Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Tesla Model S owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, after diagnosing the vehicle, the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair would not be completed on the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH, the instrument panel temporarily blacked out while the GPS was in use. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the vehicle memory needed to be cleared. The memory was cleared however, the failure persisted. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000. …
The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument screen inadvertently went black. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road and then drove the vehicle to his destination. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, he was not able to schedule the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the center display inadvertently went blank and froze, causing the contact to have to restart the center display. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, the manufacturer had not returned his calls for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer's app was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the screen display had malfunctioned while driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was 37,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the center console failed to operate as needed without warning. The contact also stated that the side mirrors would independently fold in without warning. The contact then received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting). The contact called several service centers in relation to the recall and was informed that parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
This automobile has had the Tesla recall completed, replacing the 8GB with the 64GB. However, this fix is temporary and after a few months the control and information screens are malfunctioning and with ever-increasing frequency. I understand Tesla's recent update ensures basic driving functions will continue to be operational during a screen blackout but it's at best distracting and at worst plain dangerous depending on how lights/HVAC are set prior to the screen freeze, not to mention distractions associated with a sudden loss of navigation and an inability to control other components. As a frequent highway driver this is dangerous, even after experiencing various versions of this event. …
The eMMC failure of Tesla Model S/X manufactured from 2012 to mid 2018 has forced Tesla to issue a recall to replace the aforementioned eMMC chip. A failure in that chip means the AC controls stop working, as well as some lightning signals and the rear camera. I experienced the failure before Tesla issued a recall, when my vehicle had ~29000mi. Since the vehicle was not safe to drive, I did the repair myself: I bought an eMMC chip, I took out the Tegra daughterboard from the vehicle and brought it to an specialized electronics shop, they replaced the eMMC chip and I copied the contents of the old memory chip into the new one. Once Tesla offered the recall, they also offered a reimbursement for those who had paid out-of-pocket for this repair through an online form. …
The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V035000 (Back Over Prevention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the center display screen went blank, causing the gear shifter, cameras, and defroster to become inoperable. The center display screen inadvertently rebooted shortly afterwards. The contact stated that the Tesla app confirmed that the EMMC was still operating and functioning as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Headlight daytime running lights (eyebrows) have experienced a failure. Progressively turning yellow, then eventually failing to light up. 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. The repair is a big cost to car owners with no recourse to fix the headlights themselves at a fraction of the cost the manufacturer charges to replace at their service center. This is a serious safety issue for drivers.
The contact owns a 2016 Tesla Model S. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V035000 (Back Over Pretention, Visibility, Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that occasionally the display failed to operate as designed. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. Parts distribution disconnect.
Headlight complaints in other Model S years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2016 Tesla Model S?
NHTSA has 49 complaints about the lights of the 2016 Tesla Model S, 8% of the model year's 648 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Tesla Model S headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2016 Tesla Model S, though it has 10 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Tesla Model S headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.