2016 Tesla Model S Visibility Problems

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

NHTSA ID

11711765

Incident

Dec 25, 2025

When vehicle is placed in park the wipers engage continuously on the intermittent setting. This occurs every time the car is put in park regardless of the weather. These uncontrolled wipes on a dry windshield are causing damage to my windshield and the wipers.

NHTSA ID

11571541

Incident

Jan 9, 2024

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 They tell me the hardware is outdated and the only true fix is to upgrade (at my cost - $2,000) to the "Infotainment" system.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.

NHTSA ID

11551812

Incident

May 1, 2023

The screen frequently locks up, during which time the defrost controls and backup camera are inoperable. Tesla Seaside initially agreed to perform the EMMC recall, but now with my car in the shop and me stranded an hour from home, they will not agree to perform the recall unless I agree to pay $2200 for a new screen as well, as the adhesive holding the screen is failing.

NHTSA ID

11548231

Incident

Oct 4, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the center display screen went blank, causing the gear shifter, cameras, and defroster to become inoperable. The center display screen inadvertently rebooted shortly afterwards. The contact stated that the Tesla app confirmed that the EMMC was still operating and functioning as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11501069

Incident

Jan 10, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the center console failed to operate as needed without warning. The contact also stated that the side mirrors would independently fold in without warning. The contact then received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting). The contact called several service centers in relation to the recall and was informed that parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ID

11452073

Incident

Aug 1, 2020

Mileage

65,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer's app was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. 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 stated that the screen display had malfunctioned while driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was 37,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11449689

Incident

Nov 1, 2021

Mileage

37,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lightning). The contact stated that the display screen for the cameras was inoperable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and sent an associate to the contact's residence to inspect the vehicle. The associate inspected the hood latch and tires but not the display screen. The manufacturer informed the contact that there was a shortage of parts for the recall repair and canceled the recall repair appointment. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11446609

Incident

Jan 7, 2022

Immediately after purchase of the vehicle from Tesla and on my way home from the dealer, I rolled my driver-side window down, then attempted to roll the window up upon entering the freeway. The window went half-way up, then rolled back down automatically. I attempted many times to roll the window up, but it would not go up. On the freeway, this caused a safety issue due to wind and debris entering inside the vehicle and causing safety problems for me. I took the car back to Tesla for repair. They indicated they fixed the problem, but this issue has occurred 6 more times, and each time I take the car in, they indicate it has been fixed, while the problem occurs again, not just with the driver-side window, but with other windows as well. I am seriously concerned about my safety and the safety of my family. This issue has occurred in various situations causing serious safety issues: 1. I took my car to Big Bear to ski, and the problem occurred in extremely cold temperature, exposing me and my family to extreme temperatures while attempting to operate the vehicle with the window down and unable to maintain cabin temperature for a few hours while trying to come back from the trip. 2. In two instances this issue occurred in the rain, causing water to enter the cabin and interfering with visibility and safely operating the vehicle. 3. In one instance this issue occurred while I was passing a place where landscaping sprinklers were on and I was sprayed in the face with water, seriously jeopardizing my visibility and I had to stop in place to clear my face from water before being able to see again and safely resume operation of the vehicle. 4. There are many more instances. Tesla is refusing to take back the vehicle as a lemon, despite repairing the vehicle 7 times all together, with the problem still occurring intermittently. I refuse to let my family drive the vehicle for fear of their safety, and I only drive it myself under very limited circumstances.

NHTSA ID

11446341

Incident

Nov 15, 2019

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11445630

Incident

Feb 6, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID

11445300

Incident

Dec 28, 2021

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the center display inadvertently went blank and froze, causing the contact to have to restart the center display. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, the manufacturer had not returned his calls for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11440246

Incident

May 12, 2020

Mileage

38,000 mi

The eMMC failure of Tesla Model S/X manufactured from 2012 to mid 2018 has forced Tesla to issue a recall to replace the aforementioned eMMC chip. A failure in that chip means the AC controls stop working, as well as some lightning signals and the rear camera. I experienced the failure before Tesla issued a recall, when my vehicle had ~29000mi. Since the vehicle was not safe to drive, I did the repair myself: I bought an eMMC chip, I took out the Tegra daughterboard from the vehicle and brought it to an specialized electronics shop, they replaced the eMMC chip and I copied the contents of the old memory chip into the new one. Once Tesla offered the recall, they also offered a reimbursement for those who had paid out-of-pocket for this repair through an online form. I filled the online form, uploading invoices for the eMMC chip and the electronics repair shop work, but they denied my reimbursement. Because of that, I feel that Tesla has NOT honored the recall in my case.

NHTSA ID

11434055

Incident

Feb 8, 2021

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that the display screen had gone completely blank without warning while driving. The contact was unable to use certain electrical features. The contact then received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting). Despite multiple appointment being made to service the recall, the contact was informed that the parts remained unavailable. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11430270

Incident

Mar 1, 2021

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the instrument panel inadvertently turned blank and the defroster became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated he was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not repair the vehicle; however, the vehicle memory was reset. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who informed the contact that they could not assist and advised him to depress an unknown button on the instrument panel to record the time of occurrence whenever the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred shortly after receiving the recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting). The contact stated he had not been contacted by the dealer for the recall repair as advised in the recall notification he received. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11429248

Incident

Dec 7, 2020

Mileage

30,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument screen inadvertently went black. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road and then drove the vehicle to his destination. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, he was not able to schedule the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11425799

Incident

Apr 15, 2020

Mileage

10,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, after diagnosing the vehicle, the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair would not be completed on the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, the instrument panel temporarily blacked out while the GPS was in use. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the vehicle memory needed to be cleared. The memory was cleared however, the failure persisted. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000. Parts Distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11423168

Incident

Nov 15, 2020

Mileage

45,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V035000 (Back Over Pretention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that occasionally the display failed to operate as designed. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11420585

Incident

Jan 11, 2021

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that the center console screen was blank which caused several other electrical failures. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting). The dealer was contacted and informed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11420246

Incident

Jul 1, 2019

The multi-media screen when blank and would not reboot in Dec. 2020. It had gone blank before many times over the years (more than I think most cars) but always I was able to reboot the car/computer. I had complained a couple of times at the service center going back a few years and got advice to reboot. Lately it had been happening quite frequently. This time it would not work. I called Tesla and the rep asked if the turn signals worked and I confirmed that they did not. He indicated that this was a safety issue and I should not drive the car and schedule a repair asap. Meanwhile, I had already received a notice in the mail of a volunary repair that Telsa would do if the screen went out and woudl not rebooot. I was able to get an earlier appointment than the 2 week one that was offered by going into the Tesla service center (as they had advised I could try to do). I was later told that they would not voluntarily repair this for me and I would have to pay. It took them a number of days to get back to me on this. Tesla service center rep and manager indicated that even though the end result of my issue was the same -- no screen, no rear back up camera, no turn signals, no defrost presumably -- my issue was caused by a defective audio chip for the display and not the defective multi-media chip. I had the same safety issues but they required that I pay out of pocket fo the repair. They explained that Tesla had figure out a less expensive way to swap out the mulit media chip but for the audio chip it required a full replacement of the panel or something and that cost them more. I asked about who can i escalate this to and was told I woudl hae to write the legal department. I wrote the legal department on March 12, 2021 to request a refund. They have still not written me back or even acknowledged my letter. Since I wrote my letter to Tesla, my undestanding is that NHTSA has required Tesla to issue a recall to repair a blank screen chip issue.

NHTSA ID

11418161

Incident

Dec 21, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TESLA MODEL S. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V035000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION, VISIBILITY, EXTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE CENTER DISPLAY SCREEN WOULD NOT TURN ON OR WOULD BLACK OUT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE WOULD BE CONTACTED WHEN THE HARDWARE EMMC UPGRADE WAS AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID

11414181

Incident

Jan 1, 2021

Mileage

83,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 TESLA MODEL S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE MCU SCREEN INTERMITTENTLY BECAME INOPERABLE. DURING THE FAILURE, THE REAR VIEW CAMERA AND EXTERIOR TURN SIGNALS WERE INOPERABLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V035000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION, VISIBILITY, EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

NHTSA ID

11406451

Incident

Feb 1, 2020

Mileage

15,000 mi

I AM SURE YOU ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WHICH WAS JUST ANNOUNCED FOR RECALL - CENTRAL MCU UNIT CAUSES BLACK SCREEN WHICH STOPS MAJORITY OF CAR FUNCTIONS TO OPERATE. HOWEVER - HERE IS A NEW TWIST! MY UNIT WAS REPLACED 2 WEEKS AGO AND WITHIN 48 HOURS THE PROBLEMS ONGOING BLACK SCREEN PROBLEMS RE-APPEARED TWICE (PLEASE, SEE ATTACHED IMAGE). BROUGHT BACK THE VEHICLE TO TESLA REPAIR CENTER AND AFTER A WEEK TESLA'S RESPONSE - "WE RESET ERRORS AND YOU ARE ALL SET". THESE ORIGINAL MCU1 UNITS ARE FLAWED AND ARE A DANGER TO DRIVERS BECAUSE PROBLEMS CAN HAPPEN ANY TIME - WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING, BACKING-UP, PARKING OR CHARGING. THESE ISSUES CANNOT BE RECTIFIED ON THE ROAD AND ARE A TOTAL HAZARD. REPLACING ONE DEAD MCU1 WITH ANOTHER ONE IS SIMPLY DELAYING THE INEVITABLE. TESLA IS AWARE OF THE FUNDAMENTAL DESIGN PROBLEMS WHICH IS WHY THEY NOT ONLY INTRODUCED A MORE STABLE MCU2 BUT ALSO HAVE BEEN VERY PROACTIVELY PUSHING CUSTOMERS TO PURCHASE IT.

NHTSA ID

11391190

Incident

Jan 22, 2021

Mileage

65,730 mi

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!

NHTSA ID

11390978

Incident

Jan 31, 2021

Mileage

60,569 mi

VIN: [XXX] WHILE DRIVING AIR SUSPENSION HAS WILDLY ACTIVATED. UNABLE TO MANUALLY TURN HEADLIGHTS ON AT NIGHT. ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM HAS, UNCOMMANDEDLY, ACTIVATED ON FULL VOLUME AND UNABLE TO REDUCE/MUTE. BLUETOOTH LINK DISCONNECTED FROM PHONE ELIMINATING HANDSFREE ABILITY MID-CALL. MCU (MEDIA CONTROL UNIT)/MAINSCREEN HAS REBOOTED ON ITS OWN, WITH HIGH OUTSIDE HEAT, PHOENIX, ARIZONA< SHUTTING OFF CABIN COOLING FOR AS LONG AS 5 MINUTES. THESE ARE PRIMARY SAFETY CONCERNS AND MAJOR DISTRACTIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THERE IS FREQUENT LOSS OF GPS/NAVIGATION POSITION, FALSE AURAL WARNINGS AND SOMETIMES A COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE MCU THAT A RESET SOMETIMES/TEMPORARILY CLEARS. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE SUMMER THROUGH NOW BOTH LOCALLY WITHIN THE PHOENIX, ARIZONA AREA, PARTS OF NORTHERN ARIZONA, NEVADA AND CALIFORNIA AT DIFFERENT TIMES, ELEVATIONS, CLIMATES AND TIME OF DAY. I HAVE VIDEO THAT I CAN SHARE WITH YOU IF NEEDED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID

11389790

Incident

Jul 21, 2020

Mileage

60,000 mi