2016 Tesla Model S visibility problems

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Visibility · MI

I had a new windshield installed by a official Tesla Service Center that has a large distorted area in the center of the windshield. I complained about the large distortion and I was told that all the of stocked parts for my car are affected by the issue and they don't have any estimates or information that the items in stock will be replaced or updated. I am attaching a video of the distortion that I believe is a significant safety issue. The affected area is in the center below the rearview mirror and is approximately 4 x 3 inches in size. This issue needs to be resolved by Tesla by getting the supplier to correct the issue and replace their stock so they can replace my windshield.

Filed Jan 18, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · PA

My 2016 Tesla Model S (45,500 miles) is experiencing a complete failure of the Media Control Unit (MCU1), resulting in a total loss of the rearview camera display and defrost/defogging controls. This is a critical safety hazard. The unit was previously replaced by Tesla in 2021 under the federal safety agency Recall 21V‑035. However, this replacement part has failed again after only a few years of low-mileage use. Tesla Service is refusing to provide a free repair or a goodwill discount for an MCU2 upgrade, claiming the 'recall repair' only had a 1-year warranty. It is unacceptable that a safety-critical component replaced under a federal recall fails twice in 45,000 miles. Tesla has failed to provide a permanent fix for the eMMC defect identified by the federal safety agency. By refusing to restore the camera functionality without charging full price, Tesla is knowingly allowing a safety defect to persist. I request an investigation into these premature failures of recall-replaced components

Filed Feb 12, 2024 · Visibility · PA

When vehicle is placed in park the wipers engage continuously on the intermittent setting. This occurs every time the car is put in park regardless of the weather. These uncontrolled wipes on a dry windshield are causing damage to my windshield and the wipers.

Filed Oct 25, 2023 · Visibility · NY

The main screen has been going black approximately every 2 minutes while I am driving. It flashes off and then back on. I lose my backup camera, and all access to other features such as defrost, which can be scary, not to mention distracting. This issue started in May 2023, and I brought the car in. An upgrade to the 64gb eMMc (originally was an 8gb chip) was performed in May. I believe Tesla was asked to, but would not, recall cars with this issue; they would only upgrade the chip. In August, 2023 we had issues again. They "reflashed" the unit and it was ok, but only for a couple of weeks. In addition to the recall, I have a warranty, but they will not replace the the computer unit without charging repairs to me. They tell me the hardware is outdated and the only true fix is to upgrade (at my cost - $2,000) to the "Infotainment" system. Since the upgrade to the 64mb chip has not worked, I believe they are required to do more, but they are telling me they will not, unless I pay. For some owners, I believe the upgrade was sufficient, but it has not been my experience. I have tried to reach someone above the service center manager, but it is impossible to get to a person. I have filled out contact forms on their website, with no response. I believe Tesla is putting my safety at risk because they will not perform what they know is the only true remedy.

Filed Oct 4, 2023 · Visibility · CA

The screen frequently locks up, during which time the defrost controls and backup camera are inoperable. Tesla Seaside initially agreed to perform the EMMC recall, but now with my car in the shop and me stranded an hour from home, they will not agree to perform the recall unless I agree to pay $2200 for a new screen as well, as the adhesive holding the screen is failing.

Filed Jan 10, 2023 · Driver assistance, Lights · CO

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the center display screen went blank, causing the gear shifter, cameras, and defroster to become inoperable. The center display screen inadvertently rebooted shortly afterwards. The contact stated that the Tesla app confirmed that the EMMC was still operating and functioning as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Feb 15, 2022 · Driver assistance, Lights · 65,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the center console failed to operate as needed without warning. The contact also stated that the side mirrors would independently fold in without warning. The contact then received a recall notice for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting). The contact called several service centers in relation to the recall and was informed that parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Filed Feb 1, 2022 · Driver assistance, Lights · 37,000 miles · NH

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer's app was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the screen display had malfunctioned while driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was 37,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jan 7, 2022 · Driver assistance, Lights · CA

The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lightning). The contact stated that the display screen for the cameras was inoperable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and sent an associate to the contact's residence to inspect the vehicle. The associate inspected the hood latch and tires but not the display screen. The manufacturer informed the contact that there was a shortage of parts for the recall repair and canceled the recall repair appointment. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jan 5, 2022 · Visibility · CA

Immediately after purchase of the vehicle from Tesla and on my way home from the dealer, I rolled my driver-side window down, then attempted to roll the window up upon entering the freeway. The window went half-way up, then rolled back down automatically. I attempted many times to roll the window up, but it would not go up. On the freeway, this caused a safety issue due to wind and debris entering inside the vehicle and causing safety problems for me. I took the car back to Tesla for repair. They indicated they fixed the problem, but this issue has occurred 6 more times, and each time I take the car in, they indicate it has been fixed, while the problem occurs again, not just with the driver-side window, but with other windows as well. I am seriously concerned about my safety and the safety of my family. This issue has occurred in various situations causing serious safety issues: 1. I took my car to Big Bear to ski, and the problem occurred in extremely cold temperature, exposing me and my family to extreme temperatures while attempting to operate the vehicle with the window down and unable to maintain cabin temperature for a few hours while trying to come back from the trip. 2. In two instances this issue occurred in the rain, causing water to enter the cabin and interfering with visibility and safely operating the vehicle. 3. In one instance this issue occurred while I was passing a place where landscaping sprinklers were on and I was sprayed in the face with water, seriously jeopardizing my visibility and I had to stop in place to clear my face from water before being able to see again and safely resume operation of the vehicle. 4. There are many more instances. Tesla is refusing to take back the vehicle as a lemon, despite repairing the vehicle 7 times all together, with the problem still occurring intermittently. I refuse to let my family drive the vehicle for fear of their safety, and I only drive it myself under very limited circumstances.