The short answer
Model S and Model X built before March 2018 have an 8GB memory chip in the media computer, and it wears out with use. The touchscreen can go blank, now and then or for good, or show an alert that a memory device has degraded. Under Tesla's bulletin SB-20-21-002, a car whose chip had worn out got a new board with a 64GB chip, free, within 8 years of first delivery or 100,000 miles. In January 2021 Tesla also recalled these cars for the same chip, and recall work is free.
The bulletin at a glance
| Bulletin | SB-20-21-002 R3, 5 December 2020 |
|---|---|
| Type | Repair bulletin: done when the problem shows |
| Cars | Model S and Model X of model years 2012 to 2018, built before March 2018 |
| Labor time | 1.15 hours for a Model S 1.45 hours for a Model X |
| Parts | The board that holds the memory chip, replaced with one carrying a 64GB chip |
| Mobile service | No, it needs a service center |
| Recall | NHTSA 21V035000, January 2021, for the same chip |
Which cars it covers
Model S and Model X of model years 2012 to 2018, built before March 2018, with the original media computer. Tesla says the years are a general approximation, and that its own VIN list decides.
The recall, NHTSA campaign 21V035000, names the 2012 to 2018 Model S and the 2016 to 2018 Model X with this chip.
What to ask the seller
Whether the media computer's memory was replaced, under this bulletin or the recall, and the invoice. Enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls: if 21V035000 shows as open, the work has not been done, and Tesla does recall work free.
Common questions
Why does an older Tesla touchscreen go blank?
On Model S and Model X built before March 2018, the 8GB memory chip in the media computer wears out with use. That can leave the screen blank, or show an alert that a memory device has degraded.
Is the Tesla eMMC replacement free?
Recall work is free, and Tesla recalled these cars for the chip in January 2021. The bulletin's own program also covered it within 8 years of first delivery or 100,000 miles.