2017 Tesla MODEL S
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2017 Tesla MODEL S has 668 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.4x the segment average of 276. The most common issue is electrical problems (17% of all complaints), specifically: tesla model s 2017 sudden unintended acceleration- 1/18/2018, morning 9:05 am. i was pulling in to my office parking spot where i parked for 6 years, i let the car slow to roll closer in front of the curb. all of a sudden the car accelerated, got on the curb, hit the office building. the car was s. There are 9 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.
668
Total Complaints
9
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
2.4x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ELECTRICAL
112 complaints- • TESLA MODEL S 2017 SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION- 1/18/2018, MORNING 9:05 AM. I WAS PULLING IN TO MY OFFICE PARKING SPOT WHERE I PARKED FOR 6 YEARS, I LET THE CAR SLOW TO ROLL CLOSER IN FRONT OF THE CURB. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR ACCELERATED, GOT ON THE CURB, HIT THE OFFICE BUILDING. THE CAR WAS S
- • 2017 TESLA MODEL S STARTED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN OVER 100 MPH, WHEN TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AROUND 70 MPH, WITHOUT AUTOPILOT ENGAGED. AS SOON AS IT STARTED TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR TOOK CONTROL OVER THE STEERING WHEEL AND DROVE INTO THE GUARDRAIL ON THE LEFT OF THE LANE, THEN QUICKLY STEERED TO THE RI
- • ON SATURDAY 5/11/2019 AROUND 12:45PM WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR SUDDENLY MADE A LOUD SOUND THEN THE CAR SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY LEAVING ME STUCK. THE CAR WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR. THE CAR DISPLAY AN ERROR ON THE CENTER CONSOLE "UNABLE TO DRIVE, PLEASE PROCEED TO SAFETY"
“TESLA MODEL S 2017 SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION- 1/18/2018, MORNING 9:05 AM. I WAS PULLING IN TO MY OFFICE PARKING SPOT WHERE I PARKED FOR 6 YEARS, I LET THE CAR SLOW TO ROLL CLOSER IN FRONT OF THE CURB. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR ACCELERATED, GOT ON THE CURB, HIT THE OFFICE BUILDING. THE CAR WAS S”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2017 Tesla MODEL S
Based on 327 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 25K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
SUSPENSION
OTHER
SPEED CONTROL
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS
STEERING
BRAKES
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (9)
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Risk: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.
Very low theft risk
Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.
Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.
Charging Cost Calculator for 2017 Tesla MODEL S
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Tesla MODEL S
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Tesla MODEL S Service Intervals
EVs have no oil, no spark plugs, no transmission fluid. Brake fluid every 2 years. Tire rotation every 6,250 miles. HEPA cabin filter every 2 years (Model S/X). AC desiccant bag every 6 years.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Tesla New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Battery: Model S/X 8yr/150K miles; Model 3/Y Standard Range 8yr/100K, Long Range/Performance 8yr/120K
These are the terms for a new Tesla. If you're buying a used 2017 MODEL S, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Tesla dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
EV Incentives for 2017 Tesla MODEL S
Updated 2026-07Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30
Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.
State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)
Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 668 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ELECTRICAL: TESLA MODEL S 2017 SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION- 1/18/2018, MORNING 9:05 AM. I WAS PULLING IN TO MY OFFICE PARKING SPOT WHERE I PARKED FOR 6 YEARS, I LET THE CAR SLOW TO ROLL CLOSER IN FRONT OF THE CURB. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR ACCELERATED, GOT ON THE CURB, HIT THE OFFICE BUILDING. THE CAR WAS S
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SUSPENSION: HERE IS A 2017 MODEL S IN THE JUNKYARD: HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLE?ITEMID=25563471&ROWNUMBER=49&LOADRECENT=TRUE&ISNEXT=TRUE THERE IS VERY LITTLE DAMAGE TO THE CAR EXCEPT FOR THE BACK WHEEL WHICH HAS GONE ALL WHOMPY. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THE REASON THAT THE TESLA WHEELS GO WHOMPY SO OFTEN.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: AUTOPILOT 2 IS VERY DANGEROUS AND HAS MAJOR ISSUES ON HILLS, TURNS AND TURN LANES THAT CAUSE CAR TO DEPART LANE, NEW AUTOPILOT 2.5 RELEASED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF AUTOPILOT 2 BUT COMPANY IS FAILING TO UPGRADE THE CURRENT UNSAFE AUTOPILOT 2
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: ON 3 OCCASIONS, VEHICLE MADE SUDDEN, SPONTANEOUS ATTEMPTS TO MAKE A LEFT LANE CHANGE. ON TWO OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE WAS IN SELF DRIVE MODE ON A FREEWAY; ON THE 1ST OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE LEFT LANE AND HIT A GUARD RAIL; ON THE 3RD OCCASION THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WHEN IT SUDD
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 9 recalls have been completed — free at any Tesla dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Tesla MODEL S — Year Comparison
How does 2017 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 668
- Recalls
- 9
- Fire reports
- 2
- Crash reports
- 74
- Injury reports
- 27
- Segment avg
- 276
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2017 Tesla MODEL S