2016 Tesla Model S: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Mar 3, 2026 · Driver assistance · SD

multitude of electrical problems: Fuel/Propulsion System, Lighting, and body controls along with all ADAS: Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assistance systems are impacted by random intermittent glitching as computer screen bubbling progressed with goo leaking out of the bottom of the main computer. Most recent symptom was disabling of ALL ADAS systems along with automatic high beam headlight switching. Long ago as screen began to bubble and express fluid the low windshield washer alert came on and remains even when the tank is full. Then the charge port responsiveness degraded and stopped automatically functioning requiring user to bypass by clicking the "open charge port", then waiting 3 seconds, then tapping "unlock charge port". User must perform this as remote manual operation from a NACS charging handle button push will FAIL. Long ago the computer controlled 'home link' module would have excessive time delays on the order of hours or days from when the user would program and or operate the function. I even had a "phanthom" car appear by the computer calculations with E-Braking before the ADAS system failed fully, a 1.0 Tesla system should not have that... Windows have randomly rolled down and the driver side rear door will unlock and open on its own as the door handles present themselves. The safety risk class is unknown unknown; if the root problem is the screen filling leaking on electronics any number of unknown, unplanned, unstudied risk failure modes exist that can not be predicted. Schematically the HOMELINK is on connector X429 sharing CANBUS connections impacting safety: Driver "Instrument Cluster", DAS systems connected to "Power Steering ECU", "iBooster ECU", "ABS / Stability ECU", "Passive Restraints Controller"... see CAN Network - Chassis drawing page 11 , "Energy System - Charger Logic Connections" "Instrument Cluster / LIN" pg35

Filed Jan 11, 2024 · Lights · TX

Daytime running lights de soldered themselves from the headlight assembly, Tesla suggested a $4600.00 replacement of headlights at customer cost, no warranty.

Filed Feb 26, 2023 · Lights · NC

Tesla designed a combined headlight with no serviceable parts. This includes headlights, high beams, and namely daytime running lights. All of these components are on an LED strip that apparently has a tendency to overheat and fail prematurely. For example, the replacement cost for a portion of the daytime running light (on one side) is over $1,000. This is apparently a known weak point and should be addressed.

Filed Nov 7, 2022 · Lights · CA

Day time running lights have a very short life of 1-2 years before failing. The bulbs are not replaceable and require replacement of entire headlight unit which costs over $1,000.

Filed Oct 30, 2022 · Lights · TX

Tesla designs a single piece headlight with no serviceable parts. This includes headlights, high beams, and namely daytime running lights. All of these components are on an LED strip that overheats and un-solders due to this high heat, which causes premature failure. Some owners have reported as little as 3 months of life before failing. The day

Filed Oct 30, 2022 · Lights · AZ

Unknown. Both left and right daytime running lights are failing. Problem started about two months ago. The bright LED lights are slowly turning an amber color. Daytime running lights are part of the assembly of the headlight so all headlight and daytime running light would have to be replaced just to fix the daytime running light problem. I use daytime running lights for safety reasons while driving.

Filed Oct 30, 2022 · Body, Driver assistance · FL

Warning doors are opening by itself headlights are not working and parking sensors emergency braking as well a lot of issues with this car.

Filed Oct 30, 2022 · Lights · CA

Headlight daytime running lights (eyebrows) have experienced a failure. Progressively turning yellow, then eventually failing to light up. Tesla designs a single piece headlight with no serviceable parts. This includes headlights, high beams, and namely daytime running lights. All of these components are on an LED strip that overheats and un-solders due to this high heat, which causes premature failure. Some owners have reported as little as 3 months of life before failing. The daytime running lights are essential for safety. The repair is a big cost to car owners with no recourse to fix the headlights themselves at a fraction of the cost the manufacturer charges to replace at their service center. This is a serious safety issue for drivers.

Filed Jan 25, 2021 · Lights, Suspension · 60,000 miles · AZ

Vin: [xxx] while driving air suspension has wildly activated. Unable to manually turn headlights on at night. Entertainment system has, uncommandedly, activated on full volume and unable to reduce/mute. Bluetooth link disconnected from phone eliminating handsfree ability mid-call. Mcu (media control unit)/mainscreen has rebooted on its own, with high outside heat, phoenix, arizona< shutting off cabin cooling for as long as 5 minutes. These are primary safety concerns and major distractions. Additionally, there is frequent loss of GPS/navigation position, false aural warnings and sometimes a completely unresponsive mcu that a reset sometimes/temporarily clears. This has happened since the summer through now both locally within the phoenix, arizona area, parts of northern arizona, nevada and california at different times, elevations, climates and time of day. I have video that I can share with you if needed. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jan 20, 2021 · Electrical · 55,000 miles · FL

I am the owner of a 2016 tesla model s 90d the "center screen" in this car is central to the use of many safety functions of the car, such as the reverse camera, headlight controls, defroster controls, and turn signal chimes. The screen in my car has become highly unreliable, often locking up, rebooting, or failing to respond, causing the aforementioned functions to be unavailable. It is my observation that these functions worked well in the past when the vehicle was originally delivered, but have degraded over time as tesla has pushed software updates to my car. I have discussed this issue with tesla and am aware of the proposed the federal safety agency recal of the center screens due to a emmc flash wear out issue. Tesla has assured me that this is not the issue with my car, and has requested that I wait for future software updates to resolve these issues. However, it is my observation that software updates have continuously made this situation worse, and tesla has offered no specific date on which this will be resolved. This is unacceptable for safety functions of a vehicle. Tesla has also mentioned that I can upgrade to "mcu2" at a cost of $3500, and that this system works much better. Owners of these vehicles should not be required to pay to maintain the safety and functionality of their vehicle. I request that you investigate the scale of tesla "mcu1" center screen issues beyond the emmc flash issue and work with tesla to make sure this is resolved quickly for the 150,000 owners of these vehicles

Filed Jan 15, 2021 · Lights · 35,000 miles · NC

I've been having ongoing issues with the mcu/ touch screen. I was driving early morning one day when it was still dark outside. I went to turn on fog lights and all of a sudden the headlights turned off and the touch screen froze on me. I had no way of turning the headlights back on and had to drive in the dark without knowing what is ahead of me until I stopped on the side of the road. They did replace the mcu, however I've still been having issues with the touch screen. I don't have full confidence in the system. How do I know this won't happen again?

Filed Jan 13, 2021 · Lights · OH

In september of 2018 I noticed one of the daytime running lights started to go out. I took the car to tesla and they replaced the headlight. Shortly after the other side did the same thing. Again they replaced the headlight. Then in june of 2019 one of the daytime running lights went out again. It was replaced again. Now I am out of warranty and both daytime running lights are going out again. There is some defect that causes them to burn out. I felt it was a safety issue because the daytime running lights are supposed to decrease accidents.