2018 TESLA MODEL 3

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    adas collision warning

    153 unsafe

    153
    incidents

    Mileage not reported in 91% of these reports - too few people reported an actual figure to show a reliable typical mileage.

    • "WHILE DRIVING ON LOCAL ROAD, TRAFFIC STOPPED AHEAD. I PRESSED THE BRAKES, BUT IT DID NOT RESPOND. THE COLLISION WARNING AND EMERGENCY AUTO-STOPPING SYSTEM ALSO DID NOT ENGAGE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO COLLIDE WITH THE CAR IN FRONT. TWO DAYS BEFORE THE COL…"~1,255 mi, complaint #1550821
    • "I WENT TO LARGE GROCERY STORE AND PULLED INTO THE PARKING SPOT AND PARKED IN AN EMPTY SPOT NEXT TO ANOTHER CAR. AS SOON AS I PARKED, MY CAR TESLA MODEL 3 SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A HIGH SPEED AND SHARPLY TURNED RIGHT ON ITS OWN WITHOUT ANY PROMPTING. IT WENT FU…"~4,410 mi, complaint #1638993
    • "AEB SYSTEM DOES NOT FUNCTION AT LOW SPEEDS RELIABLY. CAR WAS TRAVELING AT 12MPH AND CAR WAS STOPPED IN FRONT OF MY CAR. CAR MADE NO ALERTS OR NO ATTEMPT TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM A REAR END COLLISION WHICH ULTIMATELY RESULTED IN DAMAGE TO MY FRONT END. I NEVE…"~14,000 mi, complaint #1614621
    • "ON 11/28/19 AT AROUND 5:30-6:00AM, WHILE DRIVING ON THE 5 SOUTH FREEWAY NEAR THE ATLANTIC AVE OFF RAMP, THE CAR SWERVED TO THE RIGHT ON ITS OWN. I COULD NOT CONTROL THE CAR'IT HAD A MIND OF ITS OWN. THE BRAKES AND STEERING WHEEL DID NOT RESPOND TO ME. I DON'T…"~27,000 mi, complaint #1634980
    • "MY TESLA WHEN ON AUTOPILOT ON A FREEWAY RUNNING LESS THAN 5 MPH DUE TO TRAFFIC WAS RIGHT BEHIND A BIG TRUCK AND THE CAR NEVER STOPPED AND BUMPED INTO THE TRUCK. AN ATTEMPT TO BRAKE MANUALLY WAS DONE BUT THE AUTOPILOT WOULDNT DEACTIVATE AND GIVE US BACK THE CON…"~34,000 mi, complaint #1637845
  2. #2

    suspension arms and bushings

    1 stranded, 111 unsafe, 1 broken, 12 annoyance

    125
    incidents
    Typical range: 9,000–50,000 mi

    Median 26,500 mi, based on 43 reports (76% had no usable mileage)

    • "HERE IS ANOTHER MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD WITH A THE FRONT SUSPENSION FALLEN OFF. THIS CAR HAS ONLY TRAVELLED 1000 MILES SINCE IT WAS FACTORY GATED. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLE?ITEMID=29216371&ROWNUMBER=83&LOADRECENT=TRUE NO CRASH DAMAGE. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOY…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1496120
    • "HERE IS A MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLE?ITEMID=28782924&ROWNUMBER=52&LOADRECENT=TRUE THE LOWER BALL-JOINTS ON THE FRONT SUSPENSION HAVE SNAPPED. THIS IS VERY LIKELY THE CAUSE OF THE ROLLOVER AND NOT THE RESULT OF IT. A PHOTOGRAPH…"~6,000 mi, complaint #1483653
    • "ANOTHER MODEL 3 JUST ARRIVED IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/42720419/PHOTOS NOT IN A MAJOR COLLISION, NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. FRONT SUSPENSION HAS SNAPPED LIKE A PRETZEL. ALL THE BALL JOINT STEMS HAVE SNAPPED OFF. IT IS PROBABLE THAT ALL OF TH…"~11,000 mi, complaint #1592706
    • "BALL JOINT FAILURE LEADING TO NEED TO REPLACE UPPER CONTROL ARM ON DRIVERS SIDE. 2ND INSTANCE IN LESS THAN A YEAR. 2018 MODEL 3 WITH LESS THAN 40,000 MILES."~30,000 mi, complaint #1693360
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that upon reversing out of a parking lot, an abnormal clunking sound was coming from the vehicle while turning to the right. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact continued driving and the…"~70,950 mi, complaint #1892815
  3. #3

    airbag system

    117 unsafe

    117
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=21, median 47,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "FREQUENT ERROR STATING "FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT", WITH A RED INDICATOR FOR THE AIRBAG ON DISPLAY. ERROR OCCURS AT ANY TIME, STATIONARY, IN MOTION, ON A CITY STREET AND A HIGHWAY. SEE ATTACHED PHOTO"~8,000 mi, complaint #1583162
    • "MY WIFE IS 5 FEET TALL AND WEIGHS 90 POUNDS. WHEN SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG INDICATOR DISPLAYS OFF. THIS MEANS THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SAFETY SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE TO HER. THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM IS FAILING…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1694976
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the warning message "Front Left Safety Restraint System Fault. Service Required." The contact continued to drive. The contact stated that the next day, the air bag warning light il…"~21,000 mi, complaint #1813758
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while entering and starting the vehicle, the front driver side safety retrains fault message was displayed on the screen. The air bag warning light was illuminated on with error code: RCM-A021. The cont…"~58,000 mi, complaint #1749322
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH through an intersection, another vehicle t-boned the driver's side from the driver's side front bumper to the rear passenger door. The contact stated that the…"~88,894 mi, complaint #2149869
  4. #4

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    53 unsafe, 1 broken

    54
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "RIGHT BEFORE THE CAR HIT THE 50,000 MILES FULL WARRANTY, I CALLED TESLA AND REPORTED 2 SAFETY ISSUES. THE FIRST WAS THE HORN NOT WORKING AND THE SECOND WAS A SEAT BELT SAFETY WARNING. TESLA MOVED THE APPOINTMENT AND WHEN I GOT THEIR, I HAVE EXCEEDED THE 50,000…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1611327
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, a message displayed reading "Left from passenger safety restraint system fault". The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle wa…"~105,000 mi, complaint #1983943
  5. #5

    other

    33 unsafe, 14 annoyance

    47
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=22, median 36,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "THE BOTTOM FRONT UNDER PIECE COMPOSITE MATERIAL WHICH IS PART OF THE UNDER CARRIAGE SPONTANEOUSLY BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY IN THE RAIN. THERE ARE NUMEROUS REPORTS IN THE INTERNET OF THE COMPOSITE UNDER PIECES BREAKING FROM WATER OR MISSING/LOOSE BOLT…"~5,400 mi, complaint #1529680
    • "MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD. IT'S GONE HORRIBLY WHOMPY.. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS?ITEMID=33644612&ROWNUMBER=11&SIMILARVEHICLEITEMID=&ISNEXT=&LOADRECENT=TRUE PLEASE INVESTIGATE. THANK YOU. "~8,000 mi, complaint #1607395
    • "THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT A BURNED OUT TESLA MODEL 3. I HAVE USED THE VIN OF A RANDOM WRECKED TESLA BECAUSE THE VIN OF THE CAR IN QUESTION IS UNRECOGNISABLE DUE TO FIRE. HERE IS THE TOASTED TESLA HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/35451122/25 IT HAS BE…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1649546
    • "THIRD PARTY PRODUCT CALLED AN ALLOY GATOR (HTTPS://ALLOYGATOR.COM/US/) WHICH IS SOLD BY ALLOY GATOR NORTH AMERICA (US OFFICE [REDACTED ADDRESS], BLAINE, WA 90238) TEL 1=855=534-2867 PARTIALLY DETACHED FROM MY WHEEL WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY, BEGAN FLYING ARO…"~36,000 mi, complaint #1701559
    • "VEHICLE UNDERCARRIAGE PANEL AERO SHIELD FALLS OFF IN HEAVY RAIN"~54,000 mi, complaint #1638355
  6. #6

    adas autonomous driving system

    37 unsafe

    37
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=21, median 20,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "HERE IS A VIDEO THAT HAS JUST BEEN UPLOADED TO YOUTUBE: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=4GUHSMIPIQ4 THIS OWNER THINKS IT IS PERFECTLY SAFE TO JAM SOME FRUIT IN THE STEERING WHEEL TO ELIMINATE THE "HOLD STEERING WHEEL" NAGS. HE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A COMPL…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1466474
    • "THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT A NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE TESLA AUTOPILOT EXPERIMENT. ELECTREK WHICH IS A VERY INFLUENTIAL TESLA PUBLICITY PUBLICATION HAS JUST RELEASED A HIGHLY IRRESPONSIBLE ARTICLE AND VIDEO. HTTPS://ELECTREK.CO/2019/09/19/TESLA-AUTOPILOT-V10-COM…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1604489
    • "THE CAR ACCELERATED SUDDENLY ON AUTOPILOT CAUSING THE CAR SKID AND FALL INTO A DITCH OAT 80 MPH IN UTAH. THE DAMAGE WAS TO THE BODY BUT THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE AS IT ALMOST WENT INTO THE OTHER LANE"~20,000 mi, complaint #1638249
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH WHILE IN THE AUTO PILOT MODE AND WITH THE VEHICLE MERGING ONTO A RAMP WHICH IS DESCENDING DOWNWARD WITH ON COMING VEHICLES STOPPED APPROXIMATELY 200 FEET AHEA…"~20,500 mi, complaint #1641162
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact attempted to activate the Autonomous Self Driving feature; however, there was a message stating that the Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control inoperable…"~99,000 mi, complaint #1875095
  7. #7

    software or update

    1 stranded, 25 unsafe, 7 annoyance

    33
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=15, median 21,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "I HAVE HAD A SERIES OF ESCALATING INCIDENTS (SEE ATTACHED PDF) THAT HAVE EACH INVOLVED THE VEHICLE DISABLING AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS), TRACTION CONTROL, PARTIAL STEERING CONTROL, REGENERATIVE BRAKING (FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE), AND MOST RECENTLY E…"~4,500 mi, complaint #1479987
    • "I HAVE NOTIFIED TESLA SEVERAL TIMES THAT MY VEHICLE SHUTS OFF ON ITS OWN. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE TESLA SERVICE CENTER TWICE WHERE I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT IS A "FIRMWARE" ISSUE AND WILL BE RESOLVED WITH AN OVER THE AIR UPDATE. HOWEVER THERE IS NO TIMEFRAME…"~7,100 mi, complaint #1509483
    • "IF A TESLA OWNER IS USING THE TESLA APP TO USE THE SMART SUMMON FEATURE, THE VEHICLE DOESN'T NECESSARILY STOP QUICKLY WHEN THEIR FINGER IS REMOVED FROM THEIR TOUCH SCREEN IF THE INTERNET CONNECTION FOR THEIR CELL PHONE AND/OR FOR THEIR TESLA IS POOR. I HAVE V…"~20,780 mi, complaint #1614855
    • "SEVERAL ONGOING ISSUES WITH TOUCH SCREEN FAILURE (BLACK OUTS) MALFUNCTION, HAS BEEN REPAIRED MORE THAN 3 TIMES CONTINUES TO BE ISSUE * ONGOING ACCELEROMETER MALFUNCTION * ALL OF SUDDEN RECEIVE ERROR MESSAGE STABILITY CONTROL DISABLED * --REGENERATIVE BRA…"~24,500 mi, complaint #1661488
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention), 23V838000 (Electrical System), and 24V051000 (Electrical System); however, the dealer stated tha…"~130,000 mi, complaint #1973565
  8. #8

    unintended acceleration

    32 unsafe

    32
    incidents
    Typical range: 2,000–15,000 mi

    Median 7,000 mi, based on 40 reports (37% had no usable mileage)

    • "I WAS PULLING INTO A DRIVEWAY WHEN MY FOUR WEEK OLD TESLA MODEL 3, UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED FOR NO OBVIOUS REASON. IT FELT LIKE CAR WAS FLYING AT A HIGH SPEED AND I HAD NO CONTROL. IN A BLURR, WE WERE SURROUNDED BY INFLATED AIRBAGS ON ALL SIDES IN A SMOKE FIL…"~595 mi, complaint #1496241
    • "I TURNED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND WAS GOING TO PULL INTO MY GARAGE TO PARK THE CAR, WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED SUDDENLY AND VIOLENTLY AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT STONE WALL OF OUR HOUSE. THE STONE WALL IS DAMAGED AND THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE OF THE TESLA HAS SIGNIFICANT…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1564343
    • "PARKING CAR WITH FOOT ON BRAKE,WHEN THE CAR LUNGED FOREWORD INTO PARKED CARS, DAMAGING MY CAR AND TWO OTHER CARS PARKED IN FRONT OF ME."~5,300 mi, complaint #1639753
    • "HELLO- I WAS TRYING TO PARK MY VEHICLE IN A PARKING SPOT IN SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA WHEN THE CAR AUTOMATICALLY ACCELERATED AND HIT ANOTHER CAR. IT THEN IMMEDIATELY HAD A FLAT TIRE. I DID NOT HIT THE WRONG PEDAL NOR WAS I ACCELERATING IT. IT WAS QUITE DANGEROUS…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1611882
    • "I WAS IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC ON THE FREEWAY ABOUT TO CHANGE LANES. I WAS ON TOTALLY MANUAL OPERATION. THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND HIT A CAR AND CONTINUED WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO HIT ANOTHER CAR. THERE WAS NO COLLISION DAMAGE WARNING OR AVOIDANCE…"~55,921 mi, complaint #1734775
  9. #9

    backup camera

    23 unsafe, 8 annoyance

    31
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=17, median 35,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "THE REAR CAMERA DOES NOT WORK. AT FIRST IT WAS INTERMITTENT, NOW IT IS PERMANENT. I HAVE DOCUMENTATION OF MANY INSTANCES WITH PHOTOS. I COULD UPLOAD ONLY ONE."~14,500 mi, complaint #1730818
    • "1. BACKUP CAMERA OCCASIONALLY GOES BLACK, RENDERING IT USELESS. OCCURS SPORADICALLY. 2. CHARGING PORT MALFUNCTION, WILL NOT OPEN WHEN TRYING TO CHARGE VEHICLE. 3. CENTER SCREEN OCCASIONALLY NON-RESPONSIVE,"~23,662 mi, complaint #1720482
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the backup camera malfunctioned and the screen displayed completely black or completely white causing a visibility hazard to the driver while reversing the vehicle. The…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1797614
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the Back Over Prevention camera intermittently failed to operate as needed. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System…"~41,000 mi, complaint #1845525
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while reversing, the Back Over Prevention camera became inoperable nearly causing the vehicle to crash into the garage. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted and stated that the contact ha…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1834418
  10. #10

    infotainment head unit

    19 unsafe, 6 annoyance

    25
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 10,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "THE LARGE TOUCH SCREEN THAT CONTROLS A MAJORITY OF FUNCTIONS IN THE VEHICLE WILL TURN OFF RANDOMLY. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY. THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS. I AM DRIVING AT 65MPH+ AMD ON A HIGHWAY AND HAVE NO VISIBILITY OF WHA…"~1,800 mi, complaint #1720366
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TESLA MODEL 3. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE MAIN 15 INCH SCREEN COMMAND CENTER WAS BLACK AND NONE OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES APPEARED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TESLA ([REDACTED ADDRESS], WESTMONT, IL 60559) TO BE DIAGNOSED…"~6,000 mi, complaint #1539266
    • "MY TESLA MODEL 3 HAS AN ISSUE KNOW AS PHANTOM TOUCH, WHICH, BASED ON THE TESLA FORMS IS NOT A PROBLEM THAT IS UNIQUE TO ME, BUT IT OCCURS WITH MANY EARLY PRODUCTION MODEL 3S. ACCORDING TO THE DISCUSSIONS IN TESLA FORUMS, PHANTOM TOUCH IS A HARDWARE PROBLEM TH…"~14,300 mi, complaint #1670493
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TOUCH SCREEN FAILED TO ACTIVATE AND WENT BLANK. THE CONTACT THEN ATTEMPTED TO CHARGE THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO DUE TO THE TOUCH SCREEN FAILING. THE MANUFACTURER TECH SUPPORT WAS C…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1595668
    • "-MULTIPLE TIMES THAT THE SCREEN HAS GONE BLACK WHILE ACTIVELY DRIVING THE CAR (BOTH ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAY) -EPISODES WHERE THE SCREEN IS UNRESPONSIVE; THUS, BEING UNABLE TO USE ANY FUNCTIONS OF THE CAR USING THE TOUCHSCREEN BOTH WHILE STATIONARY AND WHI…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1718551
  11. #11

    suspension struts shocks

    1 stranded, 21 unsafe, 1 broken, 1 annoyance

    24
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=12, median 10,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "HERE IS ANOTHER MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD WITH THE SAME OLD SNAPPED SPARROW LEG SUSPENSION. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLE?ITEMID=29342528&ROWNUMBER=85&LOADRECENT=TRUE ALL OF THE AIR-BAGS HAVE GONE OFF BUT THERE IS NO SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE EXCEPT FOR THE SNAPPE…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1497985
    • "MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS?ITEMID=34629617&ROWNUMBER=5&SIMILARVEHICLEITEMID=&ISNEXT=&LOADRECENT=TRUE FRONT SUSPENSION GONE ALL WHOMPY. HEADLIGHT NOT EVEN BROKEN. PERHAPS THE SNAP-OFF SUSPENSION SAFETY FEATURE IS WORKING…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1629690
    • "SORRY TO TROUBLE YOU AGAIN ...BUT.. HERE IS A MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/37236422?ROWNUMBER=9 THE SUSPENSION FELL OFF AND IT'S LYING ON THE GROUND. HAVE A LOOK PLEASE. THIS IS NOT GOOD. NOT GOOD AT ALL. THANK YOU. KE…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1687938
    • "FRONT DRIVER SUSPENSION EXPERIENCED DAMAGE FROM A LOW SPEED TURN INTO A PARKING LOT. THE CAR HAD A CONTINUOUS SQUEAK FROM THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE WHILE DRIVING AFTER THE EVENT. I CALLED TESLA SERVICE AND THEY CAME ON SITE TO DO A DIAGNOSTIC. THEY FOUND A MAJOR IS…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1710809
    • "HERE IS ANOTHER TESLA IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/38425126?ROWNUMBER=2 IT HAS NOT BEEN IN A COLLISION. THE ONLY DAMAGE IS TO THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL WELL. THE TREAD ON THE TIRE IS COMPLETELY WORN AWAY BECAUSE THE SUSPENSION GI…"~76,000 mi, complaint #1713750
  12. #12

    ev charging system

    5 stranded, 13 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    19
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "VEHICLE WILL EMERGENCY BRAKE ON HIGHWAY WITHOUT WARNING AND NO OTHER CARS AROUND. ALSO UNABLE TO ACCESS CHARGING PORT TO CHARGE VEHICLE."~50,000 mi, complaint #1707777
    • "AT 70000 THE FRONT RIGHT BAR THAT CONNECT TO WHEEL WENT BAD 350 DOLLARS. AT AROUND 90000 MILES THE AC WENT BAD AND THEY SAID IS BECAUSE I USED IT TOO MUCH 4700 DOLLARS AT 110000 THE LID FOR THE CHARGER KEPT OPENING UP AND CLOSING BY ITSELF AT 127000 THE BATTER…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1848121
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the GPS failed to function as intended. In addition, the “Unable to Charge” warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the GPS provided incorrect direction…"~106,884 mi, complaint #2135603
  13. #13

    adas lane keeping

    18 unsafe

    18
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=14, median 15,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "WHILE DRIVING IN AUTONOMOUS MODE IT SUDDENLY VEERED TO THE RIGHT WHERE AN 18 WHEELER WAS IN THE NEXT LANE. IT ALMOST HIT THE TRUCK. I WAS ATTENTIVE ENOUGH TO TAKE CONTROL. AFTER A FEW MINUTES SOMETHING HAPPENED AGAIN."~980 mi, complaint #1485539
    • "WHILE TRAVELING ON ENHANCED AUTOPILOT AND CHANGING LANES USING THE DIRECTION STALK, I HAVE NOTED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS OCCASIONALLY SWERVED BACK INTO THE ORIGINAL LANE BEFORE COMPLETING THE LANE CHANGE. THIS HAPPENED TO ME THREE TIMES DURING MY DRIVE FROM PALM…"~5,700 mi, complaint #1515796
    • "I WAS DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON CA HWY [REDACTED ADDRESS] CHANGE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT WITH AUTOPILOT ENGAGED. AFTER BEGINNING TO MAKE THE LANE CHANGE TO THE RIGHT, THE CAR ABRUPTLY VEERED BACK INTO THE LEFT LANE, THEN SLOWLY STARTED TO MOVE BACK INTO THE RIGHT LANE…"~12,500 mi, complaint #1590876
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at 45 to 50MPH in auto-pilot, the vehicle inadvertently veered into the left turn lane but continued straight into oncoming traffic. The contact stated that the vehicle collided head-on wi…"~16,115 mi, complaint #1769744
    • "DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 10 LAKE CITY TO JACKSONVILLE FL, SUDDENLY HEAVY RAIN CAUSED CAR TO SKID DRIVING IN AUTOPILOT MODE AT 70MPH , THE ROAD CHANGED FROM ASPHALT TO CONCRETE AND CAR COULD NOT HANDLE THAT CHANGE , CAR WENT INTO HYDROPLAN/SKID MODE WITH 15 SNAKE LAP…"~18,234 mi, complaint #1638293
  14. #14

    ev drive unit or inverter

    4 stranded, 12 unsafe

    16
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "MY WIFE ( DRIVER FOR OVER 40 YEARS, NO ACCIDENTS, NO TICKETS) WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A DOWNGRADE, FOOT ON THE BRAKE, IN OUR BRAND NEW TESLA MODEL 3 WHEN IT SUDDENLY BEGAN TO MOVE FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO CARS STOPPED AT THE LIGHT IN FRONT OF HER. MY…"~2,400 mi, complaint #1566603
  15. #15

    steering rack mechanical

    1 stranded, 15 unsafe

    16
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "THE CAR WAS PULLING VERY HARD TO THE LEFT. TOOK IT TO TESLA SERVICE CENTER. THEY GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE OF NEARLY $6000 TO REPLACE CONTROL ARMS AND BUSHINGS AND STEERING RACK ETC. THEY SAID THE PARTS WERE DAMAGED FROM "OUTSIDE INFLUENCE". WHATEVER THAT MEANS. THE…"~29,000 mi, complaint #1739999
    • "HERE IS A TESLA MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/60239049/PHOTOS IT HAS SOME FRONT END DAMAGE BUT WHAT IS REMARKABLE IS THAT THE ALLOY STEERING KNUCKLE HAS CRACKED IN HALF AND THE STEMS OF BOTH BALL JOINTS HAVE SNAPPED OFF. THE WHEEL AN…"~33,000 mi, complaint #1630727
  16. #16

    brake hydraulics

    14 unsafe

    14
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "I WAS DRIVING ON AUTO PILOT MODE WHEN I WAS GOING TO MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN WHEN IN ORDER TO SLOW DOWN AT THE TRAFFIC AHEAD OF ME, I APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THERE WAS NO BRAKE ACTION WHATSOEVER. THIS WAS NOT A PANIC SITUATION, IT WAS JUST NORMAL BRAKING. WHEN…"~8,137 mi, complaint #1536950
    • "MY TESLA DIDN'T STOP WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES, I HAD A CLEAR DISTANCE SPACE BETWEEN MY CAR AND THE CAR I REAR ENDED, ANY OTHER CAR WOULD HAVE STOPPED WHEN YOU APPLY THE BRAKES BUT I THINK I FELT LIKE MY CAR ACCELERATED EVEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND NEVER STOP…"~16,000 mi, complaint #1643300
  17. #17

    door latch and hinge

    14 unsafe

    14
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "SAFETY ISSUE WITH REAR DOORS. REAR PASSENGERS AND SPECIALLY CHILDREN WHO ARE UNABLE TO EXIT THROUGH THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE CAN BECOME TRAPPED IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE OR MAJOR COLLISION THAT DISABLES THE ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE DOORS. FRONT DOORS ARE EQUIPPED…"~2,500 mi, complaint #1476452
    • "THIS CAR HAS A FRONT TRUNK, AKA "FRUNK". IT IS OPENED ELECTRONICALLY, NOT MECHANICALLY. THERE IS NO OWNER ACCESSIBLE MECHANICAL OVERRIDE. IT FAILED TO OPEN ON OCTOBER 31 WHILE PARKED IN A GARAGE, 2018. IT WAS BROUGHT TO TESLA SERVICE THE NEXT DAY, AND THE "M3…"~9,000 mi, complaint #1537428
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that the chrome trim became loose on all four doors, which caused injuries to the contact and daughter while opening the doors. The vehicle was diagnosed by an onboard App, that determined that all four…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1992869
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. While a passenger was attempting to enter the vehicle, the contact sustained a cut to the hand, which was caused by the exterior door handle. The contact stated that over time, the edges of the flush door handles had degr…"~64,402 mi, complaint #2239414
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED WITH ELECTRONIC DOORS THAT RELEASED THE LATCH WHEN THE DOOR HANDLE AND/OR A BUTTON LOCATED INSIDE THE VEHICLE'S DOOR WAS ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGE…"~98,825 mi, complaint #1629961
  18. #18

    steering electric assist

    14 unsafe

    14
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the steering disengaged. The vehicle was difficult to steer. The driver was able to veer off the road. The driver steering assist disengaged message was displ…"~23,505 mi, complaint #1960369
  19. #19

    control module

    12 unsafe

    12
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "CAR INTERFACE BUGGED OUT AND WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE WITH THE PHONE KEY OR KEY CARD TO START AFTER ENTERING THE PARKED VEHICLE. TOUCH SCREEN FLASHED ON AND OFF. ATTEMPTED RESETS TO NO AVAIL. SYSTEM WOULD RANDOMLY SHUT ITSELF OFF AND NOT TURN BACK ON."~35,000 mi, complaint #1714543
    • "BECAUSE I HIT A SMALL PUDDLE OF WATER ON THE ROAD, MY VC RIGHT GOT WATER INSIDE AND THE PASSENGER SEAT STARTED TILTING FORWARD, THEN MOVE FORWARD THEN TILT BACK. ALL MOVES TO THE MAXIMUM RANGE. IF SOMEONE WOULD'VE BEEN SITTING ON IT, THE BEST CASE WOULD'VE BEE…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1724573
  20. #20

    wiring harness

    11 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    12
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Driver Side Supplemental Restraint system reported an issue and need for service. Service department blames faulty electrical harness under the seat. A search of the web shows this is a common failure, leading me to believe that it is a design or a quality…"complaint #1823026
    • "There was a recall for the Model 3 trunk harness on Dec 21, 2021. Manufacturer Recall Number: TBD NHTSA Recall Number: 21V-00D Recall Status: Recall Incomplete I attempted to schedule a service appointment with Tesla to remedy this situation but they rejecte…"complaint #1825718
    • "Front wiring harness corrodes causing steering control to corrode. This also affects lane keep, braking, and speed control. At least 6 warnings associated with the short circuit "complaint #1855304
    • "This is regarding NHTSA Recall Number21V-00D. This recall is from December 21, 2021 -- i.e., over a year ago. I scheduled an appointment with Tesla in August 2022 to get this taken care of, but at the time Tesla canceled the appointment. They told me that the…"complaint #1862457
    • "The front passenger seat driver occupancy system started sporadically malfunctioning and showing the "air bags disabled" warning even while the seat was occupied. This would put the passenger at risk in the event of a crash. The manufacturer's technician arriv…"complaint #1938484
  21. #21

    horn

    5 unsafe, 6 annoyance

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "ABOUT 6 WEEEKS AGO THE HORN ON MY TESLA MODEL 3 STOPPED WORKING. I HAVE HAD ONE VERY CLOSE CALL WHERE I ALMOST GOT IN A WRECK BECAUSE THE OTHER DRIVER WAS MAKING A U TURN IN FRONT OF ME WHO DID NOT SEE ME COMING. I COULD NOT GET THEIR ATTENTION BECAUSE MY HORN…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1599076
    • "I DISCOVERED A FLAW IN THE MODEL 3 HORN MECHANISM THAT YOU PRESS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAVE SEEN THE MECHANISM AND WHEN YOU PRESS ON THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HORN BUTTON, YOU CAN HEAR THE MECHANISM CLICK, BUT IT'S NOT ACTIVATING THE HORN, YOU NEE…"~36,000 mi, complaint #1739990
  22. #22

    hv system fault reduced power

    3 stranded, 8 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. BUT WOULDN'T MOVE TO GEAR (DRIVE OR REVERSE). IT WAS GIVING THE MESSAGE "CANNOT MAINTAIN VEHICLE POWER". HAD I LOST THE POWER WHILE DRIVING, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A CLEAR SAFETY ISSUE."~1,500 mi, complaint #1540291
    • "ON 04/13/2019 THE CAR ABRUPT STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE I DROVE IT ALONG NORTHBOND SANTA RITA ROAD IN PLEASANTON CA. . CARS COMING FROM BEHIND HAD TO MAKE URGENT BRAKING OR LANE CHANGE TO AVOID HITTING US. MY YOUNG CHILD WAS CRYING IN HORROR,…"~13,350 mi, complaint #1561257
    • "I WAS DRIVING MY MODEL 3(IN MOTION) IN THE LEFT LANE OF A [REDACTED ADDRESS] (3 LANES EACH DIRECTION). THE CAR SUDDENLY DISPLAYED 2 WARNING LIGHT, "UNABLE TO DRIVE" AND ANOTHER WARNING ABOUT VEHICLE POWERING DOWN, MOVE TO A SAFE LOCATION. THE CAR STOPPED A FE…"~45,516 mi, complaint #1738493
  23. #23

    climate control module

    8 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHILE OPERATING IN AC COOLING MODE, WITHOUT FOREWARNING, WOULD SWITCH TO HEATING OPERATION. DURING THIS UNUSUAL BEHAVIOR, THE DISPLAY DOES NOT INDICATE ANY CHANGE IN THE HVAC SYSTEM BEHAVIOR. THIS DEFECT CREATES A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN THE REAR PASSENGERS A…"~500 mi, complaint #1552734
  24. #24

    lighting exterior

    8 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "PROBLEM: REAR TAIL LIGHTS WERE NOT ILLUMINATED, EVEN THOUGH THE STANDARDIZED HEADLIGHT SYMBOL/INDICATOR WAS DEPICTED ON THE VEHICLE INSTRUMENT SCREEN. THIS SYMBOL IS UNIVERSALLY UNDERSTOOD TO INDICATE BOTH HEADLIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS. INCIDENT: WHILE DRIVING…"~12,999 mi, complaint #1613120
    • "THERE IS A BUILDUP OF WATER AND CONDENSATION IN THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS OF MY VEHICLE. THE ISSUE IS KNOWN BY TESLA AS THEY REPLACED THE SAME PROBLEM BEFORE, HOWEVER, NOW THEY ARE NOT COVERING IT UNDER WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG MODEL 3 OWNE…"~65,700 mi, complaint #1746693
  25. #25

    seat mechanism

    8 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that there was a feature in the vehicle that allowed the front driver’s seat to automatically adjust according to the saved driver's profile. The contact stated that the driver’s seat back and forth mov…"~55,000 mi, complaint #2195120
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while opening the doors of the vehicle, the driver's side seat back unintendedly reclined and pressed down on the rear seat, causing the cushion to become deformed. The contact manually used the se…"~95,000 mi, complaint #2195486
  26. #26

    adas adaptive cruise

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "MY TESLA MODEL 3 HAS A DEFECT WITH AUTOPILOT SENSORS AND SOUND. WHEN ON AUTOPILOT (ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL), THE SENSORS CAN SOMETIMES FREEZE UP AND OR FAIL, CAUSING AUTOPILOT TO CEASE FUNCTIONING AND ISSUE AN AUDIO ALERT. HOWEVER, SYSTEM SOUND (BLINKERS, N…"~500 mi, complaint #1611206
  27. #27

    adas blind spot

    6 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Tesla introduced blind spot camera availability with the release of Version 11 software. When the driver switches lanes while in autopilot by engaging the turn signal stock at night, the built in turn signal led above the repeater camera blinds the camera by…"complaint #1792646
    • "My blindspot warning cameras display gets completely washed out at night, (unable to view alongside my vehicle) whenever the directional blinker lights. This causes me to loose view of anything alongside my car. This only happens during darkness. This has been…"complaint #1801177
    • "When the vehicle's directional is activated, the side camera on the activated side of the directional is activated and displays the blindspot area on the car's center screen. I.e. you want to change lanes and you activate the left directional to signal moving…"complaint #1826721
    • "Tesla Model 3 (and other models) comes equipped with side cameras on the vehicle's B-pillars. Tesla has designed these components to allow cabin air to infiltrate the space between the cameras and the exterior glass. Of course, this means that humid cabin air…"complaint #1842626
    • "When I turn on the turn signal, Tesla displays the side repeater camera on the screen, which allows me to see if there is a car in the blind spot. In addition to the video on the screen, I believe the side repeater cameras are used by the onboard computer to d…"complaint #1881346
  28. #28

    heater core and blower

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • " The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the HVAC system became inoperable. The contact stated that the cold weather had frozen the windows and the contact was unable to properly see out of the windows and windshield. Th…"~51,000 mi, complaint #1802809
  29. #29

    wiper and washer

    5 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHEN WIPERS ARE SET TO 'AUTO' MODE, THEY ARE FAR TOO SLOW TO REACT. DO TO THE MANUAL MODE REQUIRING THE TOUCH SCREEN TO CHANGE, A NOVICE TO THE SYSTEM WOULD HAVE A VERY HARD TIME CHANGING TO THE WIPERS TO WORK MUCH FASTER. THIS WOULD CAUSE A VERY UNSAFE AND H…"~567 mi, complaint #1532556
  30. #30

    battery and charging

    1 stranded, 5 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "MY 2019 TESLA MODEL 3 PURCHASED 5 MONTHS AGO, SUDDENLY GAVE A WARNING ON THE HIGHWAY THAT THE '12V POWER IS VERY LOW AND VEHICLE MAY SHUT DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY' THE CAR HAD BEEN CHARGED WITH 250+ MILES OF RANGE. ONCE STOPPED THE CAR WOULDN'T RESPOND AND EVEN FLA…"~6,100 mi, complaint #1595353
    • "OUR CAR CAUGHT FIRE SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY OF MY HOUSE. THIS HAPPENED AROUND 4AM IN JAN9, SECURITY FOOTAGE FROM NEIGHBORS HAS BEEN HANDED OVER TO FD AND TESLA ENGINEERING TEAM. THE LAST TRIP WAS 10 HOURS PRIOR TO PARKING THE CAR. WE ARE LUCKY IT WAS NOT IN T…"~16,675 mi, complaint #1728215
  31. #31

    wheel or rim

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "HERE IS A TESLA MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/54348349/PHOTOS THE FRONT WHEEL AND COMPLETE SUSPENSION HAS COMPLETELY FALLEN OFF. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED SO THERE HAS NOT BEEN A FRONT END COLLISION. ANOTHER CAR HAS BIFFED THE BACK OF THE…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1616956
    • "MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/60870519 BOTH FRONT SUSPENSIONS SNAPPED OFF. NOT IN A CRASH.... WHEELS SIMPLY FELL OFF. LOOKS LIKE THIS ALLEGED "SAFETY FEATURE" I.E SNAP-OFF WHEELS IS WORKING A LITTLE TOO WELL. PLEASE INVESTIGATE TH…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1632337
    • "HERE IS A MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/25836110/PHOTOS THE CAST METAL HUB ASSEMBLY ON THE FRONT RH SIDE HAS SHATTERED CAUSING THE WHEEL TO FALL OFF. THIS WAS NOT THE RESULT OF A CRASH, NO AIR-BAGS HAVE DEPLOYED AND THERE IS ALMOST NO…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1635645
  32. #32

    glass and windshield

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "AFTER ENTERING MY VEHICLE AND INITIATING A TRIP TO WORK RECENTLY IN THE LATE MORNING. I HAD ACTIVATED MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO CLEAN MY FRONT WINDSHIELD AND AFTER TRAVELING LESS THAN A BLOCK I HEARD A CRACK LIKE POP SOUND EVEN THOUGH NOTHING HAD IMPACTED THE GL…"~9,000 mi, complaint #1695141
    • "RANDOM CRACK APPEARED IN LATE MARCH, EARLY APRIL 2019 IN MIDDLE OF WINDSHIELD ~4-5" LONG. NO VISIBLE CHIP. AFTER COMPLAINT THAT WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR NO REASON, WE ENDED PAYING REPAIR OUT OF POCKET. SERVICE CENTER DIDN'T AGREE IT AS WARRANTY ITEM. WINDSHIELD…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1718200
    • "I FOUND A STRESS CRACK ON MY REAR WINDSHIELD, WHICH THE TESLA SERVICE CENTER IN SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA DENIED WAS CAUSED BY A DEFECT IN THE GLASS. MY SERVICE ASSOCIATE, PATRICK GERETY WAS PARTICULARLY UNHELPFUL AND I AM LODGING A COMPLAINT DIRECTLY WITH THE MA…"~11,000 mi, complaint #1577753
    • "FRONT WINDSHIELD HAS PROPAGATING CRACK STARTING ON UPPER RIGHT SIDE OF WINDOW EXTENDING DOWN AND TO THE DRIVERS SIDE. FINDING THAT IT IS COMMON WITH THE TESLA VEHICLES ON THE INTERNET SEARCH. FEEL DEFECT IN OR GLASS IS TOO THIN AND CAN'T TAKE THE FLEXING OF T…"~16,000 mi, complaint #1657913
  33. #33

    ac compressor and refrigerant

    2 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "After approximately 6 months after taking delivery of Model 3, a dank smell, like dirty socks emanates from A/C vents after car has been sitting in hot weather. This is a known problem with water remaining on a/c evaporator coils, thus creating a perfect envi…"complaint #1749610
    • "The AC system seems to build up moisture in the evaporator or filter every year, and an unbearable smell eventually occurs every time the AC turns on (usually in the warm summer months). While tesla does say they recommend AC system maintenance (cleaning and f…"complaint #1759205
    • "The AC compressor failed which can be caused by over delivery of electrical power to the compressor causing premature failure. I’m concerned this could also lead to a fire."complaint #1850795
    • "Mold, mildew and smelly odors are coming through the on-cabin ventilation system. This is the 3rd time since 2020, I had to purchase & replace the two air filters and spray the poorly designed duct & condensation accumulation. I inspected the self-installed a…"complaint #2135473
  34. #34

    cruise control conventional

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TESLA MODEL 3. WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT APPROXIMATELY 67 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED TO 75 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL. A DEALER…"~4,000 mi, complaint #1559963
    • "WHILE REVERSING INTO MY 2 CAR GARAGE INTO THE CENTER OF THE GARAGE SPACE, I CAME TO A STOP (AUTO HOLD AFTER BRAKING TO A STOP BUT WITH THE REAR CAMERA VIEW ON DISPLAY) WHEN I REACHED FAR INSIDE (TO BE ABLE TO CLOSE THE GARAGE DOOR). USING THE HOMELINK, I CLOSE…"~7,076 mi, complaint #1655175
    • "IN ORDER TO CANCEL CRUISE CONTROL OR AUTOPILOT IN A TESLA MODEL 3, THE PRIMARY MECHANISM IS TO PUSH THE RIGHT STALK UPWARDS AS FAR AS IT WILL GO. HOWEVER, PUSHING THE SAME STALK UPWARDS ONLY PART OF THE WAY WILL CAUSE THE CAR TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL. THIS CAN CA…"~9,500 mi, complaint #1571699
    • "I OWN A 2018 TESLA MODEL 3 MID-RANGE (NON-AUTOPILOT, NON-SELF-DRIVING, SOFTWARE UPDATE V10.2 - 2019.40.50.7). I EXPERIENCED A CRUISE CONTROL RELATED SAFETY DEFECT ON MY NON-SELF-DRIVING, NON- AUTOPILOT TESLA MODEL 3 SEVERAL TIMES SINCE 2019.40.2.1 UPDATE.…"~11,600 mi, complaint #1637694
  35. #35

    hv battery and range

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The High Voltage Service Panel is part the battery which is part of the manufacturer warranty and drivetrain. A lot of Tesla cars had this problem and they are being charged $1800 to $2000 to “fix” this common failure. The problem is that the battery stop…"complaint #1970178
    • "ISSUE: PTC Heater failed at 63,617 miles after 6 years of use WARNING MESSAGE: "Vehicle may not restart" CONTACT: [XXX] [XXX] main contact for owner [XXX] . VIN: [XXX] MAKE: MODEL 3 YEAR: 2018 REPAIR QUOTED: $1,104.18 LINE ITEMS: PTC HEATER DUALZO…"complaint #2040683
    • "Tesla failed to properly diagnose a high-voltage battery isolation fault in my 2018 Model 3. Despite safety-critical BMS_a027 and BMS_a142 faults indicating multiple isolation failures, they skipped required insulation resistance testing, falsely blamed sand i…"complaint #2110429
    • "Potential safety defect: high-voltage battery and battery management system (BMS) appear to overestimate available energy and remaining range, creating risk of unexpected 0% state of charge or loss of motive power without warning. Across 20 documented charge/…"complaint #2207354
  36. #36

    power windows and locks

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "MY VEHICLE LIKE MANY OTHER MODEL 3S STARTING MYSTERIOUSLY OPENING THE WINDOW WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND UNATTENDED. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE PAST FIVE DAYS. THIS LEAVES THE VEHICLE UNSECURED. THEY PHONE APP ALERTS ME THAT ONE OR MORE WINDOWS ARE NOT FU…"~11,631 mi, complaint #1688493
  37. #37

    instrument cluster

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE SCREEN FREEZES AND REBOOTS WHILE DRIVING.I HAVE NO IDEA HOW FAST I'M GOING THE ENTIRE CARE GOES DARK. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 2 MONTHS.I HAVE TAKEN IT IN. BUT THEY TELL ME THERE IS NO FIX. CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WHEN YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW FAST YOUR…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1561906
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the display screen intermittently went blank and failed to display the speedometer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to dup…"~37,740 mi, complaint #1883936
  38. #38

    key fob and immobilizer

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TESLA MODEL 3 DOES NOT COME WITH TRADITIONAL KEY OR KEY FOB. GRANDFATHER SITTING IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS LEFT WITH KEY CARD WHILE YOUNG CHILD FELL ASLEEP. HE IS UNFAMILIAR WITH THE CAR BUT WAS BRIEFLY EXPLAINED HOW TO UNLOCK THE CAR BY PLACING THE CARD ON…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1524205
    • "CAR FREQUENTLY FAILS TO UNLOCK, OR TO SHUT DOWN. HAVE REPORTED THIS DOZENS OF TIMES TO TESLA WHO HAS FAILED TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR FIX THE ISSUE. WHEN LEAVING, THE CAR WILL SOMETIMES SIT WITH ALL SYSTEMS RUNNING, DOORS UNLOCKED, READY TO BE DRIVEN AWAY. WHEN TRY…"~6,000 mi, complaint #1728603
  39. #39

    mirror

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE VISIBILITY IN THE SIDE AND REAR VIEW MIRRORS IS VERY LIMITED. THE VISUAL INDICATOR FOR THE TURN SIGNALS IS HARD TO HEAR AND VIEW IN THE CENTRAL CONSOLE, WHICH IS ALSO CAUSING DISTRACTION FOR THE DRIVER AND TAKING AWAY HIS ATTENTION FROM THE ROAD. THER…"complaint #1502544
    • "WHEN DRIVING, THE ELECTROCHOMATIC (AUTO-DIMMING) REAR-VIEW MIRROR AND SIDE-VIEW MIRRORS ONLY DIM AT A PRE-DETERMINED TIME OF DAY, WHICH IS LONG AFTER IT IS DARK OUT, AND LONG AFTER FOLLOWING VEHICLES HAVE TURNED ON THEIR HEADLIGHTS. THEY REVERT BACK TO NORMAL…"complaint #1603323
    • "The electrochromic rearview mirror will not significantly darken or dim. There is no way to make the mirror less reflective. The vehicle is designed to automatically simultaneously darken the rearview and sideview mirrors at night. The sideview mirrors dark…"complaint #1874959
  40. #40

    noise or vibration unspecified

    3 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, there was a squeaking sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. The sound was present while making turns, stopping, and accelerating. The cause of the fai…"~25,750 mi, complaint #1838996
    • "THERE IS SQUEAKING SOUND COMING FROM FRONT WHEEL PASSENGER SIDE AND IT BECOMES LOUDER AND LOUDER WHEN CRUISING AT LOW SPEEDS ON CITY STREET"~50,000 mi, complaint #1684993
  41. #41

    steering column

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "VEHICLE HAS A "BRAKE HOLD" FEATURE. THIS FEATURE IS ENGAGED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN GEAR, STOPPED, AND THEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AN ADDITIONAL DISTANCE. THIS FEATURE KEEPS THAT VEHICLE AT A STANDSTILL WITHOUT A NEED TO CONTINUE TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDA…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1561279
  42. #42

    tire failure

    1 stranded, 2 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "BRAND NEW VEHICLE WITH 2 TIRES HAVING SIDE WALL BUBBLES. NO ROUGH DRIVING . SEEMS TO BE AN INNER TIRE PROBLEM. MAYBE A DEFECT .CONTINENTAL BRAND TIRES."~3,000 mi, complaint #1538150
    • "WE HAVE A 2018 TESLA MODEL 3, PURCHASED NEW IN LATE JULY 2018, WHICH CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 32,000 MILES. WE HAVE NOW HAD 8 FLAT TIRES IN THE SPAN OF 26 MONTHS OR ON AVERAGE ONE EVERY 4,000 MILES, ALL BY PUNCTURE. WE LIVE AND DRIVE IN THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA.…"~32,000 mi, complaint #1708882
  43. #43

    driveshaft axle cv

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I was parallel parking the vehicle and I heard a loud "thunk" sound. I looked under chassis and came to learn that arm connected to wheel had completely fallen off. Luckily, this was not on freeway or with my family. Vehicle was taken to Tesla for inspection,…"complaint #1940174
    • "When seated in my car, I turned the steering wheel and I heard a clunk noise by the driver side. After trying to turn it back, my car dropped and I checked outside and it looks like something related to the axle or arms caused the issue. My axle seems to have…"complaint #1961593
  44. #44

    interior trim

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "SEAT HEADREST BUBBLING AND HAVING OOZING STUFF. LOOKS LIKE MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. YESTERDAY I WENT AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE AND THEN I FIND IN MANY ONLINE FORUMS PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS. AND FOR SOME PEOPLE THEY GA…"~22,000 mi, complaint #1610382
  45. #45

    parking brake

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My Tesla got stuck in a McDonald's drive-through because the EPB (Electronic Park Break) refused to disengage. I believe it got stuck as the vehicle was pulling up to the window to pay and I had to reach out with my phone to tap their payment terminal to use A…"complaint #2110056
    • "The rear passenger side break would not release. Had to be towed because the vehicle was non operational."complaint #2227593
  46. #46

    power steering hydraulic

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Power steering went out in August 2023. It would go back on temporarily intermittently after turning the vehicle off and then on, but ultimately went out for good. "complaint #1955790
    • "Power Steering stopped working suddenly while driving. This was a OEM part replaced on 2021 Aug 30. The car was unable to be controlled and luckily I was driving at slow speed when I realized this issue. This issue happened without any warning and there should…"complaint #1989137
  47. #47

    throttle and pedal

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "ON OCTOBER 3RD, AT 5:26PM, I ENTERED THE VEHICLE, STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND SHIFTED THE CAR INTO D TO PULL FORWARD OUT OF A PARKING SPACE (I BACKED IN). AS I GENTLY APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO EASE FORWARD (AND TURN LEFT) OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE TO HEA…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1503777
  48. #48

    abs module

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Car rear ended, brakes froze after reacting to a car in front of me. Behavior unexpected and Tesla should not have frozen break maybe Abs kicked in"complaint #1789554
  49. #49

    brake pads and rotors

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Periodically the driver side front brake will emit a squeal when travelling at low speeds. Reported to Tesla and they attributed the lack of braking as a contributory fault. They bevelled the brake pad and explained that this was normal behavior. However this…"complaint #1841180
  50. #50

    engine cooling

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Low coolant alert while in the hidden service mode only. Happens to all my 3 cars. Went to service to fill up the coolant and the warning didn’t go off. They said is a sensor gone bad and it’s $1000 to repair. What are the chances that all my 3 cars have that…"complaint #1951722
  51. #51

    fluid leak unspecified

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My brake lines began to leak. When I took the car to the Tesla Service center they repaired the brake lines, but in the process they found that the brake fluid had leaked in/on the battery compartment. Furthermore, they found a coolant leak that also leaked on…"complaint #2100705
  52. #52

    paint and clearcoat

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Hello, I have a Tesla model 3 that I bought back in 2018 . On [XXX] when I sliced my finger while opening the door, because the chrome coating on the door handle started peeling. The cut was very deep ( see attached pictures). I contacted Tesla for resolution…"complaint #2155092
  53. #53

    stability and traction control

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "DRIVING ON THE [REDACTED ADDRESS] WAS WET AFTER A LIGHT RAIN AT AROUND 6:30AM. WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE, VERY LIGHT TRAFFIC, ON A WIDE CURVE. WAS NOT SPEEDING, ACCELERATING, BRAKING OR STEERING. WAS NOT USING AUTOPILOT. TIRES HAD 11,000 MILES AND TREAD WAS STILL…"~11,374 mi, complaint #1635022
  54. #54

    sunroof

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE PANO ROOF CRACKED, THERE IS A LOT OF OTHER OWNERS WITH THIS ISSUE, TESLA IS TRYING TO BLAME ROAD CONDITIONS .WHEN I DROPPED IT OFF TODAY TESLA GAVE ME A LOANER BRAND NEW MODEL S AND IT HAS A CRACKED PANO ROOF"~12,000 mi, complaint #1534715
  55. #55

    trunk or liftgate

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE REAR TRUNK LID POPPED OPEN BY ITSELF WHILE DRIVING. I WAS THE ONLY PERSON IN THE VEHICLE, AND I DID NOT POP THE TRUNK LID. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE TRUNK LID CAN NOT BE OPENED BY THE OCCUPANTS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE SELECTION ON THE SCREEN…"~24,000 mi, complaint #1695952
  56. #56

    wheel bearing

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Every time I make a turn or go over a bump, there is a loud squeaky noise and the tire pressure goes down from 44 to 36 psi. Even when driving straight without anything like a stop or a bump, the squeaky noises happens. The noise comes from the front passenger…"complaint #1776207

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for TESLA MODEL 3 directly.