2014 Tesla Model S exterior lighting problems
27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the exterior lighting on the 2014 Tesla Model S — 7% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Motor suddenly failed after a required update while driving, nearly causing a crash with multiple commercial vehicles and pedestrians, leaving brake lights dangerously always on and alarm sounding, killed 12v as well.”
filed May 1, 2026
“I am the current owner of a 2014 Tesla Model S equipped with MCU1. While driving, including at freeway speeds, the center touchscreen has rebooted unexpectedly, showing only the Tesla logo before recovering. During these reboots, critical vehicle functions are unavailable, including the rearview…”
filed Dec 17, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Exterior Lighting problems in other Model S years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Model S | 5 | 5% |
| 2022 Model S | 6 | 4% |
| 2021 Model S | 6 | 3% |
| 2019 Model S | 2 | 5% |
| 2018 Model S | 8 | 5% |
| 2017 Model S | 26 | 6% |
| 2016 Model S | 49 | 8% |
| 2015 Model S | 45 | 7% |
| 2013 Model S | 15 | 3% |
| 2012 Model S | 5 | 8% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2014 Tesla Model S
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.