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2018 Tesla Model S: backup camera failure

5 of the 170 complaints about the 2018 Tesla Model S describe backup camera failure.

owner complaints
5
of this car's complaints
3%
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 3 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Backup camera failure by model year

What owners say

Filed Aug 31, 2025 · Driver assistance · FL

both vehicle displays have stopped functioning, therefore there is no indication of speed, remaining charge, blind spot protection, or back up camera. also, turn signals are non-functional. This is a safety concern to yourself and other drivers.

Filed May 11, 2024 · Electrical · FL

I took my car to the dealership to have the MCU1 recall performed because my behind the steering wheel monitor and center touch screen monitor kept turning off and reseting while driving. When this happened I would lose the ability to see my speed or view my back up camera. The recall was performed and the problem was not fixed. The screen does not turn off as often, but it still regularly happens. I contacted Tesla to let them know the problem remains and they want me to pay $1750 to UPGRADE to the newer MCU2.

Filed May 13, 2021 · Electrical · 60,000 miles · CA

Touch screen goes disabling all visual communication, including air conditioning, rear camera, GPS. Occurs while driving, and while parked (several times on start up). Have notified tesla several months ago, but have been told not to schedule replacement as they are short on parts.

Filed Mar 26, 2021 · Driver assistance · 45,000 miles · CO

On several occasions both of my dashboard screens (driver cluster and center console) went blank while driving at a variety of speeds. I was unable to see my speedometer, back-up camera, control HVAC, or any audio. I also was unable to use collision assistance, blind spot detection, autopilot, or, presumably, emergency braking. To regain control I had to reboot the vehicle while driving, which was hazardous to say the least. There does not appear to be any specific trigger to this outage other than the vehicle was in gear and moving forward. It happened during the day and at night. I reported this to tesla using their "report bug" feature in the vehicle, but I never heard anything back. This has occurred at least 6 or 7 times over the last year. The most recent incident occurred last week, 15-16 march.

Filed Jan 17, 2021 · TX

Screen went black while driving, could not use backup camera or use any of the controls on the screen. Tried to reset by pressing both scrolls on the steering wheel but did not work. It has happened more the once.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Electrical system: instrument cluster/panelReported January 30, 2024 · 2,193,869 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Risk
Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1‑877‑798‑3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.

Recall number 24V051000 · Recall details

Electrical system: ADAS: driver monitoring: softwareReported December 12, 2023 · 2,031,220 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
Risk
In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1‑877‑798‑3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.

Recall number 23V838000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2018 Tesla Model S backup camera

Is backup camera failure a common problem on the 2018 Tesla Model S?

5 of 170 owner complaints about the 2018 Tesla Model S (3%) mention backup camera failure. The model year with the most reports is 2015.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2018 Tesla Model S?

There are 2 recalls and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2018 Tesla Model S

Adaptive cruise 22Phantom braking 14Sudden acceleration 14Door locks 6No deployment 5Collision warning 5

All model years of the Tesla Model S

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