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, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 26, 2019
ON 04/13/2019 THE CAR ABRUPT STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE I DROVE IT ALONG NORTHBOND SANTA RITA ROAD IN PLEASANTON CA. . CARS COMING FROM BEHIND HAD TO MAKE URGENT BRAKING OR LANE CHANGE TO AVOID HITTING US. MY YOUNG CHILD WAS CRYING IN HORROR, AND WE HAVE NO WAY TO GET OURSELF TO SAFETY WITH THE CAR TOTALLY UNABLE TO MOVE. WE CALLED 911, AND LOCAL POLICE WAS DISPATCH TO HELP OTHER CARD AVOIDING HITTING US, WHILE WE WAITING FOR TOW TRUCK TO ARRIVE. THE CAR WAS UNRESPONSIVE FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES, WITH THE DISPLAY SHOWING MESSAGES: "UNABLE TO DRIVE, PULL OVER TO SAFETY. CAR SHUTTING DOWN". THE CAR RESUMED OPERATIONAL AFTER ABOUT 20 MINUTES, WITHOUT ANY NOTICEABLE CHANGE. I DROVE THE CAR TO NEAREST SERVICE CENTER (PLEASANTON CA). AFTER A FEW DAYS, I WAS CONTACT BY THE SERVICE CENTER STATING THE CAR CAN BE PICKED UP, WHILE NOTHING WAS DONE TO FIX THE ISSUE. THEIR OFFICIAL INVOICE STATES: "THIS IS CURRENTLY SCHEDULED TO BE FIXED IN 2019.20, BUT THE CUSTOMER CAN CONTINUE DRIVING. IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN (SEEMS UNLIKELY), THEY CAN JUST GET OUT OF THE CAR AND GET BACK IN TO RESUME OPERATION.". I POINTED TO TESLA SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE THAT THEIR RECOMMENDED SOLUTION IS UNACCEPTABLE - JUST LIKE WHAT HAPPENED TO US ALREADY - IT WOULD BE ILLEGAL AND UNSAFE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE IF IT STOPS IN THE MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY, WITH NO CHANCE TO PULL OVER EVEN TO THE CURB. THE TESLA REPRESENTATIVE BROUGHT AN ENGINEER TO HELP "EXPLAIN" THE INFORMATION, WHEN HE MENTIONED THAT THIS ISSUE IS A KNOWN CHARACTERISTIC RELATED TO USE OF CRUISE CONTROL. AND THE ENGINEER SAID HE WOULD PERSONALLY BE OK TO DRIVE THE CAR WITHOUT USING CRUISE CONTROL. I ASKED IF THAT MEANS THE CRUISE CONTROL IS NOT SAFE, THEY SAID IT WOULD BE MY OWN JUDGMENT. I THINK THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD TESLA IS INTENTIONALLY IGNORING AND NEED THOROUGH INVESTIGATION.
Vehicle speed control, Apr 22, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TESLA MODEL 3. WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT APPROXIMATELY 67 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED TO 75 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND AN ENGINEER WAS SENT TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINEER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A CAUSE FOR THE INDEPENDENT ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000. *BF CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE EITHER SLOWS DOWN SUDDENLY OR SPEEDS UP. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES.*JB
Other or unspecified, Apr 16, 2019, crash
VEHICLE ENTERED A SHOPPING PLAZA AT SPEED UNDER 10MPH AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO HIGH SPEED ON IT'S OWN. IT HIT THREE STATIONARY VEHICLES AND KNOCKED DOWN A SMALL TREE. TRIED STOPPING THE CAR BUT THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK AND THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED AFTER HITTING THE THIRD VEHICLE.
Electrical system, Mar 28, 2019
VEHICLE PRIMARY DRIVE MOTOR FAILED SUDDENLY WITH ON SCREEN MESSAGES LIKE: "UNABLE TO DRIVE - PULL OVER SAFELY", "CAR SHUTTING DOWN - PULL OVER SAFELY". THE VEHICLE BECOMES TOTALLY IMMOBILE WHEN THIS HAPPENS, IN MY CASE ON A BUSY ROAD AT AN INTERSECTION AFTER EXITING A HIGHWAY AND MERGING INTO TRAFFIC.
Other or unspecified, Mar 28, 2019
WHILE OPERATING IN AC COOLING MODE, WITHOUT FOREWARNING, WOULD SWITCH TO HEATING OPERATION. DURING THIS UNUSUAL BEHAVIOR, THE DISPLAY DOES NOT INDICATE ANY CHANGE IN THE HVAC SYSTEM BEHAVIOR. THIS DEFECT CREATES A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN THE REAR PASSENGERS ARE CHILDREN IN CAR SEATS. THEY ARE EXPOSED TO HIGH HEAT FOR THE DURATION OF THE DRIVE WHILE THE DRIVER IS UNAWARE OF THE FAST DEVELOPING DANGEROUS SITUATION IN THE REAR THAT MAY LEAD TO HEATSTROKE OR WORST. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=4GVDXQCPAPI
Service brakes, Mar 21, 2019, crash
WHILE DRIVING ON LOCAL ROAD, TRAFFIC STOPPED AHEAD. I PRESSED THE BRAKES, BUT IT DID NOT RESPOND. THE COLLISION WARNING AND EMERGENCY AUTO-STOPPING SYSTEM ALSO DID NOT ENGAGE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO COLLIDE WITH THE CAR IN FRONT. TWO DAYS BEFORE THE COLLISION, THE TESLA RECEIVED A FIRMWARE UPDATE. I NOTICED THE DRIVING BEHAVIOR WAS SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT. BRAKE FAILURE LIKE THIS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE THIS FIRMWARE UPDATE. THE FIRMWARE VERSION WITH THIS ISSUE IS 2019.5.4. 4C3C414
Exterior lighting, Mar 14, 2019
THESE VEHICLES ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH FRONT SIDE AMBER REFLEX REFLECTORS AS REQUIRED UNDR FMVSS 205 REQUIREMENTS
Structure, Mar 12, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TWO OF THE FOUR ROOF RACK CLIPS FRACTURED. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FAILURE COULD HAVE CAUSED THE ROOF RACK TO FRACTURE, WHICH COULD HAVE IMPACTED OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROADWAY. THE TESLA SERVICE CENTER (LOCATED AT 5700 S BROADWAY, LITTLETON, CO 80121, (303) 632-4200) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERENCED A REPAIR INSTRUCTIONAL FROM TESLA REGARDING AN UPDATE IMPROVEMENT FOR THE MODEL 3 ROOF RACK. IT WAS NOT SPECIFIED IF THIS WAS THE SAME OEM PART OR A NEWLY DESIGNED OEM ROOF RACK CLIP SET. THE CONTACT ORDERED THE PART AND THE CLIPS WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING ON A RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 15, 2019
THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. BUT WOULDN'T MOVE TO GEAR (DRIVE OR REVERSE). IT WAS GIVING THE MESSAGE "CANNOT MAINTAIN VEHICLE POWER". HAD I LOST THE POWER WHILE DRIVING, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A CLEAR SAFETY ISSUE.
Exterior lighting, Feb 14, 2019
HELLO, I OFTEN FOLLOW TESLA MODEL 3 CARS IN DENSE TRAFFIC, AND STOP BEHIND THEM AT RED LIGHTS. I HAVE TO SAY, THEIR TAIL LIGHTS (MORE EXACTLY, BRAKE LIGHTS IN THE CENTER OF TAIL LIGHT) ARE EXTREMELY BRIGHT WHILE BEING VERY SMALL. THEY ARE ALMOST AS BRIGHT AS LASERS. WHEN IT'S DARK, LOOKING AT THEM EVEN WITH PERIPHERAL VISION IS PAINFUL, I HAVE TO LOOK TO THE SIDE TO AVOID BEING BLINDED. I AM SURE LOOKING AT THESE LIGHTS IS DANGEROUS TO MY VISION. INSTEAD OF THESE VERY SMALL AND VERY BRIGHT LIGHTS, TESLA SHOULD HAVE USED BIGGER LIGHTS WITH SMALLER INTENSITY (EMITTED POWER PER SQUARE INCH). I AM ATTACHING A STOCK PICTURE OF MODEL 3'S TAIL LIGHTS. UNFORTUNATELY, A CAMERA COULD NOT CAPTURE THE VERY HIGH INTENSITY OF THE LIGHT.
Electrical system, Feb 12, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TESLA MODEL 3. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE MAIN 15 INCH SCREEN COMMAND CENTER WAS BLACK AND NONE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES APPEARED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TESLA (50 OGDEN AVE, WESTMONT, IL 60559) TO BE DIAGNOSED SIX TIMES, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.
Tires, Wheels, Feb 9, 2019
BRAND NEW VEHICLE WITH 2 TIRES HAVING SIDE WALL BUBBLES. NO ROUGH DRIVING . SEEMS TO BE AN INNER TIRE PROBLEM. MAYBE A DEFECT .CONTINENTAL BRAND TIRES.
Structure, Feb 6, 2019
THIS CAR HAS A FRONT TRUNK, AKA "FRUNK". IT IS OPENED ELECTRONICALLY, NOT MECHANICALLY. THERE IS NO OWNER ACCESSIBLE MECHANICAL OVERRIDE. IT FAILED TO OPEN ON OCTOBER 31 WHILE PARKED IN A GARAGE, 2018. IT WAS BROUGHT TO TESLA SERVICE THE NEXT DAY, AND THE "M3 FRUNK LATCH ACTUATOR PRIMARY RELEASE (1098789-00-C)" WAS REPLACED. THE FRUNK OPERATED NORMALLY THEREAFTER UNTIL JANUARY 26, 2019, WHEN IT AGAIN FAILED TO OPEN WHILE PARKED IN A PUBLIC PARKING LOT. IT WILL BE 3 WEEKS BEFORE IT CAN BE REPAIRED AGAIN, DUE TO TESLA SERVICE BACKLOG.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Air bags, Structure, Service brakes, Feb 5, 2019, crash
I WAS DRIVING ON AUTO PILOT MODE WHEN I WAS GOING TO MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN WHEN IN ORDER TO SLOW DOWN AT THE TRAFFIC AHEAD OF ME, I APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THERE WAS NO BRAKE ACTION WHATSOEVER. THIS WAS NOT A PANIC SITUATION, IT WAS JUST NORMAL BRAKING. WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED TO ACTUATE AND THE VEHICLE ACCORDINGLY WASN'T SLOWING DOWN, IN ORDER TO AVOID HITTING PEDESTRIANS OR THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME, I SWERVED TO THE RIGHT AND ENDED UP HITTING A TREE. I SUSTAINED INJURIES AS A RESULT OF THIS ACCIDENT AND TOTALED MY CAR. THE PROBLEM WAS THE FAILURE OF THE TESLA (2018 MODEL 3) BRAKE SYSTEM TO WORK.
Other or unspecified, Jan 28, 2019
THE PANO ROOF CRACKED, THERE IS A LOT OF OTHER OWNERS WITH THIS ISSUE, TESLA IS TRYING TO BLAME ROAD CONDITIONS .WHEN I DROPPED IT OFF TODAY TESLA GAVE ME A LOANER BRAND NEW MODEL S AND IT HAS A CRACKED PANO ROOF
Visibility/wiper, Jan 19, 2019
WHEN WIPERS ARE SET TO 'AUTO' MODE, THEY ARE FAR TOO SLOW TO REACT. DO TO THE MANUAL MODE REQUIRING THE TOUCH SCREEN TO CHANGE, A NOVICE TO THE SYSTEM WOULD HAVE A VERY HARD TIME CHANGING TO THE WIPERS TO WORK MUCH FASTER. THIS WOULD CAUSE A VERY UNSAFE AND HAZARDS CONDITION. AS IT IS NOW, I DO NOT FEEL SAFE LETTING ANYONE ELSE DRIVE THIS CAR IN THE RAIN.
Structure, Jan 8, 2019
DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON INTERSTATE 80, IN CALIFORNIA NEAR BERKELEY, IN THE RAIN THE UNDER CARRIAGE BODY COVER WHICH APPEARS TO BE MADE OF SOME TYPE OF COMPOSITE MATERIAL RIPPED/TORE. NOTHING WAS HIT ON THE ROAD AND THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE OWNERS THAT HAVE ALSO HAD ISSUES WITH THIS PART OF THE CAR RIPPING/TEARING/BREAKING DUE TO UNKNOWN REASONS. THERE ARE SPECULATIONS THAT IT IS WATER RELATED BUT IT SHOULD NOT BE BREAKING IN THE RAIN OR WITH WATER. AS WELL BECAUSE THE PART IS ON THE BOTTOM IT SHOULD NOT BE THAT FRAGILE THAT IT CAN TEAR/RIP/BREAK EASILY! I HAVE ATTACHED AN IMAGE BELOW OF THE UNDERSIDE WHEN I WAS ABLE TO GET BACK TO MY HOME. THIS PART IS INADEQUATELY PROTECTING THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR AND SHOULD BE RECALLED AND CHANGED.
Structure, Wheels, Jan 8, 2019
THE BOTTOM FRONT UNDER PIECE COMPOSITE MATERIAL WHICH IS PART OF THE UNDER CARRIAGE SPONTANEOUSLY BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY IN THE RAIN. THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS IN THE INTERNET OF THE COMPOSITE UNDER PIECES BREAKING FROM WATER OR MISSING/LOOSE BOLTS.
Air bags, Seat belts, Jan 7, 2019, crash
I WAS AT A STOP AT A RED LIGHT AND WAS REAR-ENDED CHRISTMAS EVE NIGHT, CAUSING MY CAR TO BE PUSHED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME AT THE RED LIGHT. I REMEMBER MY ABDOMEN HITTING THE STEERING WHEEL AND COMPLAINING OF STOMACH DISCOMFORT IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE ACCIDENT (I'VE SINCE GOTTEN X-RAYS AND WILL NEED 12+ MONTHS OF CHIROPRACTOR THERAPY). I NOTICED A BURNING SMELL INSIDE THE CABIN, SIMILAR TO THE SMELL AFTER FIRING A PISTOL. I FIGURED IT WAS THE AIRBAG, HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF AN AIRBAG. I WAS ABLE TO UNBUCKLE THE SEAT BELT, BUT ALSO NOTICED THAT IT WAS NOT RETRACTING AND WAS STUCK. THE MECHANISM WHERE IT COMES OUT OF LOOKED LIKE IT WAS DISLOCATED AS WELL. I NOTICED THAT THE TESLA'S SCREEN/DISPLAY INDICATED "FRONT LEFT SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT." THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW 9 DAYS PRIOR (DECEMBER 15) AND HAD NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENT PRIOR. I'M CONCERNED THAT IT COULD'VE BEEN A WORSE CRASH THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN MAJOR INJURY IF THE SEAT BELT DID NOT ACT AS IT WAS DESIGNED TO. I'M ALSO CONCERNED OF THE SMELL OF THE AIRBAG (OR WHAT I BELIEVED TO BE AN AIRBAG POST-DEPLOYMENT ODOR) WHEN THERE WAS NO ACTUAL DEPLOYMENT. IS THIS COMMON? THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT A BODY SHOP AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ENTIRE SEAT BELT NEEDED REPLACING. MY INSURANCE IS COVERING THE FRONT, REAR, AND SAFETY SYSTEM REPLACEMENT COSTS. HOWEVER, I HAVE HESITATION ABOUT TRUSTING THE VEHICLE'S SAFETY SYSTEM, EVEN AFTER REPLACEMENT PARTS HAVE BEE INSTALLED.
Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Jan 4, 2019, crash
1. WE PICKED UP THE CAR ON DEC 30TH, FROM THE FREMONT FACTORY, THE CAR WAS NOT EVEN FULLY CHARGED, AND THERE WAS A MESSAGE ON THE CONSOLE SAYING, THAT, 'IT NEEDS A SOFTWARE UPGRADE.' WE WENT BACK INSIDE AND ASKED ONE OF THE SALES PEOPLE, HE SAID, 'THIS IS THE END OF THE YEAR, THE CARS ARE NOT COMING FULLY CHARGED, AND HE LAUGHED ABOUT THE SOFTWARE UPGRADE.' WE CAME HOME AND UPGRADED THE SOFTWARE. NO-ONE WENT OVER THE OPERATIONS OF THE CAR. 2. ON JAN 1ST, THE 30 DAY TRIAL FOR THE AUTOPILOT FEATURE POPPED UP ON THE CONSOLE, AND WE CLICKED YES. WE DECIDED TO TRY THE AUTO-TRIAL FEATURE IN THE EVENING FROM SANTA CRUZ TO OUR HOME. WE ENABLED THE AUTO-PILOT ON ROUTE 880, IT KEPT ASKING TO KEEP YOUR HANDS LIGHTLY ON THE STEERING WHEEL, WHILE THE HANDS WERE ON THE STEERING WHEEL AT ALL TIMES. AFTER MAYBE 10 MINUTES, IN THE CENTRE LINE, AT A SPEED OF 63 MPH, RED WARNING STARTED SAYING, 'THE CAR CAN NO LONGER AUTO STEER.' WE CANCELED THE AUTOPILOT, MANUALLY DROVE THE CAR. ON LOCAL STREET ON MOWRY AVENUE, BETWEEN 6:30 PM AND 7 PM, WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR IN FRONT OF US SLOWED DOWN, REMOVED THE FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR, CAR CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE, WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PRESSED. NO COLLISION WARNING, AND CAR KEPT GOING UNTIL IT RAN INTO THE NEXT CAR AND STOPPED. WE PULLED OVER AND ASSESSED THE DAMAGE, OUR CAR HAS SMALL NICK ON THE CENTER OF THE BUMPER. 3. ARRIVED HOME, WITH ABOUT 80 MILES CHARGE LEFT. AFTER PLUGGING IN THE CHARGER, ABOUT 15 MINUTES LATER, MESSAGE ON THE PHONE CAME THAT CHARGING INTERRUPTED, AS IT HAS 78% OF CHARGE ON THE BATTERY. ADDITIONALLY, THESE ARE THE SOME OF THE OTHER CONCERNS, -RATTLING NOISE ON THE RIGHT SIDE DURING DRIVING -WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY AT ABOUT 5 MILES AN HOUR, THERE IS A BRAKE NOISE -THERE IS WIND LEAK ON BOTH FRONT WINDOWS AND DOORS. -RIGHT REAR SEAT BELT DOES NOT ALWAYS LOCK
Structure, Dec 30, 2018, crash
MY TESLA MODEL 3 WAS SO NEW THAT DIDN'T EVEN HAVE THE LICENSE PLATE YET. I'VE DONE SELF-PARK QUITE A FEW TIMES, AND EVEN WENT TO THE SALES CENTER TO CONFIRM THE WAY TO ENGAGE SELF PARK. WHEN THE VEHICLE SENSE THE SPACE AND YOU GO REVERSE, THE BLUE START BUTTON WILL BE ON SO YOU CAN PRESS AND LET THE AUTO SELF PARK. SADLY, THE SELF PARK CAUSED THE ACCIDENT ON 11/30/18 WHEN I WAS ON LYON STREET IN SAN FRANCISCO. WHEN PRESSED ON THE REVERSE 'START' BUTTON, THE CAR WENT UNCONTROLLABLY (LIKE A DEMON WAS IN THE CAR) AND HIT THE REAR PARKED CAR. I COULD BARELY HIT THE BRAKE IN TIME TO STOP THE ZOOMED REVERSE. THIS ACCIDENT NOT ONLY DAMAGED MY NEW MODEL 3 AND IT HIT THE BUMPER AND HEADLIGHT OF ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE, THE INCIDENT TRULY TRAUMATIZED ME ON THE TESLA CAR FUNCTIONS. THANKFULLY, THERE WAS NOT ANY UPCOMING REAR TRAFFIC, WITH THE SELF REVERSE SPEED, THE ACCIDENT COULD BE A LOT WORSE. TESLA INSISTED THAT IT IS NOT AN AUTO-PILOT OR SELF-PARK ISSUE. THEY SAID WE HAVE TO WAIT 4 WEEKS FOR THE ENGINEERING REVIEW AND REPORT. AFTER WAITING FOR THE TESLA REPORT FOR 4 WEEKS, THEY CLAIMED THE VEHICLE WAS 'NOT' ENGAGED IN THE 'SELF-PARK' FUNCTION - WELL, WHY WOULD THE BLUE START BUTTON IS AVAILABLE FOR ME TO BELIEVE THAT THE SELF PARK WAS READY????? THEY MADE THE EXCUSE THE CREEP FUNCTION WAS ACTIVATED. THAT IS RIDICULOUS! YOUR BLUE START BUTTON WAS AVAILABLE FOR SELF-PARK, DRIVER WOULD ASSUME THE VEHICLE IS READY TO BE PARKED. WHO WOULD GUESS THE VEHICLE WOULD ZOOM BACK UNCONTROLLABLY? COULD YOU IMAGINE HOW DANGEROUS THIS IS FOR ALL THE SELF PARK DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS? THE ACCIDENT COULD BE MUCH WORSE. NHTSA MUST ISSUE INVESTIGATION AND FINING FOR SUCH TESLA SELF PARK ISSUE!
Other or unspecified, Dec 16, 2018
TESLA MODEL 3 DOES NOT COME WITH TRADITIONAL KEY OR KEY FOB. GRANDFATHER SITTING IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS LEFT WITH KEY CARD WHILE YOUNG CHILD FELL ASLEEP. HE IS UNFAMILIAR WITH THE CAR BUT WAS BRIEFLY EXPLAINED HOW TO UNLOCK THE CAR BY PLACING THE CARD ON THE SIDE PILLAR. WHEN THE CHILD WOKE UP, HE EXITED THE CAR WHICH THE CAR NOTICED AS BEING EMPTY AND LOCKED THE CAR WITHIN SECONDS. HE WAS UNABLE TO GET BACK INTO THE CAR FOR 15 MINUTES WITH ATTEMPTS TO CALL US BY CELL WITH NO RECEPTION, NO CARD SCANNER ON PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR. THE AREA TO PLACE THE KEY CARD IS DIFFICULT TO DISCERN, HE KEPT PUTTING IT OVER THE CAMERA, IN THE DARK AND AS IT APPROACHES WINTER THIS TYPE OF SITUATION CAN BE DANGEROUS. TESLA HAS A KEY FOB AVAILABLE FOR SALE AND MIGHT BE PROVIDED TO NEW CAR OWNERS BUT MY BELIEF IS THIS SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO ALL OWNERS AS THEIR KEYCARD METHOD IS SO UNUSUAL AND CAN BE DIFFICULT FOR UNFAMILIAR USERS WHICH CAN LEAD TO A DANGEROUS CONDITION SUCH AS BEING UNABLE TO GET TO A CHILD UNLOCKED FROM INSIDE THE CAR EASILY. I IMMEDIATELY ORDERED THE KEYFOB AFTER WHAT HAPPENED IN THE SHOPPING MALL PARKING LOT.
Steering, Dec 2, 2018
ON 2 OCCASIONS, WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN ENHANCED AUTO-PILOT AND ENGAGED AUTO LANE CHANGE, THE CAR STARTED CHANGING LANES, THEN ABRUPTLY SWERVED BACK INTO MY ORIGINAL LANE. ON THE FIRST OCCASION, IT IS POSSIBLE I DID NOT PUSH THE LANE CHANGE INDICATOR DOWN FAR ENOUGH. ON THE SECOND OCCASION, THIS WAS NOT THE CASE. THE INDICATOR WAS PUSHED DOWN ALL THE WAY, I LOOKED BEHIND ME AND COAST WAS CLEAR. IT'S NOT AT ALL APPARENT WHY THE CAR ABORTED THE LANE CHANGE. IT WAS RAINING. I WAS DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT, 55 MPH ON A 4-5 LANE HIGHWAY AND I WAS IN A MIDDLE LANE, CHANGING TINTO ANOTHER MIDDLE LANE. IN THE FIRST INCIDENT, I WAS DRIVING ON THE SAME HIGHWAY, NO RAIN.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Nov 26, 2018, crash
TESLA MODEL 3 (2018) PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE WHILE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED GOING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION CAUSING UNCONTROLLABLE MANEUVER AND VEHICLE CONTROL LOSS. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND TO PEDAL INPUT AND FAILED TO DEPLOY AIRBAGS UPON IMPACT WITH A TREE AND FENCE CONTINUING TO ACCELERATE THROUGHOUT SUCH INCIDENT. AUTOPILOT WAS ENGAGED PRIOR TO CRASH. NO FORWARD COLLISION WARNING ACTIVATED.
Steering, Nov 15, 2018
WHILE TRAVELING ON ENHANCED AUTOPILOT AND CHANGING LANES USING THE DIRECTION STALK, I HAVE NOTED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS OCCASIONALLY SWERVED BACK INTO THE ORIGINAL LANE BEFORE COMPLETING THE LANE CHANGE. THIS HAPPENED TO ME THREE TIMES DURING MY DRIVE FROM PALM SPRINGS TO SAN DIEGO ON NOVEMBER 12. IT HAPPENED TWICE ON CHANGING TO THE LEFT LANE AND ONCE WHILE CHANGING TO THE RIGHT. ON NONE OF THESE OCCASIONS WAS A VEHICLE IN THE NEXT LANE OR ACCELERATING IN THAT LANE TOWARDS THE VEHICLE. NEEDLESS TO SAY, IT WAS A BIT ALARMING. OTHER OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THIS AS WELL AS NOTED IN HTTPS://FORUMS.TESLA.COM/FORUM/FORUMS/AUTOPILOT-RANDOM-LANE-CHANGES-AND-SWERVES.