2017 Tesla Model S Structure & Body Problems
NHTSA lists 20 Structure & Body complaints for the 2017 Tesla Model S, about 5% of the 424 total complaints that year, with 6 crashes and 5 injuries reported. A related recall (21V00B000) covers a misaligned front trunk latch.
- Structure & Body complaints
- 20
- 5% of 424
- Crashes reported
- 6
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 5
- Median mileage
- 21,175 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical body and structure symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden unintended acceleration or movement while parking at very low speeds, leading to collisions with walls, curbs, or parked cars.
- Some describe the glass roof cracking without warning, extending toward the power liftgate area.
- Rear doors reportedly unlatch or fail to open properly, sometimes triggering a door-ajar warning while the vehicle is stationary.
- Door handles are described as failing to extend or retract due to wire issues, preventing the door from opening from outside.
- One owner reported an a-pillar found cracked shortly after delivery, raising concern about structural integrity.
- A driver seat was reported to sit too low, causing discomfort and reduced leg circulation during driving.
When 2017 Tesla Model S body and structure complaints were filed
First complaint Apr 5, 2017, latest Jun 23, 2026.
Structure & Body recalls for the 2017 Tesla Model S
- NHTSA 21V00B000Dec 21, 2021Structure & Body130,441 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113, "Hood Latch System."
Risk: If the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly, obstructing the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and reposition the latch assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 18, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-11-003.
Structure & Body complaints by Model S model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many Structure & Body complaints does NHTSA have for the 2017 Tesla Model S?
- NHTSA lists 20 Structure & Body complaints for the 2017 Model S, which is about 5% of the 424 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall related to Structure & Body issues on the 2017 Model S?
- Yes. Recall 21V00B000, reported December 21, 2021, covers a front trunk latch assembly that may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging.
- Have Structure & Body problems on the 2017 Model S led to crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data shows 6 crashes and 5 injuries associated with Structure & Body complaints for the 2017 Model S. No fires were reported in this category.
- At what mileage do these structure and body issues typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for Structure & Body complaints on the 2017 Model S is 21,175 miles.
- How does the 2017 Model S compare to other years for this problem area?
- The 2017 Model S had 20 Structure & Body complaints (5% share), lower in count than 2014, 2015, and 2016, which each had 30-37 complaints, though 2018-2020 show a higher share percentage of 9-10%.