How many electrical system complaints does the 2017 Tesla Model S have?

NHTSA lists 131 Electrical System complaints for the 2017 Model S, which is 31% of the 424 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2017 Tesla Model S?

Yes. NHTSA lists two related recalls: campaign 23V838000 covering Autosteer software and campaign 24V051000 covering an incorrect instrument panel font size, both remedied with over-the-air software updates.

At what mileage do 2017 Model S electrical problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this component is 35,250 miles.

Have electrical system problems on the 2017 Model S caused crashes or fires?

NHTSA data tied to this component and year shows 6 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries.

2017 Tesla Model S Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 131 Electrical System complaints for the 2017 Tesla Model S, 31% of all 424 complaints for the year. Six crashes, one fire, and three injuries are tied to this component, with a median failure mileage of 35,250. Two related recalls address software issues affecting Autosteer and instrument panel display.

Electrical System complaints: 131; 31% of 424
Crashes reported: 6
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 35,250 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden unintended acceleration events, sometimes over 100 mph, with loss of steering and brake control leading to crashes.
Some describe the main center screen (MCU) and instrument cluster going completely black while driving, cutting off speed and turn signal information.
Others report the MCU failing outright, leaving the car drivable but without a working speedometer, turn signals, or safety chimes.
A subset describe the vehicle shutting down mid-drive on the highway with an error message preventing the car from going into gear.
One owner reported a burning plastic smell and white smoke from the hood while charging, which led to a fire.
A few describe Autosteer or Auto Summon failing to brake or steer correctly, resulting in collisions with medians, curbs, or stationary objects.

When 2017 Tesla Model S electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 24, 2018, latest Aug 9, 2026.

131 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2021 Q1 (23).

Electrical System recalls for the 2017 Tesla Model S

NHTSA 24V051000Jan 30, 2024Electrical System2,193,869 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
NHTSA 23V838000Dec 12, 2023Electrical System2,031,220 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Electrical system:adas:driver monitoring:software
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
Risk: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.

Electrical System complaints by Model S model year

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

201238 (62%)
2013203 (44%)
2014143 (39%)
2015281 (42%)
2016183 (28%)
2017131 (31%)
201839 (23%)
20196 (14%)
20207 (9%)
202128 (16%)
202221 (15%)
202314 (12%)
20247 (18%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2017 Tesla Model S have?: NHTSA lists 131 Electrical System complaints for the 2017 Model S, which is 31% of the 424 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2017 Tesla Model S?: Yes. NHTSA lists two related recalls: campaign 23V838000 covering Autosteer software and campaign 24V051000 covering an incorrect instrument panel font size, both remedied with over-the-air software updates.
At what mileage do 2017 Model S electrical problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this component is 35,250 miles.
Have electrical system problems on the 2017 Model S caused crashes or fires?: NHTSA data tied to this component and year shows 6 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries.