Tesla Model 3 Complaints (2024)

222 consumer complaints on file.

#11712202January 20, 2026
STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
I purchased a 2024 Tesla Model 3 a little over a year ago. Recently, and after an update, myself, and other drivers in my life, noticed the self-driving feature was malfunctioning - to the point I used the audio reporting feature to report this problem twice to Tesla. The car would veer off the road when flasing lights appeared and would jerk suddenly for no reason when it thought there was a obstruction in the road (sticks, plastic bags, etc.). Last month this malfunction has caused an accident, and my car has been totaled, my insurance will not cover it, and I have been advised by two separate attorneys to sue. This has been litigated in court with lawsuits against Tesla (See Benavides v. Tesla; see also IN RE: TESLA ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS LITIGATION). I had notified Telsa twice of this issue, the car left the lane and did not notice a concrete barrier on the left side going north on I-95 in or around Broward County. To my knowledge no one has inspected the car. I was not warned that this car would cause an accident, the problem first appeared when I reported the issue using the voice reporting feature around November 2025. It is currently located at a tow facility in Broward County, FL and can be inspected there.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11710315January 12, 2026
SEAT BELTS
on Jan 4th 2026 my car popped a waring RCM2_a700 Front Right Safety Restraint System Issue - I took it in Jan 5th 2026 they said they could not replicate the warning and it was a GLITCH. On Jan 10th 2026 the warning popped up again
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709516January 7, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Incident Description (in my own words): This incident occurred in the parking lot of the [XXX] in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. It was evening after sunset. The parking lot was dark but illuminated by overhead parking lights. My Tesla Model 3 headlights and vehicle lights were fully on. I was reversing slowly out of a tight parking space, traveling approximately 2–3 miles per hour. I was intentionally moving cautiously. My attention at the time was focused on the front right corner of the vehicle, as clearance there was tight. While reversing, the rear of my vehicle struck a parked truck behind me. The truck was relatively high (its headlights were positioned high on the vehicle). Neither I nor my passenger heard any rear collision warning, cross-traffic warning, or parking alert prior to impact. The vehicle also did not apply automatic braking. The contact occurred at very low speed and resulted in only minor cosmetic damage (a small dimple/deformation), but I was surprised that no warning or braking intervention occurred. Based on prior experience driving this vehicle, the collision and parking warning systems are typically configured to warn early, and I had confidence that a warning or automatic braking would activate in this scenario. Following the incident, I conducted a simple test by placing cones in front of the vehicle to see whether forward collision warnings would activate. They did not. While I understand cones may not trigger frontal collision alerts, this further contributed to my concern about object detection reliability in low-speed scenarios. The vehicle’s cameras were clean and unobstructed. I regularly clean the camera lenses. I am filing this complaint because my confidence in the vehicle’s collision warning and automatic braking systems has been shaken. I recently submitted a similar complaint regarding a collision involving our Tesla Model Y, and these two incidents—on two different Tesla vehicles—raise concerns for me INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705295December 16, 2025
AIR BAGS
SUPPLEMENT TO PREVIOUS COMPLAINT (VIN: ...XXX): CRITICAL NEW EVIDENCE OF MULTI-POINT SAFETY FAILURE. On Dec 10, 2025, Tesla Service performed a full diagnostic and repair of the airbag safety system. In addition to the previously reported "damaged wires" in the passenger seat (OCS Module), the technician ALSO had to replace the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) to resolve the active safety faults. Safety Implication: The vehicle was sold with simultaneous hardware failures in both the passenger occupant sensing system AND the driver's steering column airbag controls. This confirms widespread physical/electrical trauma to the vehicle's Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) that was concealed at the time of sale. The dealer released a vehicle with compromised safety hardware in both the driver and passenger zones. I have attached the official Tesla Invoice confirming these replacements. 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
#11704891December 13, 2025
AIR BAGS
SUPPLEMENT TO ODI # 11702355 and 11698467: Validated proof of physical defect: Tesla Service diagnosis (Dec 10, 2025) confirms "damaged wires at the OCS module" caused the airbag failure. This finding indicates the vehicle suffered physical trauma that was concealed prior to sale. The presence of damaged internal safety wiring is inconsistent with a factory-condition vehicle and suggests the vehicle was released to the public after substandard repairs to a prior wreck. The airbag system was disabled due to this physical damage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704744December 12, 2025
STEERING
I am leasing a 2024 Tesla Model 3. The vehicle has a steering column defect that was previously acknowledged and temporarily repaired by Tesla Service. Within days, the issue returned. Tesla has now informed me that the steering column has a known design flaw, that replacement parts are still in development, and that any repair attempted now would fail. Despite this, I am being asked to continue driving the vehicle until at least January. This defect affects the steering system, a critical safety component, and raises serious concerns regarding vehicle control and driver safety. Tesla has not offered a loaner vehicle or alternative transportation while awaiting a permanent fix. I believe this vehicle is unsafe to operate and am reporting this as a safety-related defect in the steering system.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704483December 11, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When there’s heavy rain, the horn is muffled very badly you can barely hear it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704105December 9, 2025
STEERING, SUSPENSION, WHEELS
I purchased this used Tesla Model 3 (VIN: [XXX] ) from a licensed dealer on July 15th, 2025. The vehicle is still under the original manufacturer warranty. Since ownership, I have experienced a persistent metal-impact noise coming from the suspension and steering area, especially when going over speed bumps, uneven road surfaces, or low-speed turns. The noise sounds like loose metal parts making contact. Tesla service has attempted repairs multiple times, including a recent visit that lasted several weeks. Although some minor issues were addressed, the abnormal metal impact noise continues and has never been fully resolved. The repeated unresolved noise raises concerns about structural integrity and potential failure within components related to steering, wheels, or suspension. While the vehicle remains operable, the issue affects driving confidence, comfort, and concentration. Over time, the repeated metal noise has caused stress and anxiety because I am unsure whether a part will loosen or fail while driving. Since the problem remains after multiple attempts to repair, I am reporting this as a potential safety-related defect. Thank you. 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
#11702355December 1, 2025
AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
NHTSA Complaint Narrative (Copy & Paste) CRITICAL SAFETY DEFECT: SALE OF VEHICLE WITH DISABLED AIRBAGS Incident: 10/24/2025 | Dealer: Braman Cadillac (Miami, FL) | VIN: [XXX] Braman Cadillac sold me this 2024 Tesla Model 3 representing it as "clean/no accidents." In reality, they released a vehicle with a disabled airbag system resulting from a crash that occurred in their inventory. 1. DISABLED RESTRAINT SYSTEM (RCM): Tesla Service Mode diagnostics confirm the Restraint Control Module (RCM) is in "Post Replacement" state, displaying the prompt: "Post Replacement Tasks - Routine requires Service Mode Plus authentication." This proves the airbag computer was replaced following a crash/electrical trauma but NEVER calibrated. Consequently, the SRS is disabled and will not deploy. The vehicle explicitly warns: "The Safety Restraint System may not perform as designed." The dealer released a non-roadworthy vehicle. 2. EVIDENCE OF DEALER KNOWLEDGE: Internal logs show critical crash fault codes (VCFRONT_a059 & RCM2_a003) logged on Oct 15, 2025. Dealer records confirm the car was in their exclusive inventory on this date (listed since Sept 23). These faults were active 9 days before sale. The dealer ignored active safety warnings to facilitate the transaction. 3. CONCEALED DAMAGE: Inspection by Classic Collision confirmed hidden structural damage requiring $9,676.69 in repairs, consistent with the uncalibrated module. CONCLUSION: Braman Cadillac knowingly sold a vehicle with a lethal safety defect. I demand an investigation into their release of vehicles with uncalibrated safety modules. 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
#11702043November 29, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Tesla Model 3 Software & Trunk Security Issue Vehicle: Tesla Model 3, 2024 Issue Date: September 25, 2025 I am reporting a serious software reliability and security defect in my Tesla Model 3. On September 25, 2025, the trunk opened on its own overnight due to what appears to be a software malfunction, resulting in the theft of $500 in personal belongings. The Tesla app sent only one notification while I was sleeping, with no alerts for over eight hours, failing to provide proper security warnings. Tesla customer support was unable to resolve the issue and suggested multiple drivers might have access, even though only one friend has access to the car and it was not her doing. Vehicle data from Tesla privacy support showed two hours missing during the trunk event, and Tesla could not explain why, only speculating a software glitch. This incident demonstrates a critical software and security failure that compromises vehicle safety and personal property. Tesla has failed to provide an explanation, solution, or preventive fix. I am reporting this as a serious software reliability and consumer safety concern. Best, [XXX] 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
#11701831November 27, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Component/system that failed: Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software version 14.x (2025.38.x and later). The issue is software-only and remains installed on any vehicle updated to v14. Description of safety defect: FSD v14 deliberately removes the driver’s ability to set or adjust maximum speed offset using the right scroll wheel (feature present in all prior versions including my current v13.2.9). As a result, the system routinely exceeds posted speed limits by 5–20 mph with no way for the supervised driver to correct it short of fully disengaging FSD. The vehicle ignores speed-limit signs, relies on inaccurate map data, and follows surrounding traffic speed instead of the legal limit, even in school zones, construction zones, residential areas, and adverse weather. This significantly increases risk of collision, injury, and traffic citations. Reproduced/confirmed: Widely reproduced by thousands of owners on Tesla forums, Reddit, and X immediately after v14 rollout in late 2025. I have chosen to remain on v13.2.9 to avoid this exact defect. Inspected by manufacturer or others: No in-person inspection required; Tesla has full remote log access. Multiple owners have submitted in-car bug reports. Warning lamps/messages: None. The speed-offset control is simply grayed out and non-functional by design in v14. Vehicle available for inspection upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701498November 25, 2025
AIR BAGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SEAT BELTS
Safety restraint warning in car, unsure of actual issue but warning keeps popping up. Presumed that the seatbelts or airbags would not properly work in event of a crash. Dealer/company says it's a known issue, with other cars needing a fix too, however they aren't able to specify exactly the issue or issue a timeframe on repair. Issue first started appearing in Late August of this year, and has become more frequent as of recent. Potentially this is a critical safety issue regarding airbag/seatbelt's potentially failing to work as designed for all similiar models.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700777November 21, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding a potentially dangerous defect in my 2024 Tesla Model 3. Unlike traditional vehicles that use a dedicated horn assembly, this model relies on the external speaker system as its horn. While this may function under normal conditions, during rain or heavy moisture the speaker becomes saturated with water, causing the horn’s output to become extremely quiet and ineffective. This is a serious safety concern. The horn is a primary means of warning surrounding drivers and pedestrians of danger, especially in poor weather conditions, where visibility is already compromised. Ironically, during heavy rain when a horn is most needed it becomes significantly quieter and nearly unusable. I have personally experienced this issue multiple times, and it poses a clear risk to myself and other road users. I believe this design presents a safety defect because: The horn does not function at full volume when wet. The speaker-based horn assembly is exposed to moisture and not adequately protected. Drivers may be unable to alert surrounding traffic during hazardous weather conditions. No warning is provided to the driver that the horn is impaired. I request that the NHTSA investigate whether the use of a speaker-based horn system without adequate waterproofing meets federal motor vehicle safety standards, and whether Tesla should issue a service bulletin, recall, or design modification to restore safe horn functionality regardless of weather conditions. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am willing to provide photos, videos, or further documentation if needed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699992November 17, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The forward-facing camera on my vehicle repeatedly fogs up inside the sealed camera housing, creating a light to severe haze across the camera lens. This internal fogging obstructs the camera’s view and affects the vehicle’s safety systems that rely on it, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping, and adaptive cruise control. The components are available for inspection upon request. This obstruction puts my safety at risk because these systems either disable themselves or operate unpredictably when the camera view is blocked. The issue occurred again this year under normal outdoor temperatures, and the fogging cannot be cleared by the driver or by using defrost or cabin heat. The problem has been confirmed previously by a Tesla service center, where technicians inspected the camera area and told me my vehicle had one of the worst cases they had seen and told me this is a common issue. They attempted a repair, but the issue has returned, making it a recurring defect. No police or insurance representatives have inspected it. During the first occurrence, the vehicle displayed messages indicating that features like Autopilot, cruise control, and lane assist were disabled due to camera obstruction. The current recurrence produced visible internal haze over the camera lens and a warning message appeared which I do have that Tesla acknowledges this is an issue and that rather than fixing it, you can bring your car in for expedited cleaning. I have read others stating Tesla changed their windshield design and it doesn't heat up this area properly any longer. This issue has happened in multiple winter seasons and directly affects the proper operation of safety-critical driver assistance systems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699081November 12, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
While driving with FSD engaged and set to standard profile, FSD accelerated to 76mph in a 55 zone. This is on software version 14.1.4. Unfortunately this new update no longer allows you to set your speed while using FSD, you can only select sloth, chill, standard, hurry, or mad max.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698467November 9, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, WHEELS
COMBINED FORMAL & SUPPLEMENTAL COMPLAINT – UPDATED WITH VIDEO EVIDENCE DISCLOSURE To: Florida Division of Motorist Services – Consumer Complaint Division Attn: Dealer Licensing & Compliance Section [XXX] Via Online Portal: [XXX] Date: November 09, 2025 Re: Misrepresentation in Sale of 2024 Tesla Model 3 by Braman Cadillac, Miami, FL VIN: [XXX] Purchased: [XXX] | Price Paid: $42,000.05 Dealer License: [XXX] Complainant: [XXX] , 100% P&T Disabled Veteran Braman Cadillac: Two days after taking delivery on [XXX], your salesperson Luis Manotas and finance manager Joshua Gonzalez were provided video evidence of the vehicle's structural damage. This evidence was escalated to your used car sales manager, who contacted me offering $1,000 to "settle" or threatened to retrieve the vehicle and auction it—despite already possessing my full payment. I countered with $1,800, which was rejected. This coercive tactic instilled fear of losing both vehicle and funds, underscoring your dealership's awareness of defects and intent to evade responsibility. Produce all related communications, video receipts, and internal notes within 10 business days, or face federal subpoena and enhanced penalties. SUMMARY OF MISREPRESENTATION – UPDATED WITH NEW EVIDENCE The following timeline, supported by the attached Carfax report (dated August 28, 2025), Braman listing (September 23, 2025, at 21,015 miles), video evidence affidavit, and $1,000 offer documentation, establishes Braman Cadillac's pattern of concealment and coercion: 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
#11697482November 4, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I was in process of completing a right hand turn, likely doing around 30 - 35 mph, when the vehicle suddenly and significantly applied the brakes, slowing the vehicle almost instantly down to around 12 mph, from what I had noticed. The road was entirely clear of any other vehicles, hazards, pedestrians or cyclists, with exception of a few parked cars along the curbs. There was absolutely NO reason for this abrupt braking maneuver, and it is at least the second time it has occurred within the past 11 months, both on a right hand turn. Today's incident jerked my head and neck abruptly, leaving me with a headache. It has undermined my confidence in the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697172November 3, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
In early 2025, while reversing the vehicle, the backup camera proximity alert system failed to provide audible warnings of an obstacle. The visual display worked, but the system provided no beeping or audible alerts as I reversed toward a pole in the vehicle's blind spot, even though I was within the range where warnings should have been activated resulting in over $4K in damages. The same alert failure happened on 10/23/25 as I backed out of a parking space. I no longer live in the local area, but reported the safety issue in person during a visit on August 27, 2025. The acting service manager told me to expect a response in 10-14 days. After not hearing back, I followed up via the app on September 28, 2025. When I received a response on October 2, 2025, I was told my request is beyond the timeframe of when this could be inspected (30 days). The vehicle is covered under Tesla's 4-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. A failed backup camera system is precisely such a defect. California Song-Beverly Act: California's lemon law (Civ. Code § 1790 et seq.) requires manufacturers to repair defects covered by warranty. There is no 30-day reporting requirement under CA law. Federal Safety Standards: The backup camera is required safety equipment under 49 CFR 571.111. A malfunctioning backup camera renders the vehicle non-compliant with federal safety standards. Presumption of Manufacturing Defect: Under California law, defects occurring within 18 months/18,000 miles are presumed to be manufacturing defects (Civ. Code § 1793.2(d)(2)). This accident was well within that window. When I reported this defect to Tesla, they initially refused to: Conduct a safety inspection of the proximity alert/parking sensor system Retrieve diagnostic data or video footage to verify the system failure Test or repair the defective equipment under warranty As of 10/30/25, the local dealer agreed to a vehicle inspection
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697082November 3, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Turn signal indicator buttons stick and/or activate the opposite turn indicator of the button pressed. Issue is persistent and I have had two other steering wheels replaced and all three have the same problem. Tesla technician told me that it is an issue with the steering wheel and there was no fix. Have a video of the problem but I am currently unable to upload.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696818October 31, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Yesterday I had another near miss collision and like all the others there was zero reaction from the car, an accident would happen long before the car would react. How many deaths are you going to allow to happen before you take proper action? It’s obvious someone there is being bought because the dangers can be easily proven over and over. My previous car would have braked long before I would have had to steer away from the oncoming vehicle, my Tesla has given me zero protection from front end collisions like the pictures provided.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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