Tesla Model 3 Complaints (2024)

222 consumer complaints on file.

#11680594August 14, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While using Tesla’s Auto Park feature, the vehicle struck an obstacle without detecting it before or after impact. The system failed to log a collision event in its detection systems, giving no warning and providing no reasonable opportunity for driver intervention. Data retrieved directly from Tesla confirms that forward/side collision sensors did not activate, “Near Deploy” collision detectors remained inactive, and although a “Crash Algorithm Wake-Up” was triggered, the vehicle did not brake or attempt avoidance. This represents a potential systemic defect in Tesla’s Auto Park detection logic and/or related hardware that could result in collisions without driver awareness or system logging — a safety risk for any Tesla driver using Auto Park.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680247August 12, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I am filing an urgent complaint regarding multiple incidents involving my 2024 Tesla Model 3 (VIN: [XXX] ) that caused major safety risks, personal property loss, and serious disruption to my life. [XXX] – While in a left-turn lane with Autopilot engaged, the car attempted to go straight. When I took over, the system malfunctioned severely. (Photo evidence available) [XXX] – Remote support failed; car towed to Tesla Upland Service Center. June 27, 2025 – Issued loaner vehicle. July 1, 2025 – Tesla claimed I must pay for repairs. I requested a written evaluation report, but to date it has not been provided. July 20, 2025 – Without consent, Tesla remotely locked my vehicle with my personal belongings inside, violating my property rights. Aug 1, 2025 – Tesla promised review and report but refused to unlock my car. Aug 12, 2025 – After 10+ days, still no report. Upland “options” included threats that my locked car in my garage could be deemed stolen, causing severe mental distress. Demands: 1.Full investigation into Autopilot failure and handling delays. 2.Immediate delivery of written evaluation report. 3.Accountability for delays, threats, and property rights violations. 4.Compensation for all losses and disruptions caused. Contact: [XXX] I request a written response within 24 hours. 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
#11675256July 22, 2025
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2024 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph and making a right turn, due to a blind spot, another vehicle driving at full speed almost crashed into the contact. The contact quickly steered the vehicle away, avoiding a collision with the other vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into another vehicle. The contact ultimately crashed into a nearby light post. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed and totaled. The light post had fallen to the ground. There were no injuries or medical attention needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to a local Tesla dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed with a cause for failure. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 19,571.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674805July 19, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The rear motor became completely disabled while driving. The rear motor suddenly made noise and locked up when I was driving about 10 mph. I received a red alert on my screen saying to pull over now and another alert saying the car is shutting off. The car suddenly stopped on its own before I could do anything. I then got a yellow warning message saying that the rear motor is disabled. I was luckily driving slowly in a parking lot when this occurred but if it happened on a public road, things could have gone much worse. I contacted Tesla support when it occurred but I cancelled the support request because the alerts went away once I exited the car. The vehicle drives normally but not sure if it will happen suddenly again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11673307July 14, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Newer Tesla Model 3s (2024+ Hihgland) removed the physical turn signal and drive shift stalks. This creates serious safety concerns: 1. Inconsistent or Difficult/Impossible Signaling: In certain turning maneuvers, especially while driving with a sharp wheel angle, such as on curves, roundabouts, or a turn immediately following another, it becomes physically difficult or impossible to reach and activate the appropriate touch signal. This failure to clearly signal intentions to other drivers increases the likelihood of collisions and endangers both the driver and others on the road. 2. More Frequent Signaling Errors: The touch buttons for left and right turn signals are placed side-by-side, with no tactile distinction. This can lead to frequent accidental activation of the wrong signal, especially in high-pressure or fast-response situations. Misleading or absent signals confuse surrounding drivers and pedestrians, increasing the risk of sideswipes, intersection crashes, or pedestrian strikes. 3. Delayed or Failed Emergency Shifting: The removal of a physical gear shift stalk in favor of an on-screen interface causes dangerous delays when quick, instinctive gear changes are needed, such as switching from Drive to Reverse to avoid a crash or recover vehicle control. Because there is no tactile control, blind muscle-memory responses are difficult or impossible, and looking away from the road to the display may be necessary, increasing the likelihood of a collision in time-critical situations where every second counts. Tesla has since reintroduced turn signal stalks in the updated Model Y (Juniper), and older Model 3s had them, proving this is a design choice, not a limitation. These changes reduce the ability to safely operate the vehicle under pressure and should be reviewed for compliance with safety standards.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668314June 21, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I was in a drive thru of a fast food restaurant and the car rapidly accelerated on its own and crashed into a wall. The air bags deployed and we were injured. We also narrowly missed hitting a pedestrian. The car hasn’t been inspected by anyone yet, however it is available if someone wants to inspect it.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
3
Deaths:
0
#11667863June 18, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER, STEERING
When driving vehicle over the past month, vehicle turn signals on the steering wheel fail to respond to commands and feel almost as if the controls are locked out by a steering wheel software fault. Upon further inspection, checking service mode, found the SCCM service alert to correlate with the exact moment of turn signal unpressability directly. No debris or liquid has ever entered the area, and this issue has gotten so bad that it happens 3-4 times over a 45min drive I cannot activate the turn signals at all when the failure occurs. There is no alternative way to activate them. The steering wheel is the only way to activate the turn signals and the fault does not permit me to use either turn signal when attempting to change lanes on the highway. Tesla reports that it's a normal software bug and to "deal with it" because there's nothing they can do to fix it. This is directly indicative of a known defective part, and this is a safety-critical defect where a recall must be issued to resolve. Numerous units are impacted through research of same failures. I cant use my turn signals when attempting to change lanes, and Tesla does not want to fix/refuses to address this issue. Even through a phone call from Paul from the service center in Orchard Lake, MI, reported that the condition is a "known defect with INTERAL DOCUMENTS" that confirm it, but he cannot share the doc with me, and "that the idea the issue of getting pulled over for not being able to use your turn signal is an imaginative concern." This, is inaccurate, as the inability to actuate turn signals is a safety-critical failure. the service center replaced my steering when and SCCM module, however the issue persisted after the visit, and the service manager of the West Bloomfield, MI service center called me 12 hours before my appointment to deter me from dropping the vehicle off, and then told me this would be a customer pay diagnostic for a warrantable safety failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667348June 17, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2024 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that the vehicle lost electrical power and the main computer screen was black. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn left or right, and the brake pedal was soft while depressing the brake pedal. The contact was able to coast to a stop. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle but was unable. The contact was able to get the main computer screen back online. The contact stated that the computer had several unknown warning lights displayed and a timer was activated and counted down and the vehicle shut off. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was blown fuse, and that the vehicle went into "Fail Safe Mode” and shut down all systems. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666208June 11, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When driving in the rain or in wet conditions, the car’s horn cannot be heard at all. It is extremely muffled and can pose a serious hazard to the drivers if they cannot be heard.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664137May 31, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The horn is extremely quiet especially after driving in puddles or in the rain. The horn being a speaker on the front of the vehicle causes it to become clogged and practically muted when used in the rain or after driving through water. The speaker horn is extremely quiet and unsafe.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659950May 9, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The horn on my 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance becomes severely muted, distorted, or inaudible when the vehicle is wet—especially during rain, which is when a functioning horn is most critical for safety. The horn sound in this vehicle is emitted through an external speaker (used for pedestrian alerts), not a traditional mechanical horn. This speaker is exposed to the elements and appears to degrade in sound quality and volume when wet. This presents a serious safety risk in conditions where visibility is already compromised, and the horn may be needed to avoid a collision. The issue resolves once the speaker dries out, but it is highly repeatable and affects the horn’s ability to fulfill its basic safety function. I believe this design may violate the intent of FMVSS 108 by failing to ensure a consistent and reliable horn sound in common real-world driving conditions. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this design and require Tesla to implement a more reliable solution, especially considering the horn’s essential role in preventing accidents.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657911April 30, 2025
STEERING
I have continuous issues with my steering wheel with the turn signals failing to work. Because the buttons aren't physical buttons, more times than not, they are failing for me to be able to use the turn signal. This causes a major safety concern. I have mentioned it with a service ticket with Tesla, but they state there is no fix for this as of today.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11655731April 21, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Vehicle: 2024 Tesla Model 3 Date of Incident: [Insert Date] Location: Intersection of [XXX] Operating Mode: Tesla Autopilot (Engaged) On the above date, while driving with Tesla Autopilot engaged, the vehicle initiated an unexpected and improper right turn at the intersection of [XXX] This maneuver was not indicated in the planned navigation route, nor was it consistent with the legal road markings or signage in the area. The vehicle turned into a clearly marked “Do Not Enter” and “Wrong Way” zone, without any driver input or confirmation. I attempted to intervene, but the turn happened abruptly and could not be safely overridden in time. This resulted in a collision, vehicle damage, and physical trauma to both occupants — including nausea and vomiting in my wife immediately after impact. Dashcam footage from the right repeater camera confirms the presence of multiple “Do Not Enter” signs visible at the point of the turn. We have requested the Tesla Event Data Recorder (EDR) logs to confirm that Autopilot was active and that steering input came from the system, not the driver. I am reporting this as a serious safety concern related to Tesla’s Autopilot system and its decision-making at intersections. If this had occurred in a busier traffic environment, the result could have been far worse. This type of navigational or perception failure should be investigated immediately. Both occupants are seeking medical treatment and continuing to deal with the emotional and physical aftereffects of this incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11653495April 8, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
The contact owns a 2024 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that whenever it rained, the horn was filling with water that was entering through the grill, and the horn would not function when needed. The contact stated that when the horn had dried out, the horn worked normally. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that water was leaking through the grill and causing the horn to malfunction. The dealer determined that the horn system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11653348April 8, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Lost all cameras including rear view camera. Tesla diagnosed that I need to replace AP4 computer. This seems exactly like the case of 25V002000 with circuit board failure. But my VIN was not included in this recall, which seems to indicate that Tesla does not have complete understanding of the scope of this failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650898March 26, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Multiple instances of phantom braking, car will suddenly slam on brakes without any indication of danger or anything to avoid. This has happened at least a dozen times and we are fearful that it will cause an accident. Vehicle will also alert lane departure and attempt to automatically adjust, turn to another lane while in the appropriate lane. Multiple incidents, at least 30 in 6 months of ownership. No collisions as of yet, concerned there could be.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650420March 25, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TURN SIGNAL BUTTONS JAMS OCCASIONALLY. VERY DIFFICULT TO REPRODUCE DUE TO THE INFREQUENT NATURE OF THIS ISSUE, BUT IT HAPPENS ABOUT TWICE A WEEK IN DAILY DRIVING. SEVERAL OWNERS OF THIS MODEL VEHICLE HAVE REPORTED THE SAME ISSUE ON THE FORUMS. DEALER/MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE OTHER THAN TO SAY THEY KNOW THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE. IN SEVERAL INSTANCES, THE TURN SIGNAL BUTTON JAMS AT VERY CRITICAL TURNS ON THE HIGHWAY WHICH CREATED A SAFETY HAZZARD. I HAVE SEVERAL VIDEO CLIPS OF THIS OCCURRENCE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649899March 22, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
While driving from Costco in Fountain Valley to Best Buy in Costa Mesa, I was using FSD for the entire route. Everything was running smoothly until we approached [XXX] near [XXX] (Costa Mesa, CA). At that point, the FSD system incorrectly directed the vehicle to enter a freeway off-ramp, effectively driving into an [XXX] exit ramp in the wrong direction. This created a highly dangerous situation, as the ramp was intended for vehicles exiting the freeway, not entering. Fortunately, I was able to take over control of the vehicle and prevent a potential accident, but this was a very close call. Incident Details •Date: [XXX] •Time: Between [XXX] •Location: [XXX] (Costa Mesa, CA) •Route: Costco Fountain Valley → Best Buy Costa Mesa •Navigation Mode: Full Self-Driving (Beta) enabled throughout •Conditions: Daylight, dry roads, moderate traffic What Happened •FSD turned the car onto a road segment that functions as a freeway exit. •The vehicle entered the lane facing oncoming traffic exiting from [XXX]. •I immediately disengaged FSD and took manual control to correct the situation. 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
#11647988March 12, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Tesla cars use loudspeaker that mimics the car horn when used. In rainy conditions this speaker becomes very muted and the horn is barely heard even when right next to the vehicle. When reaching out to Tesla they say this is a normal occurrence and the will sound normal again once the speaker dries out. This shouldn’t be normalized and poses safety concerns in rainy conditions.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11647863March 12, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
See attached document for complaint
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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