2017 Tesla Model S: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Later classic Model S with Autopilot HW2; build quality is improving but suspension-link and MCU touchscreen failures still appear. A strong-range, quick used EV and among the better classic years if it has a clean service history. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2017 Tesla Model S ranged from $68,000 to $135,000 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

5/10

Mixed track record

Sources (8)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/products/vehicle/models?modelYear=2016&make=tesla&issue…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…
rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/tesla-model-s-years-to-avoid/
whatcar.comhttps://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/used-review/n996
cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/tesla-model-s-buying-guide
electrifying.comhttps://www.electrifying.com/used-reviews/tesla/model-s/review

Known issues

Touchscreen / MCU eMMC failure: the center screen freezes or goes blank as the eMMC memory wears out, knocking out climate, charging and camera functions. Tesla recalled the affected MCU units.

widespread · 451 NHTSA complaints · typically 50k–150k miles · electrical
Front-suspension fore-link, control-arm and ball-joint breakage is the defining problem of these years, with parts cracking or separating and steering pulling to one side.

widespread · 407 NHTSA complaints · typically 40k–120k miles · suspension
Large drive-unit replacement: motor noise and coolant ingress lead to warranty drive-unit swaps on some cars.

occasional · 29 NHTSA complaints · typically 30k–120k miles · other
Door-handle motors and window regulators fail, leaving handles unresponsive or windows stuck.

commonly reported · body
Center-screen delamination and a yellow border ('yellow band') around the display appear with age and heat.

occasional · electrical

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (4)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/products/vehicle/models?modelYear=2016&make=tesla&issue…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=tesla&model=MODEL%2…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

Supercharger network access, with some VINs retaining free Supercharging.
Low routine maintenance and relaxed one-pedal regenerative driving.
Strong real-world range (up to ~315 miles on the 100 kWh pack) and ferocious acceleration on Ludicrous P models.
Spacious hatchback practicality plus a front trunk.
Over-the-air software updates keep features current, and 2016+ cars use the cleaner facelift styling and Autopilot HW2 hardware.

Cons

Expensive out-of-warranty repairs, with battery and drive-unit replacement a risk on higher-mileage cars.
High insurance cost.
Interior fit and finish trails luxury rivals at the price.
Peak-era complaint volume: MCU eMMC touchscreen failures (recalled) and front-suspension link breakage are the headline weak points.

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
60	$68,000	$94,990	Electric (BEV)	—
75	$69,500	$94,990	Electric (BEV)	—
60D	$73,000	$94,990	Electric (BEV)	—
75D	$74,500	$94,990	Electric (BEV)	—
90D	$87,500	$94,990	Electric (BEV)	—
100D	$94,000	$94,990	Electric (BEV)	—
P100D	$135,000	$109,990	Electric (BEV)	—

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2017-tesla-model_s-price

Depreciation

2017 entry trim from new typical floor (assumed, past curve data) same model bought new today

Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.

Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($68,000). Higher trims started higher (up to $135,000), and options added more.

The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.

Sources (1)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/tesla-model-s/resale-value

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $1,000–1,100/yr
Insurance (high tier)	≈ $3,000–3,100/yr
Expected lifespan	~300k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (2)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/tesla/s
moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/tesla-model-s-insurance/

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2017 Tesla Model S have?

Documented issue patterns include: Touchscreen / MCU eMMC failure: the center screen freezes or goes blank as the eMMC memory wears out, knocking out climate, charging and camera functions. Tesla recalled the affected MCU units; Front-suspension fore-link, control-arm and ball-joint breakage is the defining problem of these years, with parts cracking or separating and steering pulling to one side; Large drive-unit replacement: motor noise and coolant ingress lead to warranty drive-unit swaps on some cars; Door-handle motors and window regulators fail, leaving handles unresponsive or windows stuck. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2017 Tesla Model S reliable?

How much did the 2017 Tesla Model S cost new?

Between $68,000 and $135,000 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Tesla Model S expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $1,000–1,100/year as mileage climbs.

Checking a listing right now?

The CarVitals extension runs this report automatically on any CarMax listing you open, with the listing's exact price, mileage, and trim filled in for you.

Add to Chrome · Free

No account needed for the check. It runs on the car's details.

Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.