2018 TESLA Model 3 Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
VIN Decoder
963
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
SUSPENSION
113 complaints
2018 Tesla model 3 front chassis subframe welded nut to the chassis is come off now left side control arm keep getting loose
Feb 06, 2026
My 2018 Tesla Model 3 started squeaking at 36k miles at the end of 2023 (5 year old) I took to the Tesla service center where they quoted me $570. The squeaky control arm issue in Tesla is well known on the internet with may forums complaining about it. Not sure if there is a safety issue but wanted to report this incase there is a pending case regarding this issue. I was happy to pay for parts but the $570 seem excessive for a 5 year car that had 36k miles.
Feb 04, 2026
I purchased this car new in 2018 and recently replaced the front lateral suspension arm due to worn bushings. During the process, I discovered that one of the 14 mm bolt threads on the right side of the suspension arm had a helicoil inserted. While removal was straightforward, reinstalling the bolt proved difficult. I spent several hours reattaching it to the new suspension arm, but did not apply full torque, as I was concerned about damaging the helicoil or stripping the thread. My main concern is that the factory has stripped the original thread and used a helicoil instead of replacing the affected part. Although the repair has held so far, I am unsure if this is a safe long-term solution, as the helicoil could fail while driving. I contacted Tesla, who advised me to visit their service center. At the Centinela location in Los Angeles, the supervisor informed me that, since the warranty has expired, they can only perform a visual inspection.
Jan 08, 2026
The front suspension began having grinding noises. This was especially pronounced during turning at low speeds. At 58k miles. Tesla charged for having a tech ride along. They then did a front suspension investigation and said the following parts all were damaged and required replacement. Lower Compliance Links Lower front suspension links Lateral links Subframe assembly It would be consistent with the following recall on the bolt which attaches the lateral link to the subframe [XXX] The make, model and manufacture time align with the recall. Tesla did not provide the damaged parts. Cost was in 4982.91 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jan 06, 2026
Front suspension creaking noise, took in for service, techs ultimately found the front subframe captive welded nuts that secure the front links had sheared off, requiring a replacement of the subframe and some other suspension components. Nuts, which were initially welded to the subframe during assembly, were loose on both sides. No associated damage or impact, normal use over 7 years of ownership. This is also a common issue, and is already associated with a very limited recall (21V-835) but for whatever reason, this failure is still occurring quite often in the wild - normally with far more extreme consequences than in my case.
Sep 28, 2025
+ 108 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
82 complaints
The rear doors do not have a manual release. If power is lost, you cannot open the rear doors. This is a severe safety concern. With 2 child seats in the rear seats, with a power failure, you cannot get the children out. Newer Model 3 vehicles, have a manual safety release. My 2018 does not.
Oct 27, 2025
The car's horn only works sometimes and often not at all when steering wheel horn areas are pressed, hard or soft!! Tesla said they couldn't fix it!!
Oct 02, 2025
Mold, mildew and smelly odors are coming through the on-cabin ventilation system. This is the 3rd time since 2020, I had to purchase & replace the two air filters and spray the poorly designed duct & condensation accumulation. I inspected the self-installed air filters and there were no signs of moisture, mildew, mold or stains on the filters, which makes me think the problem was /is from the HVAC condenser or coil area. Tesla had issued a 2019 software update to “run” the ventilation system longer after the vehicle was in “Park” but the software update has NOT solved the mildew and bacteria odors that are vented into the cabin, and subsequently changed the HVAC design in post 2021Tesla models that corrected this problem with many pre-2021 Model 3s. Tesla Service Centers are still charging for the coil spray cleaning and not covering this mold & bacteria-creating HVAC design problem of their earlier year vehicles ca as I had to pay Tesla for a pair of air filters change and now they want me to pay for a separate fee for spraying the condenser coils.
Oct 01, 2025
While driving on the 5 freeway, using autopilot, my car suddenly decelerated and came to a complete stop. Fortunately, we were not struck from behind, and I was able to get the car to accelerate again after approximately 10 seconds.
Sep 11, 2025
AC Power Control System Failure - I didn't know about this problem until two weeks ago I went to Tesla service center. I was facing this problem since 2020, when car was under 4 years warranty but never complain thought home power source charge that much only.
Nov 16, 2024
+ 77 more complaints for this component
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
73 complaints
Pantom braking happening frequently after latest software update. FSD version 12.6.4 Software version 2026.8.6 Happening on single lane road.
Apr 12, 2026
I am submitting this report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding a recurring safety issue with my 2018 Tesla Model 3 involving unintended “phantom braking.” On multiple occasions, my vehicle has abruptly decelerated without any apparent obstacle or hazard present. These incidents have primarily occurred while using driver assistance features such as Autopilot and Traffic-Aware Cruise Control on highways and well-marked roads under normal driving conditions (clear weather, dry pavement, consistent traffic flow). The braking events are sudden and significant, creating a serious safety risk—particularly when other vehicles are following closely. In several instances, the deceleration was forceful enough that I believed a rear-end collision was likely. There were no visible triggers such as overpasses, shadows, vehicles merging, or roadside objects that would reasonably justify the system’s response. Below are details to assist your investigation: •Driver Assistance Features Active: Just cruise control, not auto pilot on these occasions •Weather/Road Conditions: Clear and dry •Frequency of Occurrence: This is an ongoing problem that has occurred dozens of times in the past few years. The March 30th incidents were only the most recent ones. •Any Warning Messages or Alerts: No This behavior appears unpredictable and difficult to anticipate or mitigate, increasing the risk of a crash. Given the potential safety implications, I respectfully request that NHTSA review this issue to determine whether it reflects a broader defect affecting other vehicles. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Apr 01, 2026
I was driving with Full Self Driving active on Sunday morning and my car came to a complete stop at a red light. Once the traffic cleared the car drove right through the red light and I was given a traffic citation by a police officer. The car did wait until there were no other cars present so I don't believe I was in any real danger but the fact that the car went through a red light while on full self driving violates the rules of the road which as we know is illegal. I have a video from my dash cam but this form doesn't appear to allow for video uploads.
Mar 24, 2026
There is no checkbox for Full Self Driving (Supervised): 3 times in the last 4 weeks, my Tesla has become impatient at long red lights and lurches out into the intersection. I am very concerned because one of those times (first time) it did not creep forward, but just took off thru the red light. I had to accelerate thru to get ahead of those cars that still had the green light. Fortunately, nothing untoward happened, except scaring me! The other two times, I recognized what was happening and put on the brakes and removed from FSD mode. I have complained to Tesla and am asking for them to verify my FSD is up to date and this issue will be fixed. Needless to say, I have stopped using the FSD (Supervised) until this is all addressed.
Feb 15, 2026
Too fast and too close to stop sign to red light or other cars while in Full Self Drive (supervised).I had to disable it to avoid risks of accident.Even using Chilly Mode.
Aug 09, 2025
+ 68 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
49 complaints
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that there was a feature in the vehicle that allowed the front driver’s seat to automatically adjust according to the saved driver's profile. The contact stated that the driver’s seat back and forth movement to adjust to each driver's profile might have caused loose wire connection, resulting in error code: RCM_a021 (Front Left Safety Restraint System Fault) being displayed. The contact stated that the error message had been displayed intermittently. Upon investigating the failure online, the contact related the failure to the seat adjustment feature. The failure was reported to the manufacturer through the Tesla App; however, the contact had not yet received a response. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Apr 09, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the GPS failed to function as intended. In addition, the “Unable to Charge” warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the GPS provided incorrect directions. The contact attempted to recharge the battery; however, the battery failed to charge. The contact stated that the failure had occurred the following day after an over-the-air software update was performed. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. In addition, the contact referenced a document that stated that the battery life should last 200,000 to 300,000 miles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 106,884.
Oct 01, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH with the Self Driving feature activated, the vehicle failed to slow down while approaching oncoming traffic. The vehicle accelerated and drove around the traffic. The contact depressed the brake pedal and touched the steering wheel to disable the Self Driving feature, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that once the vehicle passed through traffic, the brake pedal was depressed again, and the Self Driving feature was deactivated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,866.
Sep 05, 2025
My 2018 Model 3 recently started experiencing issues during AC charging where I’m only able to use 16A out of the 48A available from my Tesla mobile connector charger at home. The specific error warning and error I’m seeing says “PCS_a019 Power grid or vehicle issue limiting AC charging Unplug and retry/ Try different charging location”. Before this started happening I’ve been charging with the same charging setup at home since 2019 and have been getting 32A consistently.
I’ve tried the following options to diagnose the issue: 1. I’ve unplug and replug mobile charger from the connector. (the end plug to the mobile charger), I’ve also plug and unplug connector to the nema 14-50 receptacle. 1. The mobile connector exterior shows a constant flowing of green color on the “TESLA” letters outside the charger 2. I also separately own a second 2023 Model Y Performance, my Model Y is able to use the same Tesla mobile charger connector/receptacle at my home. It it getting AC charging at 32A 3. I’ve also tried charging the 2018 Model 3 (w/ the issue) at another separate AC charging station from a friend’s house that can normally deliver 48A, but I’m still also only getting 16A out of the possible 48A After sending the above to Tesla service center, they remotely diagnose and stated that it was an partial failure/issue with the " Power Conversion System" on the vehicle. However, Tesla mentions that is is not covered by their "HV Battery Warranty" and only covered by their 4 year 50k miles Basica vehicle warranty. My particular vehicle has only 37k miles on the odometer but it exceeded the 4 year period so I'm out of warranty. However I found that my vehicle fits the criteria for this outstanding NHTSA bulletin notice (SB-18-16-011) [XXX] , which also specifically mentioned "Replace Reworked Power Conversion System". My vehicle meets the criteria ( manufactured [XXX]) but Tesla refused to honor the bulletin. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Apr 25, 2025
Power Coversion System (PCS) failed on vehicle Causing issues with charging No User facing errors to alert of issues prior to problem (hidden in service menu) - preventing owners from claiming under basic 50k mile warranty. Stated as not part of HV Battery warranty and replacement is ~$2000 Advised to replace or could leave car unusable.
Feb 14, 2025
+ 44 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
41 complaints
Safety Restraint Warning appeared on a 50k miles Tesla Model 3. We are a used electric vehicle dealer in California. This warning has been appearing on parked vehicles repeatedly. Meaning, many of the Model 3's we have listed for sale (over 30 units for sale at any given time) will suddenly have a "Safety Restraint Warning" appear. Tesla is not taking responsibility for this. They always charge the customer. The airbag system is inoperable with this warning. It's a problem on EVERY Model 3 on the road between the year of 2017 to 2020.
Jan 22, 2026
I have an active alert on the drive side safety restraint system. Alert code RCM_a021. I have noticed this appears to be a common problem. A recall should be issues as this a a safety issues and lives could be at stake.
Nov 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH through an intersection, another vehicle t-boned the driver's side from the driver's side front bumper to the rear passenger door. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy as intended. Medical attention was needed after the contact sustained lower back, left shoulder, neck, tailbone, and internal bleeding injuries were sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to a collision center, where it was currently pending an inspection. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,894.
Nov 18, 2025
Passenger restraint fault message randomly comes on.
Oct 21, 2025
The car's dashboard display shows an alert "Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Issue". This puts the front passenger at risk.
Sep 30, 2025
+ 36 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
37 complaints
Tesla refuses to fix recall NHTSA No: 22V798.
Dec 21, 2025
When seat is moved up for my [XXX] daughter, who is learning to drive, it now triggers an error an indicates the air bags will not work. The error code is RCM_a021. It seems the vehicle has a defect that over time the connections for the front seat harnesses will fail. This is a known issue with a Service Bulletin - SB-21-17-005 on your website from December 8, 2021. [XXX] Manufacturer has confirmed the issue, but refuses to replace it unless they are paid more than $800 (although, online people report that when they were under warranty the cost for parts and labor was in the $300 range). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
May 12, 2025
I believe this is a safety issue that warrants a recall notice since the seat restraint system may not work correctly due to an electrical connection issue. I get an error message "Front left safety restraint system fault" that comes comes and goes depending on the position of the driver seat - if I raise the seat I get the fault message, if I lower the seat the message goes away. This is clearly due to a loose electrical connection in the seat restraint system. I removed the cover at the side of the seat and have identified a loose yellow/orange plastic connector to the left of the seat (see picture). When you jiggle that connector the error message goes on and off. Tesla will fix the issue for $650, but I believe this is a faulty design issue that causes the connector to get worn every time you adjust the seat, and it should be fixed by Tesla at no charge.
Apr 29, 2025
Got an alert on the Tesla screen on 4/21/2025 indicating "Front left safety restraint system fault". Took to Tesla Svc Center and they replaced seat belt lap pretensioner, seat belt reminder vent, seat belt reminder sensor box and first row occupancy sensor. Cost $650. Alert goes away if I raise the seat and comes back if I lower the seat. I asked Tesla while scheduling an appointment whether it was a safety issue and they said "Yes". Vehicle has only 43,500 miles on it.
Apr 24, 2025
Alert message on car "safety restraint system issue"
Apr 03, 2025
+ 32 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
34 complaints
On December 24, 2024 I was driving on Freeway 5 South and all of the sudden my vehicle came to an abrupt breaking without any reason. The traffic ahead of me was of normal traffic. This abrupt breaking happened twice within 5 minutes of time span. I have notified Tesla Service Center and the service center gave me a quote of $137.50 for diagnostic and to schedule the service. I felt that this issues should be taken care of by Tesla with no charge to me. This is a safety issue. I have experienced the abrupt breaking issues with my vehicle on many occasions since I own the vehicle in 2018. Each time I was told there's no problem with the vehicle when I notified Tesla Service Center.
Dec 27, 2024
Two incidents while testing the most recent version of Tesla's "Full Self-Driving": 1. While driving at less than 25mph in a residential neighborhood, using the "Full Self-Driving" mode, the car was entirely unable to detect either heavy steel plates in the road (being used to cover road work) or significant potholes in the area near the plates. 2. While driving on H1 (a federal "interstate" highway) on Oahu, at approximately 55mph, using the Tesla's "Full Self-Driving", the car inexplicably slammed on the brakes. There was absolutely nothing visibly in front of the car for at least 200 yards. The car behind me had to swerve to avoid rear-ending my vehicle.
Nov 24, 2024
I was driving (~42 m/h) my Model 3 Tesla on a freeway and the traffic in front of me suddenly slowed down. The driver in front of me (she was a new driver with a new car) braked hard and came to a complete stop even though the traffic in front of her was moving. I ended up colliding with her as a result. I would have expected the Tesla Forward collision system or the Automatic Emergency Braking system to have activated and prevented this crash. Further, it seems Tesla brakes behave differently when it is fully charged as the engine braking does not engage. In fact the car seems to accelerate instead. If the Tesla Forward collision system and the AEB do not work and prevent such accidents, what is the point of having these systems?
Oct 23, 2024
I was traveling about 10-15 mph and my car unexpectedly activating the automatic emergency braking system. It was very scary and dangerous
Nov 11, 2023
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report a safety defect with my Tesla Model 3, VIN [XXX] . On July 28th, 2023, at 3:34 PM PST, My wife [XXX] was driving into my driveway at my home at [XXX] . The weather was sunny and car was traveling at 5-10 mph. The car was not in Autopilot and the driving mode was set to Chill mode. When pressed the brake pedal to slow down, the car did not stop and went straight into my garage, causing significant damage to my home and the car. Very experienced driver and I am confident that wife was applying the brake pedal correctly. However, the car simply did not stop. I am very concerned that this is a software glitch in the Tesla car, and I am worried that it could happen to other Tesla drivers. I have tried to contact Tesla to report the issue, but I have not been able to reach anyone. I had the car towed to a body shop, but the car is now totaled and I cannot take it back to Tesla. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this safety defect and take appropriate action to protect Tesla drivers. I am also requesting that NHTSA help me to get in touch with Tesla so that I can resolve this issue. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Sep 18, 2023
+ 29 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
26 complaints
The chrome trim on exterior door handle on driver side failed, peeling back to create a sharp, blade-like edge. When i tried opening the door, it sliced my finger causing bleeding and a trip to urgent care. Aparently many other consumers are facing the same problem. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Mar 27, 2026
The rear doors are not equipped with manual door releases. In the event of a crash or fire the rear seat passengers would be trapped and would only be able to exit over the front seats and front seat passengers. If the front doors were damaged or front passengers incapacitated the egress for the back seat passengers would be severely impacted. If a fire would occur the situation would be exacerbated. Tesla corrected this condition in later models by installing cable releases for the rear doors. Tesla has not responded with any positive response to our request to provide an upgrade and manual rear door releases.
Feb 07, 2026
Hello, I have a Tesla model 3 that I bought back in 2018 . On [XXX] when I sliced my finger while opening the door, because the chrome coating on the door handle started peeling. The cut was very deep ( see attached pictures). I contacted Tesla for resolution and they said that the car is not under warranty and I have to pay $340 for each handle to replace them. Apparently the peeling chrome happened to many other Tesla 3 owners and the company is aware of it and they told me that it might be caused by the car washing detergent (?!!) I think it was a defective design and the peeling chrome coating is a major health hazard. The child cand slice their fingers and if person has a bleeding issues and cut themselves while on the road it can be bad. I think it should be treated as a recall for bad design and should be fixed for free. I lost couple of days of work since I work in the Operating room and my finger was severely cut. I will wait for your response, thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Dec 07, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the frame underneath the vehicle was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,700.
Oct 31, 2025
I took my car in to Tesla to have the tires replaced, during the service appointment my frunk was opened and closed by the technicians. Within ten miles of leaving the dealership my hood/frunk flew open and broke my windshield and frunk hood
Dec 05, 2024
+ 21 more complaints for this component
STEERING
25 complaints
I own a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of steering assist while driving, and the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn, eventually locking up to the point where the vehicle could no longer be safely controlled. There were dashboard warnings related to steering and low-voltage system faults. The vehicle had to be towed because it was unsafe and not steerable. This is the second time within a few months that the vehicle has become inoperable and required a tow. The first failure involved a low-voltage electrical fault that prevented the car from charging or driving. The most recent failure involved the steering rack and a front-end controller component. Tesla diagnosed the issue as requiring replacement of the steering rack and a front controller assembly. The repair cost was quoted at approximately $4,200 out of pocket, and Tesla stated the failure was not covered under warranty and not related to the earlier electrical issue. No recall was listed for this VIN. There was no crash, but steering control was lost while the vehicle was in motion, which created a safety hazard. I am reporting this because a sudden loss of steering function while driving is a serious safety defect that could lead to a collision if it occurs at higher speeds or in traffic.
Nov 05, 2025
Upon entering my vehicle, which was in my garage, I put it into reverse. I found the steering wheel extremely difficult to turn and upon viewing the screen I saw a message stating "Steering assist reduced. Steering may require increased effort". I backed up about 10 feet and still was unable to turn the steering wheel. I noticed another message advising "Lane Departure Avoidance features unavailable. Features may be restored on next drive". I pulled back into the garage and rebooted the car to no avail. I let the car sit for several hours before trying again. This time the steering was fine. I am scheduled to have the manufacturer inspect the car on Tuesday April 29, 2025.
Apr 24, 2025
- component or system failed or malfunctioned - Front Subframe Structure (Part Number 1044521-00-J) - the part failed with my car at approximately 55,000 miles. When it failed, the car didn't alert any problem and continue to drive the full-self-driving mode. I only noticed that it was very dangerous the next day when I tried to take my car out of the garage. - the problem was diagnosed by Tesla Service center which I had to toll my car to them because it was unsafe to drive. - The vehicle or component was not inspected by police or insurance, because there was no accident. - There was no warning lamps or indication other than noise.
Feb 11, 2025
Horn button does not active horns
Oct 30, 2024
Without warning, it became extremely difficult to turn the wheel while I was driving. An alert simultaneously appeared stating that steering assist was reduced. I was able to park the car, with difficulty, and then updated the software. The warning disappeared and the steering seemed to work again. Tesla recommended a remote visit only since the car didn’t appear to have any current warnings, however I requested an in-person evaluation. It was determined that the car had a faulty steering rack. They stated that this did not appear to be from damage, and instead an internal fault.
Jun 03, 2024
+ 20 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS,SEATS
20 complaints
An error code (RCM_a056) will intermittently come up and say there is a fault with the front passenger safety restraint system. It will turn on for a car ride and stay off for a few days and come back randomly. When I researched this code, I found that this is a known issue with 2018 Tesla Model 3's. Apparently there was a flaw in the airbag system which causes this safety concern. I contacted a Tesla service center and they said it would cost $300 just to check it out and another one said +$1000 to "fix". I called their customer service line explained that this should be covered for free since it is not due to "normal wear" but rather should be a safety recall. I also explained this to the service techs but they just said they can't do anything. If I would have been involved in an accident, my wife could have died because of this safety flaw. The vehicle is still under warranty until 120,000 miles. Thank you for your consideration on this matter.
Jun 27, 2025
Tesla is aware of a common regarding an occupancy sensor in the passenger seat of their vehicles that impacts functionality of airbags and the restraint system. The error code is RCM_a056. A simple search of the code will show a myriad of ongoing issues with their vehicles
Apr 07, 2025
Occupant classification System (OCS) for front passenger seat kept alerting while driving both with and without any person or object in the seat. I contacted Tesla service center and they stated that the occupant classification system (OCS) AND the front passenger airbag require replacement, otherwise the front passenger airbags will not function properly in a collision. I asked if this was a recall or covered by warranty, and they said no.
Sep 02, 2024
I started getting this alert on my screen a few weeks ago: RCM_a056 "Front passenger safety restraint system fault" Service Required. Tesla says the warranty only covered this issue up to 60,000 miles and I'm at 61,000. They are quoting like $2,000 to fix. They say they have to change something in the seat (sensor) and change the air bag since new sensor is not compatible with old airbag. Looked up issue and it seems to be common happening at before and after warranty for a lot of people. I see different quotes from $500 to $2000 (mine was the highest). This should be a safety recall. I do not suspect too many people getting this fixed on their own their due to the expense.
Aug 26, 2024
Received an alert about front seat safety restraint system fault. Decided to see what was needed for the fix and address my other trunk harness recall. Received invoice stating the airbag needed to be replaced along with $1900 quote. Knowing this info, if this doesn’t get fix the safety of my passengers are at risk so now I definitely can’t have any passengers. Not sure how I should be responsible for a safety seat airbag sensor defect.
Jun 22, 2024
+ 15 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
20 complaints
The MCU in my 2018 Tesla Model 3 failed after a software update, rendering several key safety features inoperable, including the car’s cameras and Autopilot functions. The vehicle currently has 16,600 miles and had previously received an MCU replacement in 2022. This most recent failure occurred during a firmware update, which got stuck at 50%. The Tesla Service Center confirmed that the MCU needs replacement again, but I was not given clear diagnostic logs or evidence of a pre-existing hardware issue. Due to this failure, the rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, and Autopilot features are no longer operational, which directly impacts the safety of driving the vehicle. These features are critical for safe operation and are standard in ensuring driver assistance, situational awareness, and accident avoidance. The issue has been inspected by the Tesla Service Center, and they proposed replacing the MCU at a significant cost, though no prior warning signs or messages appeared before the failure during the update.
Sep 16, 2024
On 9/6/2024 I was driving on I-10 E going about 70 mph in the left lane. I had engaged the cruise control but not the Autopilot because I’ve had dangerous experiences with the Autopilot phantom breaking and misinterpreting cracks in the road as lane markers and dangerously changing lanes. So even though Inoaid thousands of dollars for Autopilot I never use it. So I was driving approaching a big rig in the lane to the left of mine and the sun was low in the sky casting a shadow on the road. The car thought the shadow was a car and slammed on the breaks and almost came to a complete stop until I pressed on the breaks to release the cruise control. We are very lucky the car behind us didn’t hit us. The car behind us almost hit us and my passenger and I both sprained our necks. The same exact thing happened 5 minutes later. After that I am too scared to use cruise control which is very inconvenient when on a road trip. My car is a 2018 Tesla Model 3 that is equipped with LIDAR radar when I bought it, however Tesla turned this feature off awhile back. I never had issues with cruise control when the LIDAR was still enabled. I am very angry that a carmaker can turn off a safety feature that I paid for without my consent. I would have bought a different electric car if I had know I’d have to go back in time to the 1990’s before cruise control was invented. Most cars use some kind of radar for their cruise control systems and this seems to much safer. There are many, many complaints on line of other Tesla drivers having lots os problems with phantom braking. This is an important safety issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
Sep 08, 2024
Autopilot FSD 12.3.6 in Ohio is interpreting state route signs as speed limit signs. In Milford Ohio, the speed limit is 25mph. While traveling on [XXX] each state route sign had the max speed jump to 50mph. Then back to 25 at the next actual speed limit sign. An [XXX] sign was interpreted as 20mph. Errors is speed are dangerous in either the car going too fast or risking a rear end collision by incorrectly slowing down. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jun 16, 2024
Multiple "phantom braking" events in which the car, on a clear day & no cars around, would suddenly slam on the brakes and try to stop. No messages were displayed on the screen. Tesla Service seems uninterested as it is a "software" issue. I tried a full reset of the car with no improvement.
Apr 26, 2023
During rush hour traffic on Highway 101 Southbound near Redwood City, I experienced an incident while utilizing AutoPilot and AutoSteer. Despite being in stop-and-go traffic, the vehicle did not respond to the car in front which suddenly came to a complete stop. Neither the Automatic Emergency Braking system nor warning sounds, which has been known to activate erroneously, were triggered. As a result, I was forced to manually brake at the last moment, but there was not enough time for manual intervention and the vehicle collided with the car in front. It is worth noting that every other instance in which I have utilized AutoPilot and AutoSteer, which occurs on nearly every trip I take, the vehicle has been able to respond and brake, albeit with slow reaction times and close distances.
Feb 18, 2023
+ 15 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
19 complaints
Getting a notification for "Front left safety restraint system fault" which disengages the airbags. Seems like a very common fault with Teslas but no recall has been made.
Aug 14, 2025
The driver side seatbelt/presence sensor intermittently fails due to faulty wiring. This causes a warning stating 'front left safety restraint system fault' and the driver side airbag to turn off when the warning is present causing a severe safety issue. This is a well documented common safety failure of these vehicles
Apr 01, 2025
The error popped up randomly and states "front left safety restraint system fault." This has been a common problem with Tesla and should be a recall as it's a manufacture defect with a safety system.
Dec 03, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? “Front left safety restraint system fault” error code “RCM_a021” How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? It appears as though the seatbelt or airbag may not function properly when needed. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No but it has been on every time I drive. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, upon requesting inspection, I was quoted 400$ Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, it appeared periodically before but now it’s constant as of 9/29/2024
Oct 04, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Front Driver’s Side Safety Restraint Fault" remained displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000.
Sep 20, 2024
+ 14 more complaints for this component
STEERING,SUSPENSION
18 complaints
The front lower lateral link (rearward lower control arm) fastener/bolt completely backed out and fell off the vehicle while in motion, causing the lateral link to separate entirely from the subframe. This is the exact mechanical failure described in Tesla Recall Campaign 23V-235 (Service Bulletin SB-23-31-001), however, my specific VIN was not included in that recall. The vehicle and components are currently at an independent EV repair facility and are available for inspection upon request. Photographic evidence of the missing bolt and separated control arm has been retained. The separation of the lower lateral link caused an immediate and violent collapse of the front passenger-side suspension geometry. The affected wheel was no longer anchored to the vehicle frame, causing it to fold backward and grind heavily against the wheel well. To keep the vehicle moving straight, the steering wheel had to be turned to an extreme 45-degree angle. This resulted in a near-total loss of steering control. Had this fastener failed while traveling at highway speeds instead of low speeds, it would have resulted in an uncontrollable, catastrophic collision. Yes. The problem was physically confirmed and documented by an independent, EV-certified repair facility (EVFixMe/Shocker Motors in Costa Mesa, CA) once the vehicle was placed on a lift. The vehicle was physically inspected by an independent service center. The manufacturer (Tesla) was contacted via the Tesla App; however, they refused to perform a physical diagnosis without pre-authorization of a 2,600 comprehensive suspension replacement estimate and stated the vehicle was out of warranty with no open recalls. There were no dashboard warning lamps, digital alerts, or error messages from the vehicle's computer system prior to the failure. The failure presented suddenly as a loud, painful metal-on-metal grinding noise accompanied by immediate, severe steering misalignment. Currently waiting on invoice from indy shop.
Feb 26, 2026
The front control arms are creaking and I’ve read that many of models built in 2018 have this problem as well. It is unknown if it is a safety concern or not.
Jan 30, 2026
The front suspension control arm was completely detached due to unfastened bolts. While this happened on the parking lot at low speed, such detachment at highway speed would certainly lead to major damage, loss of control and injuries or death to the driver. Pictures attached show that the bolts did not have any thread lock applied and simply unscrewed themselves due to vibration. The vehicle was brought to Tesla service, where the owner was charged $3700 for repairs. The customer's complaints that this is a structural/manufacturing problem were ignored by Tesla representatives.
Dec 17, 2025
While regularly driving I experienced a gradual squeaking sounds from the front suspension. A few moments later I noticed that my steering wheel was acting as if it didn’t have power steering. I’m lead to believe that due to the poor design of my Model 3, that the outside elements were easily able to make its way to my Universal power steering shaft leading Tesla to remove and replace my steering shaft and my Upper control arms as well. The rust on the U shaft was incredible, I’ve only driven in the snow one time and immediately the noises starting happening. I paid everything out of my own pocket due to the undeliverable conditions my steering wheels was in.
Mar 20, 2025
Right front upper control arm began making noise and was replaced under warranty at 42k miles in Sept 2019. Left front upper control arm failed around 50k miles and caused a wreck resulting in $8,365 in damages in April 2021. When fixing one side it is standard to replace the other and Tesla was negligent. Upon fixing the left side suspension at Blue Ash Auto Body in 2021, the brake caliper came loose while driving on the highway while on a vacation. This caused an additional $1500 or so in charges. Both of these incidents put my life and my son's life in danger. About a week or two after the caliper problem, Tesla issued a recall for that part stating that it is now single use only.
Feb 20, 2025
+ 13 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY/WIPER
17 complaints
The front and rear windshields of my Tesla Model 3 developed long cracks requiring full replacement. For over six months, I have been unable to complete these replacements due to repeated failures in the replacement process. The vehicle and damaged glass are available for inspection upon request. My insurance claim was filed with Esurance, and Safelite AutoGlass, Esurance’s designated auto glass provider, has handled all replacement attempts. During this period, three shipments of glass arrived damaged and two shipments were the incorrect glass for my vehicle, resulting in canceled or rescheduled appointments. Safelite has documentation of these failed attempts. Driving with cracked front and rear windshields puts my safety and the safety of others at risk. The damage impairs visibility, especially in rain or low-light conditions, and compromises windshield integrity, which is critical for vehicle structural support and proper airbag deployment. The rear windshield damage also raises concerns about sudden glass failure while driving. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed multiple times by Safelite AutoGlass, an independent service center. While waiting for service, I personally spoke with several other Tesla Model 3 owners at Safelite locations who reported similar experiences, including multiple failed appointments, incorrect glass, and in some cases incorrect installations requiring return visits. This suggests a broader, systemic issue rather than an isolated incident. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by Safelite AutoGlass, and the issue is documented through Esurance claim records and follow-up complaints I submitted regarding the prolonged lack of resolution. Tesla has not directly inspected the vehicle. There were no warning lights or system alerts prior to the issue. The problem presented as visible cracks that appeared and progressively worsened, prompting replacement attempts beginning approximately six months ago.
Jan 29, 2026
Live in Atlanta that seldom we get frost. We had an event in December and noticed my rear defroster would not defrost killing rear visibility. Got Tesla to check if connected which it is but doesn't work. They blamed the ceramic tint that was recently installed. Took car to film installer and he showed me how my car's rear window never had any embedded wire, just painted lines that do not heat up. Showed me newer tesla model 3's and showed how Tesla seems to have changed the design and you could feel the defroster wiring so seems I never got defroster wires. Going back to Tesla. All documented in you tube from statement from Tesla glass installer and film installer. Search for xpel vs Tesla defroster in youtube. My glass was recently replaced by tesla ln December 2022. Noticed the problem the first day we had frost in Atlanta
Jan 12, 2024
I’ve called twice for Tesla to fix the part for this recall. They tell me they won’t fix because I have an aftermarket truck opener. The back up camera works sometimes but not all times.
Jun 23, 2023
The rear view camera in our Model 3 stopped working in April 2022. This is a known problem related to NHTSA Recall Number 21V-00D, which was issued in December 2021. It has been over a year & Tesla is still waiting for parts to become available to perform the repairs for this recall. Although our car is still drivable, it is very difficult to use Tesla’s Superchargers since they require the car to be backed into the parking space.
Mar 09, 2023
Heating has malfunctioned and car will not warm up defrost windows in snow storm. This happened shortly after charging the tesla at a supercharger and the car also seemed to suddenly require a software update. Having performed the update and reboot, the heat has not fixed. The weather is currently 14f and the car is essentially undrivable in the recent snow storms due to no heat. The system will blow air but this will not melt accumulating ice. Unsafe and random.
Feb 24, 2023
+ 12 more complaints for this component
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE
17 complaints
October 12, 2024. I was using the Tesla on autopilot. I was in the far right lane and the freeway was curving to the left. The car was following in the lanes, but then all of a sudden it stopped following the freeway and drove into the right guardrail. There were no alerts by the car. It did not warn to take over the vehicle or attempt to avoid the collision. The car drove directly into the guardrail without warning and was totalled.
Mar 07, 2025
I have a 2018 Tesla Model 3 that was involved in an accident on 10/12/2024. It has Enhanced Autopilot, which was the most advanced version of self driving when I bought the car. It was engaged in "Navigate on Autopilot" on the freeway. The car was following the freeway as it veered to the left, but then it stopped following the lines and crashed into the side of the freeway. The result of the accident was a total loss on the vehicle. I had shoulder and neck pain that have not required serious medical attention, but it was almost a week of discomfort and difficulty sleeping. My insurance company has deemed the vehicle a total loss and I will have to get a replacement. There were no warning alerts and the vehicle did not recognize that it was leaving the freeway lines. I was not going over the speed limit. The car did not prompt me to take over the vehicle because of danger. It just went straight towards the freeway guardrail. The car is not drivable due to the damage it sustained.
Oct 25, 2024
I got a recall notice from Tesla and Tesla is still in safety violation and is refusing to fix the issue, so I need your help to force Tesla to fix their abusive ways. The recall 23V-838 is related to "when Autosteer is engaged". Autosteer/Autopilot/FSD now DISABLES even when NOT engaged, alleging "improper use" when it wasn't even being used. It also disengages Autosteer/Autopilot/FSD while driving if it detects "improper use" (even if it's detection system itself is buggy), forcing the car to slow down like in the middle of the freeway! When the battery is low and there's only a mile or two to go to a charger, the software will slow down and force the car to pull over to get a tow, taking on average 2 hours to get a tow truck to go 2 miles, rather than allowing the driver to reach the charger with the remaining battery it shows. Tesla keeps changing the battery percentage for when it shuts down. It used to be 0%, then 3% and recently 6%. This randomness creates "range anxiety" and distrust in the battery percentage being a useful indicator. Tesla should use 0% as "shut down" and leave the rest of the battery as "drivable" to reach a charger to have an accurate indicator. It also flashes alerts on the SCREEN to "Pay attention to the road", which is ironic to have a screen display to distract attention to the screen... rather than pay attention to the road. Tesla took AWAY my Autosteer/Autopilot improperly, and no one in the Service Center or Support at Tesla knows how to fix this BUG or give it BACK to me, so I can drive SAFELY like with lane centering. I paid $10,000 for this "safety" that Tesla takes away at random, claiming they can do whatever they want because they've now labeled it BETA software! This is an abusive practice the NHTSA should force Tesla to stop doing and give the power back to responsible drivers like me. Tesla abuser names include [XXX] and [XXX] . Teslas also don't detect cars in blind spots and still phantom brakes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Feb 13, 2024
The new software update forced as part of the autopilot recall is terrible and the system needs to go back to the way it was. They adjustments make the feature useless. There are many unnecessary warnings and notifications, all of which destroy the driving experience and actually make the car less safe. Bring back the old system
Jan 29, 2024
There are two issues. 1) The adaptive cruise control brakes for no reason. If someone was behind me they could've rear ended me. 2) At night the blind spot camera is flooded by the turn signal and it's hard to see the blind spot warning. When the turn signal is on the blind spot camera shows on the screen and blind spot warning shows up as a red shaded area. It's hard to see the warning itself because the turn signal light floods the screen.
Jan 10, 2024
+ 12 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
17 complaints
Car was stop at left turn lane waiting for light to change to green arrow. Car just accelerated on its own . Car crashes into to car in front of me and pushes us onto center island and continues to accelerate sending us on to crossing traffic, endangering others and my family life . Tesla never investigated or tried to respond. Insurance company couldn’t or never did any investigation and made me at fault for the accident. Tesla certified body shop told me they can’t pre scan Tesla and print out reports like any other vehicle. Cars driver front camera was coming on and off prior to acceleration for no apparent reason . Camera is part of ADAS system.
Sep 07, 2022
While using the adaptive cruise control plus autopilot, car suddenly and rapidly slows to stop. At each instance, there are no cars in front of me or any other obvious obstruction to cause the car to rapidly deaccelerate. It only happens on the freeway at freeway speeds. It is shocking and unnerving. When I quickly take back the control, I can bring the car back up to speed. So far, there has not been a car close behind me to cause a rear-end collision, but that is my fear. This has happened sporadically since I got the car, perhaps ten times total. The form asks for a date, but there are multiple across years so I put the approx latest date.
Jun 04, 2022
“Phantom emergency braking” problem while autopilot engaged. Will go from 65 to 45 or sometimes lower. Occurrences are unpredictable. There are no apparent causes. If I set driving speed to be 65, I expect it to remain at 65 unless adaptive cruise control reduces the speed for a slower moving car in front of me or if there is a detected potential for a collision. This problem causes driver anxiety. The fear is someone behind who is not paying attention or following too close rear ending the vehicle if it brakes suddenly. Sometimes I wonder if a bug hit a sensor or camera and caused the braking, but it doesn't always happen in the same location. It's jarring. I've tried adjusting other settings like crash avoidance detection, but it hasn't made any difference. This has been happening since taking delivery of the car, but I expected a software fix to be implemented before now.
Feb 18, 2022
When driving on 1-5, which is The major Expressway connecting San Diego all the way to The Canadian border near Bellingham on a number of occasions when I have had the driving assistance system on, the car has suddenly and rapidly slowed down when there is a gentle incline. This is not a a gradual slowdown but one that is rapid, and one that requires me to push the accelerator so that I am not endangering the occupant of the car behind me,( the car has never come to a complete standstill) this in spite of there being no cars in front. Further this occurs at multiple speeds. This has occurred on a National expressway and as you can imagine there are no steep inclines on 1-5. I read yesterday that there is an investigation on Tesla’s autopilot system and as much as I am appreciative of technology, glitches such as this can be life threatening and my hope is you investigate this feature of Tesla’s autopilot system as well. Please note that the date I wrote below is a random date as this has occurred multiple times. And further, the car did not give me any warning of a malfunctioning component.
Aug 17, 2021
TWICE IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS, WHILE ON AUTOPILOT, THE CAR HAS DECELERATED SPONTANEOUSLY AND DANGEROUSLY AT THE SAME SPOT ON THE FREEWAY. THE FIRST TIME ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WHEN THE CAR IN BACK OF ME HAD TO BRAKE SUDDENLY AND SWERVE. I THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE WHEN IT HAPPENED THE FIRST TIME, BUT IT HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY. LUCKILY, NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE IN THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY. MY CAR HAD JUST PASSED UNDER A LARGE OVERPASS AND WAS NEAR PASSING UNDER POWER LINES. I REPORTED THIS TO TESLA VIA THE VOICE ACTIVATED 'BUG REPORT' FEATURE WITHIN SECONDS OF THE OCCURRENCE.
Oct 09, 2020
+ 12 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
15 complaints
My hard brake lines were corroded and had to be replaced on a 7 year old model 3 with 70k miles on it. The cost was over $4000 as battery has to come out and it's very labor intensive. Tesla offered no help with paying for this. They tried to say the car probably was in a very corrosive environment before I bought the car (I purchased it about a year ago). However, I've seen little to no corrosion anywhere on the car. I've decided to report this issue after talking with several lifelong mechanics who have said they have never heard of hard brake lines failing on a car with age and mileage that mine has. Also after searching owner groups I've heard from other owners that have had this same issue and it seems like a growing number especially in early model 3 cars. I was giving a warning about low brake fluid and advised not to drive the vehicle before getting it inspected.
Mar 29, 2026
Vehicle is 7 years old with 107,000 miles. I received a warning regarding low brake fluid with instructions not to drive the vehicle. Dealer is advising all brake lines are rusted out and need replacement. Rusted lines are apparently causing the brake fluid to leak. I've never heard of any vehicle, let alone a 7 year old vehicle, needing all brake lines replaced. After researching online, my 2018 Tesla Model 3 is not the only Tesla Model 3 with this issue. Specifically, it appears some early 2018 Model 3s have suffered this issue. I believe this is a design defect and safety issue, and that Tesla should be voluntarily repairing affected vehicles with this known issue, since it is a design/safety issue.
Dec 23, 2025
The brake lines badly rusted creating safety hazard as Tesla service reported when working on other maintenance. Not a warranty issue not covered as repair is over $3800. Vehicle was not abused and was kept clean regularly - this seems to be a vehicle defect if the brake lines can get moisture trapped behind the battery pack and create excessive corrosion requiring brake line replacement.
Oct 13, 2025
All 4 Brake lines (tubes) from either from ABS or Brake booster pump are corroded and pierced. All brake fluid leaked front center of the vehicle and lost all brake. Brake lines or tubes are looks good from under the front and back tires. It looks like a quality of the brake lines / tubes from ABS to the bottom are not meeting the expected quality.
Aug 27, 2025
My Tesla got stuck in a McDonald's drive-through because the EPB (Electronic Park Break) refused to disengage. I believe it got stuck as the vehicle was pulling up to the window to pay and I had to reach out with my phone to tap their payment terminal to use Apple Pay. Then the park brake engaged I believe because I possibly lifted up from my seat, yet had my foot on the brake, but when I put it into drive, it refused to disengage. So my car got stuck for about an hour until we force skidded it out of the drive way. Now I've been stuck at this McDonald's parking lot for days, unable to drive it to get repaired or charged. Tesla Temecula refuses to schedule service and canceled the service appointment. Other further away Tesla Service Centers want to charge me hundreds of dollars for diagnosis that I don't have. This is the 2nd time the park break got stuck. The other time was in hospital ambulance ER drop-off bay. This is a major safety issue and the NHTSA should do a safety recall on this to force Tesla to fix it. It's both a software and hardware engineering issue. Yet Tesla keeps placing the blame and cost on customers to profit from their faulty engineering testing. Please help me and Tesla customer fix this!
Jul 14, 2025
+ 10 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
14 complaints
Driving a 2018 Tesla Model 3, driver seat shows message "Front left safety restraint system issue. Service is required". This occurs when the driver is in the seat with the seat belt fastened and the vehicle is in motion. This issue refers to the possible seat belt, seats and/or air bags failure. This is a threat for drivers as these are the front line of defence in case of any collisions or accidents. This issue has been reported by multiple Tesla car drivers and their posts are available on online forums. Message appears on the Tesla screen driven. Tesla does not cover this out of warranty. My appeal to NHSTA is this is hazardous to drivers and cars should be recalled and repairs should be covered.
Oct 03, 2025
Vehicle is displaying an error message "Front passenger safety restraint system fault" and "front passenger safety restraint system fault. Service is required." This has the result of "The restraint system may not function as designed." According to an Internet search, this is a very common fault, caused by "interference" and necessitates an occupancy sensor, wiring harness and airbag module exchange.
May 30, 2025
Got warning about front drivers safety restraint failure on screen. Airbag warning began to display on the side showing if an accident occurred, they would not deploy. Talked with Tesla representatives and was told this is a known issue but would not be covered. Seems to be faulty wiring from chair moving over time based on what I was able to read. Error code was rcm_a021.
Oct 17, 2024
Concern: I See the error message on my screen like restraint system fault require service. when I contacted Tesla for Sevice Repair I got an estimate which includes following fixes for a charge of 1,804.02. They are not covering for this saying the car is out of warranty. Seems like Tesla is aware of this issue and impacting many other Tesla's for 1) FIRST ROW SEAT HARNESS ASSEMBLY - RIGHT HAND(1489060- 03-G) 2) FIRST ROW - SEAT BELT REMINDER SENSOR BOX CLIP(1130363-00-B) 3)Correction: Replace Front Passenger Airbag And Update Vehicle Configuration - Remove and Replace
Oct 08, 2024
I randomly received an alert indicating “Front passenger safety restraint system fault” on my Tesla’s display. When I look this up, it indicates that the airbag may not deploy correctly in the event of an accident due to a seat sensor malfunction. When I contacted the service center, they quoted me at $1500 to repair this critical safety issue (involves replacing the seat sensor and reconfiguring airbags so that they will properly deploy). I believe this should be a recall and not something customers have to pay out of pocket to drive their car safely.
Aug 14, 2024
+ 9 more complaints for this component
LANE DEPARTURE
12 complaints
Since NHTSA forced Tesla to update their driver attention monitoring, I can no longer change the radio station without the car screaming at me. This is jarring and unsafe as it surprises me when there is no danger present! NHTSA’s requirement for Tesla change this behavior for “safety” is unsafe! Allow Tesla to roll back this change now!
Dec 24, 2023
The cameras used to display the repeater cameras (eg replace the mirrors) and displayed the image on the center console as a safety feature has a defect where light from the blinker leaks into the housing and partially or entirely blinds the camera when the blinker goes off. As this is a safety feature intended to look for cars in a blind spot and the camera gets entirely blinded while the turn signal is on, this is a safety hazard that requires a recall. Tesla says that it is “operating normally” but literally the screen goes bright white and the video of the road disappears so maybe this is normal with the flawed design but is not actually normal to have a defective safety feature. This design flaw was later designed out to avoid light leakage but makes this safety feature completely unusable right when it is supposed to be working (checking for cars when turning including when turn signal is on). Needs a safety recall.
Sep 04, 2023
The side blind spot cameras are blinded at night by the turn signal lights when flashing, making them very unsafe. Difficult to view due to the orange light flashing, blinding both left and right cameras.
Apr 06, 2023
When I turn on the turn signal, Tesla displays the side repeater camera on the screen, which allows me to see if there is a car in the blind spot. In addition to the video on the screen, I believe the side repeater cameras are used by the onboard computer to determine whether there is a car in the blind spot (in which case it would display the lane in red and shows a car drawing on the screen). As you can see on the attached photo, when the turn signal is on at night, there is a massive light bleed from the turn signal to the camera, which makes it impossible to see whether there is a car in my blind spot. Presumably, this also hinders the car’s ability to detect whether there’s a car in the blind spot as well. This issue has been widely discussed online, and there are even YouTube videos teaching you how to fix it DIY. For example, here’s a YouTube video: https://youtu.be/_BUPsjguqdY Here is an example of a discussion thread: https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/my-experience-diying-a-fix-for-the-blind-spot-camera-light-leak.261481/ It appears to be a hardware design flaw, which has been fixed in recent Tesla models. But the problem still exists on my 2018 Tesla Model 3, and I believe not being able to see the blind spot on the screen at night is a safety hazard that needs to be addressed.
Mar 19, 2023
In the Tesla, when using your blinkers, the side cameras display on the main center display screen. In this version of the cameras, the blinker light can actually be seen on the display because light leaks in behind the camera sensor. At night, this results in a bright flashing image on the screen, is completely distracting, and partially blinds the visibility of the "blind spot monitor". It is impossible to configure the car to turn off the camera display. Each time it turns on, you need to swipe the screen to remove the camera image, taking you eyes off the road to manipulate the screen while performing a lane change or turning maneuver. Newer versions of the car/cameras do not have this issue. While I do not have any saved video of this occurring, I can obtain it easily. However, here is an article about the problem and how one user decided to repair it themselves. https://driveteslacanada.ca/model-3/diy-fix-for-side-repeater-camera-glare-in-tesla-model-3-and-model-y-but-it-is-not-for-the-faint-of-heart/?fbclid=IwAR21UEPjKyvKPBYt_iTY4obGNIoHDjFK8gEci4dPNxIEmzlsVlPTv6uzt54 I selected yesterday as the date of incident, but this has been occurring for a while - ever since Tesla added the this camera to the screen when turning in version 2022.24 of their software. I believe I received this in early 2022. However, with the pandemic, I did not drive much and did not see this issue in action often. I was hopeful for a software update to correct this or minimize the impact, but that has not occurred. I consider this a safety issue with the vehicle that should be repaired as a recall. I have an appointment with Tesla now to repair this, however, they are telling me it will be at my expense.
Mar 07, 2023
+ 7 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
10 complaints
Repeatedly and randomly, with cruise control (not FSD) engaged, the car would brake, sometimes aggressively. The last time, it braked so hard the tires or brakes squealed and the car swerved slightly before I was able to regain control. This was on the freeway (in Colorado, if I remember correctly) while I was cruising at 70 or 75 MPH. I decided that that was the last time I would use cruise control; it was just not safe. I had an appointment on October 22 to take the car in for service. But then a friend told me this was called "phantom braking" and that there was no fix. A friend suggested that I contact the NHTSA.
Oct 24, 2025
While driving on the highway with FSD on, the car severely amalfunctioned with sudden deceleration at 4 separate ocassions. At 68 mph when changing lanes, the car suddenly decelerated. There were several cars behind us and it could have been a major multi car collision. At all 4 ocassions, I immediately took over control on steering and acceleration, thus avoiding any accident. This problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center yet. My vehicle or component(s) have also not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others yet. Additionally, there were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.
Jul 02, 2024
The adaptive cruise control (Autopilot) suddenly applied the brakes while I was traveling about 70 MPH on a major interstate highway. There was no reason for the sudden and rapid braking. No obstacles of any kind. I suspect the Autopilot was confused with the shade of the road from asphalt to concrete as I approached a small bridge. Software version on the vehicle is 2023.38.6.
Nov 19, 2023
2018 Tesla Model 3 was in cruise control (not self-drive) on an interstate with no other vehicles in the near vicinity. The car repeatedly applied brakes unexpectedly. I have traveled with this vehicle before and did not have unexpected braking problems. I have requested a Tesla service appointment but do not know if Tesla has an answer to what I hear is a widespread problem.
May 23, 2023
The car brakes by it and accelerates by it. Some time it says I am not holding the steering wheel and it cancels the autopilot in the middle of the long distance driving. The defective cabin camera does not see the hand position at all and randomly keeps on distracting from the front road view to the screen which is not in the same line as the road. Too many errors of auto pilot are very frustrating and distracting. The Tesla’s team tries to repair something and keeps on blaming their own departments not to fix things correctly. I have tried many times to make an appointment thru their app which is very buggy and it’s like one way communication. I have multiple recalls on my car but they don’t have time or parts to fix it. They will not allow making any weekend or within 20 mile radius service center. Once they do any repair their technician drops the ball and do not want to fix the original problem correctly. The full self driving is ridiculous I have not been able to complete even 10 miles trip without taking over in few minutes. This FSD software/hardware needs to be more accurate as soon as possible so that there is no harm done to the driver and passenger to the Tesla and other cars.
Jul 18, 2022
+ 5 more complaints for this component
SEATS
9 complaints
This message has been intermittent and looking online has happened a lot for this model. The front passenger restraint system is critical for passenger safety, this should be a recall. Concern: Customer states:Alerts - Seats - Front passenger safety restraint system issue/Service is required Detected August 16, 2025
Aug 16, 2025
RCM_a021 Front left safety restraint system fault error
Jun 24, 2025
My vehicle has a faulty seat sensor in the drivers seat. In some instances my car remains on without my knowledge when exiting. I return to the car with the headlights on and the main info screen on as if there were someone seated inside. Since this is a keyless electrical vehicle, we have been trained to just exit the vehicle without pressing a off button or turning a key to the off position and removal. Also when entering the car and first sitting down in the seat, the car then turns off completely after closing the door. The car will turn back on after buckling the seat belt or pressing the brakes. After researching to see if there was a fix or if it was a known issue I stumbled upon a large number of people and threads that are having the exact same problem. Even after I have turned on the pin functionality to drive the car, of what use is this if the car remains on after exiting and anyone can access the car while the pin was already entered. Anyone could have accessed my vehicle during these times and the security function was not active (Sentry Mode) because the car thought that the primary driver was inside. The first instance of this happening was back in 2020. But it could have potentially started much sooner. The incident in 2020 was bothersome enough to remain in my recollection. It happened during a road trip from Corona CA to Mammoth CA at a charging station located in Lone Pine CA.
Sep 25, 2024
Front passenger safety restraint system fault message due to workers not torquing the seat belts into place correctly or properly verifying specs during build.
Mar 11, 2024
Get an error message - Front Passenger safety restraint system fault. - This is front passenger safety issue - This can put the front passenger to serious risk to injury or death - This message does not go away & Tesla acknowledges they need to fix it - Its not been inspected by police or insurance reps - Yes there is a warning message as noted above Tesla is failing to admit its their fault. They are giving me a quote of $2300 to fix this issue which I believe is a safety issue that Tesla did not manufacture properly leading to this issue. Please see the attached quote from Tesla - They need to "Update Front Passenger Airbag to Maintain Compatibility with Front Passenger Seat" and many other related fixes to get rid of this issue. TESLA SHOULD BE RECALLING VEHICLES FOR THIS SAFETY ISSUE!
Feb 19, 2024
+ 4 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
9 complaints
Following an over-the-air software update, all audio in the vehicle stops working. This includes entertainment services, but more importantly turn signal indicator "clicks", forward collision warnings, parking assist chimes, shift confirmation and warning chimes, and various ADAS notification sounds. In some instances, the problem corrected itself within 24 hours. In another instance, it persisted for nearly a week before I discovered that unplugging the USB cable for the dashcam fixed the problem. The dashcam hard drive has been installed for over 4 years, per the instructions in the user manual, without problems until early 2024. There were no error notifications or anything else to indicate that there was a problem with the car's safety systems, or what the cause of the problem was, except for the lack of audio. I chatted with Tesla service about the issue. After discovering and sharing that disconnecting the USB drive fixed the issue, they were persistent in wanting to cancel my appointment without gathering any additional information. Here is the transcript of our interaction: Me: Unplugging my dascham hard drive from the USB port fixed it. Weird. Tesla: Oh interesting. Good to know! Do we have permission to cancel this appointment? Me: Since it keeps happening I'd like to keep it open. I turned on remote debugging in case that helps you to report the bug or something. Tesla: We have nothing else to diagnose if your vehicle is operating as expected. Me: Ok. If it keeps happening I will still want to bring it in, so let's keep the appointment. And I wouldn't say it's operating as expected. Having to disconnect USB cable to get the turn signal to work properly isn't what I would expect. Tesla: I would hate for you to bring in your car, only for us to tell you that it is because of your third party accessory, and we charge you for the diagnostic time. Me: I appreciate your concern.
Apr 22, 2024
I had come to a complete stop at the red light for about 1-2 minutes when, unexpectedly, my car surged forward and collided with the vehicle in front of me. Initially, I believed someone had rear-ended me and caused the accident, but that turned out not to be the case. Although I attempted to apply the brakes to prevent the collision, it was unfortunately too late.
Dec 29, 2023
This is an issue regarding the full self driving software. My car continues to run red lights at which it is already stopped. The light is solid red to the naked eye, and the camera definitely does not show the normal steady blink of a malfunctioning signal. The pitch forward in the video is me slamming on the brakes as the car tries to run the light (about 28 seconds in). I have previously reported this to Tesla on 12/28/21, 8/25/22, 9/21/22, 11/21/22, and 4/24/23. It has happened many more times than that, as I usually don't see a point in reporting the same bug multiple times on the same software version. As far as I know, nothing is being done about this and I have received no acknowledgement of the problem. The [email protected] autoreply states that they forward this information to the correct department. This is, in my opinion, many orders of magnitude more serious than the previous Tesla recall regarding waiting too long at stop signs as this will cause a crash for an inattentive driver. https://youtu.be/ZvJASdlEEPU
Apr 29, 2023
During use of Full Self Drive vehicle brakes unexpectedly. Sometimes vehicle studder brakes and other times hard brakes. This has caused a concern with drivers following me as well as passengers I'm my car. Also on a two lane road with double yellow while stopped in traffic, vehicle attempts to exit lane to pass stopped vehicle, in essence breaking the law.
Sep 07, 2022
The recent full self driving update that was received approximately one week ago has resulted numerous, substantial, and dangerous Self driving errors. The Vehicle struggles greatly to understand lanes and has on multiple occasions suddenly and without warning jerked the wheel to completely change lanes and then re-jerking the wheel to change back into the Original Lane. There has also been a shocking increase in phantom breaking while driving at highway speeds which is unsafe because other nearby drivers may slam on the brakes. The behavior of the vehicle has a times been so erratic that I could’ve gotten a ticket from an officer. Finally, the vehicle increasingly does not understand lanes and has several times veered into a left turn lane despite having a follow vehicle and despite being on a navigational Straight path, subsequently the vehicle then suddenly jerks the wheel back into the correct lane. This all happens very quickly and is not preventable by the driver even when hands are on the wheel and the driver is fully alert. I love my Tesla car. It is the safest car in the world. However, I feel very strongly that the company has been negligent and has definitely not been safety testing updates appropriately before wide release. I strongly recommend that guidelines be put in place to require Tesla to publicly report the number of FSD disengagement‘s every week. I also feel strongly that Tesla needs to permit drivers to roll back software to a prior version of full self driving. In addition, in order to send a video directly to Tesla regarding self driving errors the driver presses a video icon; however, this prevents the driver from storing the video and sends the video directly to Tesla. Therefore, drivers have to make a decision between documenting the dangerous error for themselves or to contribute to fleet learning. Each time videos pressed video must be saved to the usb drive too.
Jun 10, 2022
+ 4 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
9 complaints
The steering wheel horn stopped working about a month or so ago. I can use the Tesla app to make the horn sound but not by pressing the steering wheel. Fortunately, no safety of others or myself have been experienced. No one else has inspected it yet, though I am due to have my state inspection tomorrow and I don't think that it will pass. There were no warning lamps for messages prior to the failure. I think I first noticed that it wasn't working about a month or so ago. I reported the bug on the car texting service but have not heard from Tesla nor received a software update to fix the problem.
Feb 20, 2024
Re NHTSA recall 21V00D The rear view back up camera of my Tesla 2018 Model 3 went black on August 21 starting at approx 3pm and remained black for the rest of the day through August 22. I'm planning to check today, August 24 to see if the problem still persists. Lack of the backup camera makes it very difficult to park and to see people in the car's blind spots. I've informed the dealer of the problem but I've decided to have an independent third party repair service take a look to see if the problem could possibly pertain to recall.
Aug 24, 2023
Charging power conversion system component fail to take the full capacity the charging station able to give causing very slow charging. Warranty was not covered and costing over $1500 to fix & replace. When asked that this should be Battery warranty, I was turned down and was told that it's not 'part of the battery'. This is safety concern and fire hazard
May 10, 2023
The Tesla was parked and locked unoccupied with all security features enabled. When I returned to the car the front driver's side was completely crumpled with the bodywork torn , like it was reveresed in to. I was gone about 30 minutes. The car gave no notification on the app, the car alarm didn't activate and the sentry mode did not record the incident. All the things they say the car will do. I called Tesla and was told it works 99% of the time ,(but clearly when you need safety and security it doesn't) they stated that if the car gets hit a certain way it can cause the system to shut down /reboot ,so that none of these systems work... Seems wrong that this can be allowed to be the case that not only all the systems fail, that when they do fail there's no backup or way for the car to know something is wrong. That if there is a unexpected forced reboot it doesn't tell you or acknowledge something is wrong in any way . They seem to think that this is ok . I have reported to them and they really didn't seem to care , just said the statement above about it working 99% of the time..However all the things they say the car can do ,and several reasons you think you are buying the car for with it's increased safety and security, apparently don't work at all. Now I have a 4 figure out of pocket to get the car repaired because I have no way to find the person who hit my car because the none of the cars security or safety warnings worked.
Apr 10, 2023
Heater suddenly stopped working. Will not produce any heat or defrost windshield. Passenger/Driver safety affected by lack of warmth in extreme cold and visibility while driving with iced windshield. 35,000 miles on well maintained vehicle w no damage or accidents. Dealer states that resistance heater and wire harness will need replaced. No cause identified.
Mar 31, 2023
+ 4 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
9 complaints
Automatic Headlights fail to illuminate when wipers are active. This has been reported to Tesla in 3/2022.
Feb 28, 2023
The passenger-side daytime-running headlight (aka, "signature light" or "accent headlight") failed at approximately 66,000 miles and four years. This makes the daytime-running headlight ineffective. I have since noticed many Tesla Model 3's with the same issue. To fix this problem requires replacement of the entire headlight assembly. This was a very expensive repair (~$1200) and will likely be ignored by owners of Teslas no longer covered under warranty. This creates a common safety issue with these automobiles.
Dec 04, 2022
Daylight running lights are not operating, a warning in the instrument cluster of not operating lights is not give. So the driver is not aware of the issue! Repair is not possible the entire light unit needs to be replaced ! This is a come issue with the Manufacture Tesla as I found a lot of complains on the internet with this specific issues
Apr 15, 2022
In a heavy Florida rain this afternoon about 3:30pm EDT I noticed my automatic headlight with windshield wiper function was inop. The lights normally go on with windshield wipers in the past. Upon investigation Tesla has removed this function at least on Model 3 and Y cars for some regulatory reason. It is unsafe to have to go to the touch screen to turn on headlights in this situation. Owners are complaining on forums but i think more drastic action is required.
Sep 24, 2021
THERE IS A BUILDUP OF WATER AND CONDENSATION IN THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS OF MY VEHICLE. THE ISSUE IS KNOWN BY TESLA AS THEY REPLACED THE SAME PROBLEM BEFORE, HOWEVER, NOW THEY ARE NOT COVERING IT UNDER WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG MODEL 3 OWNERS.
May 11, 2021
+ 4 more complaints for this component
STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS
8 complaints
We noticed that one of our tires was leaning inwards and the alignment was completely shot. There was no event that caused this but just noticed it one day driving. After having to replace two new tires, we took it into the Tesla dealership and they found that the control arm and suspension as well as the frame underneath is broken. The car has a clean tittle and this problem use to be covered by Tesla but for some reason now is not and this is a big steering and safety issue! We should not be responsible for the cost to fix the car if this has happened so often in the past!
Oct 31, 2025
The bolt/fastner holding the control arms almost backed all the way out. I was driving and heard metal sound it got worse on the drive home. I also noticed the alignment to get worse and when I got home I looked and the bolt/ fastner almost came out. There is a tesla recall for only a small percent for my year with that issue. Tesla wants 4k to replace it. It is a huge safety issue. I have a family and it could have been serious if it detached not only to me and my family but other vehicles other pedestrians.
Jun 04, 2025
On [XXX], I started driving to work when I heard an click from my front wheel. The car was driving without any problem. After a while when making a U-turn, the car front wheel got completely locked with a "grinding sound" and I lost control of the car. Fortunately, it was at low speed and I just stopped driving, If it was at high speed, it could've been a horrible situation. I had to park my car, call Tesla and tow the car to them as it was not drivable. After initial evaluation, they said the bolts of the right suspension lateral arm were not only loose, but detached and fell off, so there was physical locking between the wheel and the lateral arm. Also the bolt attachment site at the subframe was completely worn out so they needed to change the whole subframe and both lateral arms. Beside a clear RECALL from TESLA models 3/y made between 2018-2020 about the exact same issue, and this event being for the same exact problem, Tesla keeps not appreciating that and says that recall is gone. Tesla says the loose component will be audible before it completely separates, but it was not in my case. Looking at people's posts in public media, I strongly believe Tesla is ignoring this life-threatening deficit in these cars and models and this can put the lives of many drivers at risk. While I paid out of pocket for repairs, I'm more concerned about the safety of driving my and similar cars at the moment, so I request adequate investigation. Here is some evidence: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] . [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Oct 08, 2024
The front suspension lateral link fasteners on the driver side wheel came loose and fell off the car in my driveway when I was backing up the car. There is an active recall for this issue - 23V235000, but my VIN wasn't included in that recall.
Dec 01, 2023
The front suspension started making a lot of loud noises, the service center acknowledged that it's a control arm issue potentially however my VIN is not listed in a recall that was conducted for this manufacturer and they're doing more recalls on it but the manufacturer says that I have to pay for the repair despite it being a safety issue for the control arm not being tightened to the frame and suspension and potentially dislodge.
Sep 27, 2023
+ 3 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
8 complaints
On automatic setting, windshield wipers are erratic. Rain can be heavy and wipers don't engage. Requires manually operating wipers that are supposed to engage when windshield becomes wet from atmospheric rain.
Jan 24, 2024
I got into my car and turned on the climate control as normal. The vehicle is always parked in the garage. It was blowing cold air, no matter the temperature setting, or vent selection. There is a message on screen that reads “climate keeper unavailable due to system fault.” It’s not just that the cabin has no heat, which is uncomfortable, but terrible in much colder climates than mine. The heat not functioning means the defrost feature is useless. Water sprayed onto my windshield while driving this morning and froze! It stayed frozen because I didn’t have a functioning defroster or a warm enough cabin to melt it off that way either. It’s a known issue for Tesla’s, particularly with Model 3s. Tesla has never done anything to rectify it. My car has a resistive heat system, and this is the first time this has happened to me. There was no warning or indication this would happen. Non working in cabin heat may not be a direct safety flaw, but not being able to defrost my windshield for proper visibility while driving is!
Jan 10, 2024
After software update 2022.44.30 PTC heating failed. No warning lights, just failure to keep cabin warm.
Feb 06, 2023
The side repeater cameras become very hazy with a pink shade at nights and the camera view when the turn signal is turned on displays this. This is quite dangerous if we rely on camera view for blink spot checks at nights.
Feb 02, 2022
The Dec 2021 software update changed the touchscreen drastically making it dangerous to use while driving. More time must be spent taking one's eyes off the road to find the icons, and more icons must be touched to control the component (e.g., turning on the defogger). I worry there will be an accident. Tesla customer service has been unresponsive. The chatbot told me to watch videos (which I did and which were unhelpful). No person has responded to my complaints and queries about how to revert the touchscreen to the previous version.
Jan 24, 2022
+ 3 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,BACK OVER PREVENTION
8 complaints
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that recently the rearview camera intermittently flickered while in use. The failure mileage was 49,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Jan 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Nov 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the Back Over Prevention camera intermittently failed to operate as needed. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was taken to the service center where the back-up camera cable was reinforced as stated in the recall. Upon return of the vehicle, the contact stated that the back-up camera failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the dealer had not tested the cable and that the recall repair did not fix the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that since the failure was intermittent prior to the failure, they were not responsible for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000. The contact stated that the manufacturer had made a mistake and refunded the cost to the contact. The complaint has been resolved.
Oct 04, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while reversing, the Back Over Prevention camera became inoperable nearly causing the vehicle to crash into the garage. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted and stated that the contact had to pay for the diagnostic test even if the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Aug 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Jul 29, 2022
+ 3 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS
6 complaints
Error code RCM_a021 front left safety restraint system fault. An issue that arises purely due to poor seat design. It is the fault of the seat pinching a wire from moving back and forth. This safety issue is an inevitability and not a one off chance. This issue is publicly noted on forms throughout all the years of this car’s production. This error results in airbags not being properly deployed in the event of an accident and the car not properly reading the passenger occupancy.
Mar 16, 2026
While driving normally, an error warning was received that stated "Front Left Safety Restraint System Error" and the icon for an airbag fault would come in simultaneously. This error would disappear and reappear, sometimes up to 10 times per minute, creating a driver distraction due to the loud error chime. The error code identified for the fault when checked on the Tesla service screen corresponded to pretensioner wire harness. The pretensioner harness connects the seat sensors for driver weight and positioning to the car's airbag control system, which then classifies passengers and ensures that the airbags fire correctly in the event of a collision. For example, if a smaller female driver was operating the car but was incorrectly classified as male, the airbag could fire with excessive force and cause injury. The set of symptoms occurs commonly in Tesla Model 3s and are caused by the wear over time of a poorly designed wiring harness, which chafes as the seat is moved forward and backward until it breaks. This is a known problem by Tesla and they have a specific service bulletin designed to address it, which I have attached below. When taken in to address the issue, Tesla performed the procedure in the attached bulletin and identified a damaged harness, which was subsequently replaced. I retained the damaged harness for inspection. The invoice for this service is attached. No other defects were identified that could have caused the issue. This is a safety related issue occurring due to a manufacturing related defect and should be a mandatory recall with complimentary repair.
May 09, 2024
There is an ongoing issue with Tesla's seat sensors that give an error screen while driving. Tesla seems to be systematically charging a standard $1.5K repair to replace a $100 sensor harness, but they're charging so much because they claim an airbag replacement is required (for an extra $1.2K) as part of the new sensor/wire harness installation. From a quick google search, it seems this is a pretty widespread issue that MANY Model 3/Y owners are encountering as their car ages-- with many noting that they were able to self-service the issue with buying the required harness and replacing it themselves. I wanted to bring awareness that to this issue and Tesla's poor and systematic way of overcharging customers to fix a widespread defect in their car seat design.
Jan 10, 2024
My car went out of warranty for seat related issues in December of this past year 2023. I don't even have 26K miles on my car therefore not a heavy driver. This week I experienced an error RCM_a021, front left safety restraint system fault, which I've researched has affected many others and appears to clearly be a safety flaw. The service team mentioned this isn't covered. My airbag light doesn't go off and is constantly on, my seats no longer save the seat setting (which occurred a couple of months ago but I didn't think about it).This is a safety hazard should I get into an accident. There were no previous warning issues prior to this warning error which occurred this week. According to Tesla, if the airbag light remains lit, schedule a service appointment immediately and do not drive. The service team mentioned the seat harness is faulty remotely and according to what they can see. I have not had them look visually yet though. They do not cover the repair for this as it's out of warranty. There's even a bulletin posted on this issue/repair by NHTSA therefore is known problem. [XXX] I'm unable to upload any files. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jan 04, 2024
The front passenger seat driver occupancy system started sporadically malfunctioning and showing the "air bags disabled" warning even while the seat was occupied. This would put the passenger at risk in the event of a crash. The manufacturer's technician arrived to inspect the vehicle and upon hearing the description of the problem said it was likely that a cable in the seat's wire harness probably wore out from friction and that "it was a common issue in these vehicles". Upon examining the wire harness the technician confirmed that this was the issue, and the harness had to be replaced.
Oct 25, 2023
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SEAT BELTS,SEATS
6 complaints
A sensor for the driver side safety restraint system was displayed from the vehicles screen. Potentially loose wires under the seat when manufactured.
Aug 19, 2025
Keep getting a safety restraint system fault error displayed and the estimate is more than $2000.This error just came out of the blue and I am not sure if the vehicle is safe to operate.
May 20, 2024
My Tesla has been in need of repair for a "System Restraint Fault" 5 times since the car was purchased and 4 times in the past year. The Tesla service center has replaced multiple components including the seat harness, seat sensor, airbag, low voltage circuits over the span of the service appointments. It is unknown what would happen if an accident were to occur with the sensor fault activated or if it would cause an accident. I bring this issue up because it is a known issue to Tesla but I have not seen any recall information, nor does it seem like the service centers know how to fix the issues, especially since I have taken the car in so many times during the life of the car.
Jan 09, 2024
This is for an issue noted on a 2018 Tesla Model 3. On August 2020 the car was serviced for an error message that stated "Front passenger safety restraint system fault/Contact Tesla Service", this went into service for an "OCS REWORK" which was explained to me as some harness under the passenger seat; cost was covered under Limited Warranty. Issue came back on August 2021, same exact one "Front passenger safety restraint system fault/Contact Tesla Service", and went into service again. This time service needed to replace the whole passenger seat, at Out of Warranty cost of $2,059. After explaining the recurring issue, an agreement was reached for a discount; but still ended up paying for theft of the same issue again. Thought appropriate to report this issue, since from the warning, seems like a restraint system problem that can be a bigger issue if not recalled or fixed within warranty.
Jul 12, 2023
The car started producing a warning that there was an issue with the driver’s side safety harness. Tesla has a warranty described as “Supplemental Restraint System Limited Warranty” which should cover this repair. The Tesla service center would not cover the cost of the repair under the terms of the warranty. I asked for a list of which specific equipment was covered under the terms of this warranty and they would not provide any details.
May 06, 2023
+ 1 more complaint for this component
WHEELS
6 complaints
Tesla Model 3 Performance (M3P) comes with unrealistic "thin" wall tires on 20" wheels that easily POP when they hit potholes, nails, gutters, median divides, gashes in the road, etc. American roads are poorly maintained if at all by transportation departments. Only thick walled tires are suitable for roads. Tesla Model 3 LR (Long Range) and SR (Standard Range) comes with 18" wheels and tires, giving it 2 inches more of padding for both a smoother ride and fewer replacements. Each tire on my M3P costs $400-$500 to replace! That's around $2,000 for a set of four tires! Whereas 18 inch tires are more common and cost about half of that, about $200 per tire, $800 for a set. The remedy here is at least 19 inch wheel and tire replacements as a recall provided for free by Tesla to provide more padding and fewer tire replacements to deal with typical crappy roads.
Feb 13, 2024
I was parallel parking the vehicle and I heard a loud "thunk" sound. I looked under chassis and came to learn that arm connected to wheel had completely fallen off. Luckily, this was not on freeway or with my family. Vehicle was taken to Tesla for inspection, they mentioned this should NOT have happened and they couldn't explain for how this would have been undone, initially. They stated they'd replace both arms but would be fee on customer $1200+ which I was bewildered that not only is this part not supposed to easily come off but that this would be something I needed to pay for. I asked that they take this up with management, they came back 20min later to state they notice slight deterioration and sent me an image, which I could barely see and now explained this "could" have been the cause. I've had some folks share that this may be a known issue with 2018 Model 3, which is also same year my vehicle was made it. I'm really disappointed as this is our second Tesla and this has been first huge incident and luckily it wasn't with others inside, as this could have turned out very differently
Nov 01, 2023
Hit a rock and the wheel cracked open circumferentially between the rims. The tire did not pop nor did the edge of the wheel rim get damaged. The rock did not damage the front valance so the rock was less than 6”.
May 07, 2023
WE HAVE A 2018 TESLA MODEL 3, PURCHASED NEW IN LATE JULY 2018, WHICH CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 32,000 MILES. WE HAVE NOW HAD 8 FLAT TIRES IN THE SPAN OF 26 MONTHS OR ON AVERAGE ONE EVERY 4,000 MILES, ALL BY PUNCTURE. WE LIVE AND DRIVE IN THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA. OUR OTHER VEHICLES HAVE GONE 10+ YEARS WITHOUT A FLAT TIRE SO THE TESLA FLAT TIRES ARE NOT DUE TO THE AREA WE LIVE IN.. ON OUR TESLA WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 7 TIRES, 5 WITH ASSISTANCE FROM MICHELIN AT A TOTAL OUT OF POCKET COST OF ABOUT $2,000. PLUS MUCH TIME, PAIN AND SUFFERING. THE FLAT TIRE ISSUE IS AN OBVIOUS DESIGN FLAW AS TESLA SPECS AND DELIVERS THE CAR WITH MICHELIN 235/45R18XL 98W MIC PRIMACY TIRES THAT ARE PRONE TO PUNCTURE DUE TO THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE, THE LOW PROFILE SOFT RUBBER TIRE AND THE CAR DOES NOT COME WITH A SPARE TIRE. WE HAVE TALKED AT LENGTH WITH TESLA SERVICE AND THEY ADMIT THAT THE CAR IS A 'FLAT TIRE MAGNET' AS IT IS ONE OF THE HEAVIEST VEHICLES ON THE ROAD, THE LOW PROFILE PERFORMANCE TIRES ARE PUNCTURE PRONE AND FLAT TIRES ARE THE MOST COMMON REPAIR. WE HAVE BEEN STRANDED SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO GETTING A FLAT IN AN AREA WITH POOR CELL PHONE COVERAGE, WHICH MEANS YOU ARE BASICALLY HITCH HIKING. ON 2 OCCASIONS WE WERE ON A FREEWAY IN THE FAST OR SECOND LANE WHEN THE PUNCTURE OCCURRED AND THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY SLOWED DOWN WITH ALARMS SCREECHING FORCING DRIVERS BEHIND US TO PASS ON THE RIGHT PRECLUDING US FROM PULLING OVER FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME, WHICH DESTROYED THE FLAT TIRE, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT. THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND LEFT MY WIFE AND I TERRIFIED. WE NO LONGER TRUST THE VEHICLE FOR TRIPS OUTSIDE OF OUR IMMEDIATE AREA.
Nov 25, 2020
THIRD PARTY PRODUCT CALLED AN ALLOY GATOR (HTTPS://ALLOYGATOR.COM/US/) WHICH IS SOLD BY ALLOY GATOR NORTH AMERICA (US OFFICE 9035 DEARBORN AVE, BLAINE, WA 90238) TEL 1=855=534-2867 PARTIALLY DETACHED FROM MY WHEEL WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY, BEGAN FLYING AROUND, AND SMACKED INTO MY PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR, REAR QUARTER PANEL AND REAR BUMPER. IT THEN SNAPPED OFF AND SHOT AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE LIKE A HIGH SPEED PROJECTILE. THE PRODUCT CONTAINS NO WARNINGS ABOUT THE RISK OF THIS HAPPENING, SEEMS TO BE DEFECTIVELY DESIGNED, AND IT COULD VERY WELL HAVE HURT A PERSON OR PROPERTY WHEN IT SNAPPED OFF AT HIGH SPEED. THE PRODUCT IS UNSAFE AND SHOULD NOT BE PERMITTED TO BE SOLD IN THE U.S. ATTACHING PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE CAUSED AS WELL AS A PHOTO OF THE REMAINING PART OF THE ALLOY GATOR AS IT APPEARED ON MY WHEEL AFTER THE DAMAGE WAS DONE.
Oct 22, 2020
+ 1 more complaint for this component
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 complaints
Power conversion system (PSC) failure. Only charges at 16 amps. I know other Tesla owners have had this problem as well.
Dec 06, 2024
The High Voltage Service Panel is part the battery which is part of the manufacturer warranty and drivetrain. A lot of Tesla cars had this problem and they are being charged $1800 to $2000 to “fix” this common failure. The problem is that the battery stop receiving the full amperage to charge the battery appropriately. In my case, I started charging more frequently on Superchargers during a long trip to different locations without a Level 2 homecharger and stopped several times into the Superchargers of Tesla. A diagram of the drivetrain and Battery system placed the High Voltage Service Panel as part of the battery. I had the problem since the past 2 years and did not fixed it, after I was sent an estimate cost of “repair”. I said that it was part of the battery system and they refused to accept it. As of 2024, I have search about this problem and most of the cars after 3-4 years are having the same problem. I am not sure what the repair consist of, but it might be a full battery replacement, and maybe opening the battery unit. In terms of safety, I feel unsafe about the possibility of the car catching fire during a supercharger session or even when plugged into my house Level 2 charger at 220 volts. Please inquire more about this frequently ongoing problem and safety, or any TSA related to this common issue. I included a picture found on the internet and the service panel is just on top of the battery
Feb 25, 2024
The car charging is not functioning at certain Amp rating ( 48Amps). Car displays " Power Grid or Vehicle issue limiting the AC charging" and goes to a lower 32Amps charging mode. This could lead to Battery damage and I see that there is a service bulletin asking Tesla to replace "Power Conversion System" (https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10148850-9999.pdf) but that is limited to a limited time period. But I see several cars manufactured outside of those dates having the issue and this part should be replaced on all cars without a charge to the customers
Sep 04, 2022
I WAS DRIVING MY MODEL 3(IN MOTION) IN THE LEFT LANE OF A 3 LANE LOCAL ROAD (3 LANES EACH DIRECTION). THE CAR SUDDENLY DISPLAYED 2 WARNING LIGHT, "UNABLE TO DRIVE" AND ANOTHER WARNING ABOUT VEHICLE POWERING DOWN, MOVE TO A SAFE LOCATION. THE CAR STOPPED A FEW SECONDS AFTER DISPLAYING THESE WARNINGS. I DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO MANEUVER THE CAR TO A SAFE LOCATION. I WAS STUCK ON THE LEFT OF THE BUSY ROADWAY. I WAS OFFERED HELP BY A POLICE OFFICER AND A PEDESTRIAN TO HELP PUSH THE CAR TO SAFETY. I WAS UNABLE TO ENGAGE THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO ALLOW THE FOLKS HELPING ME TO PUSH THE CAR. THE 2 MAIN MAJOR SAFETY CONCERNS WAS THE VEHICLE SHUTTING DOWN COMPLETELY AND THEN BEING UNABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE TO NEUTRAL TO MOVE IT TO SAFETY. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS. MY FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME AND WE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT. THANKS.
Apr 03, 2021
MY WIFE ( DRIVER FOR OVER 40 YEARS, NO ACCIDENTS, NO TICKETS) WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A DOWNGRADE, FOOT ON THE BRAKE, IN OUR BRAND NEW TESLA MODEL 3 WHEN IT SUDDENLY BEGAN TO MOVE FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO CARS STOPPED AT THE LIGHT IN FRONT OF HER. MY WIFE TRIED DESPERATELY TO STOP THE TESLA WITH THE BRAKES AND EMERGENCY BRAKE. OU CAR WAS STOPPED BY THE CAR IN FRONT. I HATE TO THINK OF WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED HAD THERE NOT BEEN CAR IN FRONT. WE PURCHASED THE TESLA IN DECEMBER OF 2018 AND THE CRASH OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY OF 2019. AFTER THE CRASH I CALLED TESLA, THEN I WENT TO THEIR SHOWROOM IN SAN DIEGO, THEY REFERRED ME TO TESLALEGAL.COM. SO I ASKED MY ATTORNEY TO HELP. IN THE MEANTIME, AFTER THE TESLA WAS RELEASED FROM THE BODY SHOP IT WAS SENT TO THE TESLA SERVICE CENTER IN SAN DIEGO. IMMEDIATELY, MY ATTORNEY EMAILED [email protected] FOR TESLA TO PRESERVE AND PROVIDE THE ELECTRONIC DRIVING RECORD TO DETERMINE WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CAR. SERVICE CENTER DID NOT RESPOND TO OUR REQUEST. AT THIS POINT TESLA DEFINITELY KNOWS THAT WE HAVE A PROBLEM. OUR ATTEMPTS AT CONTACT BEGAN IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CRASH IN FEBRUARY. AS OF MAY 15TH THERE IS NO CONTACT YET. WITH THE KNOWLEDGE THAT I HAD AN ATTORNEY, TESLA SERVICE STILL SENT ME DOCUMENTS TO SIGN. THEY RECENTLY SENT ME A TEXT THAT THEY HAVE 'UPDATED FIRMWARE WITH THE LATEST VERSION' AND THE CAR 'IS SAFE TO DRIVE AT THIS TIME.' TO ME IT SOUNDS LIKE THEY MODIFIED THE TESLA. MY ATTORNEY HAS CALLED AND EMAILED TESLA SERVICE, TESLA CUSTOMER SERVICE, TESLA LEGAL, AND TESLA HEADQUARTERS IN FREMONT. SHE HAS WRITTEN LETTERS TO ALL OF THE ABOVE AND MAILED THEM CERTIFIED MAIL. IN THE LETTERS SHE HAS EXPLAINED THAT MY WIFE AND I ARE FEARFUL OF DRIVING THE CAR AND DEFINITELY DON'T WANT ANYONE ELSE TO GET KILLED. THE TESLA SITS IN THE SERVICE CENTER STORAGE.
May 15, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
5 complaints
1. There is an open recall since Dec 2021 (21V-00D) which Tesla has still not fixed! 2. The automatic wiper system on the car is unsafe as it takes a long time to activate when its raining, and sometimes it activates without any rain!
Jun 01, 2024
The only cabin heating and defrosting mechanism in early model 3s, a PTC heater, is prone to failure leaving the vehicle without the ability to maintain clear vision through the front and side windows. This occurred on my model 3 in November of 2023 and Tesla was unable to source parts for several weeks, with a cost of $900. This failure is extremely common among model 3 in cold weather environments and is well documented online.
Dec 20, 2023
Tesla forced my car to update to v11 software. This software interface is dangerous. It hides the climate control and wiper control off the home screen and requires drivers to dig though menus to do things that were previously doable with one touch, such as enabling the defogger, defroster, wipers, or heated seats. This creates an unnecessary distraction for drivers.
Mar 01, 2022
Recent Tesla software versions have hidden vital safety controls (front and rear window defrost) in sub-menus on screen where previously they were always present on the screen bottom row. Furthermore, frequently used controls (seat heaters) have been moved to sub-menus while they were previously on the main screen. Both of these above changes pose a distracted driving hazard. I have not personally installed these updates, but according to Tesla documentation this means I am no longer covered by vehicle warranty. This presents an unfair choice to owners: maintain vehicle warranty or allow Tesla to modify the vehicle in undesirable and fundamentally unsafe ways.
Jan 15, 2022
THE BACKUP CAMERA AND SIDE VIEW CAMERAS ARE INTERMITTENTLY NOT DISPLAYING WHILE REVERSING. THE CAMERA DISPLAYS THE TRAJECTORY LINES, HOWEVER, THE IMAGE IS TOTALLY BLACK. THERE IS NO CAMERA FEED. THIS PROBLEM HAS REMAINED, DESPITE SEVERAL SOFTWARE UPDATES. THE CAMERA AT TIMES WILL FREEZE ON A PREVIOUS IMAGE, NOT THE CURRENT 'LIVE' IMAGE.
Sep 28, 2020
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaints
VEHICLE UNDERCARRIAGE PANEL AERO SHIELD FALLS OFF IN HEAVY RAIN
Jan 17, 2020
ON JANUARY 10, 2020 APPROXIMATELY 09:30 AM, WHEN IN A PARKING GARAGE I STOPPED THE CAR AND WENT TO PUT IT INTO REVERSE TO BACK INTO A STALL WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED FORWARD IMPACTING A PILLAR WHEN I LOOKED DOWN THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL AND THE HAZARD LIGHTS WERE ON. I CONTACTED MY INSURANCE AND IT WAS DEEMED 'AT FAULT' REPAIRS TO BE DETERMINED
Jan 17, 2020
AEB SYSTEM DOES NOT FUNCTION AT LOW SPEEDS RELIABLY. CAR WAS TRAVELING AT 12MPH AND CAR WAS STOPPED IN FRONT OF MY CAR. CAR MADE NO ALERTS OR NO ATTEMPT TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM A REAR END COLLISION WHICH ULTIMATELY RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO MY FRONT END. I NEVER KNOW WHEN THE SYSTEM WILL OR WONT WORK AND HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN IT.
Oct 23, 2019
I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR CRASH WITH THE AUTOPILOT ACTIVATED. THE AUTOPILOT HAS A FLAW WHERE IT CANNOT DETECT WHEN A LARGE VEHICLE LIKE AN 18 WHEELER OR CEMENT TRUCK IN MERGING INTO THE LANE. IT SEES A LARGE GAP AND WHILE THE FRONT PART OF THE VEHICLE IS SLOWLY SNAKING INTO THE LANE IT STARTS TO ACCELERATE. I HIT THE SIDE OF A CEMENT TRUCK AND HAD 8K IN DAMAGES. I REACHED OUT TO TESLA WITHOUT ANY RESPONSE.
Oct 02, 2019
SAFETY ISSUE WITH REAR DOORS. REAR PASSENGERS AND SPECIALLY CHILDREN WHO ARE UNABLE TO EXIT THROUGH THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE CAN BECOME TRAPPED IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE OR MAJOR COLLISION THAT DISABLES THE ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE DOORS. FRONT DOORS ARE EQUIPPED WITH EMERGENCY RELEASE LATCH HOWEVER, REAR DOORS HAVE NO SUCH SAFETY BACKUP IN A LIFE AND DEATH SITUATION.
Jun 18, 2018
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaints
I received a safety alert on my car screen: Front passenger safety restraint system issue. Service is required. The front passenger safety restraint system fault typically involves a malfunctioning occupant weight sensor in the passenger seat, which controls whether the airbag activates or deactivates EVGOER. This is a serious safety concern because the airbag may be disabled at that seat location in the event of a crash. The issue is often caused by loose, broken, or unplugged harnesses or connectors under the seat, particularly related to the Occupant Classification System (OCS) Tesla Owners OnlineDigital EV Doctor. Many owners report this happens because wires under the seat get crimped over time due to Tesla's "easy entry" feature that automatically moves seats. Since this a widespread Tesla Model 3 problem, I believe this should be a recall.
Nov 23, 2025
Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault error. Tesla is indicating this is out of warranty but seems this is a very pervasive issue with an important safety mechanism on the car.
Oct 15, 2024
Received a Front passenger safety restraint system fault warning on my Tesla that went away but the service tech claims that they don't see that warning when brought to service center. I am concerned that they are not transparent or not seeing something that I clearly saw. Or if there is some software/technical glitch that displayed it. They were not clear on why it showed to me. The other issue is related to A/C compressor failing due to their software for cabin overheating. I had to pay for the A/C compressor to be replaced but feel that their software contributed to the problem.
Oct 18, 2023
MULTIPLE TIMES, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INDICATOR ON THE DASHBOARD SHOWED THE AIRBAG WAS NOT ACTIVATE DESPITE THE PASSENGER SEAT BEING OCCUPIED BY A 112 POUND PERSON WITH A BUCKLED SEAT BELT. THERE IS NO ACTIVE NOTIFICATION THAT THE AIRBAG IS DEACTIVATED IN THE PRESENCE OF INDICATIONS OF OCCUPANCY OF THAT SEAT. THIS COULD LEAD AN INATTENTIVE DRIVER OR PASSENGER TO BELIEVE EVERYONE IS SAFE WHEN, IN FACT, THE PASSENGER IS NOT SAFE.
Mar 16, 2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
4 complaints
Power Conversion System (PCS) failed Doesn’t allow car to charge. Car has only 33k Miles on it.
Apr 20, 2025
Salt Lake City Tesla Service Center 801-401-4135 I purchased a 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD, VIN [XXX] . The car’s battery and motor drive train units are still within the warranty. On [XXX], the car’s POWER CONVERSION SYSTEM (PCS) stopped working spontaneously, without any physical damage caused by the owner. The PCS is required to charge the car. A broken PCS rendered my car essentially unchargeable, thus undriveable, and unusable. The PCS is a critical component required for normal car function. Without a functioning PCS, you have a broken car. This is a SAFETY ISSUE because you can be stranded in the middle of nowhere without the ability to charge and safely extract yourself from inclement weather and environmental exposure. On [XXX], I transported the car all the way from Pocatello, the 169 miles to the nearest Tesla Service Center in Salt Lake City, UT, at my own expense. On [XXX], the car was diagnosed, and repaired. On [XXX], before paying for the repair, I spoke to the Tesla Service center manager because I felt this component failure should have been covered under the warranty because it represents a FAILURE of a CRITICAL COMPONENT. This is a safety risk, as I mentioned above. He expressed sympathy with my situation and said that broken PCS was a known issue in early Tesla Model 3’s. After doing some research, this is indeed the case, with many online complaints about a broken PCS in Tesla Model 3’s. He said he hoped Tesla would some day reconsider, and that a retroactive reimbursement was in the realm of possibility, as has been done in the past for various component failures in Tesla vehicles. Overall, my grievance with Tesla is that a broken PCS is a CRITICAL FAILURE of a component REQUIRED to have a functioning, chargeable car, and it is a component with a KNOWN HIGH RATE OF FAILURE in Tesla Model 3’s. This should be covered by the battery and drive train warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Mar 20, 2024
PCS Charger (Onboard) is failing on numerous early build Model 3 cars (2017-2019). Telsa is claiming that this is not included in battery warranty, however Tesla's own service manual shows this part specifically in the HV Battery System. I still have the fault PCS charger in the car, it is limited to 32Amps but several forums and webpages state its only a matter of time before I am limited to 16Amps The car is unable to charge at a reasonable recovery rate in which you can even use the vehicle for it's intended purchase. Tesla has acknowledge it's failure but is unable to produce actual number of failed units. The warning lamp had been displaying "dirty electrical grid" for quite some time until I was able to search the internet for the exact issue.
Jan 23, 2023
On December 27, 2022, in light evening street traffic, my car accelerated briefly without the accelerator pedal being applied. I took my foot off the accelerator pedal to decelerate for an upcoming red light. While my foot was off the pedal, the car accelerated and lurched forward. The car was towed to the Tesla Sacramento Service Center. The technician incorrectly cited the "creep mode" as being involved. The car was in motion when it unexpectedly accelerated. "Creep Mode" only engages when the car is close to or fully stopped. Tesla technician was unable to determine an accurate reason for the unexpected acceleration.
Jan 16, 2023
POWER TRAIN
4 complaints
If both brake and throttle pedals are depressed simultaneously for a fraction of a second the software does two things: 1) raises a warning to that effect on the computer display and, 2) greatly reduces motor output, limiting acceleration. Item two is the safety concern. Removing the foot from the left pedal does not immediately remove the power restriction. There is a few second delay for that to take place. As a result I find myself expecting to be able to merge rapidly or complete a turn, or cross in front of oncoming traffic but am left in a precarious position in traffic unable to move as expected to avoid a potential collision. This is a behavior that I have not experienced with a conventional engine powered vehicle. In addition when this two-foot power-down mode is waiting to clear, and I am sitting stationary on a steep up incline, the vehicle can slip backwards downhill. The only solution to this issue may be to push the park button on the right control stalk to stop this rolling.
Aug 15, 2024
The Rear Camera feed was delayed by almost 1 sec resulting in the crash and hitting the shelf while backing the vehicle. The software version which was installed 2023.12 Tesla more and more relying on cameras for ADAS but the Software patches result in lot of random behaviors in the car... Tough being on stable release the Software still buggy and continue to surface random software related bugs In my case the feed from froze for more than a second .. Resulting in the Crash..
Jun 12, 2023
VEHICLE HAS A "BRAKE HOLD" FEATURE. THIS FEATURE IS ENGAGED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN GEAR, STOPPED, AND THEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AN ADDITIONAL DISTANCE. THIS FEATURE KEEPS THAT VEHICLE AT A STANDSTILL WITHOUT A NEED TO CONTINUE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. PER THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL, BRAKE HOLD CAN BE RELEASED BY PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, BRAKE, OR BY SHIFTING THE VEHICLE INTO "NEUTRAL". THE RIGHT STEERING COLUMN STALK, HOWEVER, CAN BE USED TO SWITCH THE VEHICLE FROM BRAKE HOLD INTO THE OPPOSITE TRAVEL DIRECTION (D TO R OR R TO D) BY MOVING THE STALK TO THAT SETTING. FOR EXAMPLE, A VEHICLE IN D WITH THE BRAKE HOLD ENGAGED, CAN BE SHIFTED INTO R BY MOVING THE RIGHT STALK FULLY UPWARD (TO THE "R" SETTING). THIS BEHAVIOR, I BELIEVE, SHOULD BE PROHIBITED UNLESS THE VEHICLE IS FIRST PLACED INTO "P" OR "N".
Apr 26, 2019
RE: 2018 TESLA MODEL 3: VIN# [XXX] WE WANT TO CLARIFY THE POWERTRAIN OF THIS VIN # IS STANDARD DUAL MOTOR OR PERFORMANCE DUAL MOTOR; AS ALL THE PAPER WORKS INDICATED THAT THE POWERTRAIN IS STANDARD DUAL MOTOR; BUT THE FINAL CONTRACT STATED IT'S PERFORMANCE DUAL MOTOR; SO THE PRICE DIFFERENCE IS $10K HIGHER. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR CONFIRMATION OF THE ACTUAL POWERTRAIN TYPE OF VIN# [XXX] UPON RECEIPT OF THIS REQUEST. SINCERELY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR
Oct 04, 2018
VISIBILITY
4 complaints
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V702000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's and passenger's side door panels made clicking sounds while the windows were rolling up and down. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Mar 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V702000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while attempting to roll up the windows, the windows failed to respond as needed. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Dec 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V702000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Nov 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the HVAC system became inoperable. The contact stated that the cold weather had frozen the windows and the contact was unable to properly see out of the windows and windshield. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not yet repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,000.
Mar 21, 2022
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaints
PHANTOM BRAKING!!! Ever since purchasing the car in March 2018 and right up to the present, when using AUTOPILOT or more recently FULL SELF DRIVING (FSD), especially at highway speeds, the car will suddenly start significantly braking and slow down for no justifiable reason. This is dangerous enough that if the vehicle behind me is not paying attention, they could rear-end me. It’s totally unpredictable when this will occur, but it does happen frequently at highway speeds. This is a very well-known problem, but even after dozens of software update releases, Tesla has been unable to eliminate or even reduce the frequency of Phantom Braking.
Jun 10, 2022
Car was totaled after uncontrollable acceleration. Air bags were deployed
Sep 01, 2021
IN ORDER TO CANCEL CRUISE CONTROL OR AUTOPILOT IN A TESLA MODEL 3, THE PRIMARY MECHANISM IS TO PUSH THE RIGHT STALK UPWARDS AS FAR AS IT WILL GO. HOWEVER, PUSHING THE SAME STALK UPWARDS ONLY PART OF THE WAY WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. THIS CAN CAUSE A DRIVER TO PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL WHILE IT IS UNDERWAY. THIS IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS IN A TESLA BECAUSE IF THE CAR IS IN NEUTRAL REGENERATIVE BREAKING IS DISABLED AND IT IS THE COMMON DRIVING HABIT TO USE REGENERATIVE BREAKING AS THE PRIMARY BRAKING MECHANISM. ESSENTIALLY, A DRIVER CAN ACCIDENTALLY MAKE THE CAR UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND UNABLE TO USE PRIMARY BRAKING WHEN IN MOTION. IN ADDITION, THERE IS NO AUDIBLE ALERT THAT THE CAR HAS BEEN SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND ONLY A VERY SMALL VISIBLE CHANGE TO THE TOUCHSCREEN. I ALERTED TESLA TO THIS ISSUE IN AUGUST OF 2018 AND THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE TO THE CAR'S BEHAVIOR SINCE THEN, DESPITE NUMEROUS OVER THE AIR SOFTWARE UPDATES.
Jun 03, 2019
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OF 2018 TESLA MODEL 3. ISSUE DESCRIPTION: ISSUE OCCURRED ON 05/04/18 AT APPROX. 11:52 AM WHILE TRYING TO PARK THE VEHICLE IN A PARKING LOT OF A GROCERY STORE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARKING SPACE POSITION WHEN IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT ANY INPUT FROM THE DRIVER. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED HOWEVER THEY FELT INOPERATIVE. IT FELT AS THOUGH THE DRIVER HAD NO CONTROL OVER BRAKING AND THE VEHICLE HAD A MIND OF ITS OWN. THE DRIVER TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO AVOID DIRECTLY HITTING A DUMPSTER WHILE TRYING TO BRAKE. THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE THEN HIT A CURB AND A PONY WALL. AFTER THE IMPACT, THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES THAT EVENTUALLY BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A STOP. PROBABLE CAUSE: UNKNOWN. GIVEN THE VEHICLE IS NEW, IT IS DIFFICULT TO IDENTIFY A REASON WHY WOULD IT ACCELERATE UNINTENTIONALLY. THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH ENHANCED AUTO PILOT WHICH WAS NOT ENGAGED AT THE TIME OF INCIDENT. THE NIGHT PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT THE VEHICLE DISPLAYED SOFTWARE GLITCH WHERE IN IT WOULD NOT CONTROL THE VOLUME OF THE RADIO WHILE DRIVING WITH THE BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND WAS STUCK IN CONTROLLING THE STEERING WHEEL POSITION. CAR IS RUNNING SOFTWARE VERSION 8.1 (2018.14.13 9E3B7FF)
May 04, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
3 complaints
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while opening the doors of the vehicle, the driver's side seat back unintendedly reclined and pressed down on the rear seat, causing the cushion to become deformed. The contact manually used the seat controls to return the seat to an upright position. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent and only occurred while the doors were opened. A Tesla service center was contacted; however, an appointment was not scheduled for diagnostic test. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Apr 10, 2026
RCM_a021 Front left safety restraint system fault RCM_a056 Front passenger safety restraint system fault I have been noticing this error on my Tesla Model 3. Also, I researched on it and found out numerous people are having same problem. So, since it’s safety related issue there should be recall to fix it.
Aug 27, 2024
BECAUSE I HIT A SMALL PUDDLE OF WATER ON THE ROAD, MY VC RIGHT GOT WATER INSIDE AND THE PASSENGER SEAT STARTED TILTING FORWARD, THEN MOVE FORWARD THEN TILT BACK. ALL MOVES TO THE MAXIMUM RANGE. IF SOMEONE WOULD'VE BEEN SITTING ON IT, THE BEST CASE WOULD'VE BEEN SOME BROKEN LEGS, WORST CASE DEATH. I WAS UNABLE TO OPERATE THE PASSENGER SEAT WITH THE CONTROLS. HAD TO GO TO SERVICE FOR EMERGENCY, AND THEY SAID THAT 2018 MODELS HAVE A PROBLEM THAT LETS OUTSIDE WATER INSIDE AND SHORTCUTS VC RIGHT. THEY REPLACED THAT VC RIGHT COMPUTER AND SAID THEY RETROFITTED IT AND HOPE IT DOES HAPPEN AGAIN. NOW I HAVE 2 MODEL 3'S AND WHEN I ASKED SERVICE TO RETROFIT THE OTHER ONE TOO, THE ASNWER WAS WELL IF IT DIDN'T HAPPEN IT'S OKAY NO NEED. I'M NOT FEELING SAFE TO PUT MY LOVED ONES ON PASSENGER SEAT IF IT'S RAINING, CAR WASH, OR ANYTHING THAT INVOLVES WATER.
Feb 03, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
3 complaints
Description of the Defect: While driving with Full Self-Driving (FSD) engaged, the vehicle's primary computer shuts down and reboots, causing a sudden loss of all safety features, including Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, and the driving visualization. The cameras go black while the vehicle is in motion. The Trigger: The failure is triggered by high electrical load. If the Cabin Heater (HVAC) and Seat Heaters are active while FSD is fully computing, the 12V power supply to the computer drops below critical voltage, causing a "Turbo A" processor lockup and system crash. Evidence of Defect: Service Center diagnostics confirmed the specific error code APS_w169_TurboA_SCS_LKUP (Computer Crash) occurred at the exact same timestamp as VCLEFT_a302_blowerGeneralFault (HVAC Blower Failure). This proves a common-mode voltage drop affecting multiple critical systems simultaneously. Manufacturer Response: The manufacturer (Tesla) acknowledged the logs but refused to inspect the wiring harness or ground connections, instead recommending a replacement of the computer unit. However, the failure can be mitigated by unplugging external cameras to reduce load, proving the root cause is an insufficient power delivery design (Wiring/Grounding) rather than a component failure. The computer is running at full load with the newest FSD software and it can no longer keep up with additional loads. Safety Risk: This defect causes a sudden, uncommanded loss of driver assistance and situational awareness tools (cameras/visualization) while the vehicle is maneuvering in traffic. The vehicle’s power distribution system appears insufficient to support the electrical load of the software (FSD) and the hardware (HVAC) simultaneously.
Feb 07, 2026
I believe my car should be included in the recall for trunk harness recall. My alert and issue is the rear camera being off due to rear trunk ruining the wiring harness that has affected many cars. This is already a recall but I believe my car missed being involved.
Sep 28, 2025
VEHICLE WILL EMERGENCY BRAKE ON HIGHWAY WITHOUT WARNING AND NO OTHER CARS AROUND. ALSO UNABLE TO ACCESS CHARGING PORT TO CHARGE VEHICLE.
Nov 20, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
3 complaints
After downloading Tesla’s update (no. 2025.44.25.4) software my heater (with the window defrost functionality) in winter stopped operating. I made my update while at my nearest Tesla service compound (location verifiable per system location log) on 01/25/26 when that same day software began throwing HVAC error codes with blowing cold air, when previously my heat ran well. This is not coincidental; this is system design failure.
Feb 02, 2026
Water/liquid entering cabin from behind glovebox. Potentially affecting computer and other electronics. Also could affect the AC system and its intake air filtering. Possibly adding mold growth due to the excess moisture entering from the outside. When it rains, the water will gush through into the front passenger’s feet on occasion. This is possibly from pooling water in the intake within the front trunk. When activating the air conditioning in the car after sitting in the rain, it will spill over into the front passenger’s mat. This issue could additionally damage the floor with rust over time if a weather proof mat is not in place. Tesla Service will charge the customer when out of warranty, even though this is an issue that should not occur in any vehicle. Thank you. P.S. photos of puddling water taken from a video made during the occurrence of the issue
Nov 19, 2022
Tesla has upgraded the visual interface of the Model 3 to version 11 of their software. My vehicle is now running version 2021.44.30.7. The new interface hides critical functions of the vehicle required for safe operation of the vehicle, such as windscreen wipers, front and rear window defoggers behind the multiple menus of the user interface meaning unfamiliar drivers are unable to safely operate the vehicle. Previously these items were on the bottom status bar of the display. Telsa have placed entertainment options as the priority for the display versus safety options. Charging rates and associated energy safety options are similary hidden behind multiple menus or require the charge port to be opened to access functionality. The user interface of the vehicle is now more like a smartphone with attention to entertainment versus attention to safety. Critical controls need to be permanently on display on the top or bottom of the display so unfamilar drivers can readily access functionality for safe vehicle operation in all weather conditions. My wife, who drove the vehicle using the previous interface with controls clearly displayed on the bottom bar of the display, now feels completely unsafe in the vehicle, as multiple clicks through menus on the display are required to activate devices versus the single click on a function in the previous version. She now has to concentrate on the menu and divert her attention from the road to the display to active a function such as window defogging or wipers, presenting a serious hazardous situation for her and other road users. NHTSA and Tesla need to address the now unsafe condition of Tesla vehicles running this new user interface. Tesla in Europe has been subject to safety sanctions by government agencies for concealing critical vehicle functions including these.
Jan 30, 2022
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaints
The "Front passenger safety restraint system" is prone to errors because the wiring for it beneath the seat is prone to getting knocked loose and electrical interference
Oct 19, 2025
I have an error on my car, have had this for almost a year now, Front Left Safety Restraint System Fault. This seems to be a safety issue that Tesla should recall. I have seen thousands of online posts related to this same issue. .
Sep 09, 2024
Car reports RCM a056 error related to Occupant Control sensors. This is apparently a common problem for this year and model (related car forums and social media report > 100 such incidents that I can find), but is not covered ($1700 repair). This should be a safety recall.
Jul 26, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
Tesla failed to properly diagnose a high-voltage battery isolation fault in my 2018 Model 3. Despite safety-critical BMS_a027 and BMS_a142 faults indicating multiple isolation failures, they skipped required insulation resistance testing, falsely blamed sand in a connector, and charged me $174.95. After the issue returned, they reversed course, replaced an internal battery contactor, and reduced the $1,173 estimate to $356—admitting fault without owning it. Days later, a diagnostic showed dangerously low isolation resistance (380kΩ, far below Tesla's 1,000kΩ safety threshold), yet they took no further action. On July 12, the car again went into limp mode. Tesla’s repeated failure to follow safety protocols, diagnose accurately, and honor warranty obligations has left me with a vehicle in an unsafe state and no corporate accountability. I've contacted their Resolutions team three times (7/2, 7/7, 7/10) with zero response.
Jul 15, 2025
The Power conversion system (PCS) failed during driving, disabling the rear motor and regenerative braking. This severely affected the driving characteristics of the vehicle, including top speed, braking profile and handling.
Nov 25, 2023
For a growing number of Model 3 owners, components in the HV Battery Service Panel are breaking down, yet Tesla refuses to cover the repair under its Battery and Drive Unit Warranty. Specifically, the "power conversion system" (PCS) in that panel is failing, and reducing an AC charge from 48A to 32A to 16A to… zero. If an owner drives to a location to charge from a Level 1 or Level 2 charger, and the PCS has failed, that owner will be stranded, unable to operate the vehicle. I have submitted a request for mediation to the American Arbitration Association (case no. 01-22-0001-9026), but I deem it important to not only address the problem in my vehicle, but all the others experiencing this same breakdown. I am thus reporting it to NHTSA, as I purport that a recall is in order. I will attach a more detailed description of my dispute with Tesla, as well as my original Purchase Agreement with an Agreement to Arbitrate, and a copy of Tesla's most recent warranties.
May 11, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
3 complaints
This is a large scale problem with Tesla due to their "easy entry" which automatically moves the front seats to fit the drivers saved positions. Due to Tesla not properly securing the wires under the seat, they get crimped over time causing an error of "safety restraint system issue." There have been thousands of reported Teslas with a simple Google search. The service center also stated to me this is a large scale issue but a recall has not been issued. This is very dangerous as this disables the airbags due to a seat belt or wire crimp under the seat issue. Please investigate and issue a mandatory recall for the safety issue as Tesla wants $1000 to rectify the issue. Many have reported this issue to be fixed by the service center multiple times only to come back months later.
Jun 12, 2025
RCM_a021 alert: Front left safety restraint system fault. Seems like an issue caused by seat movement back & forth.
Mar 28, 2025
Starting Jun 15 2024 an error came up saying "Left Restraint System fault" after a remote software update for Model 3 2018 Tesla The Alert comes up intermittently & Tesla requires $359.50 to change First Row Seat Harness Assembly - Left
Jul 03, 2024
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaints
Front suspension is making very weird and loud noises. Issue is associated with the front suspension links becoming loose.
Apr 18, 2025
Front suspension lateral link fasteners loosened, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame. I have a 2018 Model 3 and this seems to be the exact same issue that led to a recent recall with the help of the NHTSA. Recall no. 23V235000 SB-23-31-001 An expansion of previous recall number 21V-835. I noticed for months something was slightly off in the front right area of the car. I brought it into the Tesla service center, they drove it and didn't notice anything. About a month later the lateral link separated from the subframe rendering the car undriveable. I had it towed immediately.
Dec 24, 2024
looks like "upper control arms Parts" are poorly constructed and Tesla is not able to fix . I've had my 2018 model 3 for a 4.5 years now I notice a squeaking noise coming from the steering wheel and its constantly whenever I turn the wheel. Tesla said to replace upper control arms Parts by owner , even though it was poorly designed .costing about $2800.00.. which is not acceptable . Would you mind take a look at this issue
Feb 24, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS
3 complaints
Warning message appeared on center screen stating: "Front left safety restraint system fault". This appears to be a safety related problem , Tesla dealer wants $500 to repair because the vehicle is "out of warreanty" . This is the second Model 3 we have had. Previous version also experienced this fault. Is this a safety problem and if so should the car manufacturer be responsible to repair at no cost to owner? I have receoved a notice from NHTSA dated 5-31-2024 stating recall 24V376 may affect my vehicle - Seat Belt warning Sustem. I have not receoved a specific recall from tesla for this recall. Is it the same as the fault referenced above?
Jan 20, 2025
I have had a safety restraint fault on the vehicle once before and Tesla came and replaced something. It never came back. Until I'm a couple thousand miles over the warranty and I "randomly" get another safety restraint fault. I filed the service report for them to tell me it's the seatbelt. I replaced the seatbelt and the error continues. This is a safety issue that needs to be addressed as thousands of people are having the same "fault" codes. This is a known problem teslas have and they are doing nothing to address it. I'm in shock this is allowed to happen
Sep 26, 2023
Safety restraint system fault RCM_a094
Aug 19, 2023
BACK OVER PREVENTION
3 complaints
Tesla 3 was self parking backwards and failed to stop when the car in the adjacent parking spot started moving. The result was a small scratch, but this is definitely a bug in Tesla self-parking software: it had to stop when another car moves into the stop Tesal selected for self-parking. Here is link to 30 sec video: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jan 07, 2025
The rear camera routine fails to activate. I wonder if this related to the trunk harness issue. I tried contact Tesla, but they want to charge for a repair.
Oct 13, 2024
2018 TESLA MODEL 3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO SAFETY ISSUE WITH BACKUP CAMERA. CAMERA WILL STOP DISPLAYING IMAGE WHILE VEHICLE IS REVERSING. *AS *JS
Nov 13, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
3 complaints
getting a "front left safety restraint fault" warning when moving the driver seat...is a known issue in tesla forums where the seat wiring harness is not secured properly and either a wire is crimped by the seat mechanicals or a wiring harness is pulled loose...
Jul 08, 2024
We intermittantly received alerts on the screen showing "Front safety restraint system fault (service is required)." After many hours of research, we found that other owners also have the same issue and they found that a wire from a electrical connector that connected to the seatbelt pretentension was broken from the seat being moved up and down.
Jan 15, 2024
Received an error "Front left safety restraint system fault. Service is required." error on my vehicle yesterday (7/11/2023) which disappears when lifting seat to highest position. As soon as seat is lowered more than 1/2" the error reappears and airbag light is illuminating notifying that the airbag is not enabled. This error is clearly an issue with the safety restraint system on the vehicle but Tesla will not honor fixing this under their Supplemental Restraint System Limited Warranty. The vehicle is within coverage period (<5 years and <60,000 miles). I am being told this SRS Limited warranty covers air bags, seat belt, seat belt buckles, sensors, and modules only. I have not taken the vehicle in for service as the quote I received is too expensive ($601). Please see photos for my conversation with Tesla service as well.
Jul 12, 2023
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaints
Tesla Model 3 autopilot engaged. The car steered itself off the road and into a tree as it was accelerating on a residential street from 8 mph to approx. 30 mph.
Apr 16, 2024
I WAS DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON CA HWY 101 WHEN I INITIATED A LANE CHANGE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT WITH AUTOPILOT ENGAGED. AFTER BEGINNING TO MAKE THE LANE CHANGE TO THE RIGHT, THE CAR ABRUPTLY VEERED BACK INTO THE LEFT LANE, THEN SLOWLY STARTED TO MOVE BACK INTO THE RIGHT LANE. IT WAS AT THAT TIME THAT I DISENGAGED THE AUTOPILOT.
Aug 04, 2019
HERE IS A VIDEO THAT HAS JUST BEEN UPLOADED TO YOUTUBE: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=4GUHSMIPIQ4 THIS OWNER THINKS IT IS PERFECTLY SAFE TO JAM SOME FRUIT IN THE STEERING WHEEL TO ELIMINATE THE "HOLD STEERING WHEEL" NAGS. HE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A COMPLETE IDIOT. THE PROBLEM IS THAT HE HAS BEEN MISLEAD BY THE HYPE SPREAD BY TESLA AND CEO ELON MUSK. DESPITE SEVERAL FATAL CRASHES MUSK IS STILL SPREADING THE MESSAGE THAT NHTSA FOUND AUTOPILOT IS 40% SAFER THAN A HUMAN DRIVER. NHTSA HAS NOW REVEALED THAT THE CLAIM WAS BASED ON TESLA'S OWN (UNVERIFIED) DATA. MORE PEOPLE WILL DIE UNLESS THIS UNCONTROLLED AND HIGHLY DANGEROUS EXPERIMENT IS HALTED IMMEDIATELY. PLEASE DO SOMETHING. THANK YOU. DEEPLY CONCERNED CITIZEN.
May 07, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION
3 complaints
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention), 23V838000 (Electrical System), and 24V051000 (Electrical System); however, the dealer stated that to perform the upgrades, the contact needed to purchase a new computer before the software could be updated. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that it would be necessary to complete the updates. The contact stated that the manufacturer was unreasonable in determining that to complete the software updates that he needed to purchase a new computer. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera image intermittently was blank. Additionally, the on-board cabin camera ceased to function as needed, causing the autosteer feature to become inoperable. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Mar 08, 2024
my car no longer has ability to use the horn after a software update. I've had two dangerous incidents in the past month where a working horn would have allowed me to make another driver aware of my vehicle.
Sep 01, 2023
Tesla recalled wiring components for the Rearview camera (for parking / driving in reverse) as it suffered from severe latency. They claim to have fixed the recall but nothing changed. They don't respond to complaints that it doesn't work. This work was "completed" under the Trunk harness retrofit on the statement provided . The trunk harness affected the wires to the camera causing the latency, per recal info/Tesla rep.
Aug 24, 2023
SUSPENSION,WHEELS
3 complaints
Clunk and popping sound while driving, especially while turning the wheel or going over bumps in road. Maneuverability and control of vehicle felt impacted which could have resulted in an accident, damage to property, and injury and/or death of people. The issue was reproduced at the vehicle's Service Center and identified as a lose bolt that connects the front suspension lateral links to the subframe. This issue sounds very similar to a previous recall for the same make, model, and year of this vehicle, but the VIN for this particular vehicle was not included in that recall.
Feb 08, 2024
Car is 4 years old with 22k miles only and never was involved in an accident or high impact situation. When backing out of driveway and then turning wheels going forward at low speed, a loud noise occurred in the front passenger wheel area and car came to a complete stop. After going out to investigate, the car body was resting on the wheel and two bolts were on the road and the lower control arm was detached from the underbody and dragging to the floor. Had this happened at high speed I can’t imagine what would have been the outcome. No early warning signs occurred prior to this incident.
Oct 19, 2022
Bolt that held holds the control and subframe came loosened over time. Tesla is saying it is my fault but there are multiple people with the same issue on the internet. Consumer stated back in August 2021, front lateral link separated and caused damage to sub frame. It was determined by Tesla’s service center at the time that this was due to driving conditions but driving on California roads should not cause an issue this damaging. Vehicle was not part of a recall but was repaired. https://insideevs.com/news/509767/tesla-model3-control-arm-fix/ https://insideevs.com/news/438005/upper-control-arm-chronic-defect-model-3/ https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/suspension-rattling-sound-turned-out-to-be-a-loose-bolt.185958/ https://teslaownersonline.com/threads/suspension-bolt-not-torqued-tesla-roadside-a-joke.15115/ https://www.insideevsforum.com/community/index.php?threads/another-extremely-poor-tesla-model-3-quality-and-experience.8247/
Aug 13, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE
3 complaints
Touchscreen went entirely blank. A few days prior to this, radio cut on and out. Rebooting procedures did not work. Tesla repaired, stating it was the cars computer. I asked for the old computer board but was told it was proprietary. The symptoms are very similar to those of the older memory issues.
Jan 11, 2024
Interior camera malfunctions which affects the full self driving package I paid for. As purchased the car was said to be feature complete for full self driving. When the software was available to me two years after purchase the interior camera was finally turned on and it doesn’t work. A cursory internet search shows that this is common. This is a hazard it can malfunction at any time due to defective camera. The service center verified that the camera doesn’t work today 1/27/2023.
Jan 27, 2023
-MULTIPLE TIMES THAT THE SCREEN HAS GONE BLACK WHILE ACTIVELY DRIVING THE CAR (BOTH ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAY) -EPISODES WHERE THE SCREEN IS UNRESPONSIVE; THUS, BEING UNABLE TO USE ANY FUNCTIONS OF THE CAR USING THE TOUCHSCREEN BOTH WHILE STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING THE CAR -CAR NOT REBOOTING/RESETTING DESPITE MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS WHILE STATIONARY -CAR SOUNDS SUDDENLY BEING CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING- UNABLE TO HEAR TURN SIGNAL, GPS, ETC-AND WHILE DRIVING -CAR/SYSTEM IMPLEMENTS AUTO-CORRECTION MEASURE TO REPOSITION THE CAR THINKING THE CAR IS DEPARTING FROM THE LANE, WHEN IN FACT, THE CAR IS NOT SWERVING OR TRYING TO DO A LANE SWITCH (CAR IS DRIVING IN LANE ON A HIGHWAY). DUE TO THIS FAULTY SYSTEM, CAR HAS UNSAFELY DRIFTED WHILE IN MOTION AND DOES NOT LET HUMAN GUIDANCE TRUMP THIS MECHANICAL ERROR.
Jan 08, 2021
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
The Power Conversion System is failing, this makes charging the car difficult. The charge rate is reduced and charging fails without warning. There is no warning from the vehicle that the part is failing but instead says the power grid is the issue. The issue started while the car was still under warranty, but falsely claimed the problem was with the evse or the wiring to the evse. Had the failure been properly reported rather than being misleading, the vehicle could have been repaired under warranty,
Jan 10, 2023
Originally received notification of DTC "BMS_a035 - Vehicle may not restart." Vehicle was serviced and the rear motor drive unit was replaced. Was not given the oppertunity to inspect the serviced components upon request. Within 48 hours of service, "BMS_a027: Power limited, OK to drive," & BMS_a170 - (de)acceleration warning & top speed warning." My concern is related to a potential cascading problem, which cannot be diagnosed, and which will lead to failure of the propulsion system or an unexpected discharge issue / thermal event from an electrical issue while the vehicle is in use and/or parked.
Sep 22, 2022
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. BUT WOULDN'T MOVE TO GEAR (DRIVE OR REVERSE). IT WAS GIVING THE MESSAGE "CANNOT MAINTAIN VEHICLE POWER". HAD I LOST THE POWER WHILE DRIVING, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A CLEAR SAFETY ISSUE.
Feb 15, 2019
STRUCTURE,WHEELS
3 complaints
PARKING CAR WITH FOOT ON BRAKE,WHEN THE CAR LUNGED FOREWORD INTO PARKED CARS, DAMAGING MY CAR AND TWO OTHER CARS PARKED IN FRONT OF ME.
Jan 22, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TESLA MODEL 3. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR BUMPER AND REAR WHEEL HUBCAP ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD FALLEN OFF. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO AN ACT OF GOD AND THEY WOULD CHARGE FOR TOWING THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED COLLISION CENTER. THE CONTACT CALLED HER INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN AT THE CERTIFIED COLLISION CENTER FOR OVER A WEEK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER REITERATED THAT AN OUTSIDE INFLUENCE CAUSED THE PARTS TO FALL OFF AND THEY WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT WANTED THE MANUFACTURER TO COVER THE COSTS WITH THE INITIAL WARRANTY SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS JUST PURCHASED IN JULY OF 2018. THE CONTACT SUSPECTED THAT THE PARTS BEING USED WERE OF INFERIOR QUALITY. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *AS
May 15, 2019
THE BOTTOM FRONT UNDER PIECE COMPOSITE MATERIAL WHICH IS PART OF THE UNDER CARRIAGE SPONTANEOUSLY BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY IN THE RAIN. THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS IN THE INTERNET OF THE COMPOSITE UNDER PIECES BREAKING FROM WATER OR MISSING/LOOSE BOLTS.
Jan 08, 2019
STEERING,SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
The front lateral links, compliance links, and stabilizer bar link on my 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range failed and required replacement in January 2026. Prior to failure, abnormal creaking and clunking noise from the front suspension began appearing weeks before the repair — no warning lights illuminated at any point. The failed components were replaced by a Tesla-certified Service Center and are no longer available for inspection. The failure was confirmed and repaired solely by the Tesla Service Center; no police, insurance representatives, or other parties inspected the vehicle. I was charged out of pocket for this repair. The lateral link separation risk directly endangers vehicle safety — if a fastener loosens sufficiently, the lateral link can detach from the subframe, causing sudden wheel misalignment and loss of steering control, which could result in a crash at any speed. Tesla issued recall 23V-235 (NHTSA campaign 23V235000) in March 2023 for this exact condition on 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles. My vehicle's VIN was not included in the recall population, yet experienced the identical failure mode. I am requesting this complaint be considered for recall expansion under 23V-235 and seeking reimbursement for out-of-pocket repair costs for a defect Tesla has already acknowledged in identical vehicles.
Apr 21, 2026
I was driving the car about 35-40 MPH when I heard a popping sound. The steering immediately locked up and the car was undrivable and unsteerable. I looked around car and the body of the car was resting on top of the front right passenger side tire. A bolt was found underneath the car. There were no vehicle system warnings, I did not hit anything, nor has the car been in any accidents. The car could not even be put into neutral or moved out of the 4 lane road. I contacted police and tow truck who said swing arm had failed. I had four children in the car who could have been seriously or fatally injured. Tesla has been contacted but said it isnt their problem or a manufacturing problem although there is lots of reports on internet and they have issued a recall for this very problem on other models. I am very concerned about this safety issue that needs to be addressed since it is potentially very dangerous.
Jan 17, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaints
Main incident: Time: 2025-08-28 ~12:41 PM PST What happened: After searching for a parking space, the driver was preparing to reverse into the spot, the driver pressed up the stalk to shift the gear into reverse, a sound was heard and something showed up on the screen, the vehicle once again started accelerating and running forward suddenly and sharply (3 mph to 28 mph in 3 secs), driver tried to steer the vehicle away from cars and buildings to minimize danger, the car rushed onto a concrete curb, hit one blue Tesla, then hit the side of a concrete utility pole, and ran over a plant and last crashed into the chain-link french before it finally stops Injuries: * Spine pain for one passenger Damages: ** All tires blown out, tire falls off ** Severe damages throughout the vehicle body * One Tesla parked on the parking lot was severely damaged * The utility pole's base box was scraped and deformed * One plant was knocked down Similar case 3 few mins ago: Time: 2025-08-28 ~12:38 PM PST What happened: The driver entered a oneway parking lot, but found no available spot and was trying to back up, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own. The driver performed an emergency brake and stopped the vehicle. At the time the vehicle stopped, it was only about 20 inches away from two cars in front of it Injuries and damages: None What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Malfunctioning of the electronic control or braking system leading to abnormal acceleration Conflicting gear shifting and autopilot engagement design The right stalk is used to both shift gears and engage autopilot features, this design makes it very easy for the system to confuse the two actions Autopilot feature safety issues Autopilot features (whether its FSD or cruise control) should not be allowed to initiate abrupt acceleration to a dangerous speed in a low speed area (for example parking lot) Insurance claim filed, number: 25-647243342
Sep 02, 2025
Stopped in left turn lane. On green light car in front and I began our left turn. I was some distance behind the car when suddenly my brakes applied automatically and I came to complete stop. Luckily car behind did not rear end me. Also, my car started beeping and a warning said something to effect: automatic emergency brake activated.
Apr 09, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
My brake lines began to leak. When I took the car to the Tesla Service center they repaired the brake lines, but in the process they found that the brake fluid had leaked in/on the battery compartment. Furthermore, they found a coolant leak that also leaked on/in the battery compartment. This cause a hole to develop into the battery compartment. Having the coolant and brake lines in a place that could affect the batteries is a significant design flaw of the Model 3. According to the technician from Tesla, my car/batteries, were a ticking time bomb and could have ignited at any point. I am very fortunate that a fire was not started with myself or my family in the car. I believe Tesla needs to make all Model 3 owners aware of this possibility and come up with a way to remedy this flaw before someone looses a life. If the brake lines on my car hadn't sprung a leak, I'm not sure I would have know about the coolant leak until it was too late.
Jun 15, 2025
Our Tesla Model 3 had a failure of LV contactor which engages the HV circuit while driving the car in a 45MPH side road. The car had a sudden shutdown with emergency brakes engaged and the car came to a stop violently. It was providence that there were no vehicles following or car was not being operated in a 75MPH freeway and hence did not end up in a rear collision accident or worse involving an 18 wheeler. We talked to Tesla service and they indicated that such contactor failures occur and the car would typically behave like it did with stopping immediately as per design. I was telling Tesla service that the car should probably move into Neutral mode rather than stopping immediately. I also heard other instances where Tesla has stopped suddenly in the media. I would like Tesla to review their current logic with handling contactor failure and prevent violent and sudden stops of the vehicle to prevent accidents.
Mar 09, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
1. The Power Conversion System (PCS), still in the vehicle and not available for inspection 2. 2 of the 3 controllers have failed, resulting in limited AC charging (16A out of 48A max). The PCS helps regulate AC and DC electricity and connects the 12V batter to the HV battery. If it fails, it could lead to dangerous situations since the electricity from the HV battery wouldn't be as controlled. I'm worried that if the final controller fails while driving it could lead to a loss of power. 3. Problem throws an error code when charging that the dealer has verified, they will not replace it unless I pay for the part+labor which is roughly $1,800. 4. Vehicle inspected by dealer, they will only fix if I pay for replacement part. 5. Car has warning message when charging.
Apr 03, 2025
My Tesla Model 3 without any warning stopped working suddenly. I could not put the car in drive and there were error messages about climate control and electrical system. I had to get the car towed to the service center as it was blocking my other car in the driveway. The service center in Sunnyvale, CA diagnosed the problem to be a faulty PTC heater and has charged me over $1100 to replace it. I beileve it is quite absurd to have a fault in the HVAC system render the whole vehicle completely immobile and useless. This seems like a serious design flaw and it could lead to serious health or safety concerns.
Apr 06, 2023
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that on several occasions while making left or right turns, there was a loud clanking noise emanating from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the lower control arm bushings had deteriorated and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several months later where it was diagnosed that the bushings and one of the well nuts had sheared off, and the subframe needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Jan 02, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that the vehicle had begun swaying while driving approximately 60 MPH. Additionally, the contact noticed a creaking noise coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact pulled into a parking lot and the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact noticed that the control arm had detached. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 33,000.
Jan 03, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
2 complaints
Passenger Safety Restraint system fault. Faulty wiring under the seat. Cost of repair is $1000. Passenger airbag requires replacement.
Dec 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the Front Passenger Safety Restraint System (FPSRS) fault warning illuminated. The contact continued driving and later contacted the manufacturer. The contact was advised by the manufacturer that he had the option to repair the Safety Restraint System by a mobile technician or the vehicle could be driven to a dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that the Restraint System fault warning failure was intermittent at first but had become a recurring failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to the FPSRS wiring located under the seats, which was being damaged by the seat auto adjustment feature. The seat adjustment feature moved both seats to an upright and back position to allow ease of entry of the driver and passenger. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,900.
Nov 03, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
I’m not exactly sure what’s wrong, the screen keeps failing on my car. It’s been taken to Tesla to service this issue 4 times. With the most expensive repair costing $2,200. Its poses a safety hazard because when the screen fails. You can’t see anything, speed, gear. You can’t adjust windshield wipers, seat or mirror positions.
Dec 17, 2024
The enhanced autopilot failed to recognize a divider/Jersey barrier or alert the driver of the obstacle, as the software is advertised and was relied on to do, at an exit ramp and ran into the barrier without any type of maneuver or breaking to avoid the collision causing substantial injury to the driver. This exit is a very busy exit on I-95 with many commuters going to work at this time. It was by sheer luck that no other vehicles were involved. The driver endured an immediate stop from above 50mph to 0 in about a second. As far as I know, no inspection was performed. There were no warning messages, symptoms or problems related prior to the incident.
Apr 30, 2022
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
ISSUE: PTC Heater failed at 63,617 miles after 6 years of use WARNING MESSAGE: "Vehicle may not restart" CONTACT: [XXX] [XXX] main contact for owner [XXX] . VIN: [XXX] MAKE: MODEL 3 YEAR: 2018 REPAIR QUOTED: $1,104.18 LINE ITEMS: PTC HEATER DUALZONE(1088218-00-I) HVAC, PTC SERVICEASSY(1107677-00-A) LABOR & DIAGNOSTICS SUMMARY: TESLA Model 3 Electric Vehicle shut down into "Asleep mode" and will not respond (turn back on). Locked out. Will not wake up. Will not respond to software nor car keys. All systems turned off. Will not charge. Will not release charger from charge port. Issue suddenly happened after [XXX] software load (deemed to not be the cause of issue). Dealership diagnostic shows PTC Heater failure which cuts off the battery. Dealership quoted estimated repair (see below). This could have happened while driving causing the vehicle to be uncontrollable, and a major safety issue. Fortunately, my incident happened after I parked the car in the garage. Overnight there was a software install (supposedly not causing the problem). In the morning the vehicle would not turn on. PRECEDENT: There were several small claims filings in Canada for same issue. This was deemed a design flaw, and safety issue. (See [XXX] ) DIAGNOSTICS: On-line debugging is pointing to resistance issue with 1 of the 5 heating elements in the PTC Heater. PTC Heater cuts off supply to PCS which charges the 12V battery when there is an issue with the heater. This allows the 12v battery to drain, and the EV becomes unresponsive. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Nov 15, 2024
PTC Heater failed. This is a critical component that helps to maintain the battery's temperature within safe operating range. The only alternative is to replace this PTC Heater. Till the replacement is done, EVs battery may not maintain safe operating temperature range and could cause the car - not drive able. I consider this a significant safety risk. Cabin temperature cannot be maintained as well. Cause for PTC Heater failure is known - "change in temperature" could cause this item to fail per Tesla. i.e. when cold air blows over the heating element. Not sure if enough has been done to fix this from occurring for such a critical component with some hardware or hardware recall for several vehicles on the road. Else these cars must be considered for sales only for few states in the USA which have a stable operating temperature ranges for their PTC heaters to not run into the risk of failure due to big change in temperature.
Feb 26, 2024
SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault. From Invoice: Tesla to Replace Front Passenger Airbag And Update Vehicle Configuration Passenger Airbag error malfunction!!! Passenger Airbag Harness Malfunction!!! Correction: Retrofit SBR in OCS Equipped Front Passenger Seat - Remove and Replace Seatbelt issue!!! FIRST ROW SEAT HARNESS ASSEMBLY - RIGHT HAND FIRST ROW - SEAT BELT REMINDER SENSOR BOX CLIP FIRST ROW OCCUPANCY SENSOR Giving an error and now they are charging me to fix this defect in my Tesla Model 3
Jun 06, 2024
The buttons in the interior seem to be degrading much quicker than it should be. The window levers become lose and can break off. This is a safety hazard as in not able to raise the window if it allows to lower it. One has to park in order to raise windows in the mobile application. The plastics are breaking too quickly. There is also an issue with levers for the seat adjusting. Also, when canceling service requests in their application, Tesla deletes or hides them without an ability to see what was written to show proof later of their faults.
May 14, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
The turn signal stalk does not differentiate between a partial (lane change) press or a full turn press. The signal will remain on until the stalk is moved in the opposite turn direction. This sometimes results in the opposite turn signal activating. This entire process is intermittent while driving. This happens mainly on the highway where an intermittent (half press) of the stalk is performed to switch lanes. When switching lands I have no idea whether it'll work as designed or fail to register a half press or full press of the stalk.
Mar 21, 2024
The is WATER in my right front FOG lamp and I don't know how it got in there, but Tesla says they can't get water out of it and can't reseal it, but is willing to let me pay $504 to replace a light... this is yet another Billionaire abusive practice by Elon Musk to generate cash flow and revenue for his failing company. Telsa also asked for $15,000 for a new battery, which the "software" said it started reducing the range JUST after the 120,000 mile battery warranty was up. Just like Apple does with reducing iPhone battery performance for so called "safety" reasons to make people pony up to the latest model. Which Tesla has been emailing me and texting me to try to get me to buy a new Tesla LOL. This is clearly an abusive "sales tactic". If they actually care about helping customers, they would figure out how to fix each issue. Clear out the water and seal the headlight. Figure out which battery cells need replacing and replace them. Simple and cheap solutions. Not "customer pay astronomical prices" for every damn issue Tesla forces upon people. Including "customer pay tows" after "Tesla's software" decides to randomly shut the car down in the middle of the road, rather than Tesla taking responsibility for their software malfunctioning preventing the driver from reaching their destination. These are clearly misguided attempts by an AWOL CEO [XXX] about his $55B pay package, trying to claw back money from customers to reward himself to pay for Twitter/X. Make[XXX] Musk and Tesla do the right thing by customers and REPAIR these issues, rather than [XXX] poor customers' cashflow. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Feb 13, 2024
STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
The front right lower control arm, sub frame, and bolt(s) failed causing unsafe driving conditions while myself and my kids were in the car. There is a recall on this part for many of the exact same year, make, and model as my car: NHTSA campaign ID: 23V235000. Tesla recall SB-23-31-001 (info pulled from NTSB site). My VIN wasn’t on the recall, but there is clearly an issue, so I was forced to pay for this. Please add my VIN so I can be reimbursed and also get the other side repaired for safety reasons.
Mar 16, 2024
THIS IS ON RECAL SB-20-31-006 R3. THE BALL JOINT OF MY TESLA MODEL 3. SQUEAKS/CREAKING, WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, WHEN I DRIVE SLOW, DRIVE FAST, HIT ANY BUMP, TURN. THE NOISE HAS GOTTEN LOUDER. I WAS TOLD BY TESLA TAHT MY CAR DOES NOT QUALIFY UNDER THE RECAL DUE TO MY VIN#. REQUESTING ASSISTANCE TO GET THIS FIXED.
Jun 26, 2023
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaints
I don’t feel comfortable driving this car because it is unsafe when I am on autopilot on the highway it would randomly stop the car by breaking instantly out of nowhere when there isn’t any car in front of me?! Please give me another car that is more safe to drive!?
Feb 15, 2024
This is a report of suddent unintended acceleration on a 2018 Model 3 performance with 47,800 miles on the odometer - the first known occurrence on this car. At 50% state of charge, I drove the Tesla on a 10 minute trip and pulled into an underground parking garage with 3 lanes of valet parking. At about 5-10 MPH, the forward collision warning came on as I was driving towards the cones and stop sign. I brought the vehicle to a full stop with the friction brakes (not regenerative braking, which was set to LOW). The drive mode was set to HOLD, which lets the car roll forward but not backwards and doesn't CREEP when foot is off the brake. About 15-30 seconds after coming to a complete stop, my foot was hovering over the brake with maybe slight pressure up to 5%. The car suddenly lurched forward with wide open throttle type acceleration. It has over 450 electric horsepower from 2 motors. The car moved between 2 feet and 5 feet. My passenger noticed and asked what I did, if anything. I did not ever once touch the accelerator. Since my foot was on the brake pedal but not pushing hard on it, I was able to depress it with my foot and stop the car. There was a concrete wall perhaps 25 feet in front of the car. No people were in the front of the car. I was at the stop sign in the garage where valet takes over. I do not know if the car would have kept accelerating if I wasn't able to engage the brakes hard.
Feb 20, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
Got into car after update, screen blacked out, could not to hard reboots. App could no longer see car. Tech support couldn't remote into vehicle or get in touch with it. Had to have it towed to service center. It's been sitting there for 6 days with no diagnosis just an estimate for $530 to troubleshoot the car. This update caused my car to completely be unresponsive and undrivable. I also had a carseat in the car.
Jan 02, 2024
AT 70000 THE FRONT RIGHT BAR THAT CONNECT TO WHEEL WENT BAD 350 DOLLARS. AT AROUND 90000 MILES THE AC WENT BAD AND THEY SAID IS BECAUSE I USED IT TOO MUCH 4700 DOLLARS AT 110000 THE LID FOR THE CHARGER KEPT OPENING UP AND CLOSING BY ITSELF AT 127000 THE BATTERY RANGE REDUCED SIGNED WENT ON 129000 MAXIMUM CHARGE COULD BE CHARDED 47 PERCENT. AND COULD NOT BE CHARGED MORE THAN WHATEVER IS IN THERE ALREADY
Oct 17, 2022
VISIBILITY/WIPER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaints
Recently I noticed that the automatic windshield wipers are completely non-functional on my vehicle. Windshield wipers can still be turned on manually and work normally as expected in all speeds in manual control mode. But in auto control mode, they simply don't turn on at all, even in very heavy rain. This is critical because when driving the vehicle in Autopilot mode or Full-Self-Driving mode, the vehicle automatically puts the windshield wipers in auto control mode and the driver cannot change them to manual mode. So when driving using Autopilot in the rain, the windshield wipers just stay completely off all the time, even when Autopilot is displaying warning messages about severe weather. I contacted Tesla support about this and Tesla support immediately responded that this is a known issue and should be corrected via over-the-air update soon, but no ETA available.
Dec 20, 2023
Software bug for sure. When car is in autopilot the windshield wipers start and cannot be turned off. This occurrs when the windshield is clean , not raining. The wiper off virtual switches cannot be turned off and the only option is to switch from auto to 1 to slow the wipers. If the car is not in autopilot the issue doesn’t not occur and the wipers operate as they should.
Jul 24, 2023
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
I was exiting the highway onto a Blvd and I slowed down. The car all of a sudden accelerated by itself, went over the exit curb and hit the central median of the blvd. Fortunately, no vehicles on the blvd wer crossing when this happened. I was fortunately not physically hurt in the incident but it could have been afr worse if I had a vehicle in my front or on the lvd when the incident happened.
Aug 21, 2023
WHILE I WAS PARKING, THE CAR IT UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED AND JUMP OVER THE SIDE WALK AND CRASH ITSELF INTO THE BUILDING AND DESTROYED THE FACE OF THE BUILDING AND THE CAR. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FROM THE IMPACT OF THE CAR.
Dec 12, 2020
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
I am driving on the new FSD beta that Tesla just released to comply with NHTSA's previous recall, version 2022.45.13. Despite the claim that this release has addressed these issues, I experienced these today while driving around my town on city streets and on the open highway: As I approached the stop sign at the end of the exit ramp off the highway to my neighborhood street, the car blew right past the stop sign just like it wasn't there. It did this before the current update as well. While this is improved over previous versions, it still doesn't slow down in advance of a new lower speed limit sign to ensure it's moving at that posted new slower speed by the time it reaches that sign, as it should. As you know, it's illegal, e.g., to continue driving at 45 mph after you've passed a 35 mph sign. But with this latest update, even though the car can "see" the new lower speed limit sign ahead, the car only begins to slow down once you've passed this new lower speed limit sign and then goes about 200 ft before it actually reaches the lower speed. This is still illegal in every state and is a danger to drivers and others. Please make Tesla fix both of these problems fully.
Apr 01, 2023
ON NOVEMBER 14, 2019 MY CAR WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THAT I STRONGLY BELIEVE THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE ACCELERATOR SENSORS OR THE ACCELERATOR ITSELF. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AGGRESSIVELY AS MY SISTER WAS PARKING THE CAR. SHE WAS GOING SLOW AS SHE PARKED THE VEHICLE AND AS SHE DROVE INTO THE STALL, THE VEHICLE SPED UP AGGRESSIVELY AND SHE COULD NOT STOP IT. WE HAVE VIDEOS (COULDN'T UPLOAD) THAT ALSO SHOW THE WHEELS KEEP GOING EVEN THOUGH IT HAD ALREADY MADE CONTACT WITH THE PILLAR AND NOBODY IS PRESSING THE PEDAL. ANOTHER CONCERN WE HAVE IS WHY NONE OF THE CRASH AVOIDANCE MECHANISM TOOK OVER, THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY SETTINGS DIDN'T STOP THE VEHICLE FROM CONTINUING TO ACCELERATE AND DRIVE RIGHT INTO THE PILLAR. WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE. WE ARE AVAILABLE TO TALK WITH YOU ABOUT THE DETAILS OF THE ACCIDENT. WE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH TESLA AND THEY CLAIM IT IS USER ERROR, BUT MY SISTER IS 100% SURE SHE DIDN'T PRESS THE PEDAL. WE NEED YOUR HELP WITH THIS INVESTIGATION. WE UNDERSTAND THERE ARE OTHERS THAT HAVE FILED SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT TYPE OF INVESTIGATION TESLA DID TO CONCLUDE IT WAS USER ERROR. WE BELIEVE THE SENSORS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY AND THIS IS THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT, BUT WE DON'T HAVE ANY WAY OF KNOWING WHAT KIND OF SCRUTINY TESLA DID IN THEIR PART TO LOOK INTO WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED, ALSO JUST BECAUSE THEIR RECORDS INDICATE THAT THE PEDAL WAS PRESSED, WE HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING IF THIS IS TRULY THE CASE INSTEAD OF THE SENSORS ACTUALLY INACCURATELY SENSING THAT A FOOT WAS NEARBY. -- [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Feb 09, 2020
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER,LANE DEPARTURE
2 complaints
The issue is with autostart, enhanced auto pilot and lane departure warning. I paid for Enhanced auto pilot. This car totally relies on cameras. 1. In the slightest occurrence of rain, it complains about one or more cameras malfunctioning or out of vision. This doesn't happen often in Full Self Driving version. For early adopters of Model3 FSD, manufacturer updated the cameras. However they did not do that for early Enhanced Autopilot customers. 2. For the same reason, on a 3 lane or more highway, on autopilot when one moves from speed most lane and if there is a truck on the slowest lane, the camera shows somehow that the truck is on the middle lane when it is not, and hence the software assumes an impending crash and pulls you back to the speed most lane, giving no time for anyone behind you to think anyone, and leaves yourself in a dumbfounded state. 3. Without the upgraded cameras, Autopilot is prone to accidents. 4. Car tent to automatically brake when sun directly shines on the driver or there is a bridge in front of you while on autopilot. I believe this has something to do with the older version of cameras.
Mar 15, 2023
Tesla changed the entire user interface with their software update to version 11. I believe that this software update will cause vehicle accidents since they removed quick access to critical features and replaced them with entertainment apps. As the driver of the vehicle I do not need quick access to video games / streaming services, and more importantly I should not have to go through several screens to access key functions like the window defrosters. Tesla removed quick access to the defrosters, the wiper controls, the seat heaters and tire pressure. Even the music player now causes driver distraction. This new update is an accident waiting to happen and is geared toward entertainment instead focusing on a safe driving experience. The windows that pop up on the screen even block critical features like wiper blade control. Tesla claims that since they removed the buttons for wipers and defrosters that I could use the voice command but with this new update the voice command feature usually crashes. The new icons for user interface a so small that they cause eye strain and make difficult to see the road after checking the screen. The bottom of the screen is stuck in night mode which also causes eye strain. Since this vehicle has no buttons just a touch screen this drastic change to the user interface is a serious safety hazard. Tesla needs to add an actual physical wiper control switch to their vehicles. The automatic wiper mode is defective because Tesla did not install rain sensors on their vehicles. Also the new software has a serious bug where the vehicle disables the safety systems (all cameras and the lane departure warning system). The vehicle safety systems were disabled on 12/26/21 and 12/30/21. I informed Tesla on both occasions and they saw this software flaw in my vehicle computer files. Please make sure that Tesla fixes their vehicle interface before someone crashes from distracted driving/difficulty using the touch screen interface.
Dec 30, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE
2 complaints
Hello, The side camera in our Tesla model 3 have stopped working. Because they have stopped working, the GPS, and the car status (360 overhead view) parts also stopped working. This means that we can't use the Enhanced Autopilot with the car. This is a huge issue as the side cameras and the car status are very important for safety. It looks like this is a known problem but Tesla isn't issuing a recall to fix this https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/06/tesla-is-replacing-faulty-autpilot-cameras-in-some-model-s-x-3-cars.html This started happening in mid-Jan, when our car had 41K miles and 4 years 1 month age. Tesla's warranty only goes 40K miles and 4years
Feb 17, 2023
Tesla introduced blind spot camera availability with the release of Version 11 software. When the driver switches lanes while in autopilot by engaging the turn signal stock at night, the built in turn signal led above the repeater camera blinds the camera by washing out and degrading the camera picture as the turn signal led turns on and off. This has been remedied in newer model year cars as shown in the following youtube video-- https://youtu.be/_BUPsjguqdY This is a safety hazard to vehicle occupants as well as the driver of the vehicle as the repeater camera is being blinded by the turn signal led.
Feb 04, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaints
Front wiring harness corrodes causing steering control to corrode. This also affects lane keep, braking, and speed control. At least 6 warnings associated with the short circuit
Nov 22, 2022
I have the issue recorded on video. The computer display totally froze for several minutes while driving on the highway. The turn signals would not work while the computer was frozen and the system needed to reboot after several minutes before the turn signals would start working again. I was in autopilot at the time of this happening. Video documentation can be provided. Here is a link to the video of the safety issue on Google Photos: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMUiX6JR5ppOGGqTCRlWxH1Hiv7hLr2Gm9G5wjjIfYFKz4-Lg7D-_nfAzTTalFX3Q?key=anRJQWo3TGNiM0F1cEJOczZOZ3RTRnRQMm1WOFpB
Jul 30, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
I reported charging problems over the last several months to Tesla. You can only report problems via the App. They do not provide a phone number. They tried to fix my charging issue three times and each time said it was fixed. It was not and today I almost ran out of battery on the interstate because it would not charge. Today, after waiting an hour for their roadside service to respond they came and towed it. This is the fourth attempt to fix it.
Oct 23, 2022
Power Conversion System was defective when car brand new and replaced under 50k mile warranty. Now out of 50k mile warranty and Power Conversion System is failing again. Manufacturer service center says this item is customer pay and is just a defective item that is out of warranty for the 1-year replacement warranty, and refuses to cover this repair under the battery warranty where the Power Conversion System is located. Service center states there is nothing the customer did wrong or could do to cause this problem, acknowleges it is a defective part, and insists it is customer pay with no indication of an updated part. What happens when the Power Conversion System fails is the car is stranded and cannot recharge or operate its safety systems. This should be a recall item if it was updated to a newer part correcting defective design. The manufacturer should replace this high voltage and core functionality of the vehicle under its battery warranty where the part is located. It would be highly dangerous for the vehicle owner to replace this part and requires specialist tools to diagnose and replace or repair.
Oct 23, 2021
EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
https://www.tesla.com/support/home-charging-installation/wall-connector The strain relief on the cable that is used to charge the vehicle became loose exposing dangerous high voltage 240v (40A) bare wires inside where the consumer holds it to charge the vehicle. If touched by anyone while charging, would likely cause electrocution and possible death. As the vehicle takes hours to charge outside, not only is the driver and passengers at risk but passerby's including young children. This could happen during clear, dry conditions and exacerbated by wet conditions. The manufacturer, Tesla, responded to my complaint by telling me the only remedy is for me to buy a new charging unit at a cost of $500 plus a few hours of electrician labor. There was no mention of a replacement part (strain relief/handle) other than purchasing the entire system and paying an electrician to replace it. There were no prior symptoms (no scratches, no cracks, no physical damage, etc..) which leads me to believe that this is a manufacturing defect and a serious live threatening one. Furthermore, the Tesla support team wrote on 7/16/2022: "Thank you for reaching out to the Tesla Wall Connector Support team. "he crack shouldn't stop the unit from charging. Your unit is out of warranty. If you would like to purchase the newest Wall Connector while it's on sale for $400 instead of $500, I have provided the link. We do recommend a certified electrician install the Gen 3. https://shop.tesla.com/product/wall-connector." This implies that the wall charger can be used to charge the vehicle and ignores the DANGEROUS ELECTRICAL HAZARD present which is totally unacceptable.
Oct 05, 2022
Latest software update from Tesla buried easily accessible features several layers deep into hard to manage screen menus. e.g windshield wipers. This now requires drivers to take their eyes of the road for many seconds to activate the functions. This can be extremely dangerous.
Dec 30, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaints
On two occasions while on adaptive cruise control, my car slammed on the brakes while driving on the interstate going 65-70 mph. This was terrifying and the car practically stopped in the middle of the road. We are very lucky no one hit us from behind and that we did not lose control.
Sep 05, 2022
With NO WARNING, and while on AutoPilot-Full Self Drive, our Tesla TOTALLY HARD AND LONG BRAKED out of nowhere, THRUSTING our necks forward for four seconds until I could disengage the brake, then SLAMMING our heads to the headrest. I have a CERVICAL SPRAIN, WHIPLASH, and a CONCUSSION! I was driving 65mph. I’ve been to the ER, to a chiropractor, and to physical therapy since this incident Sunday, July 31, 2022 at 6:37-6:38pm. On the 405 South. I’ve reported it to Tesla Service who said it was escalated to the Fremont location Engineers to review which takes 2-3 months! I have INJURIES! Phantom braking is usually unwarranted and terrifying but has not HURT ME until this time. I was almost HIT by the car behind us!
Aug 03, 2022
LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaints
This defect is regarding Tesla’s FSD (beta). In the FSD mode, the car switched lanes without noticing the presence of a vehicle in the destination lane and caused a non-fatal accident. I was driving on O’Shaughnessy blvd in San Francisco around 8:50 AM. The weather was clear, and traffic was moderate. I had turned on FSD and entered my destination address. I stayed below the posted speed limit as I was new to FSD and wanted to stay extra alert. At this point, O’Shaughnessy is a single lane on each side. The lane gets wider as it nears a major intersection (Portola Drive). And then it splits into two lanes. Finally, the right lane becomes the right-turn-only lane. Per the route, the car was supposed to take a right turn at the intersection. When the lane split into two, the vehicle remained on the left for about 30 feet. Then it rapidly began to shift to the right lane by giving a signal. However, the vehicle behind me had moved into the right lane by this time. My car did not notice the vehicle as it tried to move to the right lane. It hit the other vehicle. This shift to the right lane was so rapid that I could not react to the impending collision fast enough. The other vehicle’s left-hand front fender hit my passenger door. Even as the vehicle collided, Tesla’s advanced driver assistance system failed to notice the presence of the other car. It did not give an alarm. My Tesla had all available safety warning options on. Since there was no injury, we did not file a police complaint. We notified insurance companies. This is a severe safety defect where the vehicle fails to detect the presence of another car in the lane. Not only did it proceed to change the lane, but its ADAS also did not warn of this obvious safety situation. There was no visibility issue, and vehicles traveled below the speed limit. The FSD is a safety hazard because it fails to notice a normal vehicle and switches lane.
Aug 16, 2022
I bought the standard autopilot for 2 model 3sI find it highly useful. It keeps me in the middle of my lane. Warns me with loud signal and bright red car marking of cars in my blind spot if it is dangerous to change lanes. Allows me to see clearly all cars around me. It will not allow me to drive without my hands putting active pressure on the steering wheel. I feel that it makes driving much much safer. Driver still needs to pay attention with active pressure on steering wheel.I drive 30,000 miles per year. I paid $3000 extra to buy the autopilot after not having it for the first 6 months. It was well worth the cost.Should be a standard feature on all new cars!!! My wife who drives my other model 3 has had the same experience.
Aug 16, 2021
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
I needed to back up slightly to make room to get our of a parallel parking position. I pressed the brake and put the car into reverse, pressed the accelerator slightly to back up. I then pressed the brake again and put the car into Drive. I then pressed the accelerator slightly to drive off, but the car suddenly accelerated in an uncontrolled manner. I was able to slam on the brakes to prevent an accident. This is not the first time that this type of unintended acceleration has occurred in this vehicle.
Mar 03, 2022
ON 04/13/2019 THE CAR ABRUPT STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE I DROVE IT ALONG NORTHBOND SANTA RITA ROAD IN PLEASANTON CA. . CARS COMING FROM BEHIND HAD TO MAKE URGENT BRAKING OR LANE CHANGE TO AVOID HITTING US. MY YOUNG CHILD WAS CRYING IN HORROR, AND WE HAVE NO WAY TO GET OURSELF TO SAFETY WITH THE CAR TOTALLY UNABLE TO MOVE. WE CALLED 911, AND LOCAL POLICE WAS DISPATCH TO HELP OTHER CARD AVOIDING HITTING US, WHILE WE WAITING FOR TOW TRUCK TO ARRIVE. THE CAR WAS UNRESPONSIVE FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES, WITH THE DISPLAY SHOWING MESSAGES: "UNABLE TO DRIVE, PULL OVER TO SAFETY. CAR SHUTTING DOWN". THE CAR RESUMED OPERATIONAL AFTER ABOUT 20 MINUTES, WITHOUT ANY NOTICEABLE CHANGE. I DROVE THE CAR TO NEAREST SERVICE CENTER (PLEASANTON CA). AFTER A FEW DAYS, I WAS CONTACT BY THE SERVICE CENTER STATING THE CAR CAN BE PICKED UP, WHILE NOTHING WAS DONE TO FIX THE ISSUE. THEIR OFFICIAL INVOICE STATES: "THIS IS CURRENTLY SCHEDULED TO BE FIXED IN 2019.20, BUT THE CUSTOMER CAN CONTINUE DRIVING. IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN (SEEMS UNLIKELY), THEY CAN JUST GET OUT OF THE CAR AND GET BACK IN TO RESUME OPERATION.". I POINTED TO TESLA SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE THAT THEIR RECOMMENDED SOLUTION IS UNACCEPTABLE - JUST LIKE WHAT HAPPENED TO US ALREADY - IT WOULD BE ILLEGAL AND UNSAFE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE IF IT STOPS IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY, WITH NO CHANCE TO PULL OVER EVEN TO THE CURB. THE TESLA REPRESENTATIVE BROUGHT AN ENGINEER TO HELP "EXPLAIN" THE INFORMATION, WHEN HE MENTIONED THAT THIS ISSUE IS A KNOWN CHARACTERISTIC RELATED TO USE OF CRUISE CONTROL. AND THE ENGINEER SAID HE WOULD PERSONALLY BE OK TO DRIVE THE CAR WITHOUT USING CRUISE CONTROL. I ASKED IF THAT MEANS THE CRUISE CONTROL IS NOT SAFE, THEY SAID IT WOULD BE MY OWN JUDGMENT. I THINK THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD TESLA IS INTENTIONALLY IGNORING AND NEED THOROUGH INVESTIGATION.
Apr 26, 2019
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
WE RECENTLY GOT INTO AN SUA WITH OUR CURRENT TESLA 3. I WAS TURNING INTO MY DRIVE WAY AND I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. WHILE I WAS WAITING FOR THE GATE TO OPEN AND WHEN I BRAKED, THE CAR SUDDENLY SPED UP VERY FAST AND I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AGAIN BUT THE CAR DID NOT STOP. THE CAR WAS ALSO IN HOLD MODE WHEN I LATER CHECKED I NEVER STEPPED DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR HARD ENOUGH TO REACH THE SPEED OF RUNNING THROUGH 2 CEMENTED METAL GATES. THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T POP OUT AND TESLA'S SENSOR BREAK SYSTEM ALSO DID NOT ACTIVATE. I ALSO BELIEVE THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE COMPUTER SYSTEM OF MY CAR A SHORT WHILE AFTER I PURCHASED MY CAR (APRIL 18, 2018). I WAS DRIVING BACK HOME WHEN THE DISPLAY SCREEN WAS STUCK ON THE PARK MODE FOR THE WHOLE ENTIRE DRIVE BACK. I COULDN'T TURN ON MY SIGNALS, OR SEE MY MPH. EVEN AFTER I GOT HOME, IT WOULDN'T TURN OFF EVEN AFTER TRYING FOR 2 HOURS SO I HAD TO CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND SHE TOLD ME A WAY TO RESET THE CAR. ( I HAVE VIDEOS TO PROVE THIS.) THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN INCIDENTS WHEN I AM BRAKED AND WAITING AT A RED LIGHT. I OBVIOUSLY PRESSED ACCEL WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, BUT THE CAR WENT INTO PARK MODE AND I WOULD GET STARTLED AND QUICKLY MANUALLY TURN IT INTO DRIVE MODE. THIS HAS HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY 4-5 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR AND EVEN RECENTLY IN 2021.
Mar 18, 2021
TESLA MODEL 3 (2018) PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE WHILE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED GOING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION CAUSING UNCONTROLLABLE MANEUVER AND VEHICLE CONTROL LOSS. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND TO PEDAL INPUT AND FAILED TO DEPLOY AIRBAGS UPON IMPACT WITH A TREE AND FENCE CONTINUING TO ACCELERATE THROUGHOUT SUCH INCIDENT. AUTOPILOT WAS ENGAGED PRIOR TO CRASH. NO FORWARD COLLISION WARNING ACTIVATED.
Nov 26, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE USING THE AUTOMATIC PARKING FEATURE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO INJURY SUSTAINED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TESLA (5544 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33417, (561) 841-9281) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT DEALERS FINDINGS WERE THAT BOTH HANDS WERE OFF THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL WERE BEING DEPRESSED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARALLEL PARK. ON ANOTHER OCCASION AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND WAS LOCKED IN WITH THE ELECTRICAL FUNCTION INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT REMAINED LOCKED IN FOR 45 MINUTES UNTIL SECURITY WAS ABLE TO REMOVE HER FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE THE 12 VOLT BATTERY WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR HER SAFETY AND DECLINED TO RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,776. *BF CONSUMER STATED CAR HAD ISSUE THE MOMENT CONSUMER PURCHASED IT.*JB
Sep 23, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH WHILE IN THE AUTO PILOT MODE AND WITH THE VEHICLE MERGING ONTO A RAMP WHICH IS DESCENDING DOWNWARD WITH ON COMING VEHICLES STOPPED APPROXIMATELY 200 FEET AHEAD THE AUTO PILOT DID NOT DEACTIVATE AND SLOW THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE REAR OF A SECOND VEHICLE. DURING THE CRASH NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE (9675202000182). THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED AWAY. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER TESLA OF COSTA MESA (3140 PULLMAN RD. COSTA MESA CA) WERE NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,500.
Jan 27, 2020
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
MY TESLA MODEL 3 HAS A DEFECT WITH AUTOPILOT SENSORS AND SOUND. WHEN ON AUTOPILOT (ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL), THE SENSORS CAN SOMETIMES FREEZE UP AND OR FAIL, CAUSING AUTOPILOT TO CEASE FUNCTIONING AND ISSUE AN AUDIO ALERT. HOWEVER, SYSTEM SOUND (BLINKERS, NOTIFICATION ALERT SYSTEM) SOMETIMES FAILS, THUS PREVENTING THE AUTOPILOT FROM ALERTING THE DRIVER THAT IT WILL NO LONGER BE BREAKING AND OR STEERING. FOR EXAMPLE, I AM DRIVING USING THE AUTOPILOT CRUISE CONTROL, WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO STEER /BRAKE/ACCELERATE FOR ME AND INSTRUCTED TO KEEP EYES ON THE ROAD, HOWEVER, WHEN THE AUTOPILOT STOPS WORKING AS WELL AS THE AUDIO NOTIFICATION, THE DRIVER WILL NOT KNOW THAT IT HAS FAILED AND THE CAR NO LONGER BRAKES, THUS MAKING IT LIKELY TO HAVE A COLLISION. I HAVE RECORDED THE FLAWS AND DEFECTS AND HAVE IT ON VIDEO. THIS CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE, ON HIGHWAY OR ON A REGULAR ROAD. TESLA HAS BEEN UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM.
Oct 10, 2019
THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT A NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE TESLA AUTOPILOT EXPERIMENT. ELECTREK WHICH IS A VERY INFLUENTIAL TESLA PUBLICITY PUBLICATION HAS JUST RELEASED A HIGHLY IRRESPONSIBLE ARTICLE AND VIDEO. HTTPS://ELECTREK.CO/2019/09/19/TESLA-AUTOPILOT-V10-COMMUTE-WITHOUT-DRIVER-INTERVENTION/ THIS EVEN SHOWS THE TESLA FITTED WITH A "NAG DEFEATER" ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS IS GOING TO CAUSE OWNERS TO HAVE EVEN MORE MISPLACED CONFIDENCE IN THE AUTOPILOT AND WILL MOST CERTAINLY CAUSE MORE DEATHS. PLEASE STOP THIS DANGEROUS EXPERIMENT WHICH IS RECKLESSLY ENDANGERING INNOCENT ROAD USERS. PLEASE NOTE THAT I HAVE USED THE VIN OF A WRECKED TESLA MODEL 3 SO AS TO BE ABLE TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT. I AM NOT A TESLA OWNER BUT I HAVE TO SHARE THE PUBLIC ROADS WITH THESE LETHAL VEHICLES. THANK YOU. NOTE - DUMMY USA ADDRESS USED TO NEGOTIATE YOUR WEBSITE. CORRECT NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED WITH THIS COMPLAINT.
Sep 19, 2019
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
Following a professional suspension repair at a Tesla Service Center, critical underbody fasteners (bolts) became loose, causing the aero shield to sag and creating a potential road hazard. Upon inspection, the service technician confirmed the bolts were unsecured. The failure of these fasteners on a safety-critical system poses a risk of parts detaching while in motion or loss of vehicle control. The service center refused to acknowledge this as a workmanship failure under the 12-month repair warranty, despite the fasteners being last serviced by their technicians.
Apr 13, 2026
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
Please review attachment.
Jan 07, 2026
TIRES
1 complaint
1.The component that failed is the load index rating and both inner and outer sidewalls of the tire. Yes, the tires are available for inspection, they are off the car and stored in my garage. 2. I believe the safety of others and my self were at risk, I went for a tire rotation and saw the damage and asked the shop if tires were good and they said its good. Later my father points out this will kill me, so I went back and they offered the replacement warranty with that "tire is free and clear of all liens" claim. :( I refused to sign after reading and bought new tires at tesla and kept the old ones in storage. Also would like to note there website has a gap on warranty manual year after January 1, 2021 to before January 1, 2024 so I'm assuming the newest one is in play. Overall, the safety of others mainly heavy cars like Tesla's are involved. Also the local manger spilled to me that these tires are on Hertz and Enterprise cars, but they might be lighter/cheaper versions then mine. 3. Yes, tesla Tech in Libertyville IL informed me this is a problem and to read my user manual and double check the load index rating. All of which check out correct and don't sound any alarms. 4. no, only firestone and Tesla inspected the tires. 5. No, no warnings besides the cracks forming and getting bigger in the cold weather. Only visual inspection or leak might warn others, but I fear the leak is too late unless parked. Tire size: "235/45R18 94W M+S" from the actual tire. Now that I'm looking at it they are missing the 'P' for passenger.
Nov 29, 2025
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I am reporting a major safety defect that began immediately after Tesla installed the Full Self-Driving (FSD) hardware upgrade on my vehicle. After paying $2,000 for FSD and receiving the hardware retrofit, the car now instantly veers left toward oncoming traffic whenever FSD is engaged. This began immediately after Tesla’s installation. Before this service, my vehicle operated safely. I have contacted Tesla Cherry Hill Service Center in New Jersey multiple times. The advisors there repeatedly told me to “just recalibrate the cameras from the touchscreen.” I’ve done this numerous times, following every instruction carefully, but the issue persists. When I called the Service Center, I was told that “everything looks fine remotely,” even though the problem continues and is clearly dangerous. I was also told they could take it for a test drive, but that if they couldn’t find anything, I would have to “wait for a future update” to make FSD usable. This is unacceptable and unsafe. Tesla delivered this car to me in a dangerous condition that could easily cause a serious crash. A car that steers itself into oncoming traffic under FSD control should never have been returned to a customer — especially one new to using FSD. I should not be responsible for any repairs, recalibrations, or diagnostics related to a defect introduced by Tesla. This issue appears to be the direct result of improper installation, misalignment, or faulty calibration following the FSD hardware upgrade performed by Tesla Cherry Hill. This poses a severe risk of collision and injury, and Tesla’s refusal to take responsibility or correct it under warranty demonstrates clear negligence and disregard for safety. Tesla Cherry Hill is also known for poor customer service and repeated dismissal of safety complaints from other owners, which further concerns me.
Nov 20, 2025
STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
The front upper control arms on my 2018 Tesla Model 3 have failed multiple times, producing loud clunking, popping, and binding noises during steering. The issue has worsened and poses a serious risk of loss of control while driving. Tesla replaced these parts under goodwill in the past, but the failures have returned. The most recent incident occurred around 03/05/2025 at approximately 106,867 miles. The failure has been confirmed and documented by Tesla Service Centers, and I have multiple invoices showing repeated replacements of the same components. The problem directly affects steering and suspension safety.
Oct 21, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
The center display (Vehicle Pad) on my 2018 Tesla Model 3 went completely blank while driving. This eliminated access to all vital driving information including the speedometer, gear selection, and safety indicators. Safety Concern: Without visible speed data and wipers the vehicle cannot be operated safely or legally. I attempted to reboot the system and power cycle the vehicle but the screen still failed.
Oct 17, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
No warning messages at all, all cameras/sensors stopped working all at once while driving, full self drive stopped working, lane assist, safety features of full self drive was degraded by this. Car software v12 (2024.44.25.2 288ce84bb43e), according to the dealership the computer fried randomly.
Oct 07, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaint
Backup camera recall was not fixed properly or the new parts have same issue. As a result the backup camera was not functioning. When the camera is not functioning the autopilot system drives aggressively, speeding up to the max set speed when it is not safe to do so with current traffic conditions. Had to disengage autopilot otherwise it would have crashed. Also I received an alert that the emergency breaking system was not functional. When reversing could not use backup camera.
Jul 25, 2025
SEAT BELTS,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the front passenger's side restraint warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a seat belt restraint failure. The contact was informed that the front passenger's side wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that a year prior to the failure, the front driver's side restraint failed, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that at that time, the front passenger's side restraint failure was intermittent; however, the repair for the front passenger's side restraint was not completed because the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that only the driver's side wiring harness was replaced under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Jul 17, 2025
SUSPENSION,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
Front suspension creaking & rattling going over bumps Tesla took days & days & never called me w/ problem I kept calling in!! Finally decide it is a KNOWN recall problem w/ Suspension bolts & sub frame! They told me they torqued them & would test drive for noise & I never heard from them! I had to call in. Suddenly I had a $4200 estimate for repairs including $322 1.24 hours of diagnosis??? A known problem other 2018 Tesla’s have been recalled for ??? Very suspicious?? How do I know they didn’t torque it too far & strip bolt themselves??
Jun 23, 2025
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
I just traded in my vehicle for a Tesla from 3rd party dealership on [XXX] A light came on once I reached my home. I called right away before the dealership closed but no one answered. So I took it upon myself to make a service call to Tesla to get my vehicle checked come to find out my vehicle has extensive damages from my unit drive, my subframe and the battery pack is severe punctures and needs to be replaced. Choice Automotive LLC in Honolulu Hawaii didn’t disclose anything to me before purchasing this vehicle. also they didn’t disclose that this vehicle was in a car accident, but they carried on with the sale. I have pictures of what needs to be repaired. Tesla said, I will need $20,000 to repair these damages. So I’m trying to take legal action against Choice Automotive LLC for selling me a vehicle that needs a lot of repair to drive normal again. I need them to pay for these repairs immediately. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Apr 30, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
1. PTC Heater, old part is available for inspection 2. PTC heater failed while driving, experienced loss of power and slow loss of secondary electrical systems (the 12v battery was not able to recharge itself with the PTC heater not functioning). When attempting to restart car after pulling into a parking lot, the entire car died (12V battery was drained so it couldn't start up) and had to get towed to Tesla service center. PTC heater is critical for car to operate as it is closely linked to 12V battery. Additionally, without PTC heater car cannot defog windshield, resulting in potentially poor visibility. 3. Dealer replaced the defective part (PTC heater) and had to replace 12V battery as well. Was not covered under warranty and I had to pay the cost out of pocket. 4. Inspected by manufacturer and replaced. 5. Got warning signs about reduced power available, and secondary electrical features were limited.
Apr 03, 2025
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
1 complaint
On March 21, 2025, my Tesla Model 3 Long Range entered "Power Reduction Mode" — a safety feature that limits power to protect the high-voltage battery from overheating or failure. Tesla later diagnosed a coolant leak near the battery area. Their own service advisor stated in writing that the failure was “most likely related” to the battery’s thermal management system — the very system responsible for regulating battery temperature and preventing damage. Despite the connection to the battery protection system and the vehicle being under the 8-year/120,000-mile battery warranty, Tesla has refused to cover the repair. The issue remains unresolved, and I have not picked up or approved any repairs on the vehicle. My concern is that driving the vehicle in this state — or leaving this failure unaddressed — could lead to further battery damage or pose a safety risk. I am requesting that NHTSA evaluate this issue as a potential safety concern, especially as the manufacturer is refusing to repair a system directly linked to high-voltage battery safety.
Mar 27, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I was at a stoplight behind a Toyota Tacoma. I must have stopped around 8 feet behind it. I was not using FSD and I was not one-pedal driving. My foot was on the brake. I must have been at a complete stop for approximately 10 seconds when my Model 3 suddenly accelerated full throttle on its own and rear ended the Tacoma, directly hitting its trailer hitch, causing my car's driver-side airbags to deploy. When it happened, the light was still red and my foot was still on the brake. I never touched the accelerator. Luckily I was driving alone. After the inital contact, my car sort of bounced off of his hitch then slowly lurched forward before it stopped. After that, it was immobile, leaving me stuck in traffic until it was towed away.
Dec 28, 2024
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
In several accidents and fires in model 3s it became apparent that when the electric door openers on the rear door fail the backup mechanical system is completely inadequate particularly for incidental passengers. Unlike the front seats which have a level to pull up to open the door the rear doors require a number of steps that are odd and certainly not obvious or intuitive leading to a very dangerous situation when a very fast exit is needed. The rear should have the same type of level to provide consistency for riders in an emergency situation. As someone who owns Tesla and uses many UBER Tesla's in the back seat I have quired drivers who generally have no idea that the rear seat passengers could easily trapped in the car in an emergency and do not know how to open the doors from the inside. Please refer to this YouTube video for a better understanding of this issue [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Dec 03, 2024
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
1. I had my car for only 6 years, and the main monitor would randomly go black. I have to do multiple hard resets to get it to work again. 2. I'm getting a Front left safety restrain system fault, on a car that I had only for 6 years. Compared to my Prius that I had more than 10 years, which I had no problems AT ALL, Tesla is junk. 3. Front suspension is squeaking when making turns at slow speeds. Review of YouTube indicates that this is a very common problem. Tesla should fix this for free instead of charging $800.
Nov 25, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
Seems that when brake pedal sensor can trigger a "pressed" reading when not actually being pressed. The only way to turn off the car manually is defeated by, you guessed it, depressing the brake pedal. This causes the vehicle to remain on and unlocked. Even if you are able to leave the vehicle in a locked park state, at any point, the sensor can register a "pressed" reading and essentially unlock and turn on the vehicle. I see this as a extremely serious safety issue. The issue seems to occur randomly at first and then more frequently. It can be confused with a known seat sensor issue which seems to also cause the same symptoms.
Oct 03, 2024
SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound underneath the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The front passenger restraint message was displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V376000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front lower link was tearing. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Sep 12, 2024
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
I recently took my car in for a recall for the trunk wiring harness and have never had any major issues since I purchased it in 2018. Since replacing the recalled harness, I’m starting to receive several alerts from my driver assistance system (emergency brakes, camera failure). I called a service tech who mentioned there’s either a failed camera or a failed wiring harness. Looking online, I was shocked to see hundreds of other owners with a 2018 model 3 also experiencing the same issue in 2024 (assuming after they replaced the recently recalled harness). I strongly believe that these two issues are related and that the camera should be replaced alongside the wiring harness. Several people on this forum have been quoted hundreds or thousands from tesla to replace the harness (including myself) and are taking matters into their own hands by replacing with after market parts. This is a serious safety issue since the cameras control all self driving functionality. I’m shocked that it’s not already been addressed through a recall! The first time my system had gone out while on Autopilot, the car flashed and sirened and asked that I take over. Since then all my driver assistance features including my rear camera are no longer functional. Please see this forum where several others are experiencing the same issue on their 2018 Model 3s [XXX] Attached are error messages from my car and screenshots from the forum above where people have described the DIY fix and the costs quoted by Tesla. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Aug 20, 2024
SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
Vehicle started to display error message of "front left safety restraint system fault" intermittently, then would come on after the vehicle runs for about 5 minute and stay on. According to online forums, this is a common issue with Tesla Model 3, primarily related to the frequent movements of the seat (use of easy entry function). There appears to be electrical wires / sensors that can be damaged or pinched from moving the seat. There is no other issues aside from the safety alert. Tesla quoted more than $700, mostly in labor, to evaluate root cause of the issues. This can be a potential safety issue (not sure how this affects seat belt and/or airbag deployment), and it is not due to negligence or misuse of the vehicle; rather, this appears to be related to the design and quality of vehicle and should be covered by Tesla as a recall to fix the issue.
Aug 08, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
Drivers door opens at. random
Jun 15, 2024
STRUCTURE,SEATS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
The 2018 Tesla model 3 has no manual release for rear passenger doors. Rear doors often fail to open due to door panel alignment or actuator for door. Doors will feel like they are opening but will be stuck. passenger will be unable to exit the rear of the vehicle incase of fire, power loss or due to an accident with no ability to exit the rear of the vehicle.
Apr 19, 2024
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
The most recent software update v11.1(2024.3.10 9d92fb944d7f) was downloaded automatically and I installed it. The next time I drove, the car made uncommanded and unwanted lane changes, apparently because I could "go faster" if I passed the traffic in front of me. I did not want to go faster due to congestion and aggressive drivers where I live. I then discovered that "Full Self Driving" had been activated after the download and without my knowledge or authorization. I believe that this was an unsafe condition and wish to report it. I immediately turned "FSD" off.
Apr 16, 2024
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I have a 2018 Tesla Mode 3. It is one of the early Model 3 on roads. I have had around 10 issues in the car over the past 6 years of ownership; and most of them were fixed during warranty. My car has no accidents, no water damages (only hand washed), single driver driven and well maintained. Around a month ago, I got an alert in the car “Condition Detected with Controller”. Tesla Service did remote check and stated that VCFRONT (Front Body Controller) needs to be replaced for $900. I took the car for this fix and then heard that VCFRONT Controller is fine, but I need a replacement of Harness and Steering Rack for $4200, as they see corrosion. I told them that I have no issues with driving or anything else, as $4200 is around 25% of the value of the car. I was advised, pay for this amount or take the car. I got my car without fix. My concern include (i) if this is corrosion issue (Model S 2018 and before also had the same issue and there was a recall), then is it their part quality or design quality issue or is it a normal car’s aging issue? (ii) I see malpractice of charging exorbitant $4200 for something I do not see any issues in driving or anything else, and importantly, not sure how are my future repairs going to look like $$ wise. I have request for NHSTA – can I show my car to any entity like yours (and not Tesla Service) to get an advise whether (a) this is a corrosion issue by manufacturer or normal car’s aging issue (b) is it critical car to replace one or both parts (c) is this a malpractice to burden owners with this high cost of maintenance, once it is out of warranty? (Please note that Tesla never offered extended warranty for my car)
Apr 14, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
I am unable to open my rear passenger car door from the outside or the inside. Also the rear passenger door also lacks a manual release like the front doors have. This, coming off of [XXX] 's death, and Tesla's service apathy and insistence on first collecting money before solving this problem is incredibly dangerous. So I am now driving a death trap, and this is my only car, and Tesla should have to pay for the fix, yet they are insisting I pay for the full price because my car is now "out of warranty." But with this kind of LIFE-THREATENING failure of a door that should honestly just work, is reprehensible. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Mar 19, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
While in FSD the car swerved to the left and hit a Tree. Youtube of the Crash.. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Feb 14, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
My bluetooth has not been connecting in my car. To preface this, my car was in twice this year alone, with a near $3000 bill, to replace the MCU, on a car with only 26k miles. Now this bluetooth connection issue is still a problem. After opening a service ticket with Tesla, I am told for an additional $180, I would need to replace my seat sensor. This means my seat (while I am driving) does not recognize that someone is on it and driving. My concern is the manufacturer remedy does not replace failed parts with improved design and that this has the potential to cause other safety issues if occupant detection compromised by faulty sensors. What if I am in an accident and the airbags don't deploy?
Feb 07, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS,BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaint
Recall items not available
Dec 29, 2023
STEERING,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
I AM WRITING TO REPORT URGENT SAFETY CONCERNS WITH MY 2018 TESLA MODEL 3, SOFTWARE VERSION 2023.44.30.5.1, AFTER THE NHTSA RECALL ON AUTOPILOT FUNCTIONALITY. I HAVE OWNED MY VEHICLE FOR OVER 4 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD CONCERNS WITH THE ADAS / AUTO-PILOT / AUTO-STEERING FUNCTIONALITY UNTIL THE NHTSA REQUIRED CHANGES IN DECEMBER 2024. WHILE DRIVING ON I-405 IN GARDEN GROVE, CA, MY VEHICLE WHILE IN ADAS / AUTO-STEERING / AUTOPILOT MADE REPEATED AND UNUSUALLY PERSISTENT ATTEMPTS TO CHANGE FROM LANE 4 TO LANE 3. I HAD TO MANUALLY CANCEL EACH ATTEMPT, DESPITE MY SPEED BEING SET TO MATCH TRAFFIC FLOW. THIS ISSUE NEVER AROSE BEFORE THE SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR THE NHTSA RECALL. MOREOVER, THE VEHICLE CONSISTENTLY SIGNALED FOR DRIVER ATTENTION, DESPITE MY FULL ATTENTION TO THE ROAD, A CONCERNING NEW BEHAVIOR POST-UPDATE. THE NEED TO FREQUENTLY OVERRIDE THESE UNDESIRED MANEUVERS FORCED ME TO DISABLE THE ADAS AUTOPILOT/AUTO-STEERING. THIS PUTS ME AND MY VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AT RISK, AS I BELIEVE THE ADAS SYSTEM, FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY PRE-RECALL UPDATE, SAFELY MAINTAINED DISTANCE FROM VEHICLES AHEAD AND DID NOT MAKE UNINTENDED MANEUVERS TO CHANGE LANES. THESE ISSUES SUGGEST THE RECALL MODIFICATIONS ADVERSELY AFFECT AUTOPILOT FUNCTIONALITY, CREATING SAFETY HAZARDS. THIS IS ESPECIALLY ALARMING GIVEN THE POTENTIAL FOR SERIOUS ACCIDENTS DUE TO UNEXPECTED LANE CHANGES AND FALSE DRIVER ATTENTION ALERTS. I URGE THE NHTSA TO RECONSIDER THE RECALL MODIFICATIONS TO TESLA'S AUTO-STEER/AUTOPILOT ADAS FEATURES. IT'S CRUCIAL THAT RECALL ADJUSTMENTS DO NOT JEOPARDIZE VEHICLE AND VEHICLE OCCUPANTS SAFETY. A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE RECALL'S IMPACT IS NEEDED, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO AN AMENDMENT OR REVERSAL, TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF TESLA USERS AND OTHER ROAD USERS.
Dec 28, 2023
AIR BAGS,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
Intermittently over the past two months, the vehicle has been showing error code RCM_a056 with the accompanying message: Front passenger safety restraint system fault Service is required I reached out to Tesla and the service estimate was nearly $1500 to replace the Airbag "to maintain compatibility with Front Passenger Seat" for $942 and $414 to replace the Occupant Classification System (OCS) of Front Passenger Seat plus taxes. Basically, they want to replace the airbag and the seat sensor system. Many people on the forums have reported the same issue, which is sometimes fixed by replacing both components, just the sensor, or reseating the sensor cable. This is clearly a safety issue caused by a defect and these critical components should not fail this catastrophically in just 5+ years.
Nov 21, 2023
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
"Self-Driving System" turned into a one-way road, going the wrong way when the road was well labeled. I have had similar problems every time I have activated self-driving over the past 6 years. It is easy to reproduce the issue at any time.
Nov 21, 2023
SEATS,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
For the past 2-3 weeks, my vehicle has been intermittently displaying an error message that reads “Front left safety restraint system fault,” accompanied by the error code RCM_a021. This error has been appearing nearly every day and seems to indicate a malfunction in the Restraint Control Module, specifically relating to the front left safety restraint system. Importantly, the vehicle has not been in any accidents, and no recent repair work has been done that could explain the onset of this issue. This malfunction poses a significant safety risk. The front left safety restraint system, which includes crucial components like the seat belt latch sensor and the pretensioner system, is designed to protect the driver in the event of an accident. Given the critical nature of these safety features, the issue at hand could compromise the vehicle’s ability to protect its occupants, thereby placing both the driver and passengers at considerable risk. The vehicle has not been inspected or diagnosed by a Tesla dealer, an independent service center, or any other entity such as police or insurance representatives. This absence of professional evaluation further underscores the urgency for a thorough investigation into the root cause of this fault. There were no precursors or warnings prior to the appearance of this error message. The issue spontaneously manifested and has been consistently reoccurring. This lack of predictability elevates the risk associated with the fault, making it vital to investigate and resolve it expediently. The intermittent but consistent fault code RCM_a021 affecting the front left safety restraint system in my 2018 Tesla Model 3 is a significant safety concern. Given the absence of any recent repair work or incidents or recalls that could account for this problem, along with the lack of any professional diagnostic evaluation it’s my hope that NHTSA and Tesla take appropriate action to investigate and resolve this potential safety defect.
Oct 28, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
I received a warning message that displayed, “Front Left Safety Restraint System Fault.” This is an engineering problem as the cables associated easily detach under the driver’s seat. Tesla has been long aware of this problem. They came out to my home and replaced the wire connection by installing sturdier connectors. I was subsequently was charged $329.40.
Oct 26, 2023
STEERING,WHEELS
1 complaint
I was turning into a parking spot when I heard a loud clanging sound, and I was unable to complete the turn. When I came out to look, the front driver's side wheel was slanted, as if in a turn, the passenger side wheel was straight. I had returned the steering wheel to center before I came out. I found a bolt behind the car, and through visual inspection saw that the front driver's side wheel was no longer attached to the steering shaft. The tow truck driver found another bolt under the car. Neither nut was recovered despite searching. Tesla support told me to tow it to their service center, where they repaired it for me for free, despite the fact that I was no longer under warranty. 1) Component that failed: Front Driver's Side control assembly 2) Safety at risk: the car was unsteerable at that point, at a higher speed, it would have cause d a crash 3) Confirmed by dealer, repaired by dealer. Invoice attached. 4) Has not been inspected by anyone other than the dealer, and superficially by the tow truck driver. 5) no warnings or symptoms observed before the incident. Attached: a) picture of the steering arm on the ground, disconnected from the steering shaft. b) picture of one of the recovered bolts. c) repair invoice from Tesla.
Oct 23, 2023
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the front upper control arm, and the shifter cable needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 39,000.
Aug 24, 2023
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
My car left the road traveling at 60mph, and after leaving the road it was quickly approaching a metal pole. At this time it seemed that the breaks were not able to stop the vehicle. After totaling the car, and what I thought would be the loss of my life, my airbags did not deploy. To further explain the extent of the accident: the front bumper is destroyed, the hood is destroyed, the windshield is destroyed and caved in onto me, the roof was destroyed, the back glass was also destroyed, along with much more extensive damage to the build of the car. The pole involved in the accident came out of the ground and through the car. It is unfathomable how I am still alive with manageable injuries. Yet- no airbags. This could have ended much differently.
Jul 22, 2023
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
I purchased this car used 12/05/2022. The seatbelt /driverside, doesn't catch on sudden stops, lurching me forward. I've almost hit the steering wheel with my face and head. Tesla says they are not responsible for replacing seatbelt. I have to pay for it. I don't know previous owners knew about this issue prior to selling it , but according to tesla, this issue doesn't fall with in their purview. Also the sealed control arm bushings on steering are squealing & after squeaking 10,000 miles of my driving this car and purchase. That too isn't covered.
Apr 25, 2023
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
Car speed control malfunctioned. There was a sudden acceleration when car was below 10 miles in the parking lot. The driver lost control on braking and car keep accelerating even no force was applied to pedal. Dribe had to steer out of parking lot and crash through a wood en fence on next door neighbor. Car still keep going thru front yard of two houses cross the street and eventually hit a concrete barrier on front porch of the house. Several parts breakoff underneath the car , fluid leaked and all wheels are severely damage. Severy damage to front body side of the of the car and battery system , has occurred . There was near miss body injury to pedestrians in the area and neighbor hood. No physical injury was reported at the time of accident. but driver reported psychologycal distress. Currently CAR is towed away per Instruction from Insurance company for evaluation. Police report CASE# 23021162 NORTH bRUNSWICK pd 710 hermann road North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Apr 24, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,VISIBILITY/WIPER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaint
Tesla recently pushed out a significant software update version 2023.2.12. Like a similar software upgrade last year, the upgrade wipes out all user profiles and rearranges control settings. The sudden change makes it hard to find simple and necessary control features of the car. The driver is significantly distracted trying to find where the new controls are. Some are hidden. Some are no longer visible. Software update is inherently unsafe especially for older drivers. In addition, the controls panel font is so small that many of the controls cannot be seen by older drivers. We have complained to Tesla that this is inherently unsafe and poses a risk to motor vehicle safety. No response.
Mar 04, 2023
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
While attempting to park the car in a parking lot, the car did not respond to the release of the accelerator or the press of the brake but just continued. Car continued to jump the curb and run into a concrete wall without slowing or stopping. No auto functions were enabled on the car. Car was attempting to park in the spot on the right side of the photo but just continued on and ran into the stone wall.
Feb 21, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
Many states like Florida have a law that headlights need to be on when it is raining, My Tesla has automatic wipers that come on when it senses rain, when this happens, it should also turn on headlights for safety reasons but it does not, they need to be turned on manually, the car does also have automatic headlights, but the automatic headlights on the car only work when it gets dark in the evening. This is a simple programming change that Tesla could do, my repeated requests to Tesla to address this in the app has done nothing, that’s why I’m requesting you force Tesla to do this. Makes sense right?
Feb 18, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving 68 MPH, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,023.
Feb 17, 2023
VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention), 22V702000 (Visibility), and 22V798000 (Seat Belts) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The local Service Center was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Feb 17, 2023
VISIBILITY/WIPER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
The automatic wiper does not always work. Set to auto but despite poor visibility on the windshield, it failed to start until I manually adjusted the wiper control on the screen. With poor visibility and having to look at the infotainment screen to adjust wiper while vehicle is in motion, my safety was put at risk. Every time it rains, the auto wiper is unreliable and often fails to start or is too slow to start as if there is a huge delay and does not keep up with in heavy rain as it sometimes wipes too slow and I have to look at the screen to find the settings for the wiper to manually override the wiping speed. Also, the adaptive cruse control accelerates too aggressively at stop and go traffic causing hard braking by the car and I worry this will cause rear end collisions. The blind spot side cameras are unusable at night when turn signal is on as the light blinds the camera image and can’t see anything from it, multiple visits to service center and they told me it is normal and refuse to replace but this cannot be normal as the image from the camera is blinded by the turn signal.
Jan 18, 2023
VISIBILITY,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V702000 (Visibility) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the front driver's side and passenger's side windows failed to operate as needed intermittently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Tesla Service Center where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Additionally, the contact stated that he had been receiving notifications on the center display indicating that the visual ability of the camera on the front driver's side of the vehicle was faulty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Dec 19, 2022
STRUCTURE,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
My vehicle, was parked and pulled out of the parking lot on a doing a complete left steering turn, couple of nuts&bolts carrying the vehicle control arm fell to the ground and the entire control arm disengaged out of the shafts. This could have been very fatal, if my family or me were riding the car. Tesla was trying to tell me that saying that, this is caused due to a high impact etc, not doing wheel alignment etc. And they want to charge me $3561+ to fix this shaft to put back the nuts and bolts that fell off from the car.
Oct 16, 2022
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
1) Ongoing issue with car braking suddenly when no other cars are ahead of it. 2) When in auto-pilot, the car brakes late when carrying speed. This has happened when the car is less than 1 car length behind the car ahead of it forcing me to disengage and brake hard to avoid a collision. In one incident, I had to swerve the car and drive onto shoulder of the highway to avoid a collision. 3) On 7-16 the the undercarriage cover detached from car while driving on highway.
Jul 17, 2022
SEAT BELTS,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
Since I purchased this car new in Sept 2018, the car has had a "front Left safety restraint system fault". It has been fixed over 3 times and it is going for the 4th time now. The car is going out of warranty this year and I am afraid I will be stuck with the bill if it happens again. Even though all the fixes have been free so far, it is an ongoing problem Also, the known phantom breaking, just add to the numbers. it is more than common. I almost see it coming when going under overpasses because of the shadow. The computer must see it as an object. I have inquired about the lane departure warning and they keep saying it is just a software issue. If it is activated at any point during the drive, then it says that "lane departure warning" is not long available and may be restored on the next drive.
Jul 12, 2022
AIR BAGS,BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaint
This car was hit in a T bone on March 15th 2022 by a Toyota RAV4 on the driver side , the driver side was completely smashed and the car spun 2 times and came in the middle ramp. In spite of this heavy impact there were no airbags deployed , after several follow ups with Tesla I have no answer so far. The car was deemed total loss last month and even after consistent follow ups I have no answer from. Tesla. The impact was very heavy that my wife had whiplash and she went through chiropractic treatment for 2 months .. I’m very worried as the impact was so bad that this is a fatal flaw in Tesla and they do not have the airbag curtain deploy to protect the driver side at all - my wife was lucky and she is alive but this could happen to anyone .. I need an answer from Tesla and I found I could get it through this website and need the right measures take so that no one will get injured or cause life in any accident in future
Jul 05, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the warning message "Front Left Safety Restraint System Fault. Service Required." The contact continued to drive. The contact stated that the next day, the air bag warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a field mechanic would be sent to his residence to repair the vehicle however, the repair appointment was rescheduled several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000. Parts distribution disconnect. Defective airbag warning sign in red is also active. After repeated requests to Tesla they refuse to fix the issue and keep postponing the repair dates.
May 20, 2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaint
Vehicle center screen freezing multiple times per drive. Speedometer, turn signals, autopilot, battery percentage, backup camera, blind spot monitor, parking sensors, HVAC and garage door opener all repeatedly inoperative. Audio chimes also freeze up and previously-engaged “navigate on autopilot” functions continue to operate without any visual or auditory alerts.
May 16, 2022
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at a slow speed in ongoing traffic, the vehicle accelerated independently and bumped into the vehicle in front of her lane. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. No police report was filed. The contact stated her vehicle did not need any repairs but the other vehicle did. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted about the incident. The contact stated she continued to experience the failure. The contact stated on November 2021, while she was driving at slow speed in a parking lot, the vehicle accelerated independently and she crashed into a concrete post. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. No police report was filed. The contact called the manufacturer and was referred to the body shop. The contact took the vehicle to the body shop and had the bummer, the passenger side headlight, the bender, and other front components. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated she had experienced the failure on 4 different occasions in total to herself and once to her husband. The contact stated her husband ran into bushes but no damage to the vehicle. No one was injured nor sought medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.
Apr 11, 2022
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
The vehicle looses power on the freeway and will continue to slow down despite repeatedly depressing the accelerator and holding it down. The vehicle has been brought in to Tesla and no fix has been found to this date. No warning lights go on and sounds are heard to alert to any problem. I have video of this.
Mar 15, 2022
VISIBILITY/WIPER,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
My blindspot warning cameras display gets completely washed out at night, (unable to view alongside my vehicle) whenever the directional blinker lights. This causes me to loose view of anything alongside my car. This only happens during darkness. This has been corrected in newer versions of the camera, but Tesla refuses to repair this under warranty. I was instructed to have the cameras replaced at my cost or to disable the feature. They refuse to fix this under warranty. I have included the complete correspondence with Tesla after requesting service.
Mar 13, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
the car tart to have sudden unintended acceleration at low speed after fully charge. The car will stop at the road Suddenly. leave car and back. The AC run for 1 min and shut down. I heard a sound which is from battery switch. 9/21, 11:15 am It happened again. I hear a sound and the car show alert. “”Pull over safely” — The autopilot system will slow down a lot passing a bride, even there is no car in the road.
Feb 19, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
When driving with the driver assist Auto Pilot active it's possible to disengage Auto Pilot but Traffic Aware Cruise Control (TACC) remains active. When Auto Pilot is active the auto pilot system has control of the car including navigation, maintaining the lane, and speed. Speed can be set by the car or driver. In some cases disengaging auto pilot disables TACC , in other cased TACC remains active. A driver may be caught off-guard when the car continues forward at the set speed after disengaging auto pilot. This difference in behavior can surprise a driver and that puts every other driver in the area at risk. Ways to disengage Auto Pilot : 1) Press up on the right-side stalk (also used to engage TACC & Auto Pilot) on the steering column behind the steering wheel. When pressing up on the stalk Auto Pilot and TACC are both disabled. 2) Step on the brake pedal. Pressing the brake pedal disables both Auto Pilot and TACC. 3) Turn the steering wheel, for example to avoid a road hazard or a vehicle in the car's path. Turning the steering wheel only disables Auto Pilot functions, TACC remains active. The car continues to move forward at the speed Auto Pilot was using. The three disengagement methods have similar, but different outcomes. The result is a driver by moving the steering wheel can disengage Auto Pilot while cruise control remains active. This problem is compounded when considering Tesla's forward collision warning and avoidance has issues with stationary vehicles like those stopped at off ramp traffic lights or in traffic jams (this will be covered in another report). Since cruise control remains active when Auto Pilot is disengaged by turning the steering wheel is as designed there are no warnings or alerts. Several time I've had to swerve or slam the brakes to avoid contact with other cars and trucks after taking control with the steering wheel while Auto Pilot was active. This happened several times, date listed in Additional Details is near first time.
Jan 18, 2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
The steering system failed. I'm not sure about the availability for inspection. My safety was put at risk when my car collided with another car. I had just pulled out of my driveway and turned to go down the street a short distance from a stop sign where I would turn left. From a video taken by one of the car's cameras, the car went to the left side of the street and started toward the intersection where the car hit another vehicle. I have driven to the intersection numerous times. There is no way that I would have pulled toward the left side of the street. I believe that something in the steering system malfunctioned. This put me and other drivers on the road at risk. I don't know if the the problem has reproduced. There was a policeman at the site, but he would not inspect the vehicle for a malfunction. My insurance company must have inspected the car as they called today to inform me that the car is totaled. The failure happened so quickly, that I had no warning.
Dec 30, 2021
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
VIN: [XXX] I had an accident driving my Tesla model 3 on July 16th. Here is what happened: Driving autopilot at highway speed at ~65 mph Stray wheel/tire came and hit the front center hood/bumper of the car headon The hood flipped open tearing the hinges/struts on both sides of hood; hood lay flat on the front windshield With hood laying flat covering the whole windshield, front visibility became ZERO, also covering front windshield cameras Airbags popped on driver side (steering and below steering), and DEFLATED right away Autopilot did NOT disengage even after airbags deflated; car continued to drive ~65 mph on autopilot Not been able to see anything in the front, with both airbags deflated, and car still on autopilot at ~65mph, I found myself in a very life-threatening situation Eventually pulled the car to the shoulder on the left after changing one lane (still not been able to see anything through the windshield at ~65mph). Requesting: 1. Review and identify what Tesla auto-pilot could have done different and make improvements (since car had data on both sides of the car and front and back, as a computer, it should have at the very least slowed down or braked; or better yet avoid the on-coming wheel all together in that split second) 2. Why didn't the autopilot dis-engage and continued driving? 3. Front hood needs to have two front latches as in other cars - i.e., one main, one backup for situations like these (e.g., like Mercedes); single latch is not enough; both hinges holding the hood are very weak and broke within a second with just the wind. Hinges/struts need to be stronger. Just a wheel and here we are with a totally broken hood? 4. Autopilot is wrongly advertised as auto-pilot INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Oct 13, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
Within the first day, my 2018 Tesla Model 3 lost all instruments, safety indicators, and touchscreen controls while driving on the freeway. The car did this *multiple* times, without warning. Each incident lasted several minutes. It was alarming, and there was no way to tell what systems in the car were working (such as automatic emergency braking or cruise control), and no way to change settings, or even know if the turn signals were working as I tried to exit the highway. The Model 3 has only one screen where everything (including basic instruments) is displayed and most controls are accessed. When the screen freezes, we lose access to basics like speedometer, collision safety or system failure warnings or even speedometer readings, as well as control of headlights, wipers, climate control, lock / unlock, navigation, and many other essential functions. During these failures, we do not know what if any safety systems are still operating. Typically when this problem occurs, the screen "freezes" while driving, without warning or any indication of trouble. The screen remains unresponsive for a lengthy period (typically minutes) until the screen goes completely black for a time, and then eventually a Tesla logo appears, followed by instruments and controls gradually being restored. The car was delivered from the factory to my home in this state, with other obvious defects—Tesla did not permit us to test-drive it. The next night a Tesla technician saw the failure happening in real time, through Tesla's remote diagnostics. He said the car was probably not safe to drive. I asked to return the car under Tesla's satisfaction policy, and he agreed to start the refund process. Tesla refused to take the car back, and the car has continued to exhibit these failures. This has been happening since the car was delivered in October of 2018.
Aug 23, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
The 12V auxiliary battery failed around 6:45pm PST on Aug. 8, 2021, causing the car to be unresponsive - Tesla acknowledged this. There was no warning prior to the battery failure. The driver (my wife) was trapped in the car because the electronic door latch would not open and the windows would not retract. My wife was panicked, crying and kicking at the window. I had to break the window to get her out. Tesla replaced the 12V battery as an item under warranty. They believe that I/we should have know about the manual door release to avoid breaking the window. This manual release is unmarked and inconspicuous. Tesla claims that the manual door release is described in the car's user manual; however, the car's user manual is electronic (no hard copy provided) and was not accessible because the car was unresponsive. The user manual can only be accessed from the car's display screen. There is no telephone number to call a Tesla representative and no way to access the user manual via the iPhone application. I had no choice but to break the window. Tesla is aware that their 12V batteries are failing prematurely and are not doing anything to prevent drivers from being trapped inside vehicles. The tow truck driver said he picked up four Tesla cars on Aug 9th for the same battery issue. I spoke to multiple other Tesla owners and none were aware of the manual door release. This includes one of my neighbors who received his Tesla a few months ago. It was not explained during the delivery process. The driver must rely on an electronic user's manual that can only be accessed when the car is operational. The faulty battery creates a condition that renders the car non-operational, so the contents of the user manual are irrelevant. Furthermore, the unmarked door release is an insufficient safety feature. Airplanes, buses, trains all have emergency exits marked. Apparently Tesla chose not to do this. Tesla created an unsafe situation where people can be trapped.
Aug 11, 2021
VISIBILITY/WIPER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaint
Rear view camera often does not turn on (or is black, while side view cameras work); rebooting car's software system has no effect, as other owners have advised. Tesla mobile technician replaced camera, still doesn't work. Says it may be software or chip-related issue with media control unit.
Jun 02, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
My car was parked and was charging in our garage when it suddenly shut off. I got into the car to get something, but noticed the car's computer screen did not light up. I tried to open the glove box and it also would not open. When I tried to open the car door button, it also would not open the door while I was still inside. I got out of the car using the manual car handle and realized the charger would not unplug from the car either. I was very scared that the car was going to burn because the battery was charging at the time and everything suddenly happened. In addition, the backseat doors do not have a manual car handle to open the door. In an event of an emergency and the power shuts off, how are passengers sitting in the backseat going to escape from the vehicle??? The cause was due to a 12v battery malfunction.
Jun 02, 2021
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
I WAS IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC ON THE FREEWAY ABOUT TO CHANGE LANES. I WAS ON TOTALLY MANUAL OPERATION. THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND HIT A CAR AND CONTINUED WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO HIT ANOTHER CAR. THERE WAS NO COLLISION DAMAGE WARNING OR AVOIDANCE AUTOMATICALLY STOPPING THE CAR.
Mar 18, 2021
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
OUR CAR CAUGHT FIRE SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY OF MY HOUSE. THIS HAPPENED AROUND 4AM IN JAN9, SECURITY FOOTAGE FROM NEIGHBORS HAS BEEN HANDED OVER TO FD AND TESLA ENGINEERING TEAM. THE LAST TRIP WAS 10 HOURS PRIOR TO PARKING THE CAR. WE ARE LUCKY IT WAS NOT IN THE GARAGE OR CHARGING, THE DAMAGE COULD HAVE BEEN MORE THAN A FEW BROKEN WINDOWS, AS SOON AS WE SAW THE FIRE WE CALLED THE FD, THEY PUT OUT THE FIRE WITHIN 15 MINUTES.
Feb 20, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION RESULTING IN A CRASH WITH A TREE. MY CAR WAS TOTAL. THE CAR WAS WAS STATIOANARY WAITING TO PUT AIR IN MY TIRE.
Feb 16, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
CAR INTERFACE BUGGED OUT AND WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE WITH THE PHONE KEY OR KEY CARD TO START AFTER ENTERING THE PARKED VEHICLE. TOUCH SCREEN FLASHED ON AND OFF. ATTEMPTED RESETS TO NO AVAIL. SYSTEM WOULD RANDOMLY SHUT ITSELF OFF AND NOT TURN BACK ON.
Dec 20, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
THREE SEPARATE PROBLEMS: (1) REAR CAMERA GOES BLACK WHEN BACKING UP. (2) FORWARD FACING CAMERA GIVES ERROR ON SCREEN "DRIVING VISUALIZATION TEMPORARILY DEGRADED" WHEN DRIVING. THIS HAPPENS ON ROAD AND FREEWAY. (3) SCREEN BECAME COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE TO INPUT. MAP DISPLAY WAS WORKING. FOLLOWING SOFTWARE RESET PROCEDURE FIXED THIS.
Nov 17, 2020
SEAT BELTS,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
DRIVING ON RURAL DIRT ROAD. DUST COMING IN FROM REAR SEAT BOTTOM, TRUNK, SEAT BELT HOLES. SO MUCH DUST IT IS UNBEARABLE, CAN'T BREATHE AND HARD TO KEEP EYES OPEN WHILE DRIVING.
Oct 23, 2020
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THE REAR TRUNK LID POPPED OPEN BY ITSELF WHILE DRIVING. I WAS THE ONLY PERSON IN THE VEHICLE, AND I DID NOT POP THE TRUNK LID. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE TRUNK LID CAN NOT BE OPENED BY THE OCCUPANTS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE SELECTION ON THE SCREEN IS NOT AVAILABLE, THE TRUNK 'BUTTON' IS NOT ACCESSIBLE ON THE SCREEN WHILE IN MOTION. THERE IS NO MECHANICAL RELEASE. WHEN THE TRUNK OPENED, IT CAUSED THE CRUISE CONTROL TO BECOME UNAVAILABLE.
Sep 28, 2020
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
CAR WAS ON DRIVEWAY GOING5MPH. APPLIED BRAKE BRAKE PEDAL WAS LOCKED IN POSITION CAR CONTINUED GOING 5MPH.WENT THROUGH GARAGE DOOR. CONTINUED AT 5MPH HIT WALL. PUT HOLE IN WALL CAR STOPPED. WE WEREN'T INJURED. CAR NEVER SLOWED OR SPEEDED UP. REPORTED TO TESLA THE NEXT DAY. THEY SAID THE CAR HAS A DATA RECORDER. I ASKED FOR THE DATA. AFTER NUMEROUS REQUESTS 7 WEEKS LATER THEY HAVE FAILED TO CONTACT US
Jul 23, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
SEVERAL ONGOING ISSUES WITH TOUCH SCREEN FAILURE (BLACK OUTS) MALFUNCTION, HAS BEEN REPAIRED MORE THAN 3 TIMES CONTINUES TO BE ISSUE * ONGOING ACCELEROMETER MALFUNCTION * ALL OF SUDDEN RECEIVE ERROR MESSAGE STABILITY CONTROL DISABLED * --REGENERATIVE BRAKING DISABLED * --AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING IS DISABLE * ONGOING PHONE KEY AND CONNECTION ISSUES, ANTENNA ISSUES, UNABLE TO CONNECT TO BLUETOOTH. REPEATED ISSUES HAVE NOT BEEN RESOLVED BY TESLA SERVICE DEPT * TOUCH SCREEN FAILURE (BLACK OUTS)AND CONSISTENT ISSUES WITH CONNECTIVITY WIFI. * MASS MALFUNCTION OF INTERNAL HARDWARE * VOICE CONTROL BARELY WORKS * SEATBELT SENSOR MALFUNCTION * ISSUE WITH BREAKING NOISE, SCREECHING * UNCONTROLLABLE ACCELERATION WHILE ONGOING CHRONIC UNINTENDED ACCELERATION PROBLEMS, SUCH A ACCELERATE OUT OF CONTROL, JERKING, BRAKING ALL OF SUDDEN WHILE DRIVING. SUDDENLY ACCELERATION * THESE ARE ONGOING ISSUES WITH OUR TESLA MODEL 3. SEVERAL OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED WITH TESLA SERVICE DEPARTMENT MORE THAN 3 TO 4 IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS. FILED COMPLAINT ON 8/30/2019 NHTSA ID# 11301634. *TR
May 05, 2020
SUSPENSION,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT A BURNED OUT TESLA MODEL 3. I HAVE USED THE VIN OF A RANDOM WRECKED TESLA BECAUSE THE VIN OF THE CAR IN QUESTION IS UNRECOGNISABLE DUE TO FIRE. HERE IS THE TOASTED TESLA HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/35451122/25 IT HAS BEEN BURNED TO A CRISP BUT THE FRONT WHEEL HAS BEEN WRENCHED OFF DUE TO THE USUAL BROKEN SUSPENSION ARMS AND POPPED BALL JOINTS. THE WHEEL MUST HAVE FALLEN BY THE WAYSIDE BECAUSE IT IS NOT BURNED IN THE SLIGHTEST AND HAS BEEN STASHED INSIDE THE BODY OF THE CAR POST-INFERNO. ISN'T THE JOB OF NHTSA SUPPOSED TO BE PROTECTING THE PUBLIC? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU GUYS? FOR THE LOVE OF FUDGE PLEASE DO SOMETHING. REGARDS YOUR FRIEND KEEF
Feb 25, 2020
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
MY TESLA DIDN'T STOP WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES, I HAD A CLEAR DISTANCE SPACE BETWEEN MY CAR AND THE CAR I REAR ENDED, ANY OTHER CAR WOULD HAVE STOPPED WHEN YOU APPLY THE BRAKES BUT I THINK I FELT LIKE MY CAR ACCELERATED EVEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND NEVER STOPPED. I WOULD SINCERELY WANT YOU TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER MY CASE AS IT COULD BE DANGEROUS FOR OTHER CARS OUTSIDE WHEN THE CAR BEHAVES THIS WAY. I DID LET TESLA KNOW ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED AND THEY ARE YET TO GET BACK TO ME WITH THE DETAILS OF THEIR FINDINGS! *TR
Feb 03, 2020
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THE CAR ACCELERATED SUDDENLY ON AUTOPILOT CAUSING THE CAR SKID AND FALL INTO A DITCH OAT 80 MPH IN UTAH. THE DAMAGE WAS TO THE BODY BUT THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE AS IT ALMOST WENT INTO THE OTHER LANE
Jan 17, 2020
STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,WHEELS
1 complaint
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 10 LAKE CITY TO JACKSONVILLE FL, SUDDENLY HEAVY RAIN CAUSED CAR TO SKID DRIVING IN AUTOPILOT MODE AT 70MPH , THE ROAD CHANGED FROM ASPHALT TO CONCRETE AND CAR COULD NOT HANDLE THAT CHANGE , CAR WENT INTO HYDROPLAN/SKID MODE WITH 15 SNAKE LAPSES BEFORE I COULD BRING IT TO REST ON SHOULDER , WE WERE LUCKY TO HAVE SURVIVED AS A SEMI TRUCK WAS JUST 20 SECONDS BEHIND US. THE CAR EVEN AFTER HALTING ACCERELATED ON ITS OWN CAUSING ANOTHER SMALL BURST OF SKIDDING..TO ADD TO THE WOES - THE AUOMATED WIPERS ON THIS CAR ARE TOO SLOW , SUDDEN RAIN POUR ON WINDSHIELD CAUSE LACK OF VISIBILITY AND TO TURN THE WIPERS TO FULL MODE , IT TAKES 3-4 SWIPES ON CARS COMPUTER , WHICH DURING CRUCIAL MOMENTS IS A VERY BAD DESIGN AND CAN CAUSE UNITENDED ACCIDENTS
Jan 17, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
MY TESLA WHEN ON AUTOPILOT ON A FREEWAY RUNNING LESS THAN 5 MPH DUE TO TRAFFIC WAS RIGHT BEHIND A BIG TRUCK AND THE CAR NEVER STOPPED AND BUMPED INTO THE TRUCK. AN ATTEMPT TO BRAKE MANUALLY WAS DONE BUT THE AUTOPILOT WOULDNT DEACTIVATE AND GIVE US BACK THE CONTROL TO STOP THE CAR. I HAVE A VIDEO FROM MY FRONT CAM WITH THE INCIDENT. I WAS LUCKY MY CAR WAS NOT DRIVING AT A HIGHER SPEED IF THE SAME INCDENT COULD HAPPEN AS LIKE MAY OTHERS WHO GOT KILLED.
Jan 16, 2020
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
I WANT TO BOTH REPORT AND COMPLAIN ABOUT AN INCIDENT THAT HAPPENED WITH ME ON DECEMBER 14, 2019. I WAS TRAVELING WITH MY WIFE AND TWO KIDS FROM VANCOUVER, WA TO MY RESIDENCE [XXX]. I WAS DRIVING MY TESLA MODEL 3 (BMX 2571) AND THE DAYS BEFORE THE CAR HAD A NEW UPDATE INSTALLED (THAT INCLUDED IMPROVEMENTS TO WIPERS USING SOME AI IMPROVEMENTS). THERE WAS STRONG RAIN WHILE DRIVING ON THE I-5 FREEWAY. THE TRAFFIC SPEED WAS 70 MPH. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A HUGE PACK OF CARS ALL MOVING AT THE ~ 70 MPH. WHAT WE ENCOUNTERED WAS- A) FIRST WIPERS GOT LOCKED (NO MOVEMENT ET ALL), THIS REDUCED MY VISIBILITY TO ALMOST ZERO AND STRUGGLING TO MANEUVER THE CAR IN THE HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC TO AVOID ANY ACCIDENT. B) THE CAR THEN WENT IN SOME SHUTDOWN MODE OF DISPLAY, BOTH CONFUSING ME AND LEAVING ADRIFT AS TO HOW TO HANDLE THE SITUATION. IT TOOK BOTH MY WIFE AND ME SOME HEROIC EFFORT TO DRIVE AVOIDING ANY ACCIDENT UNTIL THE CAR RECOVERED (IT WAS A PERIOD OF ~30 SEC WHICH SOUNDED LIKE ETERNITY FOR US) FROM THIS FREEZE, SHUTDOWN, AND REBOOT. YOU CAN VERIFY MY CLAIM AS I DID FILE A 'BUG REPORT' AROUND THAT TIME. WHEN TALKING OF THE ANOMALIES, I HAVE ALSO SEEN THAT ON FREEWAYS THE AUTOPILOT HAS TRIED TO PUT BRAKES ALL OF A SUDDEN IN THE PAST, THUS CREATING LIFE THREATENING SITUATIONS. AT ALL THESE OCCASIONS, I HAD FILED 'BUG REPORTS' TO HELP TESLA. HOWEVER, LATEST INCIDENT IS BEYOND MY WILDEST IMAGINATION AND CONCERNING WITH RESPECT TO THE SAFETY OF LIFE WHILE TRAVELING IN A TESLA CAR. BEST, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Jan 14, 2020
STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
DRIVING ON THE 101 FREEWAY IN SANTA BARBARA. ROAD WAS WET AFTER A LIGHT RAIN AT AROUND 6:30AM. WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE, VERY LIGHT TRAFFIC, ON A WIDE CURVE. WAS NOT SPEEDING, ACCELERATING, BRAKING OR STEERING. WAS NOT USING AUTOPILOT. TIRES HAD 11,000 MILES AND TREAD WAS STILL GOOD. CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN SPUN OUT OF CONTROL, TURNING 180 DEGREES AND CRASHED AGAINST A CONCRETE CENTER DIVIDER. I HAVE A VIDEO SAVED FROM THE CAR'S CAMERAS OF THE ENTIRE ACCIDENT. YOU CAN SEE A CAR PRECEDING ME IN THE SAME LANE AT A SIMILAR SPEED, WAS NOT AFFECTED. WHEN DRIVING THE TESLA ON OTHER RAINING DAYS DURING THE YEAR I HAD THE SENSATION THAT THE CAR DID NOT HANDLE WELL ON WET ROADS, SLIPPING WHEN ACCELERATING. THE INSURANCE NOW OWNS THE CAR SO I DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO THE BLACK BOX BUT I KNOW THAT TESLA HAS THE DATA FROM THE CRASH WHICH THEY ARE NOT SHARING WITH ME. THE CALLED ME 10 MINUTES AFTER THE CRASH NOTING THAT I HAD CRASHED AND ASKED ME IF I WAS OK. A SHORT VIDEO OF THE CRASH IS AVAILABLE HERE: HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/GYQYXGEOT94 I HAVE VIDEO FROM THE OTHER CAMERAS TOO, AS WELL AS VIDEO FOOTAGE BEFORE THIS SEGMENT.
Jan 07, 2020
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
ON 11/28/19 AT AROUND 5:30-6:00AM, WHILE DRIVING ON THE 5 SOUTH FREEWAY NEAR THE ATLANTIC AVE OFF RAMP, THE CAR SWERVED TO THE RIGHT ON ITS OWN. I COULD NOT CONTROL THE CAR'IT HAD A MIND OF ITS OWN. THE BRAKES AND STEERING WHEEL DID NOT RESPOND TO ME. I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED. I DON'T KNOW IF THE SIDE CAMERA THOUGHT THE SUV WAS VEERING INTO MY LANE BECAUSE THE RAIN DISTORTED ITS VIEW OR WHAT BUT IT WAS VERY SCARY. IT WAS AS IF THE CAR WAS DRIVING ITSELF EVEN THOUGH AUTOPILOT WAS NOT ON. I COULD NOT RIGHT THE CAR AFTER THE INITIAL SWERVE, IT KEPT ON GOING, HEADING TOWARDS THE EXIT BUT ENDED UP GOING OVER AN EMBANKMENT, HEADING STRAIGHT FOR A TREE BEFORE TURNING AND SIDESWIPING IT AND COMING TO A STOP. THANK GOODNESS NO ONE WAS HURT. IT WAS STILL DARK AND IT WAS RAINING BUT NOT POURING. THE FREEWAY WAS EMPTY. I WAS IN THE 3RD LANE AND THERE WAS A BLACK SUV RIGHT NEXT TO ME IN THE LANE #2. I DID NOT SEE IT VEER INTO ME; WE WERE BOTH GOING ABOUT 70MPH IN OUR OWN LANES. I HAD BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL, NO MUSIC WAS PLAYING AND AUTOPILOT WAS NOT ON'THOUGH NAVIGATION ON AUTOPILOT WAS ACTIVATED. I CONTACTED TESLA RIGHT AWAY AND THEY TEXTED THAT THE INCIDENT TEAM AND ENGINEERING TEAM WERE LOOKING INTO IT, DOWNLOADING THE DATA (I DID NOT HAVE A USB SO I DON'T HAVE ANY RECORDING OF ANYTHING). SO FAR, I HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM THESE TESLA TEAMS AND MY CAR STILL HAS COLLISION DAMAGE AS THE TESLA REP I SPOKE WITH ADVISED ME TO WAIT ON THE FINDINGS AND NOT TO CONTACT MY INSURANCE COMPANY IN CASE THEY FIND TESLA'S AT FAULT. TESLA SERVICE CENTER DID CHECK OUT MY CAR ON 12/2/19 AND RELEASED IT TO ME, DEEMING THAT IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR IN THE RAIN WHILE IT'S DARK SINCE. I'VE JUST RECENTLY REALIZED THAT YOUR DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATES THESE TYPES OF INCIDENTS AND THOUGHT I SHOULD REACH OUT.
Jan 06, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED WITH ELECTRONIC DOORS THAT RELEASED THE LATCH WHEN THE DOOR HANDLE AND/OR A BUTTON LOCATED INSIDE THE VEHICLE'S DOOR WAS ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE DOORS FAILED TO RELEASE THE LATCH WHEN PROMPTED. TESLA (52 DERWOOD CIR, ROCKVILLE, MD 20850, (301) 738-6523) DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR LATCHED NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FRONT DOOR WAS NOT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,825.
Dec 18, 2019
WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
HELLO- I WAS TRYING TO PARK MY VEHICLE IN A PARKING SPOT IN SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA WHEN THE CAR AUTOMATICALLY ACCELERATED AND HIT ANOTHER CAR. IT THEN IMMEDIATELY HAD A FLAT TIRE. I DID NOT HIT THE WRONG PEDAL NOR WAS I ACCELERATING IT. IT WAS QUITE DANGEROUS. IT CAME TO A HALT AFTER HITTING ANOTHER CAR. BOTH THE CARS WERE DAMAGED.PRIOR TO THAT WE HAD DIFFICULTY TRYING TO CONNECT TO THE CAR USING THE APP ON THE PHONE BUT THOUGHT IT COULD HAVE BEEN DUE TO AN APP ERROR. NOT SURE IF IT WAS CORRELATED. THIS EVENT HAPPENED ON SEP 24. TESLA ADVISED ME TO TOW THE CAR TO THE SERVICE CENTER. SINCE THEN MY CAR HAS BEEN WITH TESLA SERVICE. THEY HAVE NOT GIVEN US ANY UPDATES ABOUT THE DIAGNOSTICS AND KEEP TELLING US TO TAKE THE CAR BACK. THEY HAVE CLEARED TO DRIVE THE CAR FOR 20 MILES. MY CAR WAS EXTENSIVELY DAMAGED. I REQUEST YOU TO HELP. THIS IS QUITE SERIOUS FOR THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE. WHILE I AM WILLING TO ACCEPT IF TESLA PROVES BEYOND A DOUBT THAT IT WAS MY ERROR, I AM QUITE CONFIDENT THAT IT DID IT AUTOMATICALLY. I AM ALSO CONCERNED THAT TESLA HAS NOT GIVEN US ANY UPDATE FOR THE LAST 3 WEEKS AND HAVE NOT PROVIDED US WITH ANY DETAILS OF WHAT THE COURSE OF ACTION IS BEYOND ASKING US TO TAKE THE CAR BACK AND CLEARING IT TO DRIVE FOR 20 MILES. I HAVE 2 KIDS AND WANT A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION FOR THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE INVOLVED. PLEASE HELP.
Oct 14, 2019
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SEATS
1 complaint
OVER 5000 MILES OF DRIVING, THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF VIBRATION AND BUFFETING IN CAR AT ANY SPEED OVER 45MPH. TESLA SERVICE HAS HAD EIGHT OPPORTUNITIES TO RESOLVE THIS, TO NO AVAIL. THE TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED TO ELIMINATE THIS AS A POSSIBILITY, AND THE WHEELS CHECKED FOR RUNOUT - ALL MEASURE VERY GOOD. SUSPENSION COMPONENTS OR CONTROL ARMS ARE THE LIKELY CULPRITS. IN ADDITION TO THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS FAILING AFTER LESS THAN 5000 MILES, THE DRIVERS SEATS ON MOST ALL MODEL 3 ARE LOOSE AND ROCK BACK AND FORTH, WITH TESLA SAYING IT IS 'WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS'. THIS COULD BE ANOTHER SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, AS IT IS UNCLEAR WHY THE SEAT DISTURBING BECOMES LOOSE WITH NORMAL USE. AFTER DISCUSSING WITH OTHER MODEL 3 OWNERS WITH IDENTICAL ISSUES, IT IS CLEAR THAT THIS IS A INHERENT VEHICLE / PARTS PROBLEM, AND TESLA IS DOING THE LEAST POSSIBLE TO ADDRESS THESE CONCERNS.
Oct 09, 2019
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ON APRIL 24 19 MORNING [XXX](MY WIFE) DROVE UP MULTILEVEL PARKING LOT AT WORK 8100 JONES BRANCH DRIVE, SHE INITIALLY CHOSE A HEAD IN PARKING SPOT, THEN ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE CAR FORWARD TO THE NEXT AISLE, SO THE CAR WOULD BE FACING FRONT WHEN SHE GOT OUT. THE CAR PICKED UP UNCONTROLLABLE AND EXTREMELY HIGH SPEED AND SHE FELT OUT OF CONTROL AND COULD NOT MOVE FOOT FROM ACCELERATOR TO BRAKE IN THE SPLIT SECOND, ALL SHE COULD DO WAS TO STEER SLIGHTLY TO HIT A POLE AT THAT NEXT SPOT, AND AVOID GOING ACROSS DRIVE LANE AND OVER THE BARRICADE TO A DROP. THE CAR SUFFERED SEVERE FRONT DAMAGE AND AIRBAGS OPENED, SHE HAD MINOR BRUISE. REPAIR ESTIMATES CAUSED INSURANCE COMPANY TO CALL IT A TOTAL LOSS. 1. TESLA CLAIMS TO BE REVIEWING ELECTRONIC DATA BUT HAS NOT RELEASED CONCLUSIONS SO FAR. 2. WHY SUCH HIGH SPEED WAS PICKED UP WHEN ALL SHE WANTED TO DO WAS CRAWL OVER TO THE NEXT SPOT DIRECTLY AHEAD (ABOUT 20 FEET) FROM THE PREVIOUS SPOT. 3. WHY VARIOUS ELECTRONIC SYSTEM, FRONT COLLISION WARNING, FRONT COLLISION AVOIDANCE, VIDEO SENSORS ABOUT OBSTRUCTIONS, AVOIDANCE BASED ACCELERATION CONTROL ETC, FAILED TO APPLY ANY SPEED REDUCTIONS. PHOTOS OF EVENT, ESTIMATE FROM INSURANCE ARE ENCLOSED. I REQUEST YOUR KIND ATTENTION, AND YOUR ANALYSIS AS TO THE SAFETY FAILURES. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *PM *TR
May 22, 2019
TIRES,WHEELS
1 complaint
BRAND NEW VEHICLE WITH 2 TIRES HAVING SIDE WALL BUBBLES. NO ROUGH DRIVING . SEEMS TO BE AN INNER TIRE PROBLEM. MAYBE A DEFECT .CONTINENTAL BRAND TIRES.
Feb 09, 2019
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING ON AUTO PILOT MODE WHEN I WAS GOING TO MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN WHEN IN ORDER TO SLOW DOWN AT THE TRAFFIC AHEAD OF ME, I APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THERE WAS NO BRAKE ACTION WHATSOEVER. THIS WAS NOT A PANIC SITUATION, IT WAS JUST NORMAL BRAKING. WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED TO ACTUATE AND THE VEHICLE ACCORDINGLY WASN'T SLOWING DOWN, IN ORDER TO AVOID HITTING PEDESTRIANS OR THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME, I SWERVED TO THE RIGHT AND ENDED UP HITTING A TREE. I SUSTAINED INJURIES AS A RESULT OF THIS ACCIDENT AND TOTALED MY CAR. THE PROBLEM WAS THE FAILURE OF THE TESLA (2018 MODEL 3) BRAKE SYSTEM TO WORK.
Feb 05, 2019
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
1. WE PICKED UP THE CAR ON DEC 30TH, FROM THE FREMONT FACTORY, THE CAR WAS NOT EVEN FULLY CHARGED, AND THERE WAS A MESSAGE ON THE CONSOLE SAYING, THAT, 'IT NEEDS A SOFTWARE UPGRADE.' WE WENT BACK INSIDE AND ASKED ONE OF THE SALES PEOPLE, HE SAID, 'THIS IS THE END OF THE YEAR, THE CARS ARE NOT COMING FULLY CHARGED, AND HE LAUGHED ABOUT THE SOFTWARE UPGRADE.' WE CAME HOME AND UPGRADED THE SOFTWARE. NO-ONE WENT OVER THE OPERATIONS OF THE CAR. 2. ON JAN 1ST, THE 30 DAY TRIAL FOR THE AUTOPILOT FEATURE POPPED UP ON THE CONSOLE, AND WE CLICKED YES. WE DECIDED TO TRY THE AUTO-TRIAL FEATURE IN THE EVENING FROM SANTA CRUZ TO OUR HOME. WE ENABLED THE AUTO-PILOT ON ROUTE 880, IT KEPT ASKING TO KEEP YOUR HANDS LIGHTLY ON THE STEERING WHEEL, WHILE THE HANDS WERE ON THE STEERING WHEEL AT ALL TIMES. AFTER MAYBE 10 MINUTES, IN THE CENTRE LINE, AT A SPEED OF 63 MPH, RED WARNING STARTED SAYING, 'THE CAR CAN NO LONGER AUTO STEER.' WE CANCELED THE AUTOPILOT, MANUALLY DROVE THE CAR. ON LOCAL STREET ON MOWRY AVENUE, BETWEEN 6:30 PM AND 7 PM, WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR IN FRONT OF US SLOWED DOWN, REMOVED THE FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR, CAR CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE, WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PRESSED. NO COLLISION WARNING, AND CAR KEPT GOING UNTIL IT RAN INTO THE NEXT CAR AND STOPPED. WE PULLED OVER AND ASSESSED THE DAMAGE, OUR CAR HAS SMALL NICK ON THE CENTER OF THE BUMPER. 3. ARRIVED HOME, WITH ABOUT 80 MILES CHARGE LEFT. AFTER PLUGGING IN THE CHARGER, ABOUT 15 MINUTES LATER, MESSAGE ON THE PHONE CAME THAT CHARGING INTERRUPTED, AS IT HAS 78% OF CHARGE ON THE BATTERY. ADDITIONALLY, THESE ARE THE SOME OF THE OTHER CONCERNS, -RATTLING NOISE ON THE RIGHT SIDE DURING DRIVING -WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY AT ABOUT 5 MILES AN HOUR, THERE IS A BRAKE NOISE -THERE IS WIND LEAK ON BOTH FRONT WINDOWS AND DOORS. -RIGHT REAR SEAT BELT DOES NOT ALWAYS LOCK
Jan 04, 2019
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I WAS AT THE SUPERCHARGING STATION IN DUBLIN ( CALIFORNIA) . WHEN I WANTED TO TAKE REVERSE AND PARK MY CAR FOR SUPERCHARGING.MY CAR SHOWED THE OPTION OF AUTOPARK. SINCE THERE WAS AN OPEN SPOT AVAILABLE FOR PARKING MY CAR (WHERE MY CAR FITS PROPERLY - AS PER TESLA GUIDELINES) .I STARTED AUTO PARKING ,IN AUTOPARK FEATURE USUALLY THE CAR COMES CLOSE TO THE OTHER CAR AND THEN TAKES NECESSARY TURN. BUT IN MY CASE THE CAR CAME VERY CLOSE TO THE OTHER CAR AND INSTEAD OF STOPPING IT SPEEDED UP AND DASHED TO THE OTHER CAR IN THE PARKING SPOT. MY CAR HAS COLLISION PREVENTION PLUS IT PROVIDES ACCURATE DISTANCE IF THERE IS SOME OBJECT BEHIND MY CAR, BUT IN THIS CAR NEITHER OF THE SYSTEMS ALERTED ME AND LED TO A CRASH.I RAISED A COMPLAINT TO TESLA ABOUT THE AUTO PARK FEATURES PROBLEM BUT HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANY ANY WORD FROM THEM. I HAVE ATTACHED THE IMAGES OF THE CAR.
Aug 03, 2018
STEERING,AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I HAVE HAD A SERIES OF ESCALATING INCIDENTS (SEE ATTACHED PDF) THAT HAVE EACH INVOLVED THE VEHICLE DISABLING AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS), TRACTION CONTROL, PARTIAL STEERING CONTROL, REGENERATIVE BRAKING (FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE), AND MOST RECENTLY EXPERIENCED COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING FUNCTION WHILE REVERSING AS WELL AS AN ADDITIONAL WARNING THAT MY AIRBAG WAS DISABLED. INITIALLY I WAS ADVISED TO RESET MY CAR SINCE IT MAY BE A SOFTWARE GLITCH SIMILAR TO A COMPUTER OR PHONE NEEDING A RESTART. AFTER SEVERAL INCIDENTS, I WAS ADVISED TO TAKE IT TO A SERVICE CENTER WHERE I WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS A FIRMWARE ISSUES KNOWN TO TESLA, BUT EXPERIENCED A CRITICAL SHUT DOWN OF MY VEHICLE'S PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY FUNCTIONS THE NEXT DAY. I HAVE SEEN BEEN INFORMED THAT THEY HAVE REPLACED THE HIGH VOLTAGE REGULATOR AND THE WIRING HARNESS. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED AN UPDATE SINCE CONFIRMING THAT THEY BELIEVE THE LATEST REPAIR WILL MAKE THE CAR WHOLE, SAFE, AND FUNCTIONAL.
Jul 02, 2018
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
DRIVER FELT SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE PARKING THE CAR. THE ACCELERATION HAPPENED WITHIN THE LAST COUPLE OF SECONDS WHEN THE CAR WAS TURNING 90% AT PRETTY NORMAL SPEEDS TO PARK. THE CAR HIT A TREE, AND SUFFERED SIGNIFICANT FRONTAL DAMAGE.
May 22, 2018
TESLA Model 3 VIN Decoder — Free VIN Check Video Guide
Watch our quick TESLA Model 3 VIN decoder walkthrough. Learn how to decode any TESLA Model 3 VIN number to get full vehicle history, recall alerts, specifications, fuel economy (MPG), safety ratings, and known problems — completely free on ForCar.org.
Where to Find VIN for Problems Check
To check for problems and complaints on your 2018 TESLA Model 3, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.
Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports
Each character in your 2018 TESLA Model 3 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.
How to Check 2018 TESLA Model 3 Problems in 3 Steps
1
Locate Your VIN
Find the 17-character VIN on your 2018 TESLA Model 3 dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.
2
Review by Component
Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.
3
Check Safety Issues
Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your TESLA dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2018 TESLA Model 3 have?
The 2018 TESLA Model 3 currently has 963 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2018 TESLA Model 3?
The most common problems reported for the 2018 TESLA Model 3 are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2018 TESLA Model 3 problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2018 TESLA Model 3 comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
How do I report problems with my 2018 TESLA Model 3?
You can report safety problems with your 2018 TESLA Model 3 directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.
Where can I find my VIN to check problems?
Your 2018 TESLA Model 3 VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.
Is the 2018 TESLA Model 3 reliable?
Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 2018 TESLA Model 3. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.
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