2018 Tesla Model 3
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Forward collision avoidance is the leading concern among 1,025 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 9 Model 3 model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 102 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 44 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, headlightsAug 5, 2026
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Headlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.
Campaign 26V507000 on NHTSA.gov
Tires, pressure monitoring and regulating systemsDec 17, 2024
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Driving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
Campaign 24V935000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, warning light/devicesMay 28, 2024
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
Campaign 24V376000 on NHTSA.gov
Forward collision avoidance, warnings, external/pedestrian alertFeb 27, 2024
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.
Campaign 24V153000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelJan 30, 2024
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
Campaign 24V051000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, adas, autonomous/self driving, softwareDec 12, 2023
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
Campaign 23V838000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, frontMar 31, 2023
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.
A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-31-001. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-835.
Campaign 23V235000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, automated/adaptive steeringFeb 15, 2023
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
Campaign 23V085000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, rear/other, anchorageOct 21, 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor may have been incorrectly reassembled during vehicle service.
An incorrectly reassembled seat belt anchor can impair the performance of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Tesla Service will inspect and reassemble the seat belt anchors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-20-004.
Campaign 22V798000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, power window devices and controlsSep 19, 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.
Campaign 22V702000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelApr 18, 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Model 3 Performance vehicles. The unit of speed (mph or km/h) may fail to display on the speedometer while in Track Mode. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
The driver may not know how fast the vehicle is traveling without the mph or km/h unit display, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-008.
Campaign 22V263000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, softwareApr 12, 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.
Campaign 22V235000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, display functionMar 18, 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S, Model X, and 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles equipped with Autopilot Computer 2.5 and operating certain firmware releases. The rearview image may not immediately display when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-004.
Campaign 22V169000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, softwareFeb 4, 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.
Campaign 22V063000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, softwareFeb 1, 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.
Campaign 22V045000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, adas, autonomous/self driving, softwareJan 27, 2022
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.
Campaign 22V037000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiring, rear compartment/trunkDec 21, 2021
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles. The rearview camera cable harness may be damaged by the opening and closing of the trunk lid, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
A rearview camera that does not function reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla Service will inspect and install a guide protector and new cable harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-17-008.
Campaign 21V00D000 on NHTSA.gov
Forward collision avoidance, sensing system, cameraOct 29, 2021
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.
Campaign 21V846000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat beltsMay 25, 2021
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Model 3 and 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles. One or both fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to the b-pillar may not be properly attached.
An improperly attached fastener may prevent the seat belt system from performing as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
Tesla Service will inspect and repair both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-001.
Campaign 21V389000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: vehicle speed control
90 reports, newest first. Show all
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 15, 2021
Multiple "phantom braking" events while using Tesla's Auto Pilot system. Vehicle, while in Auto Pilot mode, will suddenly aggressively brake for no reason (no road hazards or other imminent dangers). Occurs about once every 50 miles driven with Auto Pilot on. The last incident occurred on 11/14/21
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Visibility/wiper, Oct 13, 2021, crash
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).
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Sep 1, 2021, crash
Car was totaled after uncontrollable acceleration. Air bags were deployed
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 23, 2021
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.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 17, 2021
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.
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 23, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE BRAKING SYSTEM ERRONEOUSLY ACTIVATED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ABRUPTLY STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT DURING THE FAILURE THERE WERE NO OBJECTS OR VEHICLES NEARBY TO CAUSE THE BRAKING SYSTEM TO SUDDENLY ACTIVATE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT YET CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Mar 18, 2021, crash
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.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 14, 2021
WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY TESLA SUDDENLY HARD BRAKED OUT OF NOWHERE. MY SPEED DROPPED FROM 70 TO 30 IN A COUPLE OF SECONDS. THERE WAS AN 18 WHEELER BEHIND ME AND IT COULD HAVE BEEN A DEADLY COLLISION IF I HADN'T INTERVENED. THIS IS A KNOWN TESLA BUT THAT SOMEDAY WOULD KILL SOMEONE.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Dec 12, 2020, crash
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.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 9, 2020
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.
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Sep 28, 2020
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.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Sep 23, 2020, crash
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
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jul 23, 2020, crash
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
Vehicle speed control, Jul 22, 2020, crash
AS I RETURNED HOME FROM WORK AND ENTERED MY DRIVEWAY AT VERY LOW SPEED TO PARK, THE TESLA JUST TOOK OFF AT WHAT FELT LIKE FULL POWER ACCELERATION. IT COULD NOT BE STOPPED AND HIT MY TWO CAR GARAGE. BOTH GARAGE DOORS AND THE CENTRAL COLUMN WERE UNHINGED AND DAMAGED. THE CONTENTS STORED IN THE GARAGE WERE DAMAGED AND AN INTERNAL WALL WAS ALSO KNOCKED OFF. THE CAR WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS AND PROPERTY DAMAGE WAS EXTENSIVE. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT SUCH SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION HAD HAPPENED WITH THIS CAR A FEW MONTHS EARLIER ALSO AND WAS REPORTED TO TESLA WITH A REQUEST THAT A SAFETY ANALYSIS BE PERFORMED. THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR WHICH I DO NOT AGREE WITH IN VIEW OF THIS SECOND INCIDENT. I WAS LUCKY FIRST TIME SINCE THERE WAS NO CAR PARKED ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DRIVEWAY AND I WAS ABLE TO TURN RIGHT, DRIVE ON TO THE GRASSED AREA, AND THEN ON TO THE ROAD. TESLA HAS A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WITHOUT INPUT FROM THE DRIVER. IT MUST BE INVESTIGATED AND FIXED.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 5, 2020, crash
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
Vehicle speed control, Mar 19, 2020
WHILE REVERSING INTO MY 2 CAR GARAGE INTO THE CENTER OF THE GARAGE SPACE, I CAME TO A STOP (AUTO HOLD AFTER BRAKING TO A STOP BUT WITH THE REAR CAMERA VIEW ON DISPLAY) WHEN I REACHED FAR INSIDE (TO BE ABLE TO CLOSE THE GARAGE DOOR). USING THE HOMELINK, I CLOSED THE GARAGE DOOR (WAITED TILL IT FULLY CLOSED 2 FT FROM THE FRONT NOSE OF THE CAR). WHILE I HAD BOTH FEET FLAT ON THE DRIVER FLOOR MAT, I TAPPED THE RIGHT SIDE GEAR STALK DOWN TO SWITCH FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE, THE CAR JERKED FORWARD AND THE DISPLAY SCREEN CLOSED THE REAR VIEW CAMERA. I NORMALLY DRIVE FORWARD SLOWLY TO PUT THE NOSE OF THE CAR ABOUT 1 FT FROM THE GARAGE DOOR (THIS ALLOWS ME WALKING SPACE AT THE REAR OF THE CAR WHILE PARKED). IN THE PAST I HAVE NOTICED LESS SEVERE 'JERKING/LURCHING' FORWARD WHEN GOING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE WHILE LEAVING MY GARAGE WHEN I WOULD MANEUVER IN THE GARAGE SPACE WITH TWO CARS PARKED, I THOUGHT IT WAS MY IMAGINATION. IN RETROSPECT THIS CAR HAS DONE IT SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE SPAN OF A YEAR. *LN CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE SEEMS TO BE ACTIVATING THE CRUISE CONTROL FEATURE WHEN THE CAR IS AT A COMPLETE STOP. *DL
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Feb 9, 2020, crash
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
Vehicle speed control, Feb 3, 2020, crash
WHEN I TURNED INTO PARK SPACE AND STOPPED, MY CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, HIT TWO POLES A FEW FEET IN FRONT OF MY CAR, AND DAMAGE THE CAR BUMPER. THIS IS A FAMILIAR PARK SPACE WHICH I PARKED MANY TIME PREVIOUSLY. THE MIGHT ACCELERATE ITSELF. I ASKED TESLA FOR MY DRIVING DATA LOG BUT I HAVE NOT RECEIVED IT YET. I DON'T REMEMBER EXACTLY IF I PRESS ACCELERATOR OR NOT WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED. IF I DID PRESS THE ACCELERATOR, THE NEW STOPPING MODE AND POSSIBLY MY TURNED STEERING WHEEL MIGHT FORCE ME TO EXERT UN-PROPORTIONAL PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I EXPECT THAT TESLA CORRECT THIS DEFECT IF IT IS ROOT CAUSE OF THIS ACCELERATION.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jan 27, 2020, crash
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.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 23, 2020, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED BUMPER DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED ON 01/28/20. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,999.*DT*JB
Vehicle speed control, Jan 20, 2020, crash
OCT 15, 2019 AT 12:30 PM I WAS GOING TO PARK THE CAR, WAS ROLLING TO A STOP BETWEEN PARKING LINES IN FRONT OF THE CURB WHEN CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A STYLE FENCE. REPORTED THE PROBLEM THE SAME DAY TO TESLA AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SERVICE CENTER AND COMPLAINED. THEY LOGGED THE COMPLAINT AND SAID THEY WOULD GET BACK TO ME ABOUT IT. CALLED AND EMAILED A COUPLE OF TIMES. NO RESPONSE TO DATE ON WHY THIS HAPPENED.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 20, 2020, crash
ON 4/17/2019 AT APPROXIMATELY 2:40PM I PULLED INTO A SMALL SHOPPING CENTER PARKING LOT AND TURNED RIGHT TO PARK IN A PARKING SPACE FACING A STORE FRONT. I WAS GOING TO A NAIL APPOINTMENT, WAS EARLY AND NOT IN A HURRY. THE CAR WAS MOVING VERY SLOWLY UNDER THE CAR'S OWN POWER AS I ENTERED THE PARKING SPACE. WHEN I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR TO PULL TO THE FRONT OF THE SPACE THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED JUMPING THE CURB, AND LANDING ON TOP OF THE SIDEWALK WITH THE FRONT END INSIDE THE STORE FRONT WINDOW. I WAS BRAKING FROM THE MOMENT OF FAST ACCELERATION AND COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP UNTIL IT WAS STOPPED BY THE STORE FRONT GLASS WALL. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS INJURED, BUT THERE WAS PROPERTY DAMAGE TO THE GLASS AND FRAME STORE FRONT AND TO THE FRONT END OF MY CAR. THE CAR WAS FULLY UP ON THE SIDEWALK WITH THE FRONT END INTO THE FRONT OF THE PIZZA SHOP. THE CURB WAS APPROXIMATELY 8 INCHES HIGH, SO WHEN THE FIREMAN REVERSED THE CAR TO MOVE IT TO THE PARKING SPACE THE ENTIRE UNDERNEATH SCRAPED ALONG THE BOTTOM, FORTUNATELY THERE WASN'T ANY DAMAGE TO THE BATTERY PACK. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME TO T HE SCENE, AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED DUE TO THE PROPERTY DAMAGE AT THE BUSINESS. THE FIREMAN HAD TO BACK THE CAR OUT DUE TO POTENTIAL INTEGRITY ISSUES WITH THE DAMAGED GLASS STORE FRONT. I WAS NOT CITED. A CLAIM WAS FILED WITH STATE FARM. I CAN OBTAIN THE POLICE REPORT IF NEEDED. THERE WEREN'T ANY OTHER VEHICLES OR PEOPLE INVOLVED.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 20, 2020, crash
I WENT TO LARGE GROCERY STORE AND PULLED INTO THE PARKING SPOT AND PARKED IN AN EMPTY SPOT NEXT TO ANOTHER CAR. AS SOON AS I PARKED, MY CAR TESLA MODEL 3 SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A HIGH SPEED AND SHARPLY TURNED RIGHT ON ITS OWN WITHOUT ANY PROMPTING. IT WENT FULLY ON TOP OF THE PLANT BEDS AND HIT TWO OTHER CARS FROM THE FRONT. LUCKILY, I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES IN TIME AFTER I PROCESSED THIS TERRIFYING OCCURRENCE AND PREVENTED THE CAR FROM HITTING ANY PEDESTRIAN. WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE NORMAL FOR THE AREA WITH SOME LIGHT RAIN. I HAD NOT USED/ENGAGED ANY OF THE TESLA AUTOMATIC DRIVING FEATURES DURING MY TRIP AND PARKING.
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Jan 17, 2020
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
Suspension, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Jan 17, 2020, crash
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