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
1,025 reports, newest first.
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 22, 2022
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.
Lane departure, Sep 22, 2022
Tesla Model 3 (and other models) comes equipped with side cameras on the vehicle's B-pillars. Tesla has designed these components to allow cabin air to infiltrate the space between the cameras and the exterior glass. Of course, this means that humid cabin air will condense on the glass when ambient conditions cool the glass enough. This blocks the cameras, causing certain features (e.g. blind spot camera, auto lane change, lane keeping assist) to stop functioning. These features have been actively advertised by Tesla and sold for thousands of dollars as software upgrades, but do not reliably function because of this design flaw. As can be seen on many internet forums (e.g. https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/b-pillar-cameras-fogging-up.172226/page-8), this issue has been known for years, yet Tesla has provided no fix for the problem. As recently as Sep 2022, their service centers are still telling customers to run cabin heat to eliminate condensation, but the cameras are well insulated, thermally, from the cabin (see Page 2 infrared pics https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/camera-condensation.168472/page-2), so this does almost nothing, while potentially overheating the occupants. After 3-4 years, it is clear that Tesla is not interested in taking this design flaw seriously, and will only act if forced by safety regulators. This is an integral part of what Tesla has marketed as their cars being "safer than humans", and it's unable to cope with normal weather conditions (I live in Seattle, WA and routinely see this in temps as high as mid-50s to low-60s).
Forward collision avoidance, Sep 21, 2022
My Model 3 often breaks for no reason when using autopilot on freeways. Even though there is no vehicles around my car, the car "phantom brakes" often causing me to slow down extremely fast with no warning.
Service brakes, Sep 16, 2022
Periodically the driver side front brake will emit a squeal when travelling at low speeds. Reported to Tesla and they attributed the lack of braking as a contributory fault. They bevelled the brake pad and explained that this was normal behavior. However this did not fix the problem and it periodically reoccurs.
Seat belts, Sep 16, 2022
Car displayed a vehicle passenger harness safety fault that requested I contact Tesla service for an appointment. Received a repair estimate from Tesla identifying that they need to "install Occupant Classification (OCS) Filter Module" requiring part "Service Kit- OCS Rework (1479982-00-C) and saying the cost to me is $151.25. This isn't listed as a recall item but I don't believe this should be a owner issue to resolve.
Other or unspecified, Sep 15, 2022
[XXX] has/is watching me through the in car cabin camera & the 9 cameras surrounding my Tesla. I have proof he has audio recorded me & also has watched me and who knows how many other unsuspecting women, men and minors. This is a clear privacy violation and he needs to be stopped. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Forward collision avoidance, Sep 12, 2022
As I enabled the FSD Beta ADAS system, the vehicle accelerated inappropriately quickly away from a 90 degree stop. While continuing on the road, the vehicle braked inappropriately for oncoming cars within their lane, inappropriately braked within intersections, inappropriately braked for turn radius, and was unable to avoid a closed road marked with signs and cones. Steering input was erratic, and I believe the vehicle created an unsafe condition for myself and the vehicle following me. There were no AEB or FCW alerts, the system did not display any error messages, and appeared to be operating fully.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 7, 2022
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.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 7, 2022
On a recent trip from northern califorina to southern california, I experienced 5 episodes of phantom braking, that involved my brakes being applied at 75 miles per hour when no other vechiles were around me. This also happened 3 days later 4 times when traveling from southern california to my home in northern california. all incidents happened on hwy I--5 I have contacted Tesla service and they tell me nothing is wrong after checking vehicle logs. I believe this is a known issue, that is why i am reporting it. my first trip was sep 1st and second trip was sept 4th In all incidents adaptive cruise control was engaged
Suspension, Sep 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, there was a squeaking sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. The sound was present while making turns, stopping, and accelerating. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local Service Center was notified of the failure and a Service appointment was scheduled. The failure mileage was 25,750.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 7, 2022, crash
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.
Forward collision avoidance, Sep 6, 2022
Traffic aware cruise control (TACC) frequently and sometimes violently brakes when there are no obstacles. This potentially puts the safety of myself, passengers, and other drivers at risk during these events. This events occur without warning. Since the purchase of my vehicle in 2018 the events have gotten worse through software updates. I would expect improvements through subsequent updates not a regression.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 5, 2022
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.
Electrical system, Sep 4, 2022
A portion of the Power Conversion System "PCS" has failed in my 2018 Tesla Model 3 extended range with 34,000 miles, resulting in the inability to charge the vehicle but at 32 of 48 capable amps. Reports from other Tesla owners indicate that remaining portions of the PCS can fail resulting in charge amperage reduction to 16 amps or inability to AC charge completely if all portions of the PCS fail. This issue is apparently not an isolated incident. The PCS in this vehicle appears to be flawed due to reports of early failure and the number of reported failures. The issue goes beyond the previously released service bulletin of 2018 Tesla Model 3s manufactured between June and July 2018. Tesla will not cover the cost for the repair, either in good faith or under the battery and drive unit warranty. The repair is costly, but left unrepaired the car may not be capable to charging using level 1 or 2 charging if the PCS fails completely. The error for this issue is seemingly difficult to find. It is not indicated on the Tesla app. It is only discoverable when in the car, while the car is charging and when trying to charge at or above 33 amps. Unlike a traditional check engine light, the error goes away and because the car still charges, it is difficult to realize an issue exists. I'm unaware of when the error first occurred because of this. It is likely the error existed before the general warranty for the car had expired. It doesn't appear Tesla does a diagnostics scan for this error during service appointments which I would think would be routine. The description and troubleshooting steps for this error are also heavily weighted towards possible power grid issues and only suggest a possibility of there being an issue with the car upon further investigation. I'm sure power grid issues exist and often result in the error, but it seems the PCS failure is more often the cause and should be equally stressed.
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 4, 2022
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
Service brakes, Aug 31, 2022
Phantom braking is extremely dangerous and a cause for disaster! While in Autopilot, it will unexpectedly brake while driving on the freeway. This causes a jerk to the human body and cause a possible rear end accident. This is quite frequent.
Forward collision avoidance, Aug 30, 2022
Newer software disables existing radar in the car; this "Tesla Vision" is objectively worse at providing automatic braking response correctly, often scared literally of it's own shadown Newer cars don't even include the rdar, an ill-advised cost saving initiated by Tesla
Forward collision avoidance, Aug 27, 2022
regularly when autopilot or cruise control are engaged, the emergency braking will abruptly slow the vehicle when no object is on the road, highway, or interstate. This creates an unsafe environment when vehicles behind you are not following at a safe distance. We have had several instances a month where the vehicle will slow from 75 to 30 in a few seconds and require human intervention to speed up. This issue has been ongoing since we received the vehicle almost 30,000 miles ago.
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 25, 2022
Driving down the freeway with Autopilot engaged and the autopilot started hard braking in the middle of the road going 70mph. No accidents occurred but it was a very dangerous situation
Suspension, Aug 22, 2022
I've heard a loud crack while driving, in a curve. The car felt strange when steering, with noises and strange feeling while driving. I was close to home, so decided to just as park and notify Tesla. While I was parking, I've noticed the wheel touched the car on a sharp curve. I've decided to no longer drive it, scheduled a Tesla service center appointment (3 weeks later). We didn't drive the car any longer. On the day of service, I've called a tow truck. As the tow driver was pulling my car into the tow, a large bolt felt from under my car; and steering at this point was impossible (tire would touch the car). The service center replaced both sides LATERAL LINK and bolts. I've looked up this part, and found the recall 21V83500, SB-21-31-003 - which stated a situation very close to mine. My car was 2018, which was out of the recall range; but it is very likely the same issue.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 20, 2022
While driving my vehicle, no matter if I am on the interstate, country roads, side roads the vehicle will brake for unknown reasons. It will go from 65mph to 35mph, or 55mph to 45mph, etc. This happens whether in cruise control, auto drive or manual drive. It also will brake behind trash trucks with their flashing lights on, intersection flashing lights or warning flashing lights on the side of the road. It has also done it at night with oncoming vehicles. This is a daily occurrence. I have contacted Tesla service center on a few occasions and I am always told it is a computer issue, there is nothing that can be done. This is an extreme SAFETY issue and can cause a rear-end accident or another type of accident. I can not believe this issue has been going on for years and Tesla can not come up with a solution.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Aug 19, 2022
Vehicle developed a loud squeak coming from driver’s side front wheel well that sounded like a something vibrating or rubbing a spring at ~54300 miles. Reported issue to Tesla via the Tesla app. Tesla’s recommended solution is to replace both the right and left Upper Control Arm. Further research found that this is a widespread problem reported by Tesla owners on the web. Indeed when I was at the Tesla Service Center the women in line in front of me was bring in her vehicle for the same problem. The upper control arms include a ball joint that needs to be lubricated. This vehicle’s upper control arms DO NOT have a built in means to lubricate that joint like a Zerk fitting. The vehicle is available for inspection. The safety issue here is a defective and/or poorly designed part which if left un-lubricated would likely experience water intrusion, corrosion and possible catastrophic failure – maybe breaking at speed. Our vehicle has lost lubricant at the ball joint given the noise and is likely susceptible to/experiencing water intrusion. Also found “SB-20-31-006 Service Bulletin Reseal Front Upper Control Arm Ball Joints”, but this curiously does not include our vehicles VIN. My suspicion is our Upper Control Arm has a different part number than the Upper Control Arm in SB-20-31-006 but is likely a very similar part. My concern is part number whack-a-mole is taking place. Tesla did not even have to inspect the car to know what the problem was. No other parties have inspected the part and no warnings, alerts, messages or other symptoms have occurred except for the horrible noise.
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Aug 18, 2022
In 2021 the vehicle reported – “Front passenger safety restraint system fault/Contact Tesla Service”. Tesla performed OCS rework installing an Occupant Classification System (OCS) Filter Module (part SERVICE KIT – OCS REWORK (1479982-00-C)). In 2022 the vehicle reported “RCM_a056 Front passenger safety restraint system fault service required”. Tesla’s proposed correction is to replace seat (part 1ST ROW SEAT ASSEMBLY – RIGHT HAND – PUR BLACK (7654324-91-C)). The safety risk may be serious and alert RCM_a056 is being reported by other owners on the web so the problem is not isolated. My understanding is the Occupant Classification System (OCS) Filter Module is part of the airbag system and weighs occupants in the front seat. The OCS Filter is used to determine if the front seat is occupied and possibly classify occupants by weight to determine if and/or by how much airbags should be deployed. The safety of a person in the front passenger seat maybe at risk because of this faulty OCS which could result in airbags failing or deploying dangerously based on erroneous OCS inputs. The problem was identified by two faults reported by the vehicle, the first OCS failure was confirmed by a Tesla Mobile Technician and the component was replaced (part SERVICE KIT – OCS REWORK (1479982-00-C)). The Tech said the seat heater was causing interference with the OCS’s unshielded wires. The second fault the vehicle reported was also confirmed by a Mobile Service Technician who said the replacement OCS filter module “can’t be calibrated”. Please note that this is the second failure of the same component. Tesla has the OCS Module replaced in March of 2021. No other parties have inspected any of the OCS Filter Modules. I will make an effort to retain the seat being replaced. Only two fault with “RCM_a056” code and “Front passenger safety restraint system fault” text were reported by the vehicle. There were no other symptoms related to this faulty module.
Electrical system, Visibility, Back over prevention, Aug 18, 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.
Suspension, Aug 17, 2022
2018 Tesla Model 3 LR RWD with approximately 56,000 miles. A loud squeaking/creaking noise started on front driver side when turning at low speeds. This progressed to higher speeds. I inspected the car and found that the noise is coming from the upper control arm ball joint. It seems this is a common issue for this vehicle according to online research. This is a potential safety issue as this seems to be a premature failure of the part. Basic vehicle warranty recently ended. Tesla plans on replacing the upper control arm and charging me full price for parts and labor.