Tesla Model S 75d
Problems & Worst Years

A now-familiar pattern for this Tesla generation shows up again in the Model S 75D — Media Control Unit and touchscreen failures paired with suspension complaints — spread across an unusually wide range of problem categories: 46 distinct types logged in 2016 alone, the most of any Model S variant in this dataset, against 442 total complaints. That year's top entries are center MCU failure (40 reports) and general electrical glitches (37), with front suspension control arm failure (27) and suspension failure described as leading to wheel collapse (22) not far behind, plus 20 reports of the display screen simply blacking out.

The 2017 model year, with 249 complaints across 33 categories, shows four nearly identical complaint counts of 21 reports each, all pointing at the same underlying fault from different angles: the touchscreen freezing or blacking out while driving, a resulting loss of audio and other functions, recurring display issues described as causing a loss of vehicle controls, and outright MCU failure. Suspension issues causing vehicle instability add another 16 reports. Both 2016 and 2017 carry four safety-rated complaint categories apiece.

By 2018, volume drops to 82 total complaints with no safety-rated categories, and the pattern shifts: unintended acceleration becomes the top complaint (16 reports), followed by suspension failure (12) and steering component failure (9), with a smaller electrical malfunction complaint (5) and a forward collision avoidance system malfunction (4).

No recalls are on file for any of these three years in this dataset. Given how consistently the touchscreen and MCU issues recur through 2016 and 2017, testing that system thoroughly — including a cold start — is a sensible step, alongside a suspension inspection across all three years. As always, treat these totals as a record of owner complaints rather than a measured defect rate, and let a hands-on inspection and service history guide the final decision.