2012–2018 Tesla Model S: Center screen goes black or reboots (MCU eMMC failure)
Likely causes, ranked
- Worn eMMC memory$0–$0Shop
Real-owner fix counts will appear here as reports come in.
DIY or shop: See DIY or shop section
Parts to check
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Symptom: A black or rebooting center screen, slow screen response, lost backup camera, or missing defrost controls.
Likely causes
- Worn eMMC memory. Tesla Motors Club owners document the 8GB chip wearing out. Tesla replaces the board under the recall.
DIY or shop?
Dealer. Recall repairs are free.
Useful steps
- Check your VIN for 21V035.
- Ask about reimbursement if you paid for the repair earlier.
Vehicle focus: 2012–2018 Tesla Model S.
Safety / mechanic note
Losing the backup camera and defrost controls affects visibility. Verify with a mechanic or dealer.
Recalls & service bulletins
Recalls
- 21V035000 2012–2018 Model S and 2016–2018 Model X with the Tegra 3 display and 8GB eMMC: the memory can wear out, causing loss of the rearview camera, defrost controls and turn signal chimes. Tesla replaces the board with a larger memory chip. Details
NHTSA complaints: 373 keyword-matched complaints for Tesla MODEL S 2012–2018 (of 883 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-15).
Always check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Sources
What actually fixed it?
Had this problem? Tell other owners what the real fix was. Reports are counted above; we never show made-up numbers.