2016 Tesla Model X: headlights failing or too dim

Filed May 25, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · CO

MCU1 onboard computer system becomes overloaded with data that eventually and periodically causes the computer system to "crash" and requires a reboot, even with 8 GB eMMC replacement having already been installed. This means that vehicles with MCU1 (generally model S and X manufactured pre-2019) are increasingly becoming safety risks on the road because the MCU1 system crash can occur at any time, even while driving (not just when the car is going through it's start-up cycle). Whenever this occurs, it means the driver is unable to change the headlights which is especially harmful during dawn and dusk hours since these models do not have daytime running headlights. Drivers may be unable to use turn signals, unlock power doors (the Model X has power-driven doors on all sides) and advanced systems may be inoperable during the MCU1 rebooting process. This issue can be resolved by replacing the MCU1 operating system with the MCU2 operating system, but Tesla requires MCU1 owners with Auto Pilot Computer version 1.0 to pay $1,750 for what they are calling an "infotainment upgrade." This is disingenuous terminology used by Tesla because the MCU1 operating system is not just for "infotainment" - it is beyond that and includes significant safety features as mentioned above (headlights, doors, locks, windows, ADAS, and more). Tesla needs to cover the cost of replacing MCU1 with MCU2 or a new system that is stable and does not experience frequent data crashes. In other words, there must be a fix beyond the 8GB eMMC "band aid" that has not resolved the chronic failure of MCU1 systems. This is a continuing safety issue and driving hazard for all Tesla owners with MCU1 until a recall is issued.

Filed Oct 30, 2022 · Lights · LA

If breaks you to change the entire head light at the cost of about 2500USD

Filed Jan 15, 2021 · Electrical, Visibility · 75,000 miles · NJ

The center display and sometimes even the main display black out during driving. Most times the system requires a reboot which can take a few minutes. During the time where the screen are not visible you have no control over headlights or the ability to defrost the windshield. In addition the camera which is displayed while driving is also unavailable. If the center screen goes black then you can't see how fast your going or if your park, drive or reverse.

Filed Nov 6, 2020 · 70,000 miles · NC

The touchscreen in this car, which tesla misleadingly calls the infotainment system, has failed repeatedly, leaving the car undrivable and even unable to be placed into neutral. In the first instance, all the car's computer systems went dead and the car locked up (parked at home) and had to be dragged onto a tow truck. Tesla replaced the entire center screen (at my expense) in july 2020. In another instance about a month later, the screens died while in a grocery parking lot. Eventually the power screen came back, which allowed the car to be driven home, but with no control over lights, climate systems, rear camera, etc. In that case tesla repartitioned the hard drive, which made the car operable again for a couple of months. Both screens are now failing again, which makes the car unsafe to take anywhere. Just to be clear, despite calling the center screen an "infotainment" system, that screen is necessary to operate the car safely. Without the backup camera, there is no visibility behind the car. It also controls headlights, climate, interior lights, and other essential systems. Based on anecdotal reports in tesla forums, similar problems seem to be happening to many 2016 model xs, which suggests that the cars should be recalled.

Filed Aug 6, 2020 · 61,000 miles · NY

My mcu has begun to fail. Not allowing me to have total control of the car. Examples are... Safety issues like loss of backup camera, loss of turning signals, loss of emergency hazard lights, loss of headlight controls, unlocking doors from inside of the vehicle, and opening electronic doors.

Filed Aug 4, 2020 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 36,000 miles · CA

Total main computer failure (mcu) - many safety features were unaccessible and not available including but not limited to turn signals and hazard lights stop working, the settings for autopilot and driving are gone, the suspension settings, the ability to turn on headlights manually, ability to manually lock and unlock the vehicle, navigation, A/C, sunroof controls, etc.

Filed Jul 7, 2020 · Brakes, Electrical · 50,000 miles · MD

While highway driving the main mcu froze due to a manufacturer known memory corruption defect and would not reboot. This defect failure impacts access and control of the following safety features, turn signals, emergency brake, emergency battery disconnect, fog lights (front and rear), auto high beams, rear pedestrian camera, suspension (inability to disable auto leveling for tire changing or towing), traction control slip start, side mirror adjustments. Battery safety limits for acceleration and regen based on environmental temperature safety limits are also disabled. This mcu failure also prevents refueling (l3 dcfc stations). As well as the HVAC system from being turned off while parked. Which continued to drain the primary battery for several hours. The odometer is also not available, as well as the hands free bluetooth feature and other non safety features. The initial incident occurred under warranty. The manufacturer switched to a backup memory partition to repair or workaround the defect issue temporarily. Within 3 months, less than 1,000 miles later, the backup partition also became permanently corrupted and required a complete replacement of the unit, out of warranty.

Filed Dec 6, 2019 · Suspension · 20,000 miles · CA

Please note that I have used the VIN of another wrecked tesla to make this submission because the salvage auction site has not provide the full VIN. Here is yet another tesla with a broken suspension. Https://www.copart.com/lot/56584359 there is hardly any damage to the front of the tesla. Not so much as a broken headlight. The airbags have been deployed - most likely because the front suspension has fallen to bits and the wheel has gone severely whompy which would cause a violent swerve and deceleration. There is a clear pattern of failures in tesla suspensions. The alloy wheels are quite fragile as has been shown in crash testing. In case after case tesla suspensions fall apart all too easily. This is both insane and ludicrous. Please investigate. Keef ( who is not unhinged as alleged by elon musk)

Filed Dec 8, 2018 · Visibility · 50 miles · GA

Windshield causes a double vision issue with objects including other vehicles and barriers, as well as lights including, headlights, tail lights, brake lights, traffic lights, street lamps, and any other lighting. This happens during the day and night. Causes issues with vision and causes headaches while driving. This has been an issue since purchase of the vehicle.

Filed Mar 1, 2018 · Steering, Suspension · 26,000 miles · CA · crash

Here is a tesla model x in the junkyard: https://www.copart.com/lot/25589048 the front rh wheel is jammed back in the wheel arch and yet there is no collision damage forward of the wheel. Even the headlight glass is intact. The driver's airbag has not gone off just the side curtain air-bags. The side impact probably happened after the driver lost control when the wheel went whompy. Please investigate. Concerned citizen etc.

Filed Sep 5, 2017 · Visibility · IL

Double and triple ghosting of lights through the windshield. I will see false images of headlights, streetlights, traffic lights, reflections of the sun on cars, etc. These false images float above their source at varying heights as my car approaches the source. In heavy traffic with a lot of lights, it is impossible accurately to discern reality.

Filed Jan 11, 2017 · Visibility · 8,000 miles · CA

My tesla model x has a windshield that is causing double vision or also referred to as "ghosting" of approaching car headlights, traffic signals, during dark or night time. More specifically, as a driver I can see blurred or double for each traffic signal light or headlights of approaching cars or tail lights of cars ahead of me. This is a severe safety risk. Especially on undivided highway, this causes sever distortion of vision and almost caused an accident twice. My family and I had a narrow escape. I have reported this to tesla. I have a service report from tesla that confirms this flaw/issue. However, they have done nothing to address this issue for several months.