How common are visibility and wiper complaints on the 2014 Tesla Model S?

NHTSA lists 17 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2014 Model S, which is 5% of the 365 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2014 Tesla Model S related to visibility issues?

The data shows no recalls formally tied to this complaint category, though some owners reference NHTSA Campaign Number 21V035000, a back-over prevention and visibility campaign, in their complaint narratives.

At what mileage do these visibility problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure among these complaints is 67,941 miles.

Do these visibility complaints involve crashes or injuries?

NHTSA records show 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries among the reported Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2014 Model S.

What specific windshield or camera problems do owners describe?

Owners describe repeated windshield cracking, defroster loss tied to media control unit failures, and backup camera outages, with some also citing delays getting parts for a back-over prevention recall.

2014 Tesla Model S Visibility & Wipers Problems

Owners filed 17 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2014 Tesla Model S, 5% of that year's 365 total complaints. Median mileage at failure was 67,941. NHTSA lists no related recalls tied specifically to this problem area's complaint count, though a separate back-over prevention/visibility campaign is referenced in some complaints.

Visibility & Wipers complaints: 17; 5% of 365
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 67,941 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical visibility and wiper symptoms owners report

Owners report repeated windshield cracking and rock-chip damage, with some replacing the windshield multiple times since purchase.
Failure of the media control unit (MCU) is described as disabling the windshield defroster along with turn signals and other safety functions.
Some owners state the backup camera stopped working when the MCU or touchscreen failed, removing rear visibility while reversing.
Several contacts mention receiving a notice for NHTSA Campaign Number 21V035000, covering back-over prevention, visibility, and exterior lighting, but reported the repair part was unavailable at the dealer.
One owner reported the digital screen intermittently going black while driving, which also disabled several safety features without a warning light.

When 2014 Tesla Model S visibility and wiper complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 19, 2017, latest Dec 17, 2025.

17 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2017 to Dec 2025; peak Jul 2020 (4).

Visibility & Wipers recalls for the 2014 Tesla Model S

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Visibility & Wipers complaints by Model S model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20126 (10%)
201322 (5%)
201417 (5%)
201538 (6%)
201639 (6%)
201724 (6%)
20184 (2%)
20193 (7%)
20200 (0%)
20213 (2%)
20226 (4%)
20236 (5%)
20242 (5%)
20251 (17%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are visibility and wiper complaints on the 2014 Tesla Model S?: NHTSA lists 17 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2014 Model S, which is 5% of the 365 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2014 Tesla Model S related to visibility issues?: The data shows no recalls formally tied to this complaint category, though some owners reference NHTSA Campaign Number 21V035000, a back-over prevention and visibility campaign, in their complaint narratives.
At what mileage do these visibility problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure among these complaints is 67,941 miles.
Do these visibility complaints involve crashes or injuries?: NHTSA records show 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries among the reported Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2014 Model S.
What specific windshield or camera problems do owners describe?: Owners describe repeated windshield cracking, defroster loss tied to media control unit failures, and backup camera outages, with some also citing delays getting parts for a back-over prevention recall.