2017 Tesla Model S: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · IL

day time running light on driver side headlight burned out, it cannot be replaced, you have to replace the whole headlight assembly which costs about $1,000.00 plus labor, I think this is not right , on my other. cars I can change the running light myself and only cost a couple. of dollars

Filed Dec 24, 2024 · Lights · CA

I don't have this problem anymore because I had the circuit board replaced. The issue I have observed is the auto high beam feature doesn't work properly. They get stuck in the high setting and don't adapt to on-coming traffic. It's primarily in model y cars but all models have been observed. This might be as simple as needing the adaptive setting to be default or in my case a new control board replaced. The remedy before I got it fixed was to not have high engaged with the stock. I don't think there is a manual solution with the y or any newer teslas.

Filed Oct 29, 2024 · Lights · GA

Daylight Running Lights (DRLs) burned out, and Tesla charges exorbitant amounts to repair each DRL and headlight assembly, over $3,500 for each side. This is apparently a known issue with all 2017-2021 Tesla Model S vehicles, as it is widely discussed on Tesla owner forums. The DRLs are prone to repeated failures even after being replaced. Tesla will replace the DRL and headlight assembly as long as the vehicle is under warranty, but will not replace the failed DRL and headlight assembly after the warranty expires unless the vehicle owner pays for the replacement. This would seem to be a known chronic failure item, and since the DRLs are a safety feature, it would seem that Tesla should stand behind their vehicles and resolve this failure as a recall.

Filed Oct 30, 2022 · Lights · CA

Right Headlight and running light failed. Can or replace bulbs. Tesla wants $1500 Ro replace a headlight!

Filed Oct 30, 2022 · Electrical, 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 daytime running lights are essential for safety driving in low light situations. These daytime running lights are seemingly built to fail. The lights dim then eventually no longer work. Tesla's solution is to have the customer purchase a brand new headlight at $1438.33. My vehicle is 4 years old and has been through. Tesla should either goodwill swap out these headlights for a non-built to fail component, or offer a repair for a quality LED strip with proper heat distribution. Without daytime running lights safety is a major concern on foggy, rainy, and low light situations. I have attached an image showing how the failure begins on top then slowly goes all the way down to the side of the headlight which fails later.

Filed Oct 30, 2022 · Lights · CA

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 · IL

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 driving in low light situations. These daytime running lights are seemingly built to fail. The lights dim then eventually no longer work. Tesla's solution is to have the customer purchase a brand new headlight at $1500. My vehicle is 4 years old and has been through 3 pairs of headlights already, when the last set burnt out I just left them as is. Tesla should either goodwill swap out these headlights for a non-built to fail component, or offer a repair for a quality LED strip with proper heat distribution. Without daytime running lights safety is a major concern on foggy, rainy, and low light situations. I have attached an image showing how the failure begins on top then slowly goes all the way down to the side of the headlight which fails later.

Filed Feb 2, 2022 · Lights · FL

The LED daytime running lights are failing for the second time on my vehicle. By failing, I mean they are burning out and no longer effective. This is a well-known issue with Tesla vehicles, however Tesla is doing nothing to resolve the problem. The only solution offered is to pay for an entire set of new headlights which costs nearly $2,600. The replacement headlights eventually fail within 24 months. Not having daytime running lights could be a safety issue. Tesla is aware of the component failure however no recalls for this defective part has been issued. I believe most Tesla owners of the "refreshed" Model S experience a degradation of the LED portion of the headlights, which are the daytime running lights. Today I was quoted $2,582 to replace both headlights. My lights were previously replaced in 2019 under the original vehicle warranty. Is there anything that can be done to have the lights replaced under a recall or have Tesla cover the cost of the repair?

Filed Dec 30, 2021 · Lights · CA

Headlight premature failure

Filed Nov 17, 2020 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 108,000 miles · FL

The mcu touchscreen fails constantly causing no access to rear view camera, AC controls, navigation, and loss of preset settings for mirrors and drive seat position. Reboot takes over 5 mins while car is in operation to no AC working. Both headlights have been replaced over 10 times due to burned out daytime running lights. I have paid for the last replacement only for it to fail again.

Filed Jul 31, 2020 · 24,000 miles · WA

The main touchscreen on my tesla model s has failed multiple times in the last month. When it fails, I am unable to use backup camera, adjust headlights or climate control, all of which constitute a hazard. I am waiting for tesla service to diagnose the fault.

Filed Jun 30, 2020 · Electrical, Lights · 49,000 miles · DE

My car's mcu (media control unit touchscreen) is near death and 900 miles from being out of warranty. The screen went black on me for an entire day before coming back and constantly freezes and needs reboots. During this time, I lost ability to turn on and off the headlights, must rely on auto. Lost ability to control the HVAC and defrost. Lost ability to adjust air suspension. Lost ability to use backup camera.