Tesla Model 3 Complaints (2022)

773 consumer complaints on file.

#11720201February 24, 2026
STEERING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, VISIBILITY/WIPER
While using Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and other highways, the vehicle’s automated steering system repeatedly malfunctions by failing to maintain lane centering. Specifically, the car drifts or actively steers across double yellow lines into the lane of oncoming traffic. This issue is a persistent failure of the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and Lane Keeping Assistance. The vehicle has attempted this maneuver multiple times at [Approximate Speed, e.g., 40-60 mph], requiring immediate and forceful manual steering intervention to avoid head-on collisions with oncoming vehicles. The system provides no warning chimes, error messages, or "Take Over Immediately" alerts prior to crossing the lines; it appears to perceive the oncoming lane as a valid path or fails to recognize the double yellow boundary entirely. This has occurred during [mention conditions: e.g., bright daylight with high glare / night time]. The vehicle is equipped with Hardware 3.0 (HW3). I believe the 1.2-megapixel camera suite or the processing power of the HW3 computer is insufficient to safely navigate the geometry of the PCH or any roads within mountains/hills. I have attempted to "Clear Calibration" and performed system resets, but the life-threatening behavior persists. The vehicle and its internal data logs are available for inspection. I have also sent "Bug Reports" via voice command to the manufacturer immediately following these near-miss events.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11719385February 20, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I am filing a safety complaint regarding water intrusion into the rear tail lamp assembly of my 3-year-old Tesla Model 3. The rear tail light has progressed from minor condensation to active water accumulation and visible pooling inside the sealed housing. This is not light fogging — there is standing moisture inside the assembly. The vehicle has not been involved in any collision and there is no visible external damage to the lamp. I have already been pulled over, and drivers behind me have indicated that the affected tail light is not clearly visible. Reduced rear illumination creates a serious safety risk, particularly at night or in poor weather conditions. A malfunctioning tail lamp increases the likelihood of a rear-end collision. Rear lighting is a federally regulated safety component. Water intrusion into a sealed LED lighting assembly creates risk of electrical malfunction, corrosion, and sudden loss of rear illumination. The vehicle is currently out of warranty due to mileage; however, it is only three years old. A sealed LED tail lamp is not a wear-and-tear item and should not fail due to normal mileage accumulation. This appears to be premature sealing failure. I contacted Tesla Service regarding this issue. Their written response stated that because the vehicle is out of warranty due to mileage, any repairs would be at my expense. They did not address the safety concern or the presence of internal water accumulation. There are numerous reports from other Model 3 owners describing similar tail lamp water intrusion issues. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether water intrusion into sealed rear lighting assemblies constitutes a safety defect and whether further investigation is warranted.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11718376February 16, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While I was making a left turn my steering wheel suddenly got stuck. A vehicle almost hit me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717870February 13, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
RECURRING 12V LOW-VOLTAGE SYSTEM FAILURE AND DEFECTIVE REAR DEFROSTER HEATER GRID VEHICLE: 2022 Tesla Model 3 (VIN: [XXX] ). ODOMETER: 114,093 miles at time of third service visit. SUMMARY OF DEFECT: Vehicle has experienced recurring low-voltage (12V) system alerts since late December 2025. The 12V battery has been replaced three times by Tesla service. After each replacement, the low-voltage alerts return within days. Tesla's diagnostic system detected a DCR (DC resistance) reading of 16.8 milliohms against a threshold of 16 milliohms, indicating the battery's internal resistance is too high for the vehicle's electrical system to function properly. A brand-new 12V battery showed "Degraded - Replace" status within one week of installation. These low-voltage errors did not exist before Tesla replaced the 12V battery during the first service visit. DIAGNOSTIC FINDINGS: During the third service visit (February 2026), Tesla technician performed a resistance check on the rear defroster heater grid and described it as "out of spec but not significantly." Ground straps were also described as "out of spec but again not significantly." The technician stated there was "no smoking gun yet" and it was "maybe a combination of all leading to the 12V warning." Tesla proposed replacing the rear backlight glass at a cost of $1,265 to the customer. Additionally, severe rodent damage was discovered in the front wiring harness with chewed wires and nesting material. Despite this confirmed damage to the electrical system, the service manager stated the rodent damage was "not associated with the error" while the technician simultaneously stated there was no confirmed root cause. SAFETY CONCERN: The recurring 12V low-voltage condition presents a safety risk. The 12V system powers critical vehicle functions including exterior lighting, hazard lights, door locks, windows, the vehicle's computer systems, and safety features. Repeated system alerts include DIF_a018_hwLVSupplyUV (ha INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11716577February 8, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) drove the vehicle onto a curb inadvertently, a few days after a software update. The incident caused a scratch to the wheel and a cut in the tire. Tesla has refused to cover the repair, stating that FSD requires driver attention. The issue is that the vehicle had never driven into a curb on a 90-degree turn before. I had my hands on the wheel and did not anticipate the software making an incorrect decision and striking the curb. Full Self-Driving was engaged at the time, and the software made an incorrect calculation that resulted in the impact. Tesla should replace the damaged tire and repair the wheel. I have the 1 min recording of the incident but could not upload the video due ot its size being more than 10 MB.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11715170February 2, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When cabin heat is enabled, visible vapor/smoke emits from the front trunk area under the windshield cowl and is pulled directly into the cabin through the HVAC intake. The vapor has a chemical/sweet odor consistent with coolant or refrigerant. Smoke enters the passenger compartment, especially when stopped or idling. This occurs repeatedly in cold temperatures and stops immediately when HVAC heat is turned off. No warning lights appear. This appears to be a heat pump or coolant system leak upstream of the cabin intake, allowing chemical fumes to enter the cabin air stream. Occupants are exposed to fumes while driving. This is a safety concern due to inhalation risk and lack of driver warning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707068December 26, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving, the center display intermittently goes completely black. When this occurs, I lose access to the speedometer and all driver information. The issue has been ongoing and progressively worsening. The vehicle was purchased new. The issue was reported during the warranty period and initially attributed to software updates. A recent service visit confirmed the vehicle computer is failing, and the issue immediately recurred after pickup. Loss of speed and driver information while driving creates a safety concern.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702595December 2, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
This car uses auto-dimming rear view and side mirrors. However, the rear view mirror is only able to be dimmed automatically, or be disabled in the settings. The issue is that the dimming is not based on a light sensor at all, it is merely timed to dim around 30 minutes after sunset and return to normal 30 minutes before sunrise. I have confirmed this timing on many drives and it is repeatable. The safety concern is that there is no way to manually dim the rear view mirror, which is a big issue around sunrise and sunset when cars headlights turn on before the mirrors dim. This is especially an issue with larger trucks behind a sedan like my Model 3. The only option I have to fight the blinding glare from headlights is to manually move my mirror so that I can no longer see out of the rear window, which makes lane changes much more dangerous.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701894November 28, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Submitted Under 49 CFR §552.3 Request for Defect Investigation & Safety Recall Tesla Model 3 / Model Y: Interior High-Voltage Heater Fire Hazard, Missing Firewall, and Entrapment Due to Electronic Door Failures. My 2022 Tesla Model 3 experienced an interior flash fire caused by a design defect. Tesla placed the high-voltage PTC cabin heater and HV wiring inside the dashboard with no firewall. After a crash, I saw a straight “strip flame” shoot out of the HVAC dash vent, exactly like a gas heater. The fire began INSIDE the dash/HVAC ducting within seconds of impact, not from the battery. This shows an arc-flash failure of the HV heater or wiring inside the cabin. The flame entered the cabin instantly because there is no firewall separating HV components from occupants. During the fire, all electronic door releases failed. Tesla hides the manual front releases and provides NO rear mechanical releases. I was trapped inside a burning cabin and suffered major injuries trying to escape by kicking the rear passenger window before bystander helped me brake out the rear passenger window to get me out. Most people cannot escape this design. This is a dangerous combination of defects: (1) HV heater and wiring located inside the cabin with no firewall; (2) HVAC ducting becomes a flame pathway; (3) Electronic door releases fail during fire/crash; (4) No labeled manual rear-door exits; (5) No backup 12-V actuator power to open doors. Tesla must: relocate the HV heater outside the cabin (frunk), add a real firewall, add fire-retardant HVAC materials, add labeled manual releases on all doors, and include a 12-V backup to door actuators. Please open a defect investigation. This design nearly killed me and will kill others.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11701836November 27, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle has a manufacturing defect in the charge port body seal allowing water intrusion into the vehicle cabin and near high-voltage charging components. This has resulted in dampness and potential mold growth, posing a respiratory health hazard to occupants.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700443November 19, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
All safety and driver-assistance systems on my 2022 Tesla Model 3 failed due to an internal short in the vehicle’s computer, as confirmed in writing by Tesla’s technician. All cameras (rear, side, front) are non-functional, navigation does not work, and all ADAS features (Autopilot, lane-keeping, collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, emergency braking, etc.) are disabled. The vehicle has no visibility when reversing and no active safety protections while driving. Tesla documented the cause as an internal computer failure, not related to damage or misuse. This creates a dangerous condition on public roads since the car loses all safety systems. Tesla quoted ~$2,900 for a new computer even though the failure involves critical safety components. This may indicate a broader safety defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698174November 7, 2025
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
During a head-on collision on [XXX] in Georgia, the electrical system in my 2022 Tesla Model 3 lost power and the electric door releases stopped functioning. The vehicle interior caught fire and I was trapped inside. I was unaware of the location of the hidden mechanical emergency door release because it is not visibly labeled, not explained upon delivery, and not intuitive in an emergency. I was forced to climb to the back seat and break the rear passenger window with my legs to escape while the interior was burning. I suffered a broken hip, broken arm, and later required a full hip replacement. The mechanical emergency door release was concealed and unlabeled, resulting in entrapment during a fire, which is a violation of FMVSS 206 and presents a continuing and life-threatening safety hazard to all drivers and passengers. Tesla has not provided warnings, recall guidance, labeling, or owner education regarding how to exit the vehicle during a power-loss emergency. This defect can result in deaths. I am requesting a formal investigation. DP25002 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11697649November 5, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Shortly after purchasing my 2022 Tesla Model 3 RWD in February 2025, I began noticing a persistent musty, mold-like odor coming from the HVAC vents whenever the air conditioning or defrost was on. The odor worsens when driving with the windows down. I reported this issue to Tesla multiple times between May and October 2025. Tesla replaced the cabin filters but refused to perform a full evaporator or HVAC disinfection, stating the odor was “normal.” Despite the filter changes, the smell always returns within a few weeks. Between these visits, I also tried to resolve the issue myself by replacing filters, using odor-eliminating products, and placing moisture absorbers inside the vehicle, but nothing has resolved the problem. This ongoing issue has led to repeated respiratory and eye irritation, including a documented pneumonia case in April 2025. The symptoms clearly worsen after time spent in the car. Tesla has not offered any permanent fix, warranty repair, or replacement. The problem appears to stem from mold or microbial buildup within the HVAC evaporator and duct system, which could affect air quality and occupant health. This raises safety concerns regarding possible HVAC design flaws or moisture retention issues that may affect other Tesla vehicles. The issue is ongoing as of November 2025 and has been reported to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS Case #2511-00831) for further review.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696611October 30, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I own a Tesla 2022 Model 3 Long Range purchased in 2022 New and have been experiencing persistent issues with the HVAC units causing a persistent and prevalent smell of mold/must/vinegar that is causing myself and my passengers headaches and allergies. Tesla has failed to permanently repair and this is a widespread design issue with Tesla vehicles documented thoroughly online including Tesla’s own website, where condensation in the evaporator housing leads to mold and bacteria growth and odor in the cabin as a result. Despite multiple service appointments, Tesla has only provided temporary assistance by installing new filters and has recently offering to use a foam spray to clean the inside. I’ve already used over 15 filters in 3 years and have used numerous canisters of the foam cleaning spray and the problems have not subsided. They’ve refused to cover this under warranty even though this defect was reported initially in 2022 and the vehicle is still under warranty. The odor recurs every few weeks and presents air quality and health concerns as evidenced in our increased allergies and need to seek medical attention as a result and headaches from the mold build up. I’ve filed related complaints with the California BAR and Attorney General who have advised I file this report with your agency and as a result I am now following their instructions.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695934October 27, 2025
SEAT BELTS
* Front passenger safety restraint system issue - sensors under passenger seat intermittently failing for months even after taking it in for service. * Safety of passenger is at risk as airbags might not fire due to occupant classification system failing. * Service center said nothing looks wrong even though car alerts multiple times per drive. Many reports online of Alert RCM2_a636 . * has been inspected by service center * alert from car beeps every 30 seconds to 1 minute intermittently, has been occurring for months
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694642October 21, 2025
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
teslas have blind spot monitor cameras that activate when the turn signal is activated as a turn left or right. there seems to be a noticeable delay on older cars with intel processors where the cameras take longer to display on the screen in split second manuvers and lane changes that can lead to accidents
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693997October 17, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving home, my Tesla was operating in Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode and initially performed normally, stopping at a red light and proceeding smoothly when it turned green. Moments later, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own, lost control, and began spinning uncontrollably before sideswiping a parked car and coming to a stop on the wrong side of the street in oncoming traffic. I was fully awake, alert, and did not manually steer or accelerate at any point. The incident appears to have resulted from a malfunction in the vehicle’s FSD system and/or its steering and acceleration control mechanisms. There were no warning lights, error messages, or alerts before or during the event—it occurred without warning. This malfunction created an immediate safety hazard that endangered my life and posed a serious risk to other drivers, pedestrians, and surrounding property. The situation could have easily resulted in a fatal collision or injury. I promptly notified the police, and the incident was reported to Tesla Insurance, which serves as my coverage provider. Despite my repeated efforts to have the issue inspected and addressed, Tesla Insurance has refused to acknowledge fault, open a claim, or cover related damages. As a result, the malfunction has not been reproduced or confirmed by Tesla or any authorized service center. The vehicle has since been inspected by Collision Works, a Certified Tesla Collision Center in Long Beach, California (500 E. Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90813), which provided a preliminary repair estimate. I am currently responsible for repair costs out of pocket pending resolution with Tesla Insurance. The vehicle remains in my possession and is available for inspection by Tesla, investigators, or safety authorities upon request. The complete and unexpected failure of the FSD system to regulate acceleration and steering represents a serious safety defect that warrants immediate investigation to prevent future harm.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11693470October 14, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
The 2022 Model 3 Tesla does not have readily available emergency rear door release. Tesla's automated response to me was to locate the bolts and screws on the underside of the door armrest, then I need to remove the bolts and screw. Once that is done I can then remove the panel under the armrest so I can then reach inside and pull on the manual release cable. This could not be done during an emergency, you would need to have tools and in an emergency people panic and they would have to do everything by feel if they are trapped in the backseat of the Model 3 Tesla. This is a life safety hazard and needs to be addressed by Tesla to provide a fix that will allow easy access and not require tools to open the door if there is no power to the door release. This needs to investigated and corrective actions taken to make Tesla comply with changes for safety.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693098October 13, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
My family and I were in my Tesla Model 3 2022 and heading from Charlotte to Orlando on [XXX]. The car was in Full Self-Drive (FSD) mode while commuting through Daytona Beach. The rain was heavy in the area. While driving in Daytona Beach, FSD caused the car to change lanes and go to a lane that had standing rain puddles on [XXX]. After FSD caused the lane change, the car immediately hydroplaned out of control. The car's short clearance from it's bottom and the ground which traps water that exacerbates hydroplaning, along with its generative breaking feature made matters worse and uncontrollable. The car spun into the median three times and settled in the middle of danger interstate. The car is totalled. My family and I require medical attention and counseling due to the trauma. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
4
Deaths:
0
#11690432September 29, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
While at a red light, my car was stopped with Tesla Full Self-Driving (FSD) on. When the car in front of me nudged forward, my car, still in FSD , accelerated and drove into the car in front. Looking at the event report of my car, the automatic emergency break did engage but too late. This means the sensors in front failed to recognize the vehicle ahead.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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