Tesla Model 3 Complaints (2023)

417 consumer complaints on file.

#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
#11622852October 30, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Brake Feature Malfunction Vehicle Details: •Model: Tesla Model 3 •Year: 2023 (approximately 1 year old) •Mileage at Incident: ~11,000 miles Incident Description: On 10/29, while manually driving my Tesla Model 3 on a public roadway, I experienced a critical braking failure. As I approached a vehicle in front of me that was decelerating, I initiated regenerative braking, then immediately applied the brake pedal forcefully. Despite pressing the brake pedal hard multiple times, the vehicle did not decelerate as expected and ultimately collided with the vehicle ahead. Throughout this incident, no collision warning, automatic braking, or other safety features activated, despite having all safety features enabled. This failure significantly impacted my confidence in the vehicle’s braking and safety systems. After the accident, I reviewed the Tesla incident report, which shows I attempted to brake but that acceleration was not reduced until the collision occurred. Despite the report documenting my attempts to brake, the system did not function properly, suggesting a potential mechanical or software defect in the braking and/or safety alert systems. Aftermath: •My vehicle sustained considerable damage. •I now feel unsafe driving the vehicle, particularly on highways, as I am concerned the brake failure could recur. Request for Investigation: Given the severity of this issue, I am seeking an investigation to determine: 1.Whether there is a defect in Tesla Model 3 braking systems that could result in brake failure under normal driving conditions. 2.If there is an issue with the vehicle’s safety features failing to activate appropriately. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding my safety and that of other drivers, especially given the car’s relatively new condition and low mileage. I would appreciate a prompt investigation into these safety concerns.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11622030October 25, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Side window spontaneously cracked. My car was parked and not being operated. I've watched video recorded by my car, and there was no one/thing around my car when the incident occurred.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11618667October 8, 2024
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a rock struck the front windshield, causing a crack. The contact stated that the front windshield had previously been replaced for the same failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11617048September 28, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The system failed to detect the driver having a seizure and had no way for the passenger to break the vehicle. People in the vehicle and Others were put at the risk of a seizing person accelerating in a car that could not be prevented by the car or by the passenger. No dealer/service center has confirmed the issues. The vehicle is currently being inspected by police. No known warning signs/messages before the incident.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
3
Deaths:
0
#11616948September 27, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Greetings, my name is --- My vehicle's VIN number is --- At the end of April 2024 I purchased a car from the seller, the seller claimed that my title was clean, he showed me pictures and it was indeed so When I came to Denver with this car, I put the car on the local registry and got a new title and it was clean too My wife was recently in an accident and the Tesla authorized service center didn't want to take the car in for service because the car has a salvage status in the title I started checking the car through several services that provide vehicle history, and found the following reports about it Source: [XXX] Date - [XXX] Type - Junk and Salvage Location - WESTCHESTER, IL Source: [XXX] Date - [XXX] Type - Total Loss Vehicle As we can see, this vehicle has 2 records of being Junk and Salvage and also a Total Loss vehicle But I was shown by the seller that the title is clean, also I was given a new title by the Arapahoe Motor Vehicle Services Office which is also clean. The official Tesla repair shops also refused to take my car for repair because they said that they do not support this title and that my car is salvaged. I would like to get the results of my car inspection from you if possible. I have also contacted the DMV of Texas and Colorado about this situation! Link to media files: --- (I can send you this information separately) 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
#11614665September 15, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY
Component or System Failed: The critical safety issue involves Tesla's door locking system, specifically the lack of a readily accessible and obvious manual door release in the rear seat. This design flaw could prevent any child or passenger from knowing how to open the door or escape in an emergency. Safety Risk: The absence of a clearly identifiable manual release mechanism for the rear doors creates a severe safety risk. In an emergency, such as a power failure or accident, a child or any rear-seat passenger may be trapped without an obvious way to exit, increasing the potential for injury or death. This is particularly concerning given two prior instances where the battery failed to charge, leaving the vehicle completely without power even while connected to a charger. Reproduction and Confirmation: Tesla refuses to address the issue, This is a critical fire hazard. Inspections Conducted: The vehicle has been inspected by Tesla service centers on at least two occasions to address charging and battery problems. However, the lack of an accessible rear door manual release remains unresolved and unaddressed. Warning Signs or Symptoms: There were no warning lamps or messages specifically related to the rear door safety issue. The charging and battery failure were preceded by warning messages indicating charging errors or reduced battery performance, which first appeared during the initial charging failure and notifications on the Tesla app. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request to verify the safety concerns and confirm the emergency safety issues with the rear door locks, charging, and battery systems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11614064September 11, 2024
SUSPENSION, POWER TRAIN
Purchased 2023 Tesla Model 3 Performance in January 2024. On [XXX] at approximately 2 pm, I got a flat tire drivers side front on a remote highway outside of Reno Nv. At that time, I found out that I didn't have a spare tire or jack supplied by Tesla. I called Tesla Roadside Service and was told before they would send out assistance, I had to agree to purchase a new tire at 540.00 per tire, the towing company couldn't be to my location till after 6pm. I declined Tesla service. The Tesla had less than 18000 miles on it. My son came and assisted me in removing the flat and we took it to Les Schwab Tire center where I purchased a new tire for 375.00 dollars. Les Schwab stated that the wear on the tire was caused by alignment. I contacted Tesla made a service appointment for alignment for August 26, 2024. I got another flat on the drivers rear on [XXX], which cost 283.00 from Les Schwab with the same disposition as caused by alignment. I took the car in the next morning and had the remaining two tires changed as it was no longer safe to drive 766.00 cost, and alignment was to blame mileage was documented by Les Schwab at 18792. When I went for the service at Tesla, I was told they do not warranty tire or alignment and when I told them that I would let small claims decide if that the tire wear was excessive and caused by improper alignment, they threw me out of the dealership and have refused to work on my car. The main reason for filing the complaint is none of this was disclosed when I purchased the car, every car I have ever bought has come with a spare tire, jack, and tools needed to change it. There are no other tire repair shops that can do Tesla alignments, Tesla offers no warranty on their tires and Les Schwab stated even their lowest cost tires come with a 20k mile warranty. Tesla is price gouging for tires 540.00 each and alignment 275.00. Any of the Tesla forums state that this is happening thru all models and tire sizes to most owners. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11612707September 4, 2024
STEERING, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING A COLLISION IN THE HIGHWAY
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11612676September 4, 2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
When traveling on an interstate highway with a speed limit of 65 mph, with navigation system operating and with TACC engaged, the system sometimes resets the maximum speed to that of the speed limit of the exit ramp (usually 40 mph) when I am NOT exiting the highway. This results in rapid deceleration significantly below the prevailing highway speed with the potential of causing a rear end collision from following traffic. This is consistent some certain exit ramps along I-93 in NH, and is prevalent when traveling in the right traffic lane.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11612673September 4, 2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, SERVICE BRAKES
With the TACC system activated when traveling on a 2-lane road with a right-hand curve, if there is a semi-truck in the opposing lane, the emergency braking engages with a hard brake application. It can be overridden with accelerator pedal, but it endangers the car from collision with a following vehicle. There have been multiple incidents. I attempted to report the condition to Tesla customer support.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11611655August 29, 2024
AIR BAGS, SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while entering a parking lot, the brake pedal failed to respond, the driver was unable to control the steering wheel and crashed into a Ford vehicle and a tree. The air bags deployed, and the vehicle stopped shortly after. The forward collision emergency braking system failed to engage. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire. The contact sustained injuries to the neck and shoulder and had bruises. Medical attention was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 12,166.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11610657August 24, 2024
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Windshield is defective which appeared crack without any solid object hitting incidence.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11609710August 20, 2024
SUSPENSION
Rattle sound in suspension and not sure if part is loose or bushing is worn out not even 1 year old car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11609396August 19, 2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
While using standard cruise control (without autosteer), car sporadically & aggressively brakes for no reason with no obstruction or cars ahead and while at highway speeds. With cars close behind, a serious, life-threatening accident could've occurred. Can not determine how to recreate issue on demand. This is a known issue with Teslas that has not been addressed by Tesla. I have not reported this issue to Tesla.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11609261August 18, 2024
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
model 3 self deleted after failing to maintain lane and crossed the white line, and off pavement, into eroded ditch.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11607626August 9, 2024
VISIBILITY/WIPER, STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Since I purchased my car in July 2023, I’ve had multiple false forward collision warning resulting in my insurance premium increasing by sizeable amounts and has caused me undue stress. I’ve reported this problem to Tesla but to no avail. Today 8/9/2024, between 5:17 and 5:21 pm, while driving my cars forward collision warning was activated while no vehicle was in front of my but instead to a parked car on the pavement. This has happened multiple times and Tesla denies being aware of any issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11607538August 9, 2024
STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES, WHEELS
This is a duplicate of the letter I sent to Tesla on June 25, 2024. “For the past two weeks I have traveled to New Jersey and back to North Carolina. I’m writing to you because of my experience with TESLAS FSD. On one occasion I was traveling on [XXX] (NJ) heading to [XXX] -with my navigation and FSD engaged, I approached north and south exit ramps, my Tesla could not make a decision - I had to bring my car to a full stop before the apex of the exit. Cars wizzing by me on both sides. On [XXX] heading home on [XXX] somewhere in Virginia- with NO ONE around me doing about 65 mph, my car almost came to an abrupt stop ON THE HIGHWAY - once again, FSD FULLY ENGAGED - MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND MY HANDS LIGHTLY ON THE STEERING WHEEL. WHY? I have NO CLUE - fortunately it reversed itself back into normal. Of course, both of the above incidents frightened me. I’m writing to you because I want a record of these events. I know my software is up to date and I’m not quite sure what to do about this. PLEASE ADVISE: Thank You [XXX] The above was sent to Tesla Inc 7101 Glenwood Ave Raleigh, NC 27612 0n June 25 and July 9, 2024 NO RESPONSE- 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
#11606916August 6, 2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle was in cruise control, and cruise control did not deactivate causing the vehicle to propel into a building, causing airbag deployment. Safety sensors of car failed to recognize building, other vehicles, and obstructions as required.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11606849August 6, 2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On [XXX] around [XXX], my daughter drove her Tesla Model 3 on [XXX] from school. Two strange/scary accidents happened to two different Tesla cars (Model 3 and Y). It was raining with low/medium visibility. One of the cars was driven by my daughter, and luckily, both drivers were safe with very minor injuries. The cars had significant damage but were drivable, and there were no airbags out. These two accidents occurred within 3 to 5 minutes at the “SAME LOCATION.” When I asked them what happened, my daughter and other Model Y drivers described a sudden loss of control, with their cars spinning and becoming unresponsive to steering and braking. They then hit the guardrail on the center line. I checked the video recordings of our car multiple times; no vehicle-to-vehicle collision was involved. I also checked the road to see if there was any oil spillage, but the lane was clean. She didn't use Auto Pilot, FSD, and Cruse Control. The office recorded it as Hydro Plane in his report, but my concern was incidents that happened only to Teslas. Also, when I posted this incident on a Tesla WhatsApp group, multiple Tesla owners reported that they had a similar issue when it was raining. It seems like Sensors malfunctioning in the rain. Also, my daughter was driving below the posted speed (68/70), and she gave a written note to the officer too, but the officer recorded it as 70/70. I need to check that in the Wake County traffic court. 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

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