2020 Tesla Model 3
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Forward collision avoidance is the leading concern among 451 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 9 Model 3 model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 54 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 33 people were injured and 2 people died.
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
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
Suspension, critical fastenersOct 25, 2021
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 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 December 20, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-31-003.
Campaign 21V835000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/window, curtainOct 25, 2021
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021, 2023 Model 3 vehicles. The left and/or right side curtain air bag may have been improperly secured to the roof rail, which could result in a twisted air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 214, "Side Impact Protection" and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
A twisted side curtain air bag may improperly deploy, increasing the risk of injury or occupant ejection during a crash.
Tesla Service will inspect and realign the left and right side curtain air bag as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-006.
Campaign 21V834000 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
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, disc, caliperMay 25, 2021
Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Model 3 and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles. The brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim.
Contact with the rim may cause a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tesla Service will inspect and tighten, or replace the caliper bolts as 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-21-33-002.
Campaign 21V387000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
451 reports, newest first.
Steering, Suspension, Oct 7, 2020
MODEL 3 MAKES A VERY HIGH PITCH NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. IT DOES HAPPEN WHEN YOU PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND STAND STILL ON HOLD. IT DOESN'T HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING NOR WHILE IN PARK.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Sep 13, 2020
I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A HIGHWAY USING TRAFFIC AWARE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY BRAKED HARD. IF SOMEONE HAD BEEN DRIVING BEHIND ME TOO CLOSELY I WOULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED AT A HIGH SPEED. I'VE SEEN ONLINE THAT PEOPLE REFER TO THIS AS "PHANTOM BRAKING," AND IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH TESLA CARS.
Electrical system, Sep 12, 2020
CHARGING PORT, PLASTIC TIP OF ONE OF THE CHARGING PINS BROKE OFF AND WAS STILL INSIDE THE PORT. IT WAS OBSTRUCTING THE CHARGING HANDLE, NOT ALLOWING IT TO FULLY SEAT. THE CAR WAS SHOWING AN ERROR MESSAGE SAYING THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CHARGING CABLE. I FOUND THE OBSTRUCTION AND REMOVED IT WITH A TOOTHPICK. THE ERROR MESSAGE WENT AWAY HOWEVER ONE CHARGING PIN IS NOW MISSING ITS PLASTIC TIP. THE ONE I REMOVED FROM THE PORT WAS BROKEN AND UNUSABLE. CAR HAS ONLY 5000 MILES ON IT. THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE NOTED IN ANOTHER SERVICE BULLETIN THAT SAYS IT ONLY AFFECTS 2018 VEHICLES. OBVIOUSLY THAT IS NOT TRUE. THIS CAR IS A 2020 AND IT IS STILL HAPPENING.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Aug 29, 2020
MY WIFE AND I LIVE ON A TWO-LANE STATE ROUTE IN THE COUNTRY. WE WERE HEADED HOME FROM THE FARMERS' MARKET THIS MORNING AROUND 10 A.M., HEADED DOWN A HILL WITH THREE CARS BEHIND US. THERE WAS AN 18-WHEELER HEADED UP THE HILL. I HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL ON AND TRAVELING 55 MPH IN A STRAIGHT LINE WITH NO CURVES IN SIGHT. WHEN THE 18-WHEELER COMING UP THE HILL WAS 7 CAR LENGTHS AHEAD OF US IN THE OPPOSITE LANE, MY CAR AUTOMATICALLY BRAKED HARD ENOUGH TO BRING OUR SPEED DOWN TO 35 MPH BEFORE I COULD OVERRIDE AND ACCELERATE. MY SPOUSE SAID, "I HATE THIS CAR. IT'S GOING TO GET US KILLED ONE DAY. WE COULD HAVE BEEN REARENDED." I HAVE USED CONVENTIONAL CRUISE CONTROL TO DRIVE FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS, EVEN IN TOWN, TO KEEP FROM INADVERTINLY SPEEDING. NORMAL CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T BEHAVE IN THIS MANNER. THIS IS MY FIRST REPORT OF A RECURRING PROBLEM.
Steering, Suspension, Aug 28, 2020
HERE IS A 2020 MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/37237764?ROWNUMBER=6THE FONT SUSPENSION GIBLETS HAVEALL FALLEN TO BITS. BOTH FRONT WHEELS ARE SPLAYED OUT IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS WHICH WOULD PROBABLY MAKE IT A LITTLE HARD TO STEER. IWOULD YOU PLEASE ISSUE AN IMMEDIATE RECALL FOR THESE TENT BUILT DEFECTIVE DEADLY CONTRAPTIONS. THANK YOU. KEEF
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Aug 27, 2020
SLOWED DOWN TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND THE CAR SUDDENLY SPEED FORWARD WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. I LET GO MY FOOT AND SLAMMED THE BRAKE ONCE MORE. IT TOOK A SECOND TO RESPOND
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Jul 2, 2020
FRIDAY JUNE 26TH, 6:00 P.M. PUBLIC ROADS. SUNNY, DRY. SOMETHING SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AT THE MOMENT I STARTED A SLOW LEFT TURN. THE CAR LURCHED TO A HALT. THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS ANGLED LEFT AT ABOUT A 35 DEGREES, WHILE THE LEFT WHEEL POINTED STRAIGHT. TESLA SENT A FLAT BED. THE TRUCK TECHNICIAN REPORTED BY PHONE THAT THE WHEEL WAS SEPARATED FROM THE SUSPENSION AND A TESLA BOLT WAS AVAILABLE FOR HIM TO TEMPORARILY HOLD ALIGNMENT FOR SAFE LOADING. I UNDERSTAND HE LEFT A NOTE AND THE BOLT INSIDE THE CAR. I BELIEVE THE BOLT WAS PART OF THE BROKEN SUSPENSION. THE CAR HAD 3,300 MILES. DURING MY OWNERSHIP, I NOTICED A LIGHT CLICKING (OR CLUNKING) WHEN THE CAR PASSED OVER A 3 INCH CHANGE IN ROAD ELEVATION, SUCH AS OCCURS DURING REPAVING WHEN STRIKING A MAN HOLE COVER OR NEW LAYER OF ASPHALT. I TOOK THIS TO BE A PECULIARITY OF THE TESLA SUSPENSION COMBINED WITH THE 18 INCH WHEELS. THE SOUND WAS RARE, AS MOST ROADS ARE QUITE SMOOTH AND I MADE IT A POINT TO DRIVE SLOWLY OVER SUDDEN BUMPS. MORE RECENTLY, AS OUR TOWN IS REPAVING, I HEARD THE CLICK MORE FREQUENTLY. ON FATHER'S DAY, WHILE A FRIEND WAS TEST DRIVING THE CAR, HE BEING A CAR GEEK, HEARD THE CLICK, CALLED IT A "CLUNK," AND TOLD ME TO GET IT LOOKED AT. I HAD NOT YET MADE THE APPOINTMENT WHEN SOMETHING SNAPPED ON JUNE 26TH. OVER THE WEEKEND I LEFT VOICE MAILS AND SENT TO TESLA SERVICE AN EMAIL STATING TESLA SHOULD CONSIDER GIVING ME A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE, BUT I WISHED FIRST TO HEAR THEIR REPORT ON WHAT HAD OCCURRED. TESLA SERVICE IN MILFORD IS NOT OPEN ON WEEKENDS. TESLA CALLED ON MONDAY AFTERNOON SEEKING MY INPUT ON WHAT HAD OCCURRED. LATER THAT DAY THEY REPORTED IT APPEARED TO THEM THAT A CRITICAL BOLT HAD NOT BEEN WELDED ONTO THE SUB-FRAME. TESLA SERVICE IN MILFORD ORDERED A NEW SUB-FRAME, PART NUMBER 1044521-00-R, FROM CALIFORNIA. TESLA IS RESEARCHING WHAT OCCURRED.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 12, 2020
I TOOK DELIVERY OF MY TESLA AT THE BEGINNING OF APRIL 2020 - I HAVE NOT BEEN OUT MUCH BECAUSE OF LOCKDOWN. ON ONE OF MY EARLY JOURNEYS THE CAR SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATED. I WAS SHOCKED BUT THOUGHT I HAD INADVERTENTLY DONE SOMETHING EG CRUISE CONTROL OR HEAVY FOOT EVEN THOUGH I BELIEVED IT WAS TOTALLY UNPROMPTED YESTERDAY I WAS DRIVING AT SLOW SPEED ABOUT 20- 25MPH APPROACHING A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING WHEN THE CAR SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATED- IT WAS UNDENIABLE ! I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE PEDAL BUT IT DIDN'T SLOW - I JAMMED ON THE BRAKES TO HALT THE ACCELERATION. WHEN I ARRIVED HOME I GOOGLED 'SPONTANEOUS ACCELERATION ' TO SEE WHAT HAD CAUSED IT AND WAS HORRIFIED TO DISCOVER THERE IS A LOT OF ALLEGATIONS TO TESLA WHICH HAVE BEEN DENIED. I RANG TESLA AND THEY SAID THEY'D SEND A MOBILE ENGINEER WITHIN 4 DAYS!!! I LIVE IN UK BUT AM AWARE YOU ARE COLLECTING DATA ON THE MATTER - I LIVE IN UK SO FILING THE FORM DIDN'T ALLOW A UK PHONE NUMBER- +[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR
Exterior lighting, Jun 8, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER LEAKED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TAILLIGHT. DUE TO THE FAILURE, CONDENSATION FORMED INSIDE THE TAIL LIGHT SOCKET WHICH CAUSED THE LIGHT TO BE DIM. THE CONTACT ALSO EXPRESSED A CONCERN THAT THE ELECTRICAL CHARGING PORT WAS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TAILLIGHT. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED OF THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE TAILLIGHT REPLACED, WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.
Structure, May 24, 2020
AREOSHIELD UNDERNEATH CAR GET WET FROM RAIN PUDDLES AND THEN WHEN WET RIPPS OFF FROM NORMAL DRIVING. I THINK DUE TO THE WEIGHT OF THE WET FABRIC. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, May 16, 2020
SEE ATTACHED FOR DETAILS. WE HAVE EXPERIENCED AT LEAST TWO UNEXPECTED HARD BRAKING INCIDENTS IN OUR 2020 TESLA MODEL 3 EQUIPPED WITH AUTOPILOT. IN ONE INCIDENT, JUST AS AUTOPILOT WAS ENGAGED, THE TESLA BRAKED SUDDENLY FROM 65 MPH TO 50 MPH. OTHER DRIVERS WERE FORCED TO BRAKE HARD TO AVOID COLLISION. ON THE SAME DAY, WHILE IN ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, THE TESLA SUDDENLY BRAKED HARD AT A SPEED OF 78 MPH, DOWN TO 60 MPH. TESLA HAS BEEN NOTIFIED BY OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD SIMILAR EXPERIENCES, SO THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS HAZARDOUS PROBLEM. THE ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED BY MANY ON TESLA SOCIAL MEDIA SITES SINCE AT LEAST 2018. IT STILL HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. I PLAN TO SEND A COPY OF THIS REPORT TO TESLA. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, May 14, 2020, crash
I MADE A RIGHT HAND TURN FROM A FULL STOP OUT OF THE PARKING LOT INTO THE FARTHEST LEFT LANE INTENDING TO TURN LEFT. THERE WERE A LINE OF CARS AHEAD OF ME. AS I WAS TURNING INTO THE LANE AND LET MY FOOT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE CAR ACCELERATED RAPIDLY INTO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME. IT HAPPENED VERY QUICKLY. IT FELT AS THOUGH THE VEHICLE TOOK OVER ON IT'S OWN. THE CAR HIT THE VEHICLE ONCE AND THEN CONTINUED MOVING AND IT THE VEHICLE AGAIN - SO TWICE IN ALL. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 22, 2020, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE COMING TO A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A PICKUP TRUCK. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WAS NO INJURY INFORMATION PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT TESLA PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING REMOTELY BUT REFUSES TO INFORM THE CONTACT OF THE RESULTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT AFTER AN INTERNAL INVESTIGATION THE CONTACT WOULD RECEIVE A CALLBACK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Air bags, Apr 4, 2020, crash
1 DAY AFTER TAKING DELIVERY OF MY MODEL 3, I WAS T-BONED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY CAR WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN BY A DRIVER WHO BEAT THE RED LIGHT DUE TO BEING DISTRACTED ON HER PHONE. I BLACKED OUT AS SOON AS I HEARD A BANG AND WOKE UP AFTER I REALIZED WHAT HAD HAPPENED. AS I LOOKED AROUND THE CAR, I NOTICED THAT NO AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. I DID MY RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT NO AIRBAGS WILL BE DEPLOYED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AREA IF NO ONE IS ON THE SEAT, WHICH I UNDERSTAND. MY CONCERN IS THAT WHY DID NO AIRBAGS DEPLOY ON MY SIDE. THE CAR MIGHT NOW BE CONSIDERED TOTALED DUE TO THIS ACCIDENT. I ALREADY CONTACTED THE CAR COMPANY TO DO AN INVESTIGATION. I'M SURE I HIT MY HEAD ON THE WINDOW BECAUSE THAT NIGHT, THE LEFT SIDE OF MY HEAD AND NECK WERE HURTING. AND ALSO, I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE'S AIRBAGS ON THE SEATS AS WELL, BUT SADLY, IT DID NOT DEPLOY. NOW, I HAVE BACK PAINS AND MIGHT NEED OUTPATIENT PT. IF I'M PAYING CLOSE TO 60K ON A VEHICLE, I WOULD HOPE THAT THE MAIN SAFETY FEATURE OF A CAR WILL BE ACTIVATED IN A CRASH OF THAT MAGNITUDE.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Feb 7, 2020, crash
FIRST OF ALL, I WAS PULLING THE TESLA OUT OF OUR GARAGE. I WAS COMPLETELY OUT MANEUVERING THE CAR TO MAKE IT PARALLEL TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE STREET WHEN SUDDENLY, I FELT THE CAR MOVED EXTRA BACKWARD. FORTUNATELY, IT DID NOT HIT THE NEIGHBORS' PARKED CARS. THE MOVE STARTLED ME. AND SURPRISED MY HUSBAND AND SON WHO ARE PASSENGERS AT THAT TIME. MY HUSBAND BLURTED, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?". I REPLIED, "I'M DRIVING, I DID NOT DO ANYTHING EXTRA TO MAKE THAT MOVE. I WONDERED AND ALSO ASKED, "HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?" AND MY HUSBAND SAID "I DON'T KNOW YOU'RE THE ONE DRIVING, BE CAREFUL." MY RESPONSE WAS, "I AM BEING CAREFUL!". MY HUSBAND THOUGHT I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR HARD BUT I KNOW I DID NOT. THE CONVERSATION ALMOST LEAD TO AN ARGUMENT BUT WE SOMEHOW DIFFUSED THE TOPIC. I DON'T WANT TO ARGUE AND RUIN THE MOOD BECAUSE WE WERE ON OUR WAY TO OUR SON'S SOCCER GAME THAT MORNING. TO MAKE THE STORY SHORT. I CONTINUED DRIVING UNTIL WE REACHED OUR DESTINATION. I CHOSE TO PARK ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PARKING LOT. AS I WAS SLOWLY PULLING THE CAR IN, I FELT THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. AT THE BLINK OF AN EYE, OUR CAR HIT ANOTHER CAR PARKED IN FRONT OF US AND THE CAR NEXT TO IT. I FELT THAT THE CAR CONTROLLED MY MOVE BEFORE I COULD EVEN REACT. FOR 20 YEARS OF DRIVING, I HAVE NEVER HIT AN ACCELERATOR BY MISTAKE OR CAUSED ANY COLLISION. I HAVE DRIVEN THIS VEHICLE A COUPLE OF TIMES BEFORE THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED AND I DROVE AND PARKED IT THE WAY I DID PREVIOUSLY. THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WAS SOMETHING NEW THAT DAY. I AM DEEPLY CONCERNED WITH THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE FOR MY FAMILY AND OTHERS.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 3, 2020
WHEN I SHIFT THE CAR INTO DRIVE AND USE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO MOVE THE CAR FORWARD AND IT WORKS FINE. WHEN I RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE CAR ACCELERATE AND REQUIRES ME TO BRAKE. THIS OCCURS AT LOW SPEED. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR INTO TESLA AND THEY SAID USER ERROR. THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGES WHEN I SHIFT INTO DRIVE. THIS HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED THE CAR
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 26, 2020, crash
WHEN I SLOWED DOWN ON A CITY STREET, AND TURNED INTO A PARKING LOT, THE CAR SPEEDED UP BY ITSELF. AND THE BRAKE DIDN'T RESPOND WHEN I STEPPED ON IT. THE CAR GLIDED INTO A POWER POST.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jan 23, 2020
WHEN ON CRUISE CONTROL OR AUTOPILOT, CAR STOPS ABRUPTLY GOING FROM 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY TO 38 MPH BEFORE I CAN OVERRIDE AND TAKE CONTROL. THERE IS NO APPARENT REASON. THIS HAPPENS ON A CLEAR OPEN HIGHWAY.
Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Jan 17, 2020
SO REGARDING THE CAR BRAKES THEY ARE VERY HARD TO FULLY DEPRESS AND I BELIEVE ITS BECAUSE OF THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING. FOR EXAMPLE WHEN GOING EAT HIGHWAY SPEED AND YOU NEED TO PRESS THE BREAK PEDAL HARD IT LITERALLY FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS REFUSING TO LET YOU USE THE FULL CAPACITY OF THE BREAKS. ITS VERY SCARY IT HAPPENED TO ME AND I COULD NOT PRESS THE BREAK PEDAL COMPLETELY DOWN. AND REGARDING THE LIGHTS MY CAR HAS FOG LIGHTS INSTALLED BUT I'M UNABLE TO TURN THEM ON BECAUSE ACCORDING TO TESLA SUPPOSEDLY I DID NOT PAY FOR THEM BUT THEY ARE INSTALLED ON THE CAR AND THEY DON'T WANT TO ALLOW ME TO TURN THEM ON BECAUSE ITS CONTROLLED VIA SOFTWARE. THIS IS AN UNNECESSARY THING BECAUSE IF THEY ARE INSTALLED ON THE CAR I SHOULD HAVE ACCESS TO THEM BECAUSE I BOUGHT THE CAR. THIS COULD PUT US THE DRIVERS IN A HAZARDOUS CONDITION IN FOG OR OTHER LOW VISIBLY CONDITIONS UNNECESSARILY.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 17, 2020
ON 1/17/2010, AT 12:12PM, I DEPARTED MY HOUSE IN NORWELL. AFTER 1.65 MILES, BETWEEN 99 FOREST AVE AND RIVER STREET (APPROXIMATELY 50 FEET FROM RIVER STREET), I RELEASED MY FOOT FROM THE FRICTION BRAKE, AND THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN TOWARD RIVER STREET. I PUT MY FOOT BACK ONTO THE FRICTION BRAKE, AND IT STOPPED. THE CAR WAS NOT IN AUTO-PILOT MODE. I AM NOT AWARE OF CRUISE CONTROL BEING ON. IN ANY CASE, IF IT WAS ON, I DID NOT PUT IT ON ON PURPOSE, AND FURTHER, IT SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ON SINCE I HAD MY FOOT ON THE FRICTION BRAKE PEDAL JUST BEFORE THE EVENT. ENCLOSED IS AN IMAGE OF MY TRIP LOG SHOWING THAT MY DRIVE STARTED AT 12:12PM. ALSO ENCLOSED IS A MAP SHOWING THAT IT WAS 1.65 MILES FROM THE START OF MY DRIVE. I DO NOT HAVE DASH-CAM FOOTAGE OF THIS SINCE MORE THAN ONE HOUR HAS PASSED AND I DID NOT MANUALLY TAG IT WHEN IT OCCURRED BECAUSE I DID NOT KNOW OF AN INVESTIGATION AT THAT TIME.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 14, 2020, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK IN A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE UNINTENDEDLY ACCELERATED CRASHING INTO A PARKED TRUCK AND PUSHING IT SOME DISTANCE. THE CONTACT CONFIRMED THAT NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES SUCH AS BRUISING TO THE BACK AND NECK THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REVERSE OUT OF THE PARKING LOT AND DRIVE TO THE HER RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT NO RECALL WAS UNDER THE VIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATE 407.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jan 7, 2020
WHILE NAVIGATING ON AUTOPILOT ON THE FREEWAY THE CAR TOOK THE INTENDED EXIT RAMP, HOWEVER NEVER SLOWED DOWN UNTIL I HAD TO INTERVENE. REMINISCENT OF THE CHARACTERISTICS WHICH LED TO THE RECENT FATAL CRASH REPORTED OVER THE LAST WEEK.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Jan 4, 2020
THE AUTO STEER IN MY TESLA MODEL 3 FAILED TODAY WHEN THE CAR WAS TURNING ON A CURVY DOWNHILL ROAD. I BELIEVE IT'S BECAUSE THE LANE MARKINGS ON THE RIGHT SIDE ENDED JUST BEFORE THE CURBING STARTED. THE CAR SUDDENLY TURNED RIGHT AND HIT THE CURB BRUSHING THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL ACCIDENT IF I HADN'T TAKEN OVER. AUTO STEER TECHNOLOGY IS NOT YET READY FOR USE ON ALL THE ROADS AND IT SHOULD NOT BE INCLUDED BY DEFAULT IN ALL THE TESLA MODELS. MY CAR DID NOT BRAKE BECAUSE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS STILL ON. I AM STILL IN SHOCK AND AFRAID TO USE THE AUTO STEER AGAIN.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 25, 2019
DRIVING IN FREEWAY FAST LANE IN LIGHT TRAFFIC AT 10:30 AM ON OVERCAST MORNING WITH TESLA ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SET FOR 70 MPH AND 4-CAR FOLLOWING DISTANCE. THE CAR IN FRONT MOVED 1 LANE TO THE RIGHT LEAVING NO CARS AHEAD. MY CAR ACCELERATED GENTLY TO 70 AND THEN AS I APPROACHED AN OVERPASS THE CAR SUDDENLY BRAKED (OR WENT TO REGENERATION) AND SLOWED INSTANTLY TO ABOUT 40 MPH WHEN I WAS ABLE TO APPLY THE ACCELERATOR AND RETURN TO SURROUNDING TRAFFIC SPEED AND MOVE RIGHT TO THE NEXT LANE AND RECOVERED FROM THE SHOCK AND SURPRISE OF WHAT OTHER TESLA OWNERS REFER TO AS "PHANTON BRAKING". I WAS FORTUNATE THAT NO OTHER CARS WEREN'T FOLLOWING ME OR THEY LIKELY WOULD HAVE CRASHED IN THE BACK OF MY CAR. I SPOKE WITH OTHER TESLA OWNERS WHO REPORT THE SAME RANDOM, SURPRISE, POWERFUL BRAKING WHEN APPROACHING OVERPASSES.
Other or unspecified, Dec 24, 2019
THIS CAR FORCES THE DRIVER TO LOOK AWAY FROM THE ROAD FOR A FEW SECONDS(AT LEAST 10 SECONDS OR MORE) TO ADJUST COMMON THINGS LIKE ADJUSTING MIRRORS, CHANGING AC FUNCTIONS,SETTING WIPER SPEED. AS WEATHER CONDITIONS CHANGE FROM LOCATION TO LOCATION ON A LONG DRIVE, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE , CONVENIENT OR SAFE FOR THE DRIVER TO PULL ASIDE THE VEHICLE TO ADJUST HEAT SETTINGS OR WIPER SPEED OR MIRRORS.THIS IS DANGEROUS THAN TEXTING AND DRIVING. I REQUEST NHTSA TO RECALL ALL THE TESLA MODEL 3 AND HAVE THE ISSUE FIXED BY PROVIDING A PHYSICAL WAY TO ADJUST MANY THINGS IN THE CAR. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS IRRESPECTIVE OF THE VEHICLE MOTION STATUS.