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.
Steering, Suspension, Seats, Oct 9, 2019
OVER 5000 MILES OF DRIVING, THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF VIBRATION AND BUFFETING IN CAR AT ANY SPEED OVER 45MPH. TESLA SERVICE HAS HAD EIGHT OPPORTUNITIES TO RESOLVE THIS, TO NO AVAIL. THE TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED TO ELIMINATE THIS AS A POSSIBILITY, AND THE WHEELS CHECKED FOR RUNOUT - ALL MEASURE VERY GOOD. SUSPENSION COMPONENTS OR CONTROL ARMS ARE THE LIKELY CULPRITS. IN ADDITION TO THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS FAILING AFTER LESS THAN 5000 MILES, THE DRIVERS SEATS ON MOST ALL MODEL 3 ARE LOOSE AND ROCK BACK AND FORTH, WITH TESLA SAYING IT IS 'WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS'. THIS COULD BE ANOTHER SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, AS IT IS UNCLEAR WHY THE SEAT DISTURBING BECOMES LOOSE WITH NORMAL USE. AFTER DISCUSSING WITH OTHER MODEL 3 OWNERS WITH IDENTICAL ISSUES, IT IS CLEAR THAT THIS IS A INHERENT VEHICLE / PARTS PROBLEM, AND TESLA IS DOING THE LEAST POSSIBLE TO ADDRESS THESE CONCERNS.
Seats, Oct 8, 2019
SEAT HEADREST BUBBLING AND HAVING OOZING STUFF. LOOKS LIKE MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. YESTERDAY I WENT AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE AND THEN I FIND IN MANY ONLINE FORUMS PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS. AND FOR SOME PEOPLE THEY GAVE A FREE REPLACEMENT. CHARGED ME $330 FOR THIS. EVEN THE REPLACEMENTS ARE STARTING TO SHOW SAME ISSUE HTTPS://WWW.REDDIT.COM/R/TESLAMODEL3/COMMENTS/CY0ZWU/TESLA_MODEL_3_HEADREST_BUBBLING_BIG_TIME/?UTM_SOURCE=SHARE&UTM_MEDIUM=WEB2X
Structure, Other or unspecified, Oct 2, 2019, crash
I WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR CRASH WITH THE AUTOPILOT ACTIVATED. THE AUTOPILOT HAS A FLAW WHERE IT CANNOT DETECT WHEN A LARGE VEHICLE LIKE AN 18 WHEELER OR CEMENT TRUCK IN MERGING INTO THE LANE. IT SEES A LARGE GAP AND WHILE THE FRONT PART OF THE VEHICLE IS SLOWLY SNAKING INTO THE LANE IT STARTS TO ACCELERATE. I HIT THE SIDE OF A CEMENT TRUCK AND HAD 8K IN DAMAGES. I REACHED OUT TO TESLA WITHOUT ANY RESPONSE.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Oct 2, 2019
OUR 2018 TESLA MODEL 3 HAS NEVER PROVIDED A CLEAR IMAGE OF THE REAR CAMERA FEED. ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT TIME THERE ARE PINK+GREEN LINES AND COLOR DISTORTIONS COVERING THE IMAGE THAT MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE AND/OR RECOGNIZE OBJECTS IN THE PATH OF REAR TRAVEL OR OBJECTS COMING UP FAST FROM BEHIND WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT WITH THE REAR CAMERA FEED ENABLED. TESLA HAS CLAIMED THESE LINES ARE A SOFTWARE BUG THAT WILL BE REMEDIED WITH A FUTURE UPDATE SINCE AT LEAST OCTOBER OF 2018, BUT AFTER MULTIPLE SOFTWARE UPDATES THESE SAME ISSUES PERSIST TODAY. IN SUMMARY, THE REAR CAMERA FEED IS BOTH GRAINY AND OBSTRUCTED BY PINK/GREEN LINES WHEN REVERSING AT NIGHT. THE SAME PHENOMENON WAS THE TOPIC OF A RECENT CONVERSATION THREAD IN THE TESLA COMMUNITY OF A MAJOR SOCIAL NETWORK AS WELL: HTTPS://WWW.REDDIT.COM/R/TESLAMOTORS/COMMENTS/AKKSLH/MODEL_3_BACKUP_CAMERA_NOT_SURE_THIS_IS_RIGHT/
Suspension, Sep 29, 2019, crash
MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD. IT'S GONE HORRIBLY WHOMPY.. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS?ITEMID=33644612&ROWNUMBER=11&SIMILARVEHICLEITEMID=&ISNEXT=&LOADRECENT=TRUE PLEASE INVESTIGATE. THANK YOU.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Sep 19, 2019
THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT A NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE TESLA AUTOPILOT EXPERIMENT. ELECTREK WHICH IS A VERY INFLUENTIAL TESLA PUBLICITY PUBLICATION HAS JUST RELEASED A HIGHLY IRRESPONSIBLE ARTICLE AND VIDEO. HTTPS://ELECTREK.CO/2019/09/19/TESLA-AUTOPILOT-V10-COMMUTE-WITHOUT-DRIVER-INTERVENTION/ THIS EVEN SHOWS THE TESLA FITTED WITH A "NAG DEFEATER" ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS IS GOING TO CAUSE OWNERS TO HAVE EVEN MORE MISPLACED CONFIDENCE IN THE AUTOPILOT AND WILL MOST CERTAINLY CAUSE MORE DEATHS. PLEASE STOP THIS DANGEROUS EXPERIMENT WHICH IS RECKLESSLY ENDANGERING INNOCENT ROAD USERS. PLEASE NOTE THAT I HAVE USED THE VIN OF A WRECKED TESLA MODEL 3 SO AS TO BE ABLE TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT. I AM NOT A TESLA OWNER BUT I HAVE TO SHARE THE PUBLIC ROADS WITH THESE LETHAL VEHICLES. THANK YOU. NOTE - DUMMY USA ADDRESS USED TO NEGOTIATE YOUR WEBSITE. CORRECT NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED WITH THIS COMPLAINT.
Visibility/wiper, Sep 16, 2019
WHEN DRIVING, THE ELECTROCHOMATIC (AUTO-DIMMING) REAR-VIEW MIRROR AND SIDE-VIEW MIRRORS ONLY DIM AT A PRE-DETERMINED TIME OF DAY, WHICH IS LONG AFTER IT IS DARK OUT, AND LONG AFTER FOLLOWING VEHICLES HAVE TURNED ON THEIR HEADLIGHTS. THEY REVERT BACK TO NORMAL (NOT DARKENED) LONG BEFORE SUNRISE. THEY DO NOT RESPOND AT ALL TO THE FOLLOWING VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHTS OR TO AMBIENT LIGHT CONDITIONS. ALONG WITH THIS, THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT PORTION AROUND THE EDGES OF THE MIRRORS THAT NEVER DARKEN. THERE IS NO WAY FOR THE DRIVER TO MANUALLY DIM THE MIRRORS. THE ONLY WAY TO AVOID BEING BLINDED BY THE FOLLOWING VEHICLE'S HEAD LIGHTS IS TO REDIRECT THE MIRROR, MAKING THE IT USELESS. I BROUGHT THIS TO THE MANUFACTURER'S ATTENTION APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR AGO. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE AND WOULD BE CORRECTED VIA A SOFTWARE UPDATE. ALTHOUGH MY VEHICLE'S SOFTWARE HAS BEEN UPDATED MANY TIMES, THE ISSUE WITH THE MIRRORS HAS NOT BEEN REMEDIED. I HAVE REPEATEDLY REACHED OUT TO THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THIS ISSUE AND AS OF YET, NO FIX IS IN ORDER. THIS ISSUE IS WIDELY DISCUSSED IN ONLINE FORUMS, INCLUDING THE MANUFACTURER'S OWNERS' FORUM. IT APPEARS THAT THIS ISSUE OCCURS WITH ALL CARS OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL. OWNERS' DEGREE OF UPSET SEEMS RELATED TO WHETHER THEY REGULARLY DRIVE JUST AFTER SUNSET AND/OR JUST BEFORE SUNRISE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2019
ABOUT 6 WEEEKS AGO THE HORN ON MY TESLA MODEL 3 STOPPED WORKING. I HAVE HAD ONE VERY CLOSE CALL WHERE I ALMOST GOT IN A WRECK BECAUSE THE OTHER DRIVER WAS MAKING A U TURN IN FRONT OF ME WHO DID NOT SEE ME COMING. I COULD NOT GET THEIR ATTENTION BECAUSE MY HORN DID NOT WORK. I HAD TO GO INTO THE LANE OF ON COMING TRAFFIC TO AVOID A SERIOUS WRECK. I HAVE MADE MULTIPLE EFFORTS TO GET TESLA TO GET THIS REPAIRED. THEY HAVE FAILED EVERY SINGLE TIME TO TAKE CARE OF THIS OR EVEN SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. COMMUNICATION HAS BEEN VERY LITTLE AND NOW THEY ARE NOT RESPONDING AT ALL. I HAVE EMAILED THEM AND TEXTED THEM. EVEN TRIED TO GET THEM TO HELP THRU THEIR TWITTER ACCOUNT. PLEASE HELP !!
Steering, Suspension, Aug 20, 2019
MODEL 3 IN JUNKYARD. NOT IN A CRASH. NO AIR-BAGS GONE OFF. FRONT SUSPENSION ARM SNAPPED OFF. STEERING TIE-ROD SNAPPED OFF. TESLA SEEMS TO BE PROCURING ITS STEERING AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS FROM A PRETZEL FACTORY. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. CONCERNED CITIZEN ETC. THANK YOU. HAVE A FANTASTIC DAY.
Electrical system, Aug 19, 2019, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TOUCH SCREEN FAILED TO ACTIVATE AND WENT BLANK. THE CONTACT THEN ATTEMPTED TO CHARGE THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO DUE TO THE TOUCH SCREEN FAILING. THE MANUFACTURER TECH SUPPORT WAS CALLED AND ASSISTED HIM IN RESTORING THE TOUCH SCREEN HOWEVER; THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A DELAY IN RESPONSE. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND REVERSING FROM A PARKING SPACE; THE REAR BACK UP SENSOR HAD A DELAY AND DID NOT WARN THE DRIVER THAT HE WAS GETTING NEAR ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE PARKED VEHICLE CAUSING SCRATCHES TO THE BUMPER. THE ALERT FOR THE BACK UP CAMERA WAS DELAYED DURING THE INCIDENT. A POLICER REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
Electrical system, Aug 18, 2019
MY 2019 TESLA MODEL 3 PURCHASED 5 MONTHS AGO, SUDDENLY GAVE A WARNING ON THE HIGHWAY THAT THE '12V POWER IS VERY LOW AND VEHICLE MAY SHUT DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY' THE CAR HAD BEEN CHARGED WITH 250+ MILES OF RANGE. ONCE STOPPED THE CAR WOULDN'T RESPOND AND EVEN FLASHERS WOULDN'T WORK. THEIR SUPPORT STAFF DID NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THIS OR EVEN HOW TO KEEP FLASHERS ON. LUCKILY I HAD EXITED THE HIGHWAY INTO A RESIDENTIAL AREA WHERE FLASHERS WEREN'T NECESSARY. THIS IS SUDDEN AND DANGEROUS. A BATTERY CAN BE MONITORED AND FAILURE CAN BE DETECTED SEVERAL CHARGE CYCLES (DAYS) IN ADVANCE. TESLA NEEDS TO DO A RECALL TO FIX THE CHARGING SYSTEM AND INSTALL A PROPER MONITORING SYSTEM.
Suspension, Aug 9, 2019
ANOTHER MODEL 3 JUST ARRIVED IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/42720419/PHOTOS NOT IN A MAJOR COLLISION, NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. FRONT SUSPENSION HAS SNAPPED LIKE A PRETZEL. ALL THE BALL JOINT STEMS HAVE SNAPPED OFF. IT IS PROBABLE THAT ALL OF THE BODYWORK DAMAGE IS SELF INFLICTED AS A RESULT OF THE SUSPENSION FAILURE. PLEASE CONTACT THE OWNER AND ASK HIM WHY HIS WHEEL FELL OFF. I AM CONTINUING TO FILE THESE COMPLAINTS IN THE HOPE THAT YOU WILL SEE THAT THESE SUSPENSION PARTS ARE DANGEROUSLY FRAGILE AND UNFIT FOR A GOLF CART LET ALONE A HIGH PERFORMANCE ROAD VEHICLE. PLEASE DO YOUR JOB. THANK YOU. CONCERNED CITIZEN ETC.
Suspension, Aug 7, 2019
THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE WEAKNESS OF THE SUSPENSION BALL JOINTS IN ALL MODELS OF TESLA CARS. I HAVE TAKEN THIS CAR AS JUST ONE EGREGIOUS EXAMPLE AND I CAN SHOW YOU MANY MORE THAT HAVE FAILED IN THE SAME WAY. I WILL FOLLOW THIS UP BY FILING A SEPARATE COMPLAINT ON A MODEL X WHICH HAS THE EXACT SAME FAILURE. HERE IS THE MODEL 3 HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/42908029/PHOTOS NO AIRBAGS HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED IN THIS CAR. THERE IS NO COLLISION DAMAGE THAT WOULD JUSTIFY THE BALL JOINTS HAVING SNAPPED IN THIS WAY. THIS CAR IS STILL AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. PLEASE DO THIS. THANK YOU...CONCERNED CITIZEN.
Suspension, Aug 7, 2019
HERE IS A TESLA MODEL 3 IN THE SALVAGE AUCTION YARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLE?ITEMID=32965341&ROWNUMBER=21&LOADRECENT=TRUE IT HAS SOME COLLISION DAMAGE AT THE REAR, PERHAPS BECAUSE IT STOPPED UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN THE FRONT SUSPENSION FELL TO BITS. THE PHOTOGRAPHS SHOW THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINT HAS POPPED APART AND THAT THE STEMS OF BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS HAVE SNAPPED. TESLA IS USING DANGEROUS LOW QUALITY COMPONENTS IN THESE CARS. THE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THIS WRECK PROVE THIS. PLEASE HAVE THIS WRECK INSPECTED. IF YOU WISH TO SEE MANY MORE EXAMPLES OF MODEL 3 SUSPENSION PARTS THAT HAVE SNAPPED LIKE A PRETZEL THEN THERE IS A COLLECTION OF THEM HERE HTTPS://WWW.FLICKR.COM/PHOTOS/136377865@N05/ALBUMS/72157701887554265 PLEASE NOTE..I AM NOT A TESLA OWNER, JUST A CONCERNED CITIZEN. DATE OF INCIDENT IS AN APPROXIMATION.
Suspension, Aug 6, 2019
THIS MODEL 3 IS IN THE SALVAGE AUCTION SITE. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLE?ITEMID=32947552&ROWNUMBER=22&LOADRECENT=TRUE IT HAS NOT BEEN IN A CRASH. NO AIRBAGS HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED AND THERE IS NEGLIGIBLE FRONT END DAMAGE. THE SUSPENSION HAS SNAPPED OFF. THE ATTACHED PHOTOGRAPHS SHOW THAT THE ALLOY SUSPENSION ARMS HAVE CRACKED IN HALF. THIS HAS THE APPEARANCE OF BRITTLE CRACK FAILURE CAUSED BY A CASTING DEFECT. IT IS A CERTAINTY THAT THIS IS NOT A ONE OFF INCIDENCE. THIS POINTS TO BAD MANUFACTURING, BAD QUALITY CONTROL, AND BAD TESTING. THIS IS ON TOP OF THE REPEATED FAILURES IN MODEL S & MODEL X SUSPENSION PARTS. TESLA APPEARS TO BE A SICK COMPANY WITH ZERO REGARD FOR PUBLIC SAFETY. PLEASE TAKE ACTION TO PREVENT NEEDLESS DEATHS AND INJURY.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Aug 4, 2019
I WAS DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON CA HWY 101 WHEN I INITIATED A LANE CHANGE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT WITH AUTOPILOT ENGAGED. AFTER BEGINNING TO MAKE THE LANE CHANGE TO THE RIGHT, THE CAR ABRUPTLY VEERED BACK INTO THE LEFT LANE, THEN SLOWLY STARTED TO MOVE BACK INTO THE RIGHT LANE. IT WAS AT THAT TIME THAT I DISENGAGED THE AUTOPILOT.
Air bags, Jul 11, 2019
FREQUENT ERROR STATING "FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT", WITH A RED INDICATOR FOR THE AIRBAG ON DISPLAY. ERROR OCCURS AT ANY TIME, STATIONARY, IN MOTION, ON A CITY STREET AND A HIGHWAY. SEE ATTACHED PHOTO
Visibility/wiper, Jun 24, 2019
I FOUND A STRESS CRACK ON MY REAR WINDSHIELD, WHICH THE TESLA SERVICE CENTER IN SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA DENIED WAS CAUSED BY A DEFECT IN THE GLASS. MY SERVICE ASSOCIATE, PATRICK GERETY WAS PARTICULARLY UNHELPFUL AND I AM LODGING A COMPLAINT DIRECTLY WITH THE MANAGER OF THE CENTER, ASTON MARTIN (NO, REALLY), AS WELL. MANY OTHER TESLA MODEL 3 CAR OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING FAILURES IN THEIR REAR WINDSHIELDS. SOME ARE BEING REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT MANY - LIKE MINE - ARE BEING DENIED. IN SOME CASES, THE FAILURE SEEMS TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE REAR WINDSHIELD HEATING SYSTEM. I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT. I'M UPLOADING A PORTION OF THE INVOICE ALONG WITH THIS DESCRIPTION. NOTE THAT THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AT THE TIME THAT THE CRACK WAS DETECTED.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jun 3, 2019
IN ORDER TO CANCEL CRUISE CONTROL OR AUTOPILOT IN A TESLA MODEL 3, THE PRIMARY MECHANISM IS TO PUSH THE RIGHT STALK UPWARDS AS FAR AS IT WILL GO. HOWEVER, PUSHING THE SAME STALK UPWARDS ONLY PART OF THE WAY WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. THIS CAN CAUSE A DRIVER TO PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL WHILE IT IS UNDERWAY. THIS IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS IN A TESLA BECAUSE IF THE CAR IS IN NEUTRAL REGENERATIVE BREAKING IS DISABLED AND IT IS THE COMMON DRIVING HABIT TO USE REGENERATIVE BREAKING AS THE PRIMARY BRAKING MECHANISM. ESSENTIALLY, A DRIVER CAN ACCIDENTALLY MAKE THE CAR UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND UNABLE TO USE PRIMARY BRAKING WHEN IN MOTION. IN ADDITION, THERE IS NO AUDIBLE ALERT THAT THE CAR HAS BEEN SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND ONLY A VERY SMALL VISIBLE CHANGE TO THE TOUCHSCREEN. I ALERTED TESLA TO THIS ISSUE IN AUGUST OF 2018 AND THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE TO THE CAR'S BEHAVIOR SINCE THEN, DESPITE NUMEROUS OVER THE AIR SOFTWARE UPDATES.
Air bags, Structure, Other or unspecified, May 22, 2019, crash
ON APRIL 24 19 MORNING [XXX](MY WIFE) DROVE UP MULTILEVEL PARKING LOT AT WORK 8100 JONES BRANCH DRIVE, SHE INITIALLY CHOSE A HEAD IN PARKING SPOT, THEN ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE CAR FORWARD TO THE NEXT AISLE, SO THE CAR WOULD BE FACING FRONT WHEN SHE GOT OUT. THE CAR PICKED UP UNCONTROLLABLE AND EXTREMELY HIGH SPEED AND SHE FELT OUT OF CONTROL AND COULD NOT MOVE FOOT FROM ACCELERATOR TO BRAKE IN THE SPLIT SECOND, ALL SHE COULD DO WAS TO STEER SLIGHTLY TO HIT A POLE AT THAT NEXT SPOT, AND AVOID GOING ACROSS DRIVE LANE AND OVER THE BARRICADE TO A DROP. THE CAR SUFFERED SEVERE FRONT DAMAGE AND AIRBAGS OPENED, SHE HAD MINOR BRUISE. REPAIR ESTIMATES CAUSED INSURANCE COMPANY TO CALL IT A TOTAL LOSS. 1. TESLA CLAIMS TO BE REVIEWING ELECTRONIC DATA BUT HAS NOT RELEASED CONCLUSIONS SO FAR. 2. WHY SUCH HIGH SPEED WAS PICKED UP WHEN ALL SHE WANTED TO DO WAS CRAWL OVER TO THE NEXT SPOT DIRECTLY AHEAD (ABOUT 20 FEET) FROM THE PREVIOUS SPOT. 3. WHY VARIOUS ELECTRONIC SYSTEM, FRONT COLLISION WARNING, FRONT COLLISION AVOIDANCE, VIDEO SENSORS ABOUT OBSTRUCTIONS, AVOIDANCE BASED ACCELERATION CONTROL ETC, FAILED TO APPLY ANY SPEED REDUCTIONS. PHOTOS OF EVENT, ESTIMATE FROM INSURANCE ARE ENCLOSED. I REQUEST YOUR KIND ATTENTION, AND YOUR ANALYSIS AS TO THE SAFETY FAILURES. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *PM *TR
Power train, Electrical system, May 15, 2019, crash
MY WIFE ( DRIVER FOR OVER 40 YEARS, NO ACCIDENTS, NO TICKETS) WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A DOWNGRADE, FOOT ON THE BRAKE, IN OUR BRAND NEW TESLA MODEL 3 WHEN IT SUDDENLY BEGAN TO MOVE FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO CARS STOPPED AT THE LIGHT IN FRONT OF HER. MY WIFE TRIED DESPERATELY TO STOP THE TESLA WITH THE BRAKES AND EMERGENCY BRAKE. OU CAR WAS STOPPED BY THE CAR IN FRONT. I HATE TO THINK OF WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED HAD THERE NOT BEEN CAR IN FRONT. WE PURCHASED THE TESLA IN DECEMBER OF 2018 AND THE CRASH OCCURRED IN FEBRUARY OF 2019. AFTER THE CRASH I CALLED TESLA, THEN I WENT TO THEIR SHOWROOM IN SAN DIEGO, THEY REFERRED ME TO TESLALEGAL.COM. SO I ASKED MY ATTORNEY TO HELP. IN THE MEANTIME, AFTER THE TESLA WAS RELEASED FROM THE BODY SHOP IT WAS SENT TO THE TESLA SERVICE CENTER IN SAN DIEGO. IMMEDIATELY, MY ATTORNEY EMAILED SERVICEHELPNA@TESLA.COM FOR TESLA TO PRESERVE AND PROVIDE THE ELECTRONIC DRIVING RECORD TO DETERMINE WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CAR. SERVICE CENTER DID NOT RESPOND TO OUR REQUEST. AT THIS POINT TESLA DEFINITELY KNOWS THAT WE HAVE A PROBLEM. OUR ATTEMPTS AT CONTACT BEGAN IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CRASH IN FEBRUARY. AS OF MAY 15TH THERE IS NO CONTACT YET. WITH THE KNOWLEDGE THAT I HAD AN ATTORNEY, TESLA SERVICE STILL SENT ME DOCUMENTS TO SIGN. THEY RECENTLY SENT ME A TEXT THAT THEY HAVE 'UPDATED FIRMWARE WITH THE LATEST VERSION' AND THE CAR 'IS SAFE TO DRIVE AT THIS TIME.' TO ME IT SOUNDS LIKE THEY MODIFIED THE TESLA. MY ATTORNEY HAS CALLED AND EMAILED TESLA SERVICE, TESLA CUSTOMER SERVICE, TESLA LEGAL, AND TESLA HEADQUARTERS IN FREMONT. SHE HAS WRITTEN LETTERS TO ALL OF THE ABOVE AND MAILED THEM CERTIFIED MAIL. IN THE LETTERS SHE HAS EXPLAINED THAT MY WIFE AND I ARE FEARFUL OF DRIVING THE CAR AND DEFINITELY DON'T WANT ANYONE ELSE TO GET KILLED. THE TESLA SITS IN THE SERVICE CENTER STORAGE.
Structure, Wheels, May 15, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TESLA MODEL 3. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR BUMPER AND REAR WHEEL HUBCAP ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD FALLEN OFF. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO AN ACT OF GOD AND THEY WOULD CHARGE FOR TOWING THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED COLLISION CENTER. THE CONTACT CALLED HER INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN AT THE CERTIFIED COLLISION CENTER FOR OVER A WEEK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER REITERATED THAT AN OUTSIDE INFLUENCE CAUSED THE PARTS TO FALL OFF AND THEY WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT WANTED THE MANUFACTURER TO COVER THE COSTS WITH THE INITIAL WARRANTY SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS JUST PURCHASED IN JULY OF 2018. THE CONTACT SUSPECTED THAT THE PARTS BEING USED WERE OF INFERIOR QUALITY. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *AS
Structure, May 7, 2019, crash
I TURNED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND WAS GOING TO PULL INTO MY GARAGE TO PARK THE CAR, WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED SUDDENLY AND VIOLENTLY AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT STONE WALL OF OUR HOUSE. THE STONE WALL IS DAMAGED AND THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF THE TESLA HAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGES.
Electrical system, Apr 29, 2019
THE SCREEN FREEZES AND REBOOTS WHILE DRIVING.I HAVE NO IDEA HOW FAST I'M GOING THE ENTIRE CARE GOES DARK. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 2 MONTHS.I HAVE TAKEN IT IN. BUT THEY TELL ME THERE IS NO FIX. CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WHEN YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW FAST YOUR GOING.
Power train, Apr 26, 2019
VEHICLE HAS A "BRAKE HOLD" FEATURE. THIS FEATURE IS ENGAGED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN GEAR, STOPPED, AND THEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AN ADDITIONAL DISTANCE. THIS FEATURE KEEPS THAT VEHICLE AT A STANDSTILL WITHOUT A NEED TO CONTINUE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. PER THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL, BRAKE HOLD CAN BE RELEASED BY PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, BRAKE, OR BY SHIFTING THE VEHICLE INTO "NEUTRAL". THE RIGHT STEERING COLUMN STALK, HOWEVER, CAN BE USED TO SWITCH THE VEHICLE FROM BRAKE HOLD INTO THE OPPOSITE TRAVEL DIRECTION (D TO R OR R TO D) BY MOVING THE STALK TO THAT SETTING. FOR EXAMPLE, A VEHICLE IN D WITH THE BRAKE HOLD ENGAGED, CAN BE SHIFTED INTO R BY MOVING THE RIGHT STALK FULLY UPWARD (TO THE "R" SETTING). THIS BEHAVIOR, I BELIEVE, SHOULD BE PROHIBITED UNLESS THE VEHICLE IS FIRST PLACED INTO "P" OR "N".