Tesla Model 3 Complaints

2,178 consumer complaints on file.

#11572474February 17, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
As I was approaching my off ramp (which has a very tight turn), my automatic brakes failed which caused me to slam onto the brakes, and skid into one of the off ramp signs. All 3 of my children were in the back, the back driver side window shattered, I lost my driver side mirror, and there was damage done to the back door and wheel well (all on the driver's side). Although the damage looked minimal, no one was willing to work on the vehicle and I was strongly encouraged by my insurance company to claim it as a total loss. Granted, I had this vehicle for approximately 2 months, and had put at least $4,000 into it.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11572243February 15, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Vehicle does not have the proper software updates needed to clear the two NHTSA recalls for my VIN.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11572238February 15, 2024
SUSPENSION, STEERING
Please note that the VIN I have used is not the VIN of the actual vehicle which is the subject of this complaint. There has been a fatal crash in San Diego. Here is a video of the aftermath. [XXX] I have taken stills from that video that show the Tesla wheel lying on the roadway well before the crash site and marks on the road that show the car slewed sideways after the wheel fell off and then crashed and burned incinerating the young driver. Photos are attached. You know full well that Tesla has defective suspensions. You have blood on your hands for failing to take action against Tesla. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
1
#11572149February 15, 2024
WHEELS
I leased a Tesla 3 Performance Package on Oct 24, 2023. It was delivered to Connecticut, with the cold weather package, and unbeknownst to me, summer tires. Due to the summer tires and driving with them in temperatures unacceptable for their compound, I damaged the passenger rear sidewall. But again, I did not know this was the reason. I brought it to the Milford, CT service center on [XXX] where they replaced the tire. Yet, replacing the tire was unsafe because it was, of course, also a summer tire. Nobody told me what was going on at any point in the process. A week after, I damaged 2 additional tires (photos attached) and at that point, I investigated and was frustrated to find that they were summer tires. I purchased 4 Continental All Season tires and had them installed on my vehicle. While the tires were replaced, the technician showed me that the 3 rims involved with the 3 tire malfunctions were slightly bent as the tires afforded inadequate protection. Nowhere on the purchase order or in the purchase agreement did it state summer tires were equipped, I had no idea to even check, and I'm guessing there are a LOT of people driving unsafely on inappropriate tires because of the lack of disclosure. This seems like a big hazard and that's why I'm reporting this. I believe Tesla should be made to proactively convey this information and should be responsible for repairs and damages that occurred as a result. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11571790February 14, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
My 2021 Tesla Model 3 has various issues with the auto pilot feature. When engaged the car makes sudden and abrupt stops while driving. This has happened various times while driving on the freeway when there were no obstructions present. The autopilot feature also prompts to change to the right lane, when dismissed the prompt appears again repeatedly. This is repeated throughout the drive and poses a major distraction. There was supposed to be an “over-the-air” correction but my vehicle has never received the software update.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11571652February 13, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The contact owned a 2022 Telsa Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at 18 MPH, the vehicle veered to the right hitting an electrical pole. The contact stated neither the autopilot nor cruise control was set to on, and the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated it happened so fast he was unable to depress the brake pedal in time. No warning lights were illuminated and the air bags in the vehicle failed to deploy. The contact sustained a knee injury and later received medical attention at an urgent care. However, the contact stated he was traumatized from the crash. The vehicle was towed and deemed destroyed. A police report was filed. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,372.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11571547February 12, 2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
While traveling west on [XXX] in Dane county just before exit [XXX], I experienced unexpected braking while using TACC. My cruise speed was set at 72 MPH and I observed the set speed changed itself to (I think) 40 MPH. This caused the car to quickly begin braking to slow my speed to this new speed. I had to intervene and accelerate manually while also trying to reset the set speed. Thankfully no one was directly behind me, as this was incredibly unsafe. This has occurred at this location more than once. I'm not sure if the GPS perhaps thought I was on the exit ramp instead? TACC and autopilot seem to work normally elsewhere. It has not otherwise been inspected. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11571011February 9, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Went to tesla service and they told me its a 3rd party issue about the rear tint. The defroster was to hot for the tint to burn. I was worried about the tesla could cause fire because of the electrical heating element that could cause it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11570958February 9, 2024
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Wiper control is limited requiring the driver focus on the touch screen. Auto wipers activation is slow and does not keep windshield clear from rain, forcing the driver take the eyes off the road and find the small area on the touchscreen to control the various wipers speed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11570429February 6, 2024
STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Something occurred with the steering, automatic braking, or lane keeping assistance on [XXX] at approximately 6:35am while I was driving my 2022 Tesla Model 3 Long Range North in the carpool lane just south of [XXX] in Sandy Utah. The roads were a little slick so was proceeding cautiously at around 65 MPH when the car turned to the left slightly, then immediately to the right, which caused it to do a 180 degree turn in the same lane, I wasn't sure what was going on as the car felt like it was driving itself. Before I knew what was happening, the car then veered to the East across three lanes of traffic while driving backwards, it then stopped just as it was struck in front of the wheel on the front drivers side by a two trailer semi-truck which spun the car around. Luckily I was conscious so could slowly limp across the last couple lanes to the right side of the road where I called 911. I've driven all kinds of cars in all kinds of conditions and in many countries in the nearly 32 years I've been a licensed driver and have never lost control of a vehicle, I'm sure the steering or lane assist was trying to intervene so must've somehow inadvertently caused the crash! It's only through the grace of [XXX] that I'm still alive to tell about it! Also, none of the airbags went off even though the impact from the semi was very jarring! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11570228February 6, 2024
STEERING
Steering requires notably more effort to turn left than right, particularly as speed increases, putting vehicle control in question. Service Center was able to duplicate issue, but claims (after four failed service attempts) that the behavior is within limits, and "normal because the vehicle has 20" wheels." The service center claims that engineers from the company remotely inspected the steering system. There have been no associated warnings or indications, but the issue has been present since the vehicle was delivered with 3 miles on the odometer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11570164February 5, 2024
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Auto wipers do not speed up in heavy rain forcing me to manually change the speed which can be dangerous while driving on the highway in heavy rain.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11570140February 5, 2024
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I was sitting at a red light with my foot resting lightly on the accelerator. I was completely stopped waiting for the light to turn and suddenly my car began to accelerate quite fast. I had to slam on the brakes which seemed to be malfunctioning. I managed to stop before I hit the car in front of me. I took it to the Teslas service station and was told by their engineer that nothing was wrong with the car. The experience was scary. I no longer feel safe in my car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11570081February 5, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Rear view camera display sometimes just a blank screen, other times delayed by 2-15 seconds. Has been in for service 3 times and Tesla Service will either say could not duplicate or acknowledge problem, but not repair. Seems like a widespread Tesla problem, but no resolution as of yet.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11570066February 5, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Car slammed on the brakes on its own while the auto steer function was being used going 80mph. If someone was behind me they would’ve rear ended me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11569545February 2, 2024
STEERING
We picked up a brand new car and as soon as we drove it off the lot, we noticed that the steering was pulling hard to the right as if the steering wheel were too loose, especially at high speeds on the highway. There were never any alerts or warnings about this issue in the car. But if we took our hands off the wheel, it would have driven off the road fairly quickly. We immediately reported it to Tesla since it was a new car and dropped it off for servicing. They realigned the car, but again after driving it it was still noticeably pulling to the right. We brought it in again and they did another realignment that ended up not making a difference. We brought in a 3rd time and they manually realigned it and tightened some bolts and said that should fix it, and again the problem persisted. So the 4th time we brought it in, we said this is on the verge of lemon-status, so they ended up replacing the whole steering rack and that ended up fixing the issue finally. Luckily they didn't charge us given it was under warranty and reported immediately. But given the recent news on your investigation into related steering issues, we wanted to flag this. Tesla clearly has quality control issues and didn't address the issue until we pressed them after 3 visits to the shop.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11569419February 2, 2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
You guys have ruined auto pilot and made it less safe. Quit trying to get a promotion or recognition by going after Tesla. My model 3 was the safest car to drive hands down. I've had 17 different cars in the last 20 years, Tesla's are like anything else I've ever driven. The problem you caused by forcing stricter safety for autopilot, actually makes it way less safe. Before it assisted on highways so I could briefly do things like change temperature, music, or navigation without accidently running off the road or colliding with another vehicle. Now it's so sensitive with warnings to pay attention, it's actually a distraction. Look at my speed, warning to pay attention. Check my surroundings in mirror, warning. Change temperature, warning. It's to the point where it's distracting me more then anything I would do in a traditional car. Seriously, NHTSA can go [XXX] itself. Someone in the government always trying to make a name for themselves acting like a savior for the people. Why don't you make yourself useful and go after those [XXX] traditional company's like Ford. Ford always rolls out vehicles with serious safety defects, but weigh the cost of recalls/lawsuits against profit. Ford shouldn't be allowed to sell vehicles in the US, yet you go after Tesla, who in my opinion makes the safest car ever created. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11569343February 1, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I leased a Tesla Model 3 on [XXX] in Tampa, Florida On [XXX] the car went into Sudden Unintended Acceleration as I was coming out of a "Hold" at a Yield sign where I was at a complete stop waiting for traffic to fully clear for a right hand turn onto a two lane street. I was coming off of [XXX] onto [XXX] in St. Petersburg, Florida. As I started the turn, the Tesla tossed me onto the curb and along a pedestrian sidewalk at high speed. I tried to brake, but the car continued plowing towards a traffic sign that I avoided hitting by making a hard left to try to get back onto the street. Instead of returning me to the street and my lane, the Tesla threw me left across two lanes of traffic, over a grass divider, and into two lanes of oncoming traffic heading straight for a head on collision. At this point, the steering wheel went out, was completely unresponsive and just kept spinning around. The brake was still not responding. I kept spinning the wheel towards the right until at the last minute the car sped back onto the correct side of the road where I was abruptly and without any kind of a jolt, able to regain control of the car: the brake responded and the steering wheel stopped spinning. I then drove at a speed of about 20 miles an hour to the closest residential street. After stopping to gather my wits for about half an hour, I slowly drove home with the emergency lights on and parked it in the parking lot. The Tesla had damage to the front and undercarriage. The Tesla's steering wheel pulled to the right. I did not get into that Tesla again and demanded that they tow the car away and warn others that it is a death trap. They towed the car. I am never getting into any other Tesla again for as long as I live. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11569323February 1, 2024
STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On [XXX], around 1:00, I was driving normally on the highway. I remember using autopilot, and the speed limit was 55 mph, but I'm not very sure. At that time, it was raining heavily, and I was following the car in front, not doing anything else. Suddenly, I noticed that the Tesla car turned sharply to the left by itself! I couldn't control it. Let me repeat: the Tesla car suddenly turned left by itself. I instinctively grabbed the steering wheel, turned in the opposite direction to correct it, and pressed the brakes, but it was too late. I collided with a car in the adjacent lane, and the car later turned about 180 degrees and stopped! The left side airbags in the front and back all deployed! However, I were not injured. I got out of the car, immediately called the police, and contacted the owner of the collided vehicle. Later, the police arrived to document the incident. I believe it was a malfunction of the Tesla that caused the accident! I did not make a left turn manually! It was in normal driving mode. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I have no idea, should check Tesla's driving records and the recorded video from the incident. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? On the day of the accident, in the morning, I noticed that the car exhibited a slight phenomenon of accelerating and then stopping on its own while I was driving, It was first appear but it wasn't severe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11569053January 31, 2024
STEERING
WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL TO RIGHT OR LEFT AT LOW SPEEDS, I EXPERIENCED SUDDEN LOSS OF CONTROL, GRINDING, CLUNKY SOUND SUDDEN JERK IN DIRECTION OF THE TURN.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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