Tesla Model 3 Complaints (2023)

429 consumer complaints on file.

#11692196October 8, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was horrified to read of the deaths of three beautiful California girls in a Tesla Cyber Truck, that was involved in a crash, was on fire, and the electrical system malfunctioned resulting in them not being able to get out of the car. Tragically, they burned to death.(Recall too [XXX] ' incident as well as other incidents). I went to search the Internet for Model 3 (2023) to see if there were manual overrides in the event of crash/fire/electrical malfunction (even if related to dead battery) and found a You tube video (NOT information provided by Tesla mind you) that showed that on the front seats, there should be a lever not far from the door handle that you can pull to activate a manual release of the door. In the video, they said 'models' are different as to the rear seats but there 'should be' a lever. I could not find any manual override for the back seat passengers. So, I drove to the Tesla Dealer/Service department to have them show me how to activate the manual override for back seat passengers. The technician admitted that in many Teslas, including mine, THERE WAS NO SUCH CAPABILITY!! He admitted Tesla was acutely aware, they do not prioritize safety and that the back seat passengers would be stuck. He agreed that it will take a major class actions and major fines, and/or jury verdicts for them to do anything about it. Appalling and not acceptable. I would request that NHTSA mandate that all Teslas (probably models before 2025) lacking the device necessary to allow passengers to escape death due to failed electrical system be recalled to modify the car at Tesla's expense to comply with the reasonable expectations of consumers. This is a major design defect, unreasonably dangerous and presents a very real threat to the consumers who have no knowledge of the defect, much less where to look for the override (if it exists) because that information is not provided when you purchase the car. This is no different than the Ford Pinto situation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691405October 4, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Due to the manual locks being looked at as a safety issue, I went and looked at the REAR door manual release for our Model 3. We also have a 2023 Model Y and I know they have a rear door release, as stupid as the location is, it is there. Well to my surprise, there is NO MANUAL REAR DOOR RELEASE in the model 3!!! How is this even safe? You're supposed to crawl through the front seats and go out the front door? Or even worse, fold the seats down and exit through the trunk? What happens if you're stuck in the back, can't get your seatbelt off? What if you are incapacitated?? What if you get rear ended and then pushed into the car in front of you and it makes it so the front doors are unable to be opened? (this happens quite often) What if the car rolls over, is upside down and you can't get to the front? There are a million situations that make a rear manual door release necessary. How does this even pass safety inspection??? How do you (as a department) even allow this to be acceptable. How are children supposed to do this? This has to be one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard of and here I am, driving my kids every day around in it. They should be required to either retrofit it with a release that's accessible or replace the rear doors with an accessible release. I'm just in awe as to the failures here.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691087October 2, 2025
SUSPENSION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
During driving, Tesla car spontaneously stated multiple active safety features and regenerative braking were no longer available and stopped working during driving with multiple warnings appearing. Driver safety at risk during this as well as others safety due to the lack of functioning. The car was taken to Tesla service center and was explained that front lower lateral suspension links were damaged by "impact" although the car was never in an impact or accident preventing proper alignment and functioning of the car. The part has been since repaired and currently undergoing further investigation for warranty dispute.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689066September 23, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
While driving my Tesla equipped with Autopilot/Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, I experienced an unexpected and abrupt braking event. A vehicle had entered the center turn lane and had already cleared my lane, posing no obstruction to my path. Despite this, my Tesla suddenly applied the brakes without warning, causing a rapid deceleration that could have led to a rear-end collision had another vehicle been following closely. There were no visible hazards, warning messages, or alerts prior to the braking. The incident occurred in clear daylight conditions on a dry road, and the vehicle in the center turn lane was stationary or turning away from my lane. This appears to be a case of phantom braking, possibly due to misclassification of the adjacent vehicle or overcautious object detection by the vehicle’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This issue has occurred more than once in similar scenarios, and I believe it poses a serious safety risk. I have not yet had the issue inspected by Tesla or a service center, but I am submitting this report to raise awareness and request investigation into the reliability of Tesla’s braking logic in these situations.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688608September 20, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
On [XXX], my 2023 Tesla Model 3 (VIN: [XXX] ) suddenly accelerated on its own and the brakes failed to respond despite repeated pressing. To avoid hitting other vehicles, I turned into a property driveway and struck a tree. The airbags deployed. This was a case of sudden unintended acceleration combined with complete brake failure, creating a serious safety hazard. Forward Collision Warning also did not prevent the impact. A police report was filed by the Dekalb County Police Department, GA, USA (Report #[XXX], Case #[XXX]), which specifically documented brake failure as the cause of the accident. The report also notes that the driver was injured by the airbag and that the vehicle had to be towed from the scene. A copy of the police report can be provided upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11686613September 11, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH, BACK OVER PREVENTION:WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and shifting to drive(D), the front trunk opened inadvertently, blocking the visibility of the roadway. The contact stated that the failure had recurred several times upon shifting to drive(D), which required the contact to exit the vehicle and manually close the trunk. The vehicle was taken to a Tesla service center and to Tesla Service Sunnyvale(680 E El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087), where unknown repairs were performed several times; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to reverse out of the garage, the contact was unaware that the garage door was closed, and the vehicle hit the garage door. The contact did not recall whether the rearview camera activated; however, the contact stated that the rearview camera pedestrian warning alert failed to engage prior to the incident. The contact stated that the garage door and the rear end of the vehicle were damaged. The manufacturer was contacted through the Tesla mobile app and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a Tesla service center for service. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685682September 8, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC; AUTOHOLD BRAKE SYSTEM/BRAKE HOLD:SOFTWARE
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle jerked hard with several alerts for the "Traction Control, ABS, Lane Departure feature displayed. Additionally, the Stability Control System was disabled, and the message “Brake Hold Unavailable” was displayed. The contact stated that the “Automatic Emergency Braking Unavailable" and an orange triangle with an exclamation light were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,380.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685309September 5, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
While exiting the front passenger cut her leg on the door. It appears she contacted the inside bottom, rear edge of the door when closing. This cut her leg requiring immediate medical attention. It took several stitches to close the wound.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11685171September 4, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Three times while driving at low speed and attempting to reduce speed—even while pressing the brake pedal—my 2023 Tesla Model 3 unexpectedly accelerated. During the first incident, the Dynamics screen did not allow me to change the Deceleration Mode. After rebooting the touchscreen, the options reappeared briefly, but later that same day they became unavailable again. Incident Times: 2nd incident: September 3, 2025, at approximately 4:15 PM EST 3rd incident: September 4, 2025, at approximately 4:50 PM EST
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11684448September 2, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact's daughter owned a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving during rain at 60 MPH, the contact lost control of the vehicle as the vehicle spun in a circle at hit a highway wall barrier. The barrier wall was damaged as a result of the accident, and the contact was given a bill for $3,222.15. The air bags deployed upon impact. The contact did not seek medical attention but suffered from both back and head pains. A police report was filed. Due to the accident, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle remained in their possession. The contact wrote a letter to the manufacturer about the failure, but had yet to receive a response. The vehicle was deemed a total loss as a result of the accident. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11683817August 29, 2025
AIR BAGS, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Vehicle Information: 2023 Tesla Model 3 VIN: [XXX] Incident Date: [XXX] Location: [XXX] Summary of the Problem: On [XXX], while Autopilot was active, my 2023 Tesla Model 3 suddenly accelerated without driver input. I was pressing the brake pedal, but the vehicle surged forward uncontrollably, struck a fence and a tree, and caused major property damage. Both I and my wife (passenger) required urgent care treatment after the crash. Details / Safety Defect Evidence: •Tesla’s own raw logs show the accelerator spiked to 100% immediately before impact. •Brake pressure was recorded prior to impact, proving the brake pedal was applied. •Despite this, Tesla’s official Vehicle Data Report falsely states “manual brake not applied.” •Autopilot did not disengage when the brake was pressed, contrary to Tesla’s design claims. •The vehicle logged a “Near-Deploy Collision” at ~27 mph, yet the airbags did not deploy. Why This Is a Safety Defect: This incident reflects multiple critical failures: 1.Sudden unintended acceleration. 2.Failure of brake-override safety design. 3.Airbag non-deployment in a crash severe enough to trigger “Near-Deploy.” 4.Inaccurate Tesla reporting that conceals braking input. This defect created an extremely dangerous situation that could easily have resulted in fatalities. I am requesting NHTSA investigate Tesla vehicles for unintended acceleration, brake override failure, and airbag non-deployment. 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
#11681752August 20, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS
Rear seat safety restraint system fault
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677921August 1, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, STEERING, SERVICE BRAKES
While driving to work on a local road, I approached a red light where there were no vehicles immediately ahead. However, my vehicle unexpectedly steered off the road in front of a construction sign, entering a ditch. Despite my attempts to regain control of the steering and braking systems, I was unsuccessful. The vehicle subsequently stopped automatically on an incline. Fortunately, I avoided a collision with a gas station and intersecting roadway, but sustained damage to my car’s front bumper. Law enforcement and a towing service were contacted to remove the vehicle. I tried calling the dealership almost half day without an answer, then I went to the dealership where they told me that the hardware is fine but they can’t do anything about the possible software issues which leaves me in a situation where I’m nervous to drive the car. I reached out to the company about the accident and didn’t hear back yet from them. I request a thorough investigation into this incident to determine the cause of the unexpected, highly dangerous, autopilot behavior. I am disturbed mentally and emotionally due to the accident. I also require confirmation of the vehicle's roadworthiness and assurance that it is safe to operate before resuming driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676617July 28, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Autopilot (adaptive cruise control) will freak out and slam on the brakes when a motorcycle passes by splitting lanes. This is a serious safety issue as cars and motorcycles behind me may not be able to react in time and cause a rear end collision or into the wall or vehicles next to them. It is impossible to override the braking with the accelerator as it will be too late by the time the car accelerates. Flooring the accelerator is also not a safe option.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674647July 18, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
My Tesla Model 3 disengaged cruise control while going 68 mph and braked hard for no apparent reason. I was driving northbound on I-405 at 3:45 a.m. going to LAX airport in the number 3 or 4 of six or seven lanes. Cruise control had been activated for at least 10 minutes before the incident at a speed of 68 mph. There was no traffic within half a mile before or after me due to the time of day. Neither my left or right foot were near either the brake or acceleration pedal, nor were they in motion. Both hands were on the steering wheel and no control was being activated. The only noticeable environmental condition is that the road surface had just changed from a dark gray asphalt to a bright white new concrete roadway. No emergency braking alert was seen or heard, so I do not think it was a false collision detection, and there was no car within a half mile. However, I do believe the severity of braking could have caused an accident if there had been someone behind me. Tesla Model 3 Software Version was v12 (2025.20.6 046c4575d120).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11673405July 14, 2025
AIR BAGS, SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
The contact rented a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH in the rain, a vehicle in front of him abruptly slowed down. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle jerked to the side. The contact stated that the emergency braking system unexpectedly activated ("slams on") while he was driving due to the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system falsely detecting a potential collision. There were large rocks in the roadway, and there was no traction, causing him to crash into an embankment. The driver's side airbag did not deploy. The other airbags in the vehicle had deployed. The contact sustained a fractured rib, and medical attention was provided at the hospital. The vehicle was towed to a towing company. There were no reported fires. A police report was filed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an unknown diagnosis was completed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11672299July 9, 2025
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to open the trunk and the trunk inadvertently closed on the contact's finger. The contact was taken to a medical specialist and sustained an injury to a finger that required stitching, causing medical leave. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 19,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11671398July 6, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Description of Problem: While driving under normal highway conditions on July 2, 2025, my Tesla suddenly and violently phantom braked — meaning it rapidly and without cause applied the brakes forcefully. There were no obstacles, vehicles, or hazards present. The sudden deceleration caused a severe flare-up of a recent cervical disc replacement surgery I had undergone. I experienced extreme neck and spinal pain and had to seek emergency medical attention. I am now under medical supervision, on pain medication, and unable to work. I contacted Tesla requesting the logs from the incident and have received no response. I’m deeply concerned about the safety of this vehicle and the lack of accountability for this known and previously investigated issue. I am in the process of retaining legal counsel and intend to pursue this further as a product liability and injury case.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11670497July 1, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
While driving with the Adaptive Cruise Control enabled, on California highway 5 on Aug 28, 2023, the vehicle applied the brakes very aggressively and suddenly, shy of making a complete stop, without any object or shadow requiring it to do so - known as the "Phantom Breaking". It was so dangerous that if it was a weekend with many cars behind me, I would've been violently rear-ended and perhaps not lived to report this incident. This happened twice in two hours, to the point that I have never engaged the cruise system again. The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system (which is part of the Auto Pilot system) on this vehicle is dangerous and should be avoided. I wish the vehicle had the [old fashioned] non-adaptive cruise control but it doesn't. Answering the questions: Nothing failed but the ACC clearly malfunctioned since there was no object, shadow, road animal, change in asphalt color, etc. to cause it to abruptly break. It was a clear sunny day. Any accident at such highway speed could've been deadly to multiple drivers on the road. When I informed the dealer, they "verbally" acknowledged and informed me of the term "Phantom Breaking" that they had heard of the problem being reported by others but nothing to worry about and they didn't inspect the vehicle. There we no warning lamps, messages or symptoms prior to the problem. Again, this issue happened twice within a two hour period and I have not used the ACC system again. My spouse was with me in the car in both cases and witnessed the scary situation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669183June 25, 2025
STEERING, SUSPENSION
Car is disengaging Full Self Driving because of steering becoming difficult at slow speeds in a turn. FSD disengages and the car drive straight instead of staying in the turn, crash could be likely.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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