The Lemon IndexA center screen that freezes, reboots or goes black is usually a software or hardware fault in the radio unit.
Get it checked. Usually fine, but you can lose the backup camera, climate controls or defrost. Ask the dealer about updates.
Software that needs an update. Then: a failing radio or display unit; a phone or USB device crashing the system.
Owners describe this in 3,077 complaints to the U.S. government, most often on the Tesla Model S.
Cars owners report it on most
Complaints describing this symptom, by model, all years. Raw counts, not a failure rate: popular models get more complaints.
Model years that report it most
| Model year | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Audi A4 | 93 | 53% |
| 2015 Tesla Model S | 48 | 7% |
| 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 45 | 5% |
| 2022 Honda Accord | 41 | 13% |
| 2016 Tesla Model S | 34 | 5% |
| 2017 Tesla Model S | 33 | 8% |
| 2013 Tesla Model S | 29 | 6% |
| 2020 Honda Pilot | 27 | 5% |
| 2021 Honda Accord | 21 | 7% |
| 2014 Tesla Model S | 20 | 5% |
| 2019 Honda Pilot | 19 | 2% |
| 2016 Tesla Model X | 19 | 4% |
Each row is that model year's record in NHTSA complaints, not the history of any one car. Share = complaints describing this symptom out of every complaint we hold for that model year (shown when the year has 50+ complaints).
Where it makes up the biggest share
2020 Audi A4 · 53% 2022 Honda Accord · 13% 2017 Mazda CX-5 · 8% 2017 Tesla Model S · 8% 2015 Tesla Model S · 7% 2021 Honda Accord · 7% 2019 Mazda CX-5 · 7% 2013 Tesla Model S · 6%
Model years with 150+ complaints in our data and 10+ describing this symptom, ranked by share. A high share means owners of that year who complained often mentioned it.
The details
Common causes of touchscreen freezing or going black
- Software that needs an update
- A failing radio or display unit
- A phone or USB device crashing the system
- Low battery voltage
- A loose connector behind the screen
General causes, not a diagnosis. A shop should confirm the cause with tests before replacing parts.
Is it safe to drive if the touchscreen keeps freezing?
Get it checked. Usually fine, but you can lose the backup camera, climate controls or defrost. Ask the dealer about updates.
Get help right away if you can’t defrost the windshield.
Of the 3,077 complaints describing it, 1% mention a crash and 1% say the car was towed.
What the complaints show
The parts owners filed these complaints under: electrical system (68%), back over prevention (9%), engine (7%), forward collision avoidance (7%). A complaint can list more than one.
Median odometer reading when owners reported it: 35,996 miles.
Most reports by make: Honda (353), Ford (321), Tesla (307), Chevrolet (252), Jeep (230).
What owners say it cost to fix
Repair bills owners named in complaints that describe this symptom (screen, radio & camera repairs): the middle half ran $556 to $1,600, typical $1,000, from 48 bills.
Each figure is one repair bill as an owner wrote it in a complaint, not a quote for your car. Prices vary with the part, the shop and the year.
Related symptoms
Backup camera not working Speedometer not working Car battery keeps dying Headlights not working All dashboard warning lights on Power window not working
Quick answers
What causes touchscreen freezing or going black?
A center screen that freezes, reboots or goes black is usually a software or hardware fault in the radio unit. Common causes: software that needs an update; a failing radio or display unit; a phone or USB device crashing the system; low battery voltage; a loose connector behind the screen.
Is it safe to drive if the touchscreen keeps freezing?
Get it checked. Usually fine, but you can lose the backup camera, climate controls or defrost. Ask the dealer about updates.
Which cars have this problem most?
In complaints to NHTSA, owners describe it most on the Tesla Model S, Honda Accord and Jeep Grand Cherokee. These are raw counts, so popular models rank higher; complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.
How much does it cost to fix?
In 48 repair bills owners named in complaints describing it, the middle half ran $556 to $1,600. The right repair depends on the cause.
Counts: NHTSA owner complaints whose text describes this symptom (we matched owners' own wording, then read samples to check the matches). A complaint is an owner's report, not a diagnosis or proof of a defect. Causes and advice are general information in our own words, not repair advice for your car. Every symptom · Engine code lookup