According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2017 Tesla Model S has 3 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Model S / X Drive Unit "Milling" Noise / Failure ($0-$6,500 repair) and Model S / X MCU1 eMMC Flash Memory Failure ($0-$2,500 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $500 to $6,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2012-2020 Tesla Model S, 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 tolerances; quieter post-2014 but still present. Front DU on dual-motor cars typically the first to fail.
Tesla warranty replacement is the standard fix when covered (8 yr / unlimited miles on drive unit historically). Out-of-warranty refurb DU from Tesla $2,500-$4,500; new $4,500-$6,500 incl. install. Have a Tesla service center document any whine while still under drivetrain warranty.
High Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date
On the 2012-2018 Tesla Model S, 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 lighting, and Autopilot configuration offline. NHTSA investigation led to recall 21V-035 (NHTSA Campaign 21V035000) covering 134,951 vehicles. Recall began March 29, 2021. Tesla's remedy is VCM daughterboard replacement with enhanced eMMC controller, free of charge.
Tesla covered the fix under recall 21V-035 — confirm via VIN at Tesla recall lookup. Out-of-recall: 3rd-party eMMC replacement (Gruber Motor, etc.) $400-$700; MCU2 retrofit from Tesla $2,000-$2,500 incl. labor.
High Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date
On the 2012-2020 Tesla Model S all, 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. Common at 80,000-160,000 km.
Air pump replacement (refurbished) $300-$600 part + $200-$400 install. Single air strut $400-$800 part + install. Many owners switch to 3rd-party Arnott replacements. Severe cases need full system overhaul ($2,000-$4,000).
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.
Campaign #22V03700027/01/2022
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."
Campaign #21V00B00021/12/2021
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.
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.
Campaign #23V83800012/12/2023
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."
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2017-2017 Tesla Model S has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Model S / X Drive Unit "Milling" Noise / Failure, Model S / X MCU1 eMMC Flash Memory Failure, Model S / X Air Suspension Leveling / Nose-Droop. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Tesla Model S reliable?
The 2017-2017 Tesla Model S has 3 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Model S / X Drive Unit "Milling" Noise / Failure and Model S / X MCU1 eMMC Flash Memory Failure. 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.
How much does it cost to fix common Tesla Model S problems?
Repair costs for known Tesla Model S issues range from $0 to $6,500, 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.
What is the 2012-2020 Tesla Model S Model S / X Drive Unit "Milling" Noise / Failure?
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.
What is the 2012-2018 Tesla Model S Model S / X MCU1 eMMC Flash Memory Failure?
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.
What is the 2012-2020 Tesla Model S Model S / X Air Suspension Leveling / Nose-Droop?
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.
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.
