VehicleVerdict

2017 Tesla Model S driver assistance problems

The 2017 Tesla Model S has 132 driver assistance complaints filed with NHTSA — 20% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

132

Driver Assistance complaints

20%

Share of year

18

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Driver Assistance complaints by year

Model S driver assistance complaints by model year132 complaints2012: 3 complaints2013: 17 complaints2014: 17 complaints2015: 73 complaints2016: 89 complaints2017: 132 complaints2018: 84 complaints2019: 20 complaints2020: 37 complaints2021: 77 complaints2022: 51 complaints2023: 32 complaints2024: 34 complaints2026: 3 complaints
Model S driver assistance complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

21V846000Driver AssistanceOctober 29, 2021 · 11,728 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.

What owners report

“I have a video taken from the front camera of my Tesla S showing the entire incident that I can upload. On Dec 26, 2022 my beta FSD was engaged. The Tesla made a left hand turn onto the highway and then erratically ran off the road jumping the curb on a university sidewalk damaging wheels and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · December 26, 2022 · crash

Common questions

How many driver assistance complaints does the 2017 Tesla Model S have?

NHTSA has 132 complaints about the 2017 Tesla Model S driver assistance — 20% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2017 Tesla Model S driver assistance?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the driver assistance: 21V846000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.