How common are visibility and wiper problems on the 2017 Tesla Model S?

NHTSA has logged 24 complaints in this category for the 2017 model year, making up 6% of all 424 complaints filed for that year.

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

This dataset shows no related_recalls entry, though several owner complaints reference NHTSA campaign number 21V035000, which covers back-over prevention, visibility, and exterior lighting.

At what mileage do these visibility problems usually appear?

The median mileage at failure for this problem area is 45,000 miles.

Did visibility and wiper issues cause any crashes or fires on the 2017 Model S?

No. NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to this complaint category for the 2017 Model S.

How does the 2017 Model S compare to other years for this issue?

The 2017 model's 24 complaints and 6% share are similar to 2015 (38 complaints, 6%) and 2016 (39 complaints, 6%), and higher than 2018's 4 complaints at 2%.

2017 Tesla Model S Visibility & Wipers Problems

NHTSA lists 24 Visibility & Wipers complaints for the 2017 Tesla Model S, about 6% of its 424 total complaints. No fires or crashes were tied to this category, and no related recall is logged in this dataset despite owners referencing NHTSA campaign 21V035000.

Visibility & Wipers complaints: 24; 6% of 424
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 45,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical visibility and wiper symptoms owners report

The center touchscreen (MCU) freezes, goes blank, or reboots while driving, temporarily disabling the backup camera and defrost controls.
Owners report the eMMC storage chip failing, which knocks out turn signal control, climate/defog functions, and rear camera view until the system restarts.
Some drivers describe the instrument panel or main display going completely blank at highway speed, along with an illuminated Back Over Prevention warning light.
Windshield wipers on at least one vehicle stopped responding to controls or moved in the wrong direction during rain.
Multiple owners mention receiving notice of NHTSA campaign 21V035000 covering back-over prevention, visibility, and exterior lighting, but say replacement parts were unavailable for an extended time.
A replaced windshield reportedly showed ghosting distortion that Tesla said met specifications without providing test data.

When 2017 Tesla Model S visibility and wiper complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 17, 2019, latest Aug 24, 2025.

24 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2019 to Aug 2025; peak Jul 2020 (2).

Visibility & Wipers recalls for the 2017 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 problems on the 2017 Tesla Model S?: NHTSA has logged 24 complaints in this category for the 2017 model year, making up 6% of all 424 complaints filed for that year.
Is there a recall for visibility issues on the 2017 Tesla Model S?: This dataset shows no related_recalls entry, though several owner complaints reference NHTSA campaign number 21V035000, which covers back-over prevention, visibility, and exterior lighting.
At what mileage do these visibility problems usually appear?: The median mileage at failure for this problem area is 45,000 miles.
Did visibility and wiper issues cause any crashes or fires on the 2017 Model S?: No. NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to this complaint category for the 2017 Model S.
How does the 2017 Model S compare to other years for this issue?: The 2017 model's 24 complaints and 6% share are similar to 2015 (38 complaints, 6%) and 2016 (39 complaints, 6%), and higher than 2018's 4 complaints at 2%.