general problems of the 2016 Tesla Model S - part 1

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.

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.

On 5/20/25, I had my Tesla repaired as I had suspension issues. They repaired my car to rectify my suspension for both my front and rear tires. Then on 6/12/25, I was driving on the highway and going about 70-75 mph when I heard a huge pop. No warning indicators came on and something did not feel right. I figured nothing else came of it. I was about 30 miles away from home and when I got home, my tire was pushed inward. I was concerned on whether this was related to a bad repair since it was so soon to my previous repair and they indicated that they did not touch that area. After they saw my video, they indicated that the lower control arm of my rear tire broke and they indicated that this was just a damaged component. My biggest concern is that if this issue was not related to the repair work done a month ago, this could be bigger issue as I could have been very concerning that this part broke when I was driving at high speeds and I think it's warranted to check on the quality of the component. In my 40 plus years of driving, I have never experienced this happened to me. If you need documentation or video of how the tire and the axle looks, I can forward it to you. The vehicle has only been inspected by the Tesla dealership service center and as stated earlier, there weren't any warning signs or messages that showed as I specifically was looking for it when I heard the loud pop.

The center touchscreen is leaking a sticky glue-like substance and has visible bubbles forming inside the screen. This affects visibility and operation of essential vehicle functions like hvac, navigation, and defrost controls. This issue is worsen with heat exposure. The screen also freezes randomly.

Touch screen has bubbles and could become unusable.

The infotainment unit in the car that controls functionality, I. E. Navigation used to monitor battery availability is malfunctioning because of glue seeping from the unit and causing the screen to go black intermittently while driving creating a safety hazard for the driver and others due to a distraction. When this happens the driver loses visibility to navigation and other controls central to the vehicle functionality. Tesla is aware of this manufacturing defect that is a safety concern because it requires the driver to not focus on the road.

Turned right into garage slowly. Car suddenly accelerated very fast by itself. I swerved and avoided 1 parked vehicle. Was not able to avoid another one. I braked. The car stopped. Airbags had gone off.

Tesla has refused to fix safety recall items. They asked me to replace the cluster own my own so I can receive updates.

The car drove itself away without being summoned. It was parked in a parking lot, it reversed itself and started driving and stopped at next stop sign. Someone alerted me thankfully and I went to retrieve the car from stop sign.

The passenger door handle and locking mechanism was not functioning properly. The front passenger door handle was not presenting. Also, every time I parked the car or unlocked the car, the door would pop open. Also, while in drive and when the car was in motion the passenger door would pop open unexpectedly. Safety is put at risk as the door would pop open while the car was in drive and in motion. The problem was reproduced several times and the Tesla service center acknowledged the problem and fixed it. They charged me $477. There were no warning signs.

At low speeds, the rear control arm on the driver side disconnected from the wheel causing instability and a near accident. When looking into this issue, it appears it may be more common than what is published. This could have caused a serious accident if I were going highway speed.

Touch screen melting and leaking substance worried it will shut down dealer says not under warranty no warning or messages about leak.

On Friday, June 2, 2023, I was traveling at highway speed in the left lane south on interstate 15 just south of temecula, California. With no warning my vehicle speed started dropping quickly, and did not respond to pressing the accelerator pedal. I immediately started moving lanes to the right, as my speed quickly decelerated to 30 mph. Luckily, I was able to make it to the shoulder safely. There was an exit up ahead, so I continued to drive as my speed continued to decelerate, in the hopes that I could make the exit and have a safe place in which to stop and contact Tesla service. I was able to make that exit, but by the time I got there my speed had decelerated to 20 mph, and as I continued up the exit to a wider shoulder, the car rolled to a stop and would not move again. The car battery had been fully charged before I left home, and the indicator showed over 180 miles of range available. I contacted Tesla, and followed their instructions to attempt to reboot the car, but was not able to. I then arranged for a tow to the Tesla service center in temecula, where the car is now, and we are awaiting a diagnosis. A similar event happened to us in this vehicle in December of 2022; however, at that time the max speed of the car was able to be maintained at 60 mph, and we were able to make it to our destination safely (10-15 minutes of driving. ) once we arrived at that destination and stopped the car, the car would not restart, and it was towed to a Tesla service center in burbank, CA where repairs were made. The car has functioned normally until yesterday. I feel this incident definitely put myself, and other drivers at risk. A car suddenly dropping speed to 30 mph on a freeway is very dangerous, and should I have been in a situation where I was not able to change lanes quickly and get off the road, a serious accident could have occurred. A fatal accident what seems to be the same issue has been reported involving terry l. Siegel in missouri, Feb. 2022.

The main screen has been going black approximately every 2 minutes while I am driving. It flashes off and then back on. I lose my backup camera, and all access to other features such as defrost, which can be scary, not to mention distracting. This issue started in may 2023, and I brought the car in. An upgrade to the 64gb emmc (originally was an 8gb chip) was performed in may. I believe Tesla was asked to, but would not, recall cars with this issue; they would only upgrade the chip. In August, 2023 we had issues again. They "reflashed" the unit and it was ok, but only for a couple of weeks. In addition to the recall, I have a warranty, but they will not replace the the computer unit without charging repairs to me. They tell me the hardware is outdated and the only true fix is to upgrade (at my cost - $2,000) to the "infotainment" system. Since the upgrade to the 64mb chip has not worked, I believe they are required to do more, but they are telling me they will not, unless I pay. For some owners, I believe the upgrade was sufficient, but it has not been my experience. I have tried to reach someone above the service center manager, but it is impossible to get to a person. I have filled out contact forms on their website, with no response. I believe Tesla is putting my safety at risk because they will not perform what they know is the only true remedy.

Tesla Model S touchscreen (mcu 1) continue to respond extremely slowly. Sometimes this means that the rear camera does not respond / turn on when the car is in reverse. Camera has been previously replaced under warranty. However, the issue remains. Have had several past appointments with various errors including black screen resets at random times and lack of responsiveness which impacts required safety features like the rear camera, but also convenience features such as climate control, radio, navigation, etc. Tesla continues to push for customers to pay for an upgrade to mcu 2. However, it seems that these safety features should work correctly in a consistent manner without the customer being required to pay.

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.

There is fluid a fluid leak in the main large display and edges of driver display. The large display leak is obscuring driver view of display information. Driver side display is distracting and appears to move. Tesla verified that this problem exists in most of these vehicles, of this age, but it is not covered by warranty. Apparently, the fluid origin was from the breakdown of the adhesive used to attach glass. She could not assure me that the fluid would not leak out of glass screens or if the fluid was toxic to touch or inhalation. Despite the number of cars affected, there was never a recall, but many were fixed during another recall of a different display problem. The replacement of the screens will cost over $2000. Tesla was very much aware of this problem. There were many people affected and most were trusting Tesla’s replaced speech. Very sad.

The lcd screen is blinking, sometimes going blank. And its getting worse as the days are passing by. I heard there was a recall for models older than 2018.

1) repeated incidents of Tesla ghosting braking on the highway in autopilot. Sometimes with no cars in sight 3) braking from a high speed to 35 or 40 mph - would have definitely caused a crash if auto close behind me 3) all incidents have been reported to Teslas with time date stamps and they have never gotten back to me and ignored all my warnings that this will cause an accident ( which I now see it has ) I can get a date and time on some if needed. You can also search the Tesla support call log.

Main display is DE-laminating. Glue is leaking inside of car. Fear it will short out electrically and fail or become a fire hazard.

"my safety concern is with the 17 inch screen. Originally in the information about the car before it was purchased, the manufacturer said that the screen would tilt left or right to give the drive better a better view and access to the touch screen. I have talked to service about this issue and they have said they do not plan to retrofit our cars with the motors to make the screen move. This is now working on the same car that is one year newer. We were promised this and I believe this issue with the screen not moving is a serious concern. You cannot see the screen as well or touch it as well because it does not tilt towards the driver. Please investigate this problem, it is dangerous. ".

I’ve been complaining about my mcu1 glitching, freezing and my rear view camera not working since June 2022. I also filing a complaint because I have the fsd package on my 2016 mcu1 car and that has not been delivered after a 6 year wait. They released fsd to the mcu1 platform. But less than 50 cars got it and that very software got recalled. They have fixed every other platform but mcu1 since. I truly believe there is a issue with mcu1 hw3. I’ve complained several times about my mcu under warranty about these issues and they said the only fix is mcu2 . Which means they couldn’t fix it under warrranty. That’s a breach of warranty. I almost hit a elderly gentleman a few weeks ago because I was backing up and my screen went black. This has been happening and Tesla knows all about it. But Tesla says the only fix is the paid mcu2 upgrade for 2500 dollars. Tesla has been really deceptive and is trying to force it customers to their upgrade. This has been a ongoing issue with many loyal customers. Pretty much anyone that has a 2016-17 Tesla s or x with mcu1. Losing basic functionality shouldn’t be a issue but here we are. Please look into this I’m sure you find several others just like me. Thanks for your help.

I have recently been made aware of pending requests and investigations re the Tesla autopilot system and ‘phantom braking. ’ the issue is much broader than the 2020-2022 models. I experience this on an almost daily issue when I use the autopilot features with my fsd package. It has always been a common issue amongst all models of Tesla owners and discussed in group chats on Tesla owner forums (see eg. , https://teslamotorsclub. Com/tmc/threads/phantom-braking-discussion. 233400/) I have reported it to Tesla when I’ve gone in for other service and the response is always ‘yeah we are aware and working to fix it,’ or something to the effect acknowledging an issue they are investigating. I can’t give you a specific date but I didn’t record it- I just know it happens quite often, even on the highway with no car in front of me. The car does more than slow- it brakes hard and jarring. I learned there is no point telling Tesla when because they review the footage over the last few days before service and see no errors to fix despite knowing that it’s an issue. I hope you expand your recall and simply request that whatever is causing it, all modes and all years can be repaired. It’s too dangerous to use.

Tesla 17 inch touchscreen blacks out repeatedly and then cycles and turns back on. This is more common in hot environments after charging. Sometimes it happens more than 10 times in a short drive. Per a similar recall in newer 2021 vehicles this means the cars can lose rearview camera displays, settings that control windshield defrosters and indicators. I have had the emmc replaced per the prior recall, but this issue continues to happen after multiple Tesla service center visits.

The instrument cluster goes out randomly when driving. This means there is no speed displayed. I reported to Tesla and they did nothing to correct this problem.

Driver door opens by itself.

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.

Tesla notified me that my vehicle had been recalled due to a faulty emmc in the media control unit. My vehicle is affected. I am having problems with the media control unit. I went to schedule service to get the replacement under the recall, and Tesla sent me a notice that my vehicle is not eligible for parts replacement unless the media control unit screen is completely blank. When this happens, it is an immediate safety issue. I do not believe Tesla is complying with the spirit of the recall. Parts should be replaced before a safety issue occurs. Tesla invited me to file a complaint if I feel that they are not complying with the nthsa. So that is what I am doing.

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.

Tesla has released new firmware 11 software, version 2021. 44. 25. 2, for the master computer screen which is what controls all the software controlled functions of the vehicle. During the update, which was not communicated in advance of the update, Tesla did a complete user interface change & redesign. This materially changed how the vehicle functions from a usability standpoint and a safety standpoint. With the said user interface update and change (again, complete redesign), Tesla changed locations of "buttons" to activate functions required for safety. One major change (among too many to be able to list in a safety complaint) was window defroster/defogger, to keep windows clear of fog & frost. Tesla has moved buttons and options which were directly accessible with a single touch and no menu changes, and has moved said changes into sub-menu's. Doing this now requires the driver to take their eyes off the road, and at least one hand off the wheel for an extended length of time to navigate sub-menu's to find the placement of the button to activate defrosters. Instead of a fraction of a second glance to hit the button, now requires 2-5 seconds of looking to find it. Same goes for heat/ac controls. Further, the redesign materially changes the functionality of the vehicles menus, and completely changes the functionality of every and all options under the menu's. Again, Tesla did this with no prior notification that such a change would be taking place. Further, Tesla service will not reverse the software changes. Tesla, with this update, has focused more on a stupid "holiday light show", and providing more games to the driver. I do not want a stupid light show or games. I want my vehicle to operate how it was advertised in a usability manor that does not decrease safety.

I backed my Tesla out of my driveway on 12/17. I could see as I backed into the street another car at the stop sign waiting to turn left. I was blocking part of the road so as the car was in reverse moving back, I put my Tesla in "d". I clearly saw the d. I stepped on accelerator seeing they were patiently waiting and I wanted to get out of their way. As I touched gas I was in shock-I kept going in reverse! the car dash said "d" and in my shock I pressed down on the gas more. I ended up accelerating more in reverse and smashed right into a parked car on the street! I knew I was swerving back and steered into the middle of the street I thought. I never heard the warning sign on my car because it was in d. I didnt see the car in my rearview mirror and in the shock of the speed and my correct into the middle of the road, I dented my neighbors front left bumper only. Thankfully I didn't damage their lights. It only did a small scrape in the front right rear side of my Model S. I did replicate the problem one more time on camera about 15 minutes later. But I was in such shock the camera drops below the road so it has my voice on it and I didn't want to hit someone else again. This is very dangerous to accelerate backwards when the dash says "d". I've taken the Tesla in many times for the screens freezing. They say its memory issues and want me to pay 2500 to upgrade the internal parts. This puts my kids and anyone at risk if they're behind me when im shifting to drive and drive off. There again were no warnings before the crash because the car was in d.

Windows both on passenger and driver side won’t close once open. They close halfway and go back. It takes multiple attempts to close them. It is happening for more than 3 years.

Nhtsa has asked Tesla to recall faulty emmc base boards, but even after repeated service requests with proof of of center console going completely blank while driving, backup camera failure from time to time, voice commands unusable and now maps going completely blank, Tesla refuses to change the board and says their system does not show signs of wear and due to limited parts availability they won't perform replacement. They have been updating firmware to delete processes to slow down 'wear' as per their definition so that they can get around NHTSA direction.