Tesla Model 3 Complaints

2,178 consumer complaints on file.

#11627631November 26, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Turn signal buttons will get stuck intermittently and not be able to actuate. This causes the inability to reliably and predictably utilize the turn signals. This also takes attention away from driving and places additional focus on looking at the buttons instead of the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627372November 25, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On multiple occasions (at least five times) in the past week, the turn signal buttons on my Tesla did not work. The buttons were stuck and could not be pressed (they are on the steering wheel.) This is a major safety concern as I cannot "communicate" my intentions to other drivers on the road. I have reported this incident to Tesla and will have the issue looked at by a technician. However, Tesla threatened to cancel my appointment if I did not provide them details of the incident prior to my appointment. I feel that a safety issue such as this would have them rushing to resolve it whether or not I answered their online question. Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627183November 25, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
If a Tesla software update fails it causes an APB version mismatch causing all safety features to become disabled until you schedule service for repairs. It is not covered outside of warranty even though it’s an issue caused by their update. If you google APB Version Mismatch, a lot of people have experienced it. Out of warranty repair is $2-3k for a computer replacement even though it was working fine before the update.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627119November 24, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The rear doors in this vehicle have no manual open option in case of a power outage such as a fire or submersion. This is a huge safety risk for back seat passengers, who are more likely than average to be children who could not figure out what to do in the case of an emergency
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11626911November 22, 2024
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while a family member was attempting to use the rear middle seat belt, the seat belt failed to extend and was unusable. The vehicle was taken to a Tesla Service Center, where the seat belt was replaced. The vehicle was repaired as an out-of-pocket expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11626503November 20, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Turn signals are now touch sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. On many occasions the turn signals fail to activate when pressed. I’ve reported twice to Tesla only to be told that “it’s normal” and they think it’s a software issue. I’ve also read many others have had the same experience. Definitely needs to be addressed sooner than later.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11626500November 20, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While my car was in full self-driving mode, it attempted to make a lane change to the right which almost caused a crash into another vehicle. I had to manually take control of the car. On November 18, 2024, I reported this to the Tesla Service Center in Arlington, VA. Without even inspecting the car, Tesla concluded there was no safety concern and therefore, they declined my request to expeditiously inspect and repair the car. This vehicle has had several problems related to the autopilot system and other systems, and Tesla agreed in August 2024 to take back the vehicle after I filed a lawsuit under my state's lemon laws. I still have the vehicle as I'm still waiting for Tesla to provide instructions on how/when/where to return the car. I am documenting this incident to showcase all steps I took to remedy the defective product Tesla sold me in case the defect results in injury or damage. In the meantime, I have contacted me attorney and requested they send a demand letter to have Tesla make the repairs ASAP since there are clear and present dangers not yet resolved.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11626305November 20, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Left and turn signal buttons randomly do not work especially after disengaging FSD. Sometimes I have to re-engage FSD for the buttons to work. This can be dangerous when I'm trying to make a turn and cars behind me could be going really fast or not pay attention. I believe this is a software or firmware issue and not the steering wheel itself. No warning messages. I did report to Tesla warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11626215November 19, 2024
SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS, STRUCTURE:BODY
Here’s a template for writing a formal complaint to SaferCar.gov about your Tesla issue: Subject: Vehicle Safety Complaint - Tesla 2023 To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to report a safety issue with my Model 3 manufactured in 2023. This issue has significantly affected the vehicle’s functionality and poses a potential safety risk. Details of the Issue: •VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) [XXX] •Date of Incident: [XXX] •Description of the Problem:: “While driving, the vehicle suddenly was out of control and was under control owned all airbags and airbag scratch my hand seatbelt was not function •Location of Incident: Everet, PA •Outcome: my car being towed, emergency took me to hospital Attempts to Resolve: I have contacted Tesla customer service about this issue , but the problem remains unresolved. Safety Concerns: This issue is not only inconvenient but also endangers my safety and the safety of others on the road. I am deeply concerned about the potential for this defect to cause accidents or injuries. I request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigate this issue and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of Tesla vehicles. Contact Information: •Name: [XXX] •Address: [XXX] •Email: [XXX] •Phone [XXX] Thank you for your attention to this matter. I hope to see this issue resolved promptly to prevent further incidents. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11626214November 19, 2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Car randomly breaks or swerves when using cruise control. When there is nothing ahead of me have called tesla and been told it is called phantom breaking and that it is normal happens multiple times a day, almost causes collisions. Very dangerous.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11626141November 19, 2024
AIR BAGS
After a collision the screen flashed "Air bags deployed". The car then turned on the hazards, called 911 then vented the windows. The issue is the air bags did not deploy at all. I suffered a concussion and whiplash due to the accident. No warning lamps or messages ever appeared before while driving the vehicle.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11626097November 19, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
Tesla doors are opened from the inside of the vehicle by pressing a button. In the event of a power failure, the buttons will not open the doors. The front doors have an additional manual release to open the door. However, the rear doors do not. In a power failure mode, rear seat passengers will be unable to open their doors to exit the vehicle. Newer model Teslas contain the manual release for the rear doors. However, I have contacted Tesla and they have no plans to address my vehicle. I consider this a life threatening issue. Tesla should be required to retrofit any of their vehicles that have no way to manually open the rear doors.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11625957November 18, 2024
STEERING
The turn signals are on the steering wheel. Sometimes these buttons are not pressable so I have to turn w/o signaling. That is after taking a risk of an accident. I have run into this multiple times and the stress level of operating the vehicle when that happens is very high. There have been a couple of occasions that I had to signal when the steering wheel is partially turned and I have to look down and do guess work to locate the right button. This is again an energy drain when driving. Traditional stalk is a no brainer and it takes all the thinking and stress away from driving. I consider this vehicle not safe for driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11625398November 15, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1) Turn signal indicator (right side) does not always activate signal. It doesn't have the feeling that it was being pushed in. Has happened at least a dozen times since taking delivery, some of the times I have documented. Tesla says they won't just repair/replace it unless it's happening when I bring it in. Happens at random times. Cars behind me not alerted to me turning. 2) Turn signal indicator (both) cannot safely be used unless the steering wheel is in neutral position (car moving straight). This is especially true when in a roundabout and trying to signal to exit. It is impossible to select signal direction or even activate at all. This needs to be moved off of the steering wheel and onto a stalk like most other cars.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11624900November 13, 2024
SUSPENSION
The car has issue with suspension, i know it is sporty suspension, but I drove so many sport cars. But this is the only one that has jarring issue, my whole upper half is shaking back an forward on bumpy wavy roads causing me to have lower back pain and if i put my back head on head rest on these road my back head will be bouncing on it non stop. I went to service center and they say the car drive normally ,I told them mode 3 2024 does. Ot have that issue they say it is completely redesigned suspension. I told them from the sporty cars I drove non have that issue. They say model 3 is different than other models. It is so frustrating buying 2023 and having this issue and tesla is not will ing to fix it and have to suffer back pain .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11624540November 11, 2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
In autopilot mode vehicle failed to recognize School bus with flashung red lights and children crossing in front of vehicle. Had to hit brakes
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11624121November 7, 2024
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The following will happen in drive or reverse. Causing the vehicle to enter a free roll condition. If the vehicle detects both pedals are pressed. The vehicle will then disengage the motors and the brakes. And it will free roll. The vehicle does not successfully maintain stop and hold in this case. I was stopped at a red light and on an uphill. When the light turned green, I bumped the brake pedal when I went to accelerate forward in drive. My car rolled backwards downhill as a result. My instinct was to press the accelerator to try and go forward before I thought to hit the brake. My car rolled about 1.5 car lengths backwards. Luckily nobody was behind me. This is a safety issue that has existed for the 3 years that I have owned this car. Not once has this been corrected in a software update. This is a serious safety problem and I’m surprised nobody has free rolled into a pedestrian or vehicle because of it. Or if they have, maybe they don’t know that it was caused due to this vehicle behavior. The software needs fixed to prevent free rolling in drive or reverse. Normal gas cars don’t suddenly fall to neutral and free roll all over the place if you bump both pedals. like wow.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11623784November 6, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hi, my car computer completly stop(complete blackout) on the highway, no power, all doors and window blooked, reduce brake and steering wheel capacity. I changed line and went to the side of the road, but in an intersection or other road type, that could have been so much worst results. No hard reset nothing put back the power of the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11623506November 4, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:CHARGING:PORT
Tesla, Part of charging port cover is melted.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11623324November 3, 2024
SUSPENSION
The front left suspension arm failed and fell out as I was parking my car. If this would have happened at highway speeds it would have caused an accident because the car would have run into incoming traffic, potentially resulting in death. This occurred after a collision repair. The collision center that did the initial repair also fixed the issue. The car has had issues with pulling to the right since this repair. It has been taken to them several times but they are unable to address my concern.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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