and the kids inside the car but I don't have money to repair right now.

Notes from service center: ac will only work when driving found condenser fans were not turning on, found condenser fan relay melted recommend harness replacement and recheck, harness fixed and ac is working at this time, (possible ac compressor wear/damage due to high ac pressure and high ramp up speeds. Verified proper operation at this time ac works on idle now.

My Tesla media control unit v2 went to a black dark screen while the car was still on. I just put the car in reverse and the instrument cluster and control unit froze, then did 3 cycles of restarts before coming back on. The whole time I had to press the brake pedal because I wasn't sure if the car had been put back into park by default. Should I have released the brake pedal the car may have rolled into the street and caused an accident if the system failed to allow me to depress the break pedal again. Tesla is doing a "remote" diagnostic but is being very secretive and or non-transparent about the cause of the issue. There was no warning and the cluster and media control unit just froze. This has occurred on 2 previous occasions as well, though thankfully those times I was parked and charging the vehicle rather than about to drive. This is extremely unsafe and quite frankly frightening to drive a vehicle that may at any time shut off without warning not allowing me to pull over or avoid a potential collision.

This automobile has had the Tesla recall completed, replacing the 8gb with the 64gb. However, this fix is temporary and after a few months the control and information screens are malfunctioning and with ever-increasing frequency. I understand Tesla’s recent update ensures basic driving functions will continue to be operational during a screen blackout but it’s at best distracting and at worst plain dangerous depending on how lights/hvac are set prior to the screen freeze, not to mention distractions associated with a sudden loss of navigation and an inability to control other components. As a frequent highway driver this is dangerous, even after experiencing various versions of this event. Per service dept. , the only existing actual (non-temporary) repair for this is replacement with the newer version of the mcu, yet Tesla insists on using language as a loophole, calling the mcu2 an upgrade- which it was, but now as the sole remedy to restore previously existing functionality and safe operation of the effected vehicles, this should not be categorized as an option or an upgrade. Owners should have a better course of action than having to pay for an unwanted “upgrade” to regain original functionality.

My Tesla regularly has the instrument panel and center display go completely black and turn off while driving. This includes not being able to adjust climate control, access rear view backup camera, use lane indicators and determine speed or status of autopilot and driving safety features. I have noted this to Tesla service center on 3 occasions and they refuse to provide thr necessary repair under the applicable recall notice 21v-035.

I was notified of this recall in March/2021 and Tesla says they have no time to fix it and they will schedule my appointment at some point. My navigation and other key functions freeze frequently in busy metropolitan areas as well as rural and fails to keep up with notifications causing unsafe driving conditions. The remedy they suggested was to delete my driving navigation history to free up space which takes a ridiculous amount of time and only temporarily solves the problem. The recall notice is below. The Feb 06,2021 manufacturer recall numbersb2121001 NHTSA recall number21v035 recall statusrecall incomplete summary the emmc flash memory device is rated for an industry-standard 3,000 program/erase (“p/e”) cycles. Over time, and depending on usage of the affected component, the emmc hardware exhausts cycles for each nand cell. When the emmc nand cell hardware reaches lifetime wear, as measured by the number of p/e cycles and remaining available storage capacity, the emmc controller will no longer be able to maintain the integrity of the filesystem. This wear-out condition can cause failures of the center display software components, and may indirectly cause loss of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings, and exterior turn signal lighting.

Tesla refuses to refund my repaid related to NHTSA recall 21v-035. I made a repair because of this issue back in March 2021 and soon after a recall notice came out on March 22, 2021 which I received at a later date due to the pandemic. I requested a formal refund but Tesla refuses to process my claim. I am bringing this to your attention as I believe this is unfair and Tesla should be accountable for the defective part they placed in my car. Please let me know if you need additional details or information. I think you in advance for your help. Best, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Rear view camera stopped working, do to memory being full.

My 2016 Tesla (manufactured in 01/2017, mileage of 60,400) had the issues with the instrument screen blackout several times. Each time, I lost control of the touch screen, which caused the loss of rear camera view, ac, light and drive control, etc. , especially the fogged up on windshield. This is a dangerous issue. I sent my car to Tesla service center (tsc) in matthews, nc on 1/16/21 and they refused to repair my emmc as my car's instrument screen could restart up and was not completely dead. Andy at tsc told me that I'd have to wait for my car to die completely and touch screen becomes dead and cannot be restarted in order for them to service it under the extended warrantee. Ironically, I picked up my car from tsc this past weekend and on my driving home on highway I-85 south outside charlotte, nc, I lost my touch screen again (see attached pictures). It is outrageous for Tesla to ignore this problem. By asking owners to experience a complete touch screen failure before warrantee services can be activated, Tesla is committing serious crimes by putting drivers in danger!.