NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Tesla Model 3. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
The latest Tesla software update (their “holiday update”) has buried important controls in menus where they are difficult to access. For example, defrost and wiper controls were available directly on the main screen prior to this update. They now require multiple taps to get to with the associated further distraction from keeping eyes on the road. Less critical but oft-manipulated control (such as seat heat) that were are the main screen are also now buried.
display controls moved behind a sub-menu in v11 software update. very dangerous to the point of distraction to just turn on the defogger! Fonts are way too small. important icons/info now hidden behind two extra taps on touchscreen.
Latest Tesla UI update, V11 (2021.44.25.2) is less user friendly, especially for essential control operations while driving. - Front, Rear Defrosters, and Seat Heaters are now buried in multiple tap menus. Windshield wiper adjustment option buried in multiple tap menus or unreliable swipe motion to reveal options. Areas where these buttons used to be are now "blank" spaces that were done for "aesthetics" more than "practical utility". - Menu options and notifications are narrower and too low for quick visbility (e.g. Car alerts, Windshield wiper adjustment). - Speedometer number is too thin and small. - Autopilot notification icon is much smaller, so it is less obvious to the user if the system is active or when it can be activated. - "One tap dashcam recording" now missing on Map screen. "Honking to save clip" may cause confusion to other drivers if wanting to save footage, so that is not a proper solution. - Map at night time is now much harder to see smaller/non main roads. Poor map contrast/visibility - Supercharging locations view requires multiple taps to get to and gives less "map view" of charging stations overall. Compared to one tap or able to persistently see charging locations on the map. - Interface unnecessarily expands all differnet audio source as different "icon buttons", so it may take longer for someone to look and find the correct option - UI mostly requires swiping up/down to expand or close out menus. This is a longer action than pressing an "X" button in the corner that was previously there. Aware that pressing the same icon will close the menu, but X is more intuitive and quicker than doing a full gesture swipe motion that may fail at times to bring back the proper Map menu.
The latest update of the software (V11) has moved functions that were previously accessible on the main screen to a sub-screen requiring 3 touches compared to 1 before. These functions include the windshield defogger, rear defroster, and the seat heaters. This requires having to look and interact with the screen much longer than before, impacting safety. Prior software (V10) had buttons on the screen emulating those of other cars. These required 1 touch to.enable/disable the function. It now requires 3 touches: 1 to pull up the sub-panel, 1 to enable/disable, and 1 to dismiss the sub-panel. Also, the prior software allowed you to see the status of these functions on the screen. Now you have to touch the screen to pull up the sub-panel and touch again to dismiss.
Tesla released Software Version 11 in late December which removed several key functions from being persistent on the main screen (“one tap” access) and buried them in sub menus which makes them dangerous to access when driving.
The steering system failed. I'm not sure about the availability for inspection. My safety was put at risk when my car collided with another car. I had just pulled out of my driveway and turned to go down the street a short distance from a stop sign where I would turn left. From a video taken by one of the car's cameras, the car went to the left side of the street and started toward the intersection where the car hit another vehicle. I have driven to the intersection numerous times. There is no way that I would have pulled toward the left side of the street. I believe that something in the steering system malfunctioned. This put me and other drivers on the road at risk. I don't know if the the problem has reproduced. There was a policeman at the site, but he would not inspect the vehicle for a malfunction. My insurance company must have inspected the car as they called today to inform me that the car is totaled. The failure happened so quickly, that I had no warning.
Recall not addressed by Tesla after 6 months
When the vehicle's directional is activated, the side camera on the activated side of the directional is activated and displays the blindspot area on the car's center screen. I.e. you want to change lanes and you activate the left directional to signal moving into the left lane, the left side camera activates and displays on the screen what is in the left lane. This is a very handy feature, unfortunately at night the "blinking" of the directional completely blinds the camera. It also completely saturates the center screen with a orange/red light when the directional is blinking. Tesla has fixed this problem with newer vehicles, they have an updated side camera that has a partition in the camera to block the light coming from the directional. Tesla will not replace the earlier side cameras. I was advised by Tesla service to shut off the camera at night. I find this solution to be completely unacceptable as I am accustomed to using the blind spot feature. This is a software/hardware incompatibility/defect and I believe there should be a recall in regards to this issue.
Several times I am driving on the Highway at 65 mph and the car decelerates rapidly for no reason while I am in the drive assist mode. I have reported this several times to Tesla through the "report bug" feature in the car. It's very scary and dangerous. Additionally the drive assist mode doesn't work well in dense fog or rain and there should be a warning to that effect.
When the vehicle is in autopilot, it sometimes (once every couple of months or so) will suddenly engage automatic braking as though there is an obstacle detected in front of the vehicle. In nearly every instance, this has happened at one particular location on an interstate where an overpass casts a shadow on the interstate on which the vehicle is located. The problem seems to be that the vehicle senses an object in front of it and the collision avoidance system is engaged; however, that "object" is only a shadow. This has happened in a few other locations (not simply this where this one overpass is).
Latest update from Tesla moved commonly used features several layers deep into hard to manage screen menus. e.g windshield wipers. This now requires drivers to take their eyes of the road for several seconds to activate the functions.
1. Phantom Breaking when on Adaptive Cruise Control. 2. Many times , unexpectedly there will sudden application of brakes, or slowing down of car when on highway and with speed in range of 55-65 mph. 3. Mostly this happens when big truck comes in front or passing thru a bridge. 4. Many times I am not able make any reason of this sudden brakes. 5. Many times due to sudden deacceleration , I have a car following in back, came very close , and honking.
Side fender cameras quit working intermittently. Tesla repair tech said they need to be replaced and he's been replacing "hundreds" of them.
I saw the reports on all the auto breaking issues with tesla, and i wanted to report for over a year my car does this ALL the time when auto pilot is engaged. I can remember hundreds of times where there is nothing around and all of a sudden the car auto breaks and its hard breaking as though im slamming on the breaks.
On November 30 at 6pm I was driving north on I-75 in the Tampa area with Navigate on Autopilot activated. I was in the middle lane, it was dark, and there was lots of traffic. My screen asked me to confirm the autopilot request to move to the left lane. I tapped the stalk to confirm. I did not look in the left lane and was not controlling the steering, though my hands were on the wheel. The car immediately turned into the left lane and side swiped a police vehicle. Nobody was injured and the damage to both cars was minor. Previously I had received alerts that my left pillar camera was "blocked", but the alerts went away, so I assumed that there was no problem. When the alerts appeared, auto steer was deactivated, but when the alerts went away auto steer worked again. I do not remember when the first alert appeared, but probably earlier in November 2021. Subsequently, the alerts have appeared and disappeared. I have requested service from Tesla, but the appointment is scheduled for next month. The officer in the police vehicle and two other officers who came to the scene looked at my vehicle and took pictures. I received accident report, Crash Number [XXX] from Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (Case Number[XXX]), but no citation. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Safety Issue - A matter of life or death Many times since I’ve owned the Model 3 in late 2018, I have repeatedly contacted the service representatives about the A/C vent blasting out hot air over 90 degrees. I was told a software update will fix the issue. However, many software updates have taken place, it is not fixed. This now looks like a physical issue with the design flaw. This needs to be fixed. It can mean life or death for my family and my dog sitting in the back seats. This issue can be reproduced when I drive the Tesla over a long distance over an hour. Please see other people has already document this issue on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JudtkliZNjo
PCS Charger (Onboard) is failing on numerous early build Model 3 cars (2017-2019). Telsa is claiming that this is not included in battery warranty, however Tesla's own service manual shows this part specifically in the HV Battery System. I still have the fault PCS charger in the car, it is limited to 32Amps but several forums and webpages state its only a matter of time before I am limited to 16Amps The car is unable to charge at a reasonable recovery rate in which you can even use the vehicle for it's intended purchase. Tesla has acknowledge it's failure but is unable to produce actual number of failed units. The warning lamp had been displaying "dirty electrical grid" for quite some time until I was able to search the internet for the exact issue.
Multiple "phantom braking" events while using Tesla's Auto Pilot system. Vehicle, while in Auto Pilot mode, will suddenly aggressively brake for no reason (no road hazards or other imminent dangers). Occurs about once every 50 miles driven with Auto Pilot on. The last incident occurred on 11/14/21
I was driving on interstate, using adaptive speed control but not autopilot. Middle lane. Car suddenly applied brakes. A car was ahead of me but not very close, there was no reason to apply brakes. Slowed down from 65 to 45 very fast, (seatbelt tightened) before I resumed acceleration myself. Lucky I wasn’t rear ended because traffic is usually heavy in that area. I had one passenger who was as surprised as I was. Yes, the car can be inspected. Not reported to Tesla. No warning messages, including didn’t make the loud sound Tesla makes with normal city driving if a car ahead is turning right and I start to accelerate before it has completely left the lane I am in. Tesla cameras are also not seeing cars traveling in my driver side blind spot. They used to show up on the screen but haven’t for months. Tesla cameras also do not see low flat bed trailers (such as empty car carriers) pulled by pickup trucks, common in Ohio. Screen shows the truck but does not show the trailer. I don’t use autopilot because of the blind spot issue, now I’m afraid to use cruise control too.
Over the last several weeks there have been numerous phantom braking events when on autopilot. These seemingly happen out of nowhere, various conditions, and for no apparent reason. Some of the braking events are very light and others are harder. I estimate in the last 4-6 weeks I have 2-3 per week while commuting. One almost caused the person behind me to rear end me. I am on software version 2021.32.22 on a 2018 Model 3
I was driving in rain with lane keeping assistance enabled. As the car followed a curve, my tires began to hydroplane and the front end began to lose directional control and drift to the right of my direction of motion. I overrode assisted steering and attempted to keep the front end aligned with the rear so as to avoid a spin. At this moment, I felt the adaptive cruise control add torque to the rear wheels which pushed the rear tires out from behind and aggravating the planing, and defeating my effort to keep the car aligned. I suppose I then fully disabled the cruise control, but the car had already rotated too far to recover directional control, and it spun 180 degrees (front wheels trailing the rear wheels.) This continued briefly until turning tail first up an earth embankment before coming to rest. There were no cars immediately near me at the time or it might have resulted in a multi-car collision in a hydroplane zone, with a good chance of multiple serious injuries. The vehicle was inspected by the insurance adjuster and repaired. The car is available to examine. There were no indications of a system failure and Tesla did not concede to any. I contacted Tesla service and requested to examine the control system data to assess if the adaptive cruise control had contributed to the loss of control. After providing a Tesla agent with the time of the event he asked for, he reached back to me and stated that they were able to archive the data from the time of the accident. However, since I had claimed that the design might have contributed to the crash, Tesla had prohibited him sharing that data with me and custody of the data had been taken over by Tesla legal department. He added that for me to see the data, I would have to obtain it through Tesla Legal. I emailed Tesla Legal with my request on 5-25-22. I have received no response. Tesla claims the car has electronic traction control. I think this accident demonstrates flaws that can make situations worse.
car caught on fire drove aobut 10 min in the morning average speed was about 10-20mph start smog and car doesn't work anything i got out of the car when smog getting bigger and started burn
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the Front Passenger Safety Restraint System (FPSRS) fault warning illuminated. The contact continued driving and later contacted the manufacturer. The contact was advised by the manufacturer that he had the option to repair the Safety Restraint System by a mobile technician or the vehicle could be driven to a dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that the Restraint System fault warning failure was intermittent at first but had become a recurring failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to the FPSRS wiring located under the seats, which was being damaged by the seat auto adjustment feature. The seat adjustment feature moved both seats to an upright and back position to allow ease of entry of the driver and passenger. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,900.
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the backup camera malfunctioned and the screen displayed completely black or completely white causing a visibility hazard to the driver while reversing the vehicle. The vehicle was previously serviced under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention) however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the replacement parts were not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 35,000.
Tesla Model 3 (and other models) comes equipped with side cameras on the vehicle's B-pillars. Tesla has designed these components to allow cabin air to infiltrate the space between the cameras and the exterior glass. Of course, this means that humid cabin air will condense on the glass when ambient conditions cool the glass enough. This blocks the cameras, causing certain features (e.g. blind spot camera, auto lane change, lane keeping assist) to stop functioning. These features have been actively advertised by Tesla and sold for thousands of dollars as software upgrades, but do not reliably function because of this design flaw. As can be seen on many internet forums (e.g. https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/b-pillar-cameras-fogging-up.172226/page-8), this issue has been known for years, yet Tesla has provided no fix for the problem. As recently as Sep 2022, their service centers are still telling customers to run cabin heat to eliminate condensation, but the cameras are well insulated, thermally, from the cabin (see Page 2 infrared pics https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/camera-condensation.168472/page-2), so this does almost nothing, while potentially overheating the occupants. After 3-4 years, it is clear that Tesla is not interested in taking this design flaw seriously, and will only act if forced by safety regulators. This is an integral part of what Tesla has marketed as their cars being "safer than humans", and it's unable to cope with normal weather conditions (I live in Seattle, WA and routinely see this in temps as high as mid-50s to low-60s).
On enhanced auto pilot highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly breaks, also known as phantom breaking. Extremely dangerous! Tesla service notified, their response “software is in beta, with a recent software update addressing the matter”. 35,000 of driver miles experienced, the auto pilot is extremely glitchy. When the algorithm is to complicated the vehicle well transfer the liability back to the operator with little warning. Their vehicle safety claims are highly overstated. Software updates cannot keep up with outdated hardware.
In a heavy Florida rain this afternoon about 3:30pm EDT I noticed my automatic headlight with windshield wiper function was inop. The lights normally go on with windshield wipers in the past. Upon investigation Tesla has removed this function at least on Model 3 and Y cars for some regulatory reason. It is unsafe to have to go to the touch screen to turn on headlights in this situation. Owners are complaining on forums but i think more drastic action is required.
the car tart to have sudden unintended acceleration at low speed after fully charge. The car will stop at the road Suddenly. leave car and back. The AC run for 1 min and shut down. I heard a sound which is from battery switch. 9/21, 11:15 am It happened again. I hear a sound and the car show alert. “”Pull over safely” — The autopilot system will slow down a lot passing a bride, even there is no car in the road.
The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at 45 to 50MPH in auto-pilot, the vehicle inadvertently veered into the left turn lane but continued straight into oncoming traffic. The contact stated that the vehicle collided head-on with the other vehicle. The contact was unaware of any warning lights or audio warnings. The contact stated that the front driver side and the knee air bags deployed. The contact stated that he sustained chest injures and a scrape on the right wrist and left knee. The contact declined transportation by ambulance so no medical attention was required. The contact stated that the other driver was complaining of pain but also denied transportation by ambulance but informed the contact that she would seek medical attention later. Both divers were seen on the scene by emergency personal. The contact stated that a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The vehicle failure cause was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was awaiting to hear from the insurance company to determine if the vehicle would be a total loss. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact inquired of the Event Data Recorder (EDR) information from the manufacturer, however, was informed that it would take several weeks for that information to be retrieved and provided. The failure mileage was approximately 16,115. Consumer stated Tesla's messenger, from their Superior, CO office, stated that the Autopilot did not fail.
Unknown
The Tesla Model 3 manual is unclear on what situations it is appropriate to use various ADAS functions of the car. For instance, on page 86, it says to never use autosteer on city streets or construction zones. Then on page 87 it says "if you choose to use it on residential roads" which should never be acceptable. Then, on page 94, it discusses the use of Traffic Light and Stop Sign control, and how the vehicle will detect and stop for these controls when using autosteer. These are controls which only exist on city streets. It is impossible to utilize this advertised feature while obeying the manual's other limitations. The same conflicts exist in areas such as page 87, where it first says that the vehicle may steer out of a lane to avoid an object, but then immediately warns that that the car will not do this in the very next paragraph. Page 93 warns you to "be ready to assist" as approaching construction zones, not to disable AP like the warning on page 86 requires. With inconsistencies in the manual such as these, it is expected that a user would be confused as to what the capabilities and limitations of the system are, posing a safety hazard. Additionally, the vehicle is capable of enforcing these warnings itself. As described on page 87, the vehicle is aware of the road type it is currently on. Rather than expecting the user to not use it on prohibited city streets, the system should enforce this limitation if it is one the manufacturer actually expects the user to obey.
Car was totaled after uncontrollable acceleration. Air bags were deployed
Driver front lower control arm bolt backed themselves out
This is for an issue noted on a 2018 Tesla Model 3. On August 2020 the car was serviced for an error message that stated "Front passenger safety restraint system fault/Contact Tesla Service", this went into service for an "OCS REWORK" which was explained to me as some harness under the passenger seat; cost was covered under Limited Warranty. Issue came back on August 2021, same exact one "Front passenger safety restraint system fault/Contact Tesla Service", and went into service again. This time service needed to replace the whole passenger seat, at Out of Warranty cost of $2,059. After explaining the recurring issue, an agreement was reached for a discount; but still ended up paying for theft of the same issue again. Thought appropriate to report this issue, since from the warning, seems like a restraint system problem that can be a bigger issue if not recalled or fixed within warranty.
I bought the standard autopilot for 2 model 3sI find it highly useful. It keeps me in the middle of my lane. Warns me with loud signal and bright red car marking of cars in my blind spot if it is dangerous to change lanes. Allows me to see clearly all cars around me. It will not allow me to drive without my hands putting active pressure on the steering wheel. I feel that it makes driving much much safer. Driver still needs to pay attention with active pressure on steering wheel.I drive 30,000 miles per year. I paid $3000 extra to buy the autopilot after not having it for the first 6 months. It was well worth the cost.Should be a standard feature on all new cars!!! My wife who drives my other model 3 has had the same experience.
Had an alert show up: Front Passenger safety restraint system fault | Contact Tesla Service First time was in July 20, 2020; Tesla service added a part under warranty: SERVICE KIT - OCS REWORK(1479982-00-C) Second time was on August 10, 2021; Tesla service wanted to replace the whole seat out of warranty: NA-M3 PASS SEAT ASSY LHD RH PRM PUR BLK No Lumbar(7654324-01-D)
The 12V auxiliary battery failed around 6:45pm PST on Aug. 8, 2021, causing the car to be unresponsive - Tesla acknowledged this. There was no warning prior to the battery failure. The driver (my wife) was trapped in the car because the electronic door latch would not open and the windows would not retract. My wife was panicked, crying and kicking at the window. I had to break the window to get her out. Tesla replaced the 12V battery as an item under warranty. They believe that I/we should have know about the manual door release to avoid breaking the window. This manual release is unmarked and inconspicuous. Tesla claims that the manual door release is described in the car's user manual; however, the car's user manual is electronic (no hard copy provided) and was not accessible because the car was unresponsive. The user manual can only be accessed from the car's display screen. There is no telephone number to call a Tesla representative and no way to access the user manual via the iPhone application. I had no choice but to break the window. Tesla is aware that their 12V batteries are failing prematurely and are not doing anything to prevent drivers from being trapped inside vehicles. The tow truck driver said he picked up four Tesla cars on Aug 9th for the same battery issue. I spoke to multiple other Tesla owners and none were aware of the manual door release. This includes one of my neighbors who received his Tesla a few months ago. It was not explained during the delivery process. The driver must rely on an electronic user's manual that can only be accessed when the car is operational. The faulty battery creates a condition that renders the car non-operational, so the contents of the user manual are irrelevant. Furthermore, the unmarked door release is an insufficient safety feature. Airplanes, buses, trains all have emergency exits marked. Apparently Tesla chose not to do this. Tesla created an unsafe situation where people can be trapped.
Car backup camera has been unavailable for use for months. Originally the issue was intermittent and only happened after Tesla alarm system active so Tesla service could not reproduce issue at dealer. They had me perform full factory reset and now issue is constant. Tesla has been unable to fix the issue stating that it is a software problem and engineers will need to create a software patch to correct. Unable to see safely out of back window to backup creating hazardous condition every time car is put into reverse. Have already taken car in for service, performed complete factory software reset, and uploaded all new software per Tesla instructions. They claim there is no fix for my backup camera so I am driving a car with no ability to see when I am in reverse.
Within the first day, my 2018 Tesla Model 3 lost all instruments, safety indicators, and touchscreen controls while driving on the freeway. The car did this *multiple* times, without warning. Each incident lasted several minutes. It was alarming, and there was no way to tell what systems in the car were working (such as automatic emergency braking or cruise control), and no way to change settings, or even know if the turn signals were working as I tried to exit the highway. The Model 3 has only one screen where everything (including basic instruments) is displayed and most controls are accessed. When the screen freezes, we lose access to basics like speedometer, collision safety or system failure warnings or even speedometer readings, as well as control of headlights, wipers, climate control, lock / unlock, navigation, and many other essential functions. During these failures, we do not know what if any safety systems are still operating. Typically when this problem occurs, the screen "freezes" while driving, without warning or any indication of trouble. The screen remains unresponsive for a lengthy period (typically minutes) until the screen goes completely black for a time, and then eventually a Tesla logo appears, followed by instruments and controls gradually being restored. The car was delivered from the factory to my home in this state, with other obvious defects—Tesla did not permit us to test-drive it. The next night a Tesla technician saw the failure happening in real time, through Tesla's remote diagnostics. He said the car was probably not safe to drive. I asked to return the car under Tesla's satisfaction policy, and he agreed to start the refund process. Tesla refused to take the car back, and the car has continued to exhibit these failures. This has been happening since the car was delivered in October of 2018.
I hadn't used the middle seat belt for a couple years. When I had a visitor I tried to use the middle belt, and it pulled right out if the seat. Upon further inspection I found that the back seat (drivers side) latch was also not connected to the vehicle and was only being held in place by the seat cushion. This was only apparent if you lifted up the rear seat cushion. My 5 year old daughter had been riding in this seat for tens of thousands of miles, and had we been in an accident she would have had no protection. I cannot be sure if the belt was never installed at the factory, or was removed during service and not reinstalled by a negligent technician, but a quick Google search showed that I wasn't the only person with this issue. Consumer stated vehicle has been repaired.
The AC system seems to build up moisture in the evaporator or filter every year, and an unbearable smell eventually occurs every time the AC turns on (usually in the warm summer months). While tesla does say they recommend AC system maintenance (cleaning and filter replacement) every two years, the smell should not be the trigger or a symptom. I actually had my car serviced last year for this and paid $180, and the smell is already coming back almost exactly one year later. They are saying this is not a defect, it is something that i will have to pay for each time it occurs.
Bolt that held holds the control and subframe came loosened over time. Tesla is saying it is my fault but there are multiple people with the same issue on the internet. Consumer stated back in August 2021, front lateral link separated and caused damage to sub frame. It was determined by Tesla’s service center at the time that this was due to driving conditions but driving on California roads should not cause an issue this damaging. Vehicle was not part of a recall but was repaired. https://insideevs.com/news/509767/tesla-model3-control-arm-fix/ https://insideevs.com/news/438005/upper-control-arm-chronic-defect-model-3/ https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/suspension-rattling-sound-turned-out-to-be-a-loose-bolt.185958/ https://teslaownersonline.com/threads/suspension-bolt-not-torqued-tesla-roadside-a-joke.15115/ https://www.insideevsforum.com/community/index.php?threads/another-extremely-poor-tesla-model-3-quality-and-experience.8247/
VIN: [XXX] I had an accident driving my Tesla model 3 on July 16th. Here is what happened: Driving autopilot at highway speed at ~65 mph Stray wheel/tire came and hit the front center hood/bumper of the car headon The hood flipped open tearing the hinges/struts on both sides of hood; hood lay flat on the front windshield With hood laying flat covering the whole windshield, front visibility became ZERO, also covering front windshield cameras Airbags popped on driver side (steering and below steering), and DEFLATED right away Autopilot did NOT disengage even after airbags deflated; car continued to drive ~65 mph on autopilot Not been able to see anything in the front, with both airbags deflated, and car still on autopilot at ~65mph, I found myself in a very life-threatening situation Eventually pulled the car to the shoulder on the left after changing one lane (still not been able to see anything through the windshield at ~65mph). Requesting: 1. Review and identify what Tesla auto-pilot could have done different and make improvements (since car had data on both sides of the car and front and back, as a computer, it should have at the very least slowed down or braked; or better yet avoid the on-coming wheel all together in that split second) 2. Why didn't the autopilot dis-engage and continued driving? 3. Front hood needs to have two front latches as in other cars - i.e., one main, one backup for situations like these (e.g., like Mercedes); single latch is not enough; both hinges holding the hood are very weak and broke within a second with just the wind. Hinges/struts need to be stronger. Just a wheel and here we are with a totally broken hood? 4. Autopilot is wrongly advertised as auto-pilot INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
https://youtu.be/Q74d_rK5aKk Please find the above YouTube link that has the front camera video at the time crash. Issues: ======= 1.) Tesla auto emergency brake didn't alert or stop. 2.) Obstacle awareness didn't alert or stop the vehicle 3.) Lane keeping assistant didn't alert/warn. All autopilot basic safety settings were enabled.
Computer Box, chip or BRAIN OF THE CAR THAT CONTROLS EVERYTHING. We bought the car in palm spring Tesla Brand New & paid in full amt.. After 5 MONTHS, GLITCH & BLACK SCREEN IS ONE OF THE MANY PROBLEMS. I brought my car to Tesla & told then personally the GLITCH & BLACK SCREEN problem & they said they will RECORD IT IN THEIR SYSTEM. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WITHIN 2YRS OWNING THE CAR. Every time I brought my car to Tesla I always tell TESLA TO CHECK THE BLACK SCREEN & GLITCHING that always happen. All they said IT'S A MINOR PROBLEM JUST REBOOT IT. Sometimes the car SHUTOFF AUTOMATICALLY WITHOUT A WARNING & COME BACK AFTER 10 MINS. TWICE HAPPENED WHEN I WAS DRIVING HIGHWAY 10 IN CA THE CAR SHUTOFF & ALL WENT GONE, NO HAZARD LIGHT, NO LEFT & RIGHT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT, NO BREAK LIGHT, NO HEADLIGHT & BLACK SCREEN APPEARED, MORE.ON JUNE 21, 2021 IT HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I was SCARED & I drove my car to the nearest service center in Rancho Cucamonga when it happened. They checked the car & THE PROBLEM WAS COMPUTER OF THE CAR. They told me my car was over 50K MILES & is out of warranty & I have to PAY OUT of POCKET. They told me my car history DOESN'T show record in their system reporting black screen or glitch & they WANT AT LEAST AN EVIDENCE that I SUBMITTED A REPORT to Tesla. I looked at my phone & I FOUND AN EVIDENCE WITH A VIDEO REPORTING TO TESLA BY EMAIL. After they saw STILL DENYING ALWAYS GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND. UNTIL THE MANAGER IN RANCHO CUCAMONGA TOLD ME IF I WILL NOT AGREE TO FIX MY CAR AND PAY OUT OF POCKET, THEY WILL RELEASE THE CAR WITHOUT FIXING IT & THEY WILL TAKE BACK MY RENTAL CAR. HAVING ME DRIVE MY CAR TO HOME WITHOUT BREAK LIGHT,.HEADLIGHT, TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS, HAZARD LIGHT, BLACK SCREEN & MORE. TESLA PALM SPRING DENIED & Rancho Cucamonga WILL NOT FIX IF I WILL NOT PAY OUT OF POCKET. EVEN MY BUG REPORT THEY TOLD ME THEY DIDN'T SEE MY REPORT. I HAVE NO CHOICE, I ended up paying $2k plus to fix the computer box that controls the car.
Many times when I am driving using the adaptive speed control the vehicle will suddenly brake very hard, slamming on the brake, scaring the driver and all passengers in the car. When this happens, there were no other vehicles near our vehicle at the time. If another car was behind mine at this time,I feel that it would surely have caused an accident. I have documented these occurrences each time and brought to the attention of Tesla Service department.
On May 28, 2021 I took my Tesla Model 3 in to have the undercarriage replaced after it came into contact with water and started to separate from the car. Tesla replaced both the front and rear aero shield panels under warranty. I was told this should not happen again as this part is an upgraded version from the original part. Seven days later, the same issue occurred where the part began to separate from the vehicle. This is a potential safety hazard for other drivers if it is not observed to be separating, it can fall off completely and become a flying object or road debris causing an accident for others.
Rear view camera often does not turn on (or is black, while side view cameras work); rebooting car's software system has no effect, as other owners have advised. Tesla mobile technician replaced camera, still doesn't work. Says it may be software or chip-related issue with media control unit.
My car was parked and was charging in our garage when it suddenly shut off. I got into the car to get something, but noticed the car's computer screen did not light up. I tried to open the glove box and it also would not open. When I tried to open the car door button, it also would not open the door while I was still inside. I got out of the car using the manual car handle and realized the charger would not unplug from the car either. I was very scared that the car was going to burn because the battery was charging at the time and everything suddenly happened. In addition, the backseat doors do not have a manual car handle to open the door. In an event of an emergency and the power shuts off, how are passengers sitting in the backseat going to escape from the vehicle??? The cause was due to a 12v battery malfunction.
On several occasions while driving with autopilot on the car has suddenly and inexplicably braked HARD while at highway speed. Each time there was nothing in the road, no car, no obstruction, no anything, but it was as if the car saw something that wasn't there and jammed on the brakes. I quickly took back over and returned to highway speed. Luckily we were not in heavy traffic or I would have been concerned about being rear-ended by another vehicle. I don't do a lot of road trips with the car and have used autopilot less as a result, but I would guess it has happened 4-6 times since I have owned the vehicle. I just thought it was a glitch that they would work out but just saw reports of others still experiencing this issue so thought I should report it so you were aware of the breadth of the problem. The date below is a total guess as to the last occurrence.