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ProblemsByVin File / 2017-TESLA-MODEL-S NHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Tesla

2017 Tesla Model S problems

The 2017 Tesla Model S has 9 active recall campaigns on file and no owner complaints in the NHTSA database. Often that means the recall caught it before the field did.

2017 Tesla Model S
Photo: Peteratkins / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · representative photo of the Tesla Model S
0 5 10
Reliability score
Not rated

No owner complaints on NHTSA yet, so the reliability score is provisional. 9 active recalls on file — read those first.

0
Critical
9
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2017 Model S?
Not enough data for a verdict

Only 0 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 9 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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<iframe src="https://problemsbyvin.com/embed/reliability/2017-tesla-model-s/" width="100%" height="340" style="border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:8px;max-width:640px" title="2017 Tesla Model S reliability snapshot" loading="lazy"></iframe> <p style="font:12px/1.5 system-ui,sans-serif;color:#64748b;max-width:640px;margin:6px 0 0">Source: <a href="https://problemsbyvin.com/2017-tesla-model-s/" style="color:#b8540a;font-weight:600">2017 Tesla Model S reliability snapshot — ProblemsByVin</a></p>
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2017 Model S's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->

Active recalls showing 3 of 9

severe NHTSA 24V376000 May 28, 2024

Tesla, Inc

A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
severe NHTSA 24V051000 January 30, 2024

Tesla, Inc

Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
severe NHTSA 23V838000 December 12, 2023

Tesla, Inc

In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.

Fix: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
View all 9 recalls →

Under investigation 6 open at NHTSA

EA Electrical System › Adas · opened March 2026

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA26002 on NHTSA →

PE Electrical System › Adas · opened October 2025

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. PE25012 on NHTSA →

AQ Electrical System › Adas · opened August 2025

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. AQ25002 on NHTSA →

RQ Electrical System › Adas · opened April 2024

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. RQ24009 on NHTSA →

DP Vehicle Speed Control · opened June 2023

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. DP23002 on NHTSA →

EA Air Bags › Frontal · opened September 2021

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →

How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →

Common questions

Is the 2017 Tesla Model S reliable?

Limited NHTSA data. Only 0 owner complaints have been filed for the 2017 Tesla Model S, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.

Should you avoid the 2017 Tesla Model S?

Only 0 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 9 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2017 Tesla Model S without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.

What should I check before buying a used 2017 Tesla Model S?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2017 Tesla Model S to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.

Is the 2017 Tesla Model S a good used car to buy?

Hard to say from federal data alone — only 0 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.

What's the most common problem on the 2017 Tesla Model S?

No problem area has crossed our reporting threshold yet, which is a good sign for this vehicle.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

Major repair items haven't been flagged often enough on this vehicle to single one out.

How do I check if my Tesla Model S has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2017 Tesla Model S?

Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 0 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Tesla/Model S. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Tesla. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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