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.
Equipment, Dec 30, 2021
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.
Other or unspecified, Dec 29, 2021
Recent software update to the vehicle has made the care unsafe to drive. They completely reworked where all car control buttons on the main screen were located. They removed essential car function from the main screen. Specifically, windshield wiper control and defroster control are now buried in submenus. I am having to take my eyes off the road for 2-3 continuous seconds to find commands in these submenus and I can't tell you how unsafe this feels. Car windows/windshield fogs up and I can't find the defroster touchscreen button. Suddenly starts raining and I have to scramble to find windshield wiper touchscreen button. The touchscreen buttons for turning on fog lights and regular car lights are buried. This happened with a version 11 software update within the past few days. Before this - no problems. Please help us.
Other or unspecified, Dec 29, 2021
The v11 software update buries many important buttons that were always up, to find basic functions needed for driving I now need to spend up to 15 seconds digging through multiple menus to say, turn on a defroster or the wipers.
Electrical system, Dec 28, 2021, crash
On November 30 at 6pm I was driving north on I-75 in the Tampa area with Navigate on Autopilot activated. I was in the middle lane, it was dark, and there was lots of traffic. My screen asked me to confirm the autopilot request to move to the left lane. I tapped the stalk to confirm. I did not look in the left lane and was not controlling the steering, though my hands were on the wheel. The car immediately turned into the left lane and side swiped a police vehicle. Nobody was injured and the damage to both cars was minor. Previously I had received alerts that my left pillar camera was "blocked", but the alerts went away, so I assumed that there was no problem. When the alerts appeared, auto steer was deactivated, but when the alerts went away auto steer worked again. I do not remember when the first alert appeared, but probably earlier in November 2021. Subsequently, the alerts have appeared and disappeared. I have requested service from Tesla, but the appointment is scheduled for next month. The officer in the police vehicle and two other officers who came to the scene looked at my vehicle and took pictures. I received accident report, Crash Number [XXX] from Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (Case Number[XXX]), but no citation. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Dec 27, 2021
Latest Tesla UI update, V11 (2021.44.25.2) is less user friendly, especially for essential control operations while driving. - Front, Rear Defrosters, and Seat Heaters are now buried in multiple tap menus. Windshield wiper adjustment option buried in multiple tap menus or unreliable swipe motion to reveal options. Areas where these buttons used to be are now "blank" spaces that were done for "aesthetics" more than "practical utility". - Menu options and notifications are narrower and too low for quick visbility (e.g. Car alerts, Windshield wiper adjustment). - Speedometer number is too thin and small. - Autopilot notification icon is much smaller, so it is less obvious to the user if the system is active or when it can be activated. - "One tap dashcam recording" now missing on Map screen. "Honking to save clip" may cause confusion to other drivers if wanting to save footage, so that is not a proper solution. - Map at night time is now much harder to see smaller/non main roads. Poor map contrast/visibility - Supercharging locations view requires multiple taps to get to and gives less "map view" of charging stations overall. Compared to one tap or able to persistently see charging locations on the map. - Interface unnecessarily expands all differnet audio source as different "icon buttons", so it may take longer for someone to look and find the correct option - UI mostly requires swiping up/down to expand or close out menus. This is a longer action than pressing an "X" button in the corner that was previously there. Aware that pressing the same icon will close the menu, but X is more intuitive and quicker than doing a full gesture swipe motion that may fail at times to bring back the proper Map menu.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Dec 27, 2021
Latest update from Tesla moved commonly used 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 several seconds to activate the functions.
Electrical system, Dec 25, 2021
The latest Tesla software update (their “holiday update”) has buried important controls in menus where they are difficult to access. For example, defrost and wiper controls were available directly on the main screen prior to this update. They now require multiple taps to get to with the associated further distraction from keeping eyes on the road. Less critical but oft-manipulated control (such as seat heat) that were are the main screen are also now buried.
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 20, 2021
Several times I am driving on the Highway at 65 mph and the car decelerates rapidly for no reason while I am in the drive assist mode. I have reported this several times to Tesla through the "report bug" feature in the car. It's very scary and dangerous. Additionally the drive assist mode doesn't work well in dense fog or rain and there should be a warning to that effect.
Lane departure, Dec 10, 2021
Side fender cameras quit working intermittently. Tesla repair tech said they need to be replaced and he's been replacing "hundreds" of them.
Other or unspecified, Dec 6, 2021
Safety Issue - A matter of life or death Many times since I’ve owned the Model 3 in late 2018, I have repeatedly contacted the service representatives about the A/C vent blasting out hot air over 90 degrees. I was told a software update will fix the issue. However, many software updates have taken place, it is not fixed. This now looks like a physical issue with the design flaw. This needs to be fixed. It can mean life or death for my family and my dog sitting in the back seats. This issue can be reproduced when I drive the Tesla over a long distance over an hour. Please see other people has already document this issue on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JudtkliZNjo
Lane departure, Nov 16, 2021
Tesla auto pilot does not stay in lane under certain conditions. On the freeway, it failed to recognize plastic reflective stanchions while driving on freeway interchange. The car was making left turn from 101 to 5 north. the car hit the stanchions while making the left turn. I took over the left turn as soon as the car hit the stanchion. The car did not recognize the stations because some stations were missing . The car can make very difficult left tuns on the freeway interchanges. It can make 270 degrees turns. It can make 90 degrees turn at 65 mph and slow down at the last minute to 45 and make the turn without any problem. But it does not recognize stanchion on a left turn. Another problem is AutoSteer in the streets. When passing through an intersection with no traffic , it steers in the Opposition direction lane.This happened about three times. The Autosteer does not recognize the lane in the intersection when the divider lines are missing or there are no other cars to use as a lane reference.
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 15, 2021
I was driving on interstate, using adaptive speed control but not autopilot. Middle lane. Car suddenly applied brakes. A car was ahead of me but not very close, there was no reason to apply brakes. Slowed down from 65 to 45 very fast, (seatbelt tightened) before I resumed acceleration myself. Lucky I wasn’t rear ended because traffic is usually heavy in that area. I had one passenger who was as surprised as I was. Yes, the car can be inspected. Not reported to Tesla. No warning messages, including didn’t make the loud sound Tesla makes with normal city driving if a car ahead is turning right and I start to accelerate before it has completely left the lane I am in. Tesla cameras are also not seeing cars traveling in my driver side blind spot. They used to show up on the screen but haven’t for months. Tesla cameras also do not see low flat bed trailers (such as empty car carriers) pulled by pickup trucks, common in Ohio. Screen shows the truck but does not show the trailer. I don’t use autopilot because of the blind spot issue, now I’m afraid to use cruise control too.
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
Forward collision avoidance, Nov 15, 2021
Over the last several weeks there have been numerous phantom braking events when on autopilot. These seemingly happen out of nowhere, various conditions, and for no apparent reason. Some of the braking events are very light and others are harder. I estimate in the last 4-6 weeks I have 2-3 per week while commuting. One almost caused the person behind me to rear end me. I am on software version 2021.32.22 on a 2018 Model 3
Forward collision avoidance, Nov 8, 2021
On enhanced auto pilot highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly breaks, also known as phantom breaking. Extremely dangerous! Tesla service notified, their response “software is in beta, with a recent software update addressing the matter”. 35,000 of driver miles experienced, the auto pilot is extremely glitchy. When the algorithm is to complicated the vehicle well transfer the liability back to the operator with little warning. Their vehicle safety claims are highly overstated. Software updates cannot keep up with outdated hardware.
Suspension, Oct 30, 2021
Every time I make a turn or go over a bump, there is a loud squeaky noise and the tire pressure goes down from 44 to 36 psi. Even when driving straight without anything like a stop or a bump, the squeaky noises happens. The noise comes from the front passenger side.
Electrical system, Oct 27, 2021
Car backup camera has been unavailable for use for months. Originally the issue was intermittent and only happened after Tesla alarm system active so Tesla service could not reproduce issue at dealer. They had me perform full factory reset and now issue is constant. Tesla has been unable to fix the issue stating that it is a software problem and engineers will need to create a software patch to correct. Unable to see safely out of back window to backup creating hazardous condition every time car is put into reverse. Have already taken car in for service, performed complete factory software reset, and uploaded all new software per Tesla instructions. They claim there is no fix for my backup camera so I am driving a car with no ability to see when I am in reverse.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 23, 2021
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.
Other or unspecified, Oct 21, 2021, fire
car caught on fire drove aobut 10 min in the morning average speed was about 10-20mph start smog and car doesn't work anything i got out of the car when smog getting bigger and started burn
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).
Exterior lighting, Sep 24, 2021
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.
Lane departure, Sep 23, 2021, crash
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at 45 to 50MPH in auto-pilot, the vehicle inadvertently veered into the left turn lane but continued straight into oncoming traffic. The contact stated that the vehicle collided head-on with the other vehicle. The contact was unaware of any warning lights or audio warnings. The contact stated that the front driver side and the knee air bags deployed. The contact stated that he sustained chest injures and a scrape on the right wrist and left knee. The contact declined transportation by ambulance so no medical attention was required. The contact stated that the other driver was complaining of pain but also denied transportation by ambulance but informed the contact that she would seek medical attention later. Both divers were seen on the scene by emergency personal. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The vehicle failure cause was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was awaiting to hear from the insurance company to determine if the vehicle would be a total loss. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact inquired of the Event Data Recorder (EDR) information from the manufacturer, however, was informed that it would take several weeks for that information to be retrieved and provided. The failure mileage was approximately 16,115. Consumer stated Tesla's messenger, from their Superior, CO office, stated that the Autopilot did not fail.
Suspension, Sep 7, 2021
Driver front lower control arm bolt backed themselves out
Forward collision avoidance, Lane departure, Sep 2, 2021
The Tesla Model 3 manual is unclear on what situations it is appropriate to use various ADAS functions of the car. For instance, on page 86, it says to never use autosteer on city streets or construction zones. Then on page 87 it says "if you choose to use it on residential roads" which should never be acceptable. Then, on page 94, it discusses the use of Traffic Light and Stop Sign control, and how the vehicle will detect and stop for these controls when using autosteer. These are controls which only exist on city streets. It is impossible to utilize this advertised feature while obeying the manual's other limitations. The same conflicts exist in areas such as page 87, where it first says that the vehicle may steer out of a lane to avoid an object, but then immediately warns that that the car will not do this in the very next paragraph. Page 93 warns you to "be ready to assist" as approaching construction zones, not to disable AP like the warning on page 86 requires. With inconsistencies in the manual such as these, it is expected that a user would be confused as to what the capabilities and limitations of the system are, posing a safety hazard. Additionally, the vehicle is capable of enforcing these warnings itself. As described on page 87, the vehicle is aware of the road type it is currently on. Rather than expecting the user to not use it on prohibited city streets, the system should enforce this limitation if it is one the manufacturer actually expects the user to obey.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Sep 1, 2021, crash
Car was totaled after uncontrollable acceleration. Air bags were deployed