2017 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
2017 · All trims · All engines
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2017 Tesla Model S has 14 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are Model S / X Drive Unit "Milling" Noise / Failure ($0-$6,500 repair), Model S / X MCU1 eMMC Flash Memory Failure ($0-$2,500 repair), 12V Auxiliary Battery / DC-DC Converter Failure Cascade ($220-$1,800 repair), Drive Unit / Battery Coolant Leak (LDU Rotor Seal & Cooling Lines) ($300-$4,500 repair), Front Suspension Fore Link (Lower Control Link) Failure ($200-$900 repair) and High-Voltage Battery Pack Failure - BMS_u029 Fault ($2,000-$22,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $20 to $22,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 113, "Hood Latch System."
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2017 Tesla Model S has 14 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Model S / X Drive Unit "Milling" Noise / Failure, Model S / X MCU1 eMMC Flash Memory Failure, 12V Auxiliary Battery / DC-DC Converter Failure Cascade. Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2017 Tesla Model S has 14 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 6 issues are rated critical: Model S / X Drive Unit "Milling" Noise / Failure and Model S / X MCU1 eMMC Flash Memory Failure and 12V Auxiliary Battery / DC-DC Converter Failure Cascade and Drive Unit / Battery Coolant Leak (LDU Rotor Seal & Cooling Lines) and Front Suspension Fore Link (Lower Control Link) Failure and High-Voltage Battery Pack Failure - BMS_u029 Fault. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Tesla Model S issues range from $0 to $22,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Model S / X Drive Unit "Milling" Noise / Failure, typically costs $0-$6,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Early Model S (and X) drive units develop a "milling" noise — a metallic whine that gradually grows louder, ultimately requiring drive-unit replacement. Tesla has replaced many DUs under warranty (often multiple times per car). Issue stems from gear-mesh quality and bearing toler… Repairs typically run $0-$6,500. Severity: high.
The MCU1 (Tegra 3-based infotainment) used in 2012-2018 Model S and 2016-2018 Model X has a chronic eMMC flash memory wear-out issue — the 8GB eMMC accumulates write cycles from system logging until it fails, taking the rearview camera, defrost/defog controls, turn-signal lightin… Repairs typically run $0-$2,500. Severity: high.
The low-voltage 12V lead-acid battery on early-to-mid Model S (concentrated in 2015-2018 build years) fails prematurely due to a poor original vendor cell plus constant vampire-load strain from always-on electronics. Roughly a third of Tesla NHTSA low-voltage complaints trace her… Repairs typically run $220-$1,800. Severity: high.
Early Model S large drive units (LDU) have a known internal coolant leak where the rotor shaft seal fails and coolant migrates into the drive unit, and separately the battery/drive-unit cooling lines and fittings crack or seep with age. Leaks rarely show as a puddle; instead owne… Repairs typically run $300-$4,500. Severity: high.
The front lower 'fore link' (forward lower control link) can fracture or separate, most often at low speed while turning into a driveway or parking lot. NHTSA's ODI investigation (PE20-010) covering 2015-2017 Model S/X (74,918 vehicles) identified 426 fore-link failures; the agen… Repairs typically run $200-$900. Severity: high.
The BMS_u029 alert ('maximum battery charge level reduced' / unable to charge to full) is a widely-reported code that has effectively killed a number of early Model S high-voltage packs. The Battery Management System detects a condition (module isolation drift, contactor concern,… Repairs typically run $2,000-$22,000. Severity: high.
The charge port door fails to open on command, or the internal latch fails to lock/release the charge cable. The actuator motor stops engaging the latch mechanism, or the electrical command isn't fulfilled, so the door won't 'push-to-open,' won't close, or the connector locks/unl… Repairs typically run $150-$700. Severity: medium.
The Model S's flush, auto-presenting exterior door handles are the single most-complained-about item on the car (the #1 issue in Consumer Reports' survey of ~1,300 owners). The small plastic 'paddle gear' inside the handle that transfers the pull to the latch cracks under materia… Repairs typically run $120-$600. Severity: medium.
Model S cars fitted with the optional panoramic (opening) glass roof are prone to water leaking into the cabin during heavy rain. Root causes include an improperly seated rear rubber seal, the early 2014-design seal channel that has an opening at the rear (so when parked nose-dow… Repairs typically run $0-$900. Severity: medium.
Model S and X with air suspension develop leveling-pump and air-strut failures — typically presenting as a nose-droop overnight (car settles unevenly) or "Air Suspension Needs Service" warning. Pump diaphragm wear is the most common single cause; corner air struts also leak. Comm… Repairs typically run $500-$4,000. Severity: medium.
The rear integrated electronic parking brake (EPB) calipers seize or the caliper actuator motor fails, throwing 'EPB_w053 - Parking brake did not release' or 'EPB_w052 - Parking brake functions degraded.' The caliper shaft can seize (often from moisture/corrosion in cars driven l… Repairs typically run $350-$1,600. Severity: medium.
The 17-inch center touchscreen develops a yellow band around its border as the display's optical bonding adhesive yellows when heat, humidity and oxygen reach it over time - very common on 2012-2017 cars, especially in warm climates. A related and more serious defect is LCD bubbl… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: low.
The front trunk ('frunk') fails to open on command because the electric hood latch actuator fails or the release cables corrode/seize or the latch goes misaligned. Owners hear the actuator working but the hood won't pop, or the dash reports 'front trunk / hood latch position unkn… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: low.
The window regulator on Model S doors fails because of a weak plastic ferrule in the regulator assembly that cracks, letting the glass come off its track or float free in the door. Owners report grinding/crunching or cracking noises raising and lowering the glass, glass that stic… Repairs typically run $20-$450. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
