2012 Tesla Model S: backup camera failure

Filed Dec 3, 2021 · Electrical, Visibility · VA

The vehicle was not experiencing display or review view camera display issues but was out of caution serviced nuder Manufacturer Recall Number SB2121001 (the federal safety agency Recall Number 21V035) for no charge. The vehicle is not under warranty. There was no charge for the initial "repair". When the vehicle was returned, the rear view camera did not function (black screen and/or serious flicker when video was partially displayed). Also bubbles were introduced into the front display panel. On questioning the repair, I was strongly encouraged by technician and then by manager to get an updated "infotainment with an upgraded MCU" (which is unclear but perhaps a superset of the VCM and display components that are under recall), for a cost of $2000 and $500 for it to include FM radio (that I already have and always worked fine). The manager offered a deal for $1000 + $500 to include FM radio. An appointment was set up and the estimate for approval was $1500 for "infotainment upgrade" and $500 for "Radio upgrade", and $120 taxes for a total of $2120.00 I will cancel the upgrade and inquire again if the recall work is able to return the vehicle in working order without it needing a $2000 upgrade to resolve an issue related to loss of viability and backup camera (cited under the recall) and to charge me $500 for an FM radio I already have that works fine.

Filed Sep 8, 2021 · Electrical, Lights · PA

This is related to the federal safety agency recall 21V‑035. Tesla replaced the 8Gb memory card with a 64Gb memory card (so I'm told) but the main car display screen still does not function most of the time. This results in; -unavailability of the rearview camera display -defrost/defog control settings unavailable for purposes of ensuring visibility -and exterior turn signal lighting may increase the risk of a crash I've had this to Tesla twice now but it has not been fixed.

Filed Jul 23, 2021 · Electrical, Lights · VT

I recently had my Tesla Model S serviced due to the touchscreen going blank (losing functionality of defrosting, temperature, sunroof, and a list of other issues). Driving with a fogged up window is dangerous. Thank you to the federal safety agency for forcing Tesla to replace it free of charge. Unfortunately, it appears that Tesla is not replacing it with a new unit. Instead it is a refurbished unit. Just days after servicing I got in the car to drive and the following error comes up on the touchscreen: "Center display memory storage device is degraded. Without repair, center display may enter limited functionality mode and only display rear view camera. When in limited functionality mode, it may be required to press brake for 30 seconds or press key fob unlock to authorize drive. Please use the Tesla Mobile App to schedule service." I find this quite troublesome and felt it worthy to apprise the federal safety agency that Tesla is clearly not abiding by its requests.

Filed Feb 22, 2021 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 85,000 miles · PA

On november 23rd 2020 I took my model s ([xxx]) to tesla service center lancaster, pa for the tesla warranty adjustment program which was announced on november 9th and related to malfunctioning touchscreen due to a malfunctioning emmc. This is the result of the service visit; 1) tesla lancaster, pa service center told me my vehicle is not in the warranty parameters (the tesla warranty adjustment program stated 8years/100k miles. My car has less than 100k miles and initial delivery was november 24th 2012 - so tesla lancaster, pa was wrong about this as service date was november 23rd, 2020) 2) tesla lancaster, pa service center stated "the vehicle is not equipped with the emmc" (a 2012 model s has to have some type of memory device in it - I would expect it to be an emmc of some sort. The november "warranty adjustment program" stated no-cost repairs for malfunctioning emmc but lancaster, pa service center did not repair my car.) so in short when I took my car in for november warranty adjustment program related to screen going blank intermittently tesla would not fix it. My screen is still blank intermittently because tesla would not repair it and now with the february 2021 the federal safety agency recall 21v035 released I would like this screen issue fixed properly and permanently. Regardless of what emmc or memory device is in the car the federal safety agency safety concerns still apply (unavailability of the rearview camera display, defrost/defog control settings for purposes of ensuring visibility, and exterior turn signal lighting may increase the risk of a crash). I am requesting the mcu be replaced with mcu v2 free of charge because tesla stated my 2012 model s does not have the 8gb emmc and because of safety concerns with the current state of the mcu. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jan 22, 2021 · CA

There is a know problem with the tesla infotainment system failing so I had mine upgraded. Now the rear camera is nearly useless. It is so dark it is a safety hazard. I have contacted tesla and they are aware and have no plans to fix.

Filed Jul 1, 2020 · Electrical · 88,355 miles · GA

The mcu on my 2012 tesla model s failed in june of 2019, when my car was out of warranty. The center screen went and stayed blank. Among other things, I had no way to turn on the AC during 90 degree days, backup camera was no longer visible making maneuvering this large car when parking very dangerous, and the car was so slow to start up that I was afraid to drive it as I was not secure that it would start again when I was away from home. I had to pay $2,287 to have it replaced.

Filed Jun 30, 2020 · Electrical · 249,000 miles · CA

The main computer in car - media control unit - malfunctioned... It crashed and caused no turn signals, no rear view camera, and no HVAC. Controls for headlights also gone

Filed Jun 29, 2020 · Electrical · CA

Mcu failure causing complete loss of instrument cluster, no backup camera, no defrost controls, and inability to access any other functions aside from hazard lights. This failure happed when I stopped to recharge the car. After a while and a system reset, I was able to drive the car again. Still seeing intermittent failures.

Filed Jun 26, 2020 · Electrical · 83,100 miles · CA

Around june 2018 the media control unit (mcu) of my model s completely froze before I left my home for work. The screen did not update and did not respond to any touch. I rebooted the mcu while driving but the screen remained black. I could no longer use back-up camera, don't know if turn signals work, turn on headlights, change climate control, etc. I was able to get to work safely and tried to use the chargepoint stations offered at work. The car was stuck in scheduled charging, so I couldn't charge from work. I even left work to try to use the supercharger at the fremont hub in ca, thinking it would bypass the scheduled charging. That did not work either. This was bad as I remember having about 30% of charge left. Since it was an emergency, the tesla rep was kind enough to let me skip appointments and allowed me to bring my car in for service immediately. I end up paying a total of $2,270.50 to replace the mcu. They replaced it with the same mcu model that will exhibit the same problem down the road.

Filed Jun 25, 2020 · Electrical · 39,916 miles · WA

Loss of rear view camera. The middle touch screen or mcu quit working. This is my 3rd mcu. The car has 41k miles. The last one lasted just over 1 year, just out of a 1 year warranty. The mcu controls almost all features of the car, including the rear camera for backing up.

Filed Jun 25, 2020 · 47,000 miles · CA

The vehicle's main display, which shows the backup camera, freezes/locks when turning on the vehicle. The error message on the drivers display is that the large display is "unresponsive". Then, when restarting the display's operating system (by holding the two buttons down on the car's steering wheel), the system reboots and the display goes permanently blank until the vehicle is parked, the vehicle powers off. When starting the vehicle for a second time, the same issue occurs. So I no longer have a backup camera. Given my model s year does not have any sensors other than the visual backup camera, I am missing my safest method to backup. I am also missing controls to charge my vehicle, map my routing, and all other applications that the vehicle has. There are no issue driving the vehicle.

Filed Jun 24, 2020 · Electrical · 68,000 miles · GA

Each time the tesla s is started the large touch display screen is inoperative. No function on the screen works. The rearview camera, cell phone or any function-have,sunroof,garage door close, etc. The screen has to be reset taking 5 minutes. The car can be driven by all screen functions including charging are impacted.