2020 Tesla Model 3 Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary
The 2020 Tesla Model 3 has 706 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control and forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 706 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
100 14.2%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
79 11.2%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
75 10.6%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
64 9.1%
SERVICE BRAKES
45 6.4%
Quick Insights
The top category is FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, accounting for 14.2% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 40 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
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What owners keep reporting on the 2020 Tesla Model 3
The 2020 Tesla Model 3 has 706 owner complaints in this dataset. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL is the most common complaint category, representing about 14% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2020 Tesla Model 3 are FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (100), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING (79), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (75).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 192 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2020 Tesla Model 3?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 27 of 27 systems
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
35 Reports14% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I BOUGHT A TESLA MODEL 3 ON 9/19/20. ON 9/23/20 I WAS WAITING IN MY CAR IN A LINE OF CARS AT A FAST FOOD DELIVERY WINDOW, STOPPED 8-10 FT BEHIND A LARGE VEHICLE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AS WELL AS IN THE PARK MODE BECAUSE OF THE SLOW SERVICE AHEAD. AFTER A WHILE I REALIZED THAT MY TESLA HAD STARTED MOVING SLOWLY TOWARDS THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. PUMPING THE BRAKE, TRYING TO CHANGE THE GEAR TO REVERSE DID NOT STOP THE CAR. THE SCREEN DATA DISAPPEARED AND A MESSAGE FLASHED SAYING THAT ALL SAFETY FEATURES WERE OFF. I OPENED THE DOOR WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO STOP THE CAR. IT DID NOT EVEN AFTER I GOT OUT OF IT. IT CONTINUED TO MOVE EVEN AFTER CONTACT WAS MADE WITH THE CAR IN FRONT. THE TESLA WAS COMPLETELY CRUSHED. IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS ACCORDING TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS TOWED ON TESLA'S RECOMMENDATION. WHEN I CONTACTED TESLA THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY ACCELERATOR WAS FULLY DEPLOYED. NOT TRUE. I BOUGHT THE TESLA BECAUSE OF ALL THE SAFETY FEATURES, NONE OF WHICH SEEMED TO WORK INCLUDING FAILURE TO NOTICE A LARGE VEHICLE IN FRONT, NOT STOPPING WHEN THE DOOR WAS OPENED, STARTING BY ITSELF IN THE PARK MODE, AND THE DATA SCREEN GOING BLANK EXCEPT FOR THE MESSAGE ABOUT SAFETY SYSTEMS BEING OFF.
11/9/2020
AT A DRIVE THRU FAST FOOD TAPPED THE PEDDLE AND THE CAR LAUNCHED AND HIT A TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME
1/8/2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
31 Reports12% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THIS CAR FORCES THE DRIVER TO LOOK AWAY FROM THE ROAD FOR A FEW SECONDS(AT LEAST 10 SECONDS OR MORE) TO ADJUST COMMON THINGS LIKE ADJUSTING MIRRORS, CHANGING AC FUNCTIONS,SETTING WIPER SPEED. AS WEATHER CONDITIONS CHANGE FROM LOCATION TO LOCATION ON A LONG DRIVE, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE , CONVENIENT OR SAFE FOR THE DRIVER TO PULL ASIDE THE VEHICLE TO ADJUST HEAT SETTINGS OR WIPER SPEED OR MIRRORS.THIS IS DANGEROUS THAN TEXTING AND DRIVING. I REQUEST NHTSA TO RECALL ALL THE TESLA MODEL 3 AND HAVE THE ISSUE FIXED BY PROVIDING A PHYSICAL WAY TO ADJUST MANY THINGS IN THE CAR. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS IRRESPECTIVE OF THE VEHICLE MOTION STATUS.
12/24/2019
THE AUTO STEER IN MY TESLA MODEL 3 FAILED TODAY WHEN THE CAR WAS TURNING ON A CURVY DOWNHILL ROAD. I BELIEVE IT'S BECAUSE THE LANE MARKINGS ON THE RIGHT SIDE ENDED JUST BEFORE THE CURBING STARTED. THE CAR SUDDENLY TURNED RIGHT AND HIT THE CURB BRUSHING THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL ACCIDENT IF I HADN'T TAKEN OVER. AUTO STEER TECHNOLOGY IS NOT YET READY FOR USE ON ALL THE ROADS AND IT SHOULD NOT BE INCLUDED BY DEFAULT IN ALL THE TESLA MODELS. MY CAR DID NOT BRAKE BECAUSE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS STILL ON. I AM STILL IN SHOCK AND AFRAID TO USE THE AUTO STEER AGAIN.
1/4/2020
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
28 Reports11% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I WAS DRIVING IN A TOLL ROAD TO THE LEFT OF THE FREEWAY LANE WHICH WAS BACKED UP. I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, HAD CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED ON A STRAIGHT STRETCH OF ROAD WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY BRAKED REALLY HARD (REDUCED SPEED INSTANTLY TO ABOUT 55 MPH). THERE WAS AN SUV BEHIND ME DRIVING KIND OF CLOSE BUT THANKFULLY IT WAS PAYING ATTENTION AND HAD TO MAKE A HARD SWERVE OUT OF MY LANE TO AVOID A REAR END COLLISION
2/3/2021
https://youtu.be/_vSGyqX0HZg My car is constantly running red lights when on "Full Self-Driving". They claim that it should stop at red lights but it very often confused the left turn red for the green in the straight lane. The car randomly serves at other traffic for no apparent reason. The car randomly slams on the brakes super hard for no apparent reason. Full Self-Driving is UNSAFE
11/16/2021
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
27 Reports11% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
DRIVING IN FREEWAY FAST LANE IN LIGHT TRAFFIC AT 10:30 AM ON OVERCAST MORNING WITH TESLA ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SET FOR 70 MPH AND 4-CAR FOLLOWING DISTANCE. THE CAR IN FRONT MOVED 1 LANE TO THE RIGHT LEAVING NO CARS AHEAD. MY CAR ACCELERATED GENTLY TO 70 AND THEN AS I APPROACHED AN OVERPASS THE CAR SUDDENLY BRAKED (OR WENT TO REGENERATION) AND SLOWED INSTANTLY TO ABOUT 40 MPH WHEN I WAS ABLE TO APPLY THE ACCELERATOR AND RETURN TO SURROUNDING TRAFFIC SPEED AND MOVE RIGHT TO THE NEXT LANE AND RECOVERED FROM THE SHOCK AND SURPRISE OF WHAT OTHER TESLA OWNERS REFER TO AS "PHANTON BRAKING". I WAS FORTUNATE THAT NO OTHER CARS WEREN'T FOLLOWING ME OR THEY LIKELY WOULD HAVE CRASHED IN THE BACK OF MY CAR. I SPOKE WITH OTHER TESLA OWNERS WHO REPORT THE SAME RANDOM, SURPRISE, POWERFUL BRAKING WHEN APPROACHING OVERPASSES.
12/25/2019
WHILE NAVIGATING ON AUTOPILOT ON THE FREEWAY THE CAR TOOK THE INTENDED EXIT RAMP, HOWEVER NEVER SLOWED DOWN UNTIL I HAD TO INTERVENE. REMINISCENT OF THE CHARACTERISTICS WHICH LED TO THE RECENT FATAL CRASH REPORTED OVER THE LAST WEEK.
1/7/2020
SERVICE BRAKES
21 Reports8% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHILE NAVIGATING ON AUTOPILOT ON THE FREEWAY THE CAR TOOK THE INTENDED EXIT RAMP, HOWEVER NEVER SLOWED DOWN UNTIL I HAD TO INTERVENE. REMINISCENT OF THE CHARACTERISTICS WHICH LED TO THE RECENT FATAL CRASH REPORTED OVER THE LAST WEEK.
1/7/2020
SO REGARDING THE CAR BRAKES THEY ARE VERY HARD TO FULLY DEPRESS AND I BELIEVE ITS BECAUSE OF THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING. FOR EXAMPLE WHEN GOING EAT HIGHWAY SPEED AND YOU NEED TO PRESS THE BREAK PEDAL HARD IT LITERALLY FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS REFUSING TO LET YOU USE THE FULL CAPACITY OF THE BREAKS. ITS VERY SCARY IT HAPPENED TO ME AND I COULD NOT PRESS THE BREAK PEDAL COMPLETELY DOWN. AND REGARDING THE LIGHTS MY CAR HAS FOG LIGHTS INSTALLED BUT I'M UNABLE TO TURN THEM ON BECAUSE ACCORDING TO TESLA SUPPOSEDLY I DID NOT PAY FOR THEM BUT THEY ARE INSTALLED ON THE CAR AND THEY DON'T WANT TO ALLOW ME TO TURN THEM ON BECAUSE ITS CONTROLLED VIA SOFTWARE. THIS IS AN UNNECESSARY THING BECAUSE IF THEY ARE INSTALLED ON THE CAR I SHOULD HAVE ACCESS TO THEM BECAUSE I BOUGHT THE CAR. THIS COULD PUT US THE DRIVERS IN A HAZARDOUS CONDITION IN FOG OR OTHER LOW VISIBLY CONDITIONS UNNECESSARILY.
1/17/2020
SUSPENSION
17 Reports7% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
HERE IS A 2020 MODEL 3 TESLA IN THE SALVAGE YARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS?ITEMID=34632816&ROWNUMBER=4&SIMILARVEHICLEITEMID=&ISNEXT=&LOADRECENT=TRUE THE FRONT WHEEL HAS GONE TOTALLY WHOMPY BECAUSE MOST OF THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS HAVE SNAPPED. THERE IS HARDLY ANY DAMAGE TO THE CAR EXCEPT FOR THE SUSPENSION HAVING SNAPPED OFF. THERE IS NO SIGN OF AN IMPACT SEVERE ENOUGH TO JUSTIFY THIS SUSPENSION FAILURE. THE CAR HAS DONE JUST 94 MILES SINCE LEAVING THE FACTORY. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THESE SYSTEMIC FAILURES WITH TESLA SUSPENSIONS. THANK YOU KEEF *JB
12/18/2019
FRIDAY JUNE 26TH, 6:00 P.M. PUBLIC ROADS. SUNNY, DRY. SOMETHING SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AT THE MOMENT I STARTED A SLOW LEFT TURN. THE CAR LURCHED TO A HALT. THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS ANGLED LEFT AT ABOUT A 35 DEGREES, WHILE THE LEFT WHEEL POINTED STRAIGHT. TESLA SENT A FLAT BED. THE TRUCK TECHNICIAN REPORTED BY PHONE THAT THE WHEEL WAS SEPARATED FROM THE SUSPENSION AND A TESLA BOLT WAS AVAILABLE FOR HIM TO TEMPORARILY HOLD ALIGNMENT FOR SAFE LOADING. I UNDERSTAND HE LEFT A NOTE AND THE BOLT INSIDE THE CAR. I BELIEVE THE BOLT WAS PART OF THE BROKEN SUSPENSION. THE CAR HAD 3,300 MILES. DURING MY OWNERSHIP, I NOTICED A LIGHT CLICKING (OR CLUNKING) WHEN THE CAR PASSED OVER A 3 INCH CHANGE IN ROAD ELEVATION, SUCH AS OCCURS DURING REPAVING WHEN STRIKING A MAN HOLE COVER OR NEW LAYER OF ASPHALT. I TOOK THIS TO BE A PECULIARITY OF THE TESLA SUSPENSION COMBINED WITH THE 18 INCH WHEELS. THE SOUND WAS RARE, AS MOST ROADS ARE QUITE SMOOTH AND I MADE IT A POINT TO DRIVE SLOWLY OVER SUDDEN BUMPS. MORE RECENTLY, AS OUR TOWN IS REPAVING, I HEARD THE CLICK MORE FREQUENTLY. ON FATHER'S DAY, WHILE A FRIEND WAS TEST DRIVING THE CAR, HE BEING A CAR GEEK, HEARD THE CLICK, CALLED IT A "CLUNK," AND TOLD ME TO GET IT LOOKED AT. I HAD NOT YET MADE THE APPOINTMENT WHEN SOMETHING SNAPPED ON JUNE 26TH. OVER THE WEEKEND I LEFT VOICE MAILS AND SENT TO TESLA SERVICE AN EMAIL STATING TESLA SHOULD CONSIDER GIVING ME A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE, BUT I WISHED FIRST TO HEAR THEIR REPORT ON WHAT HAD OCCURRED. TESLA SERVICE IN MILFORD IS NOT OPEN ON WEEKENDS. TESLA CALLED ON MONDAY AFTERNOON SEEKING MY INPUT ON WHAT HAD OCCURRED. LATER THAT DAY THEY REPORTED IT APPEARED TO THEM THAT A CRITICAL BOLT HAD NOT BEEN WELDED ONTO THE SUB-FRAME. TESLA SERVICE IN MILFORD ORDERED A NEW SUB-FRAME, PART NUMBER 1044521-00-R, FROM CALIFORNIA. TESLA IS RESEARCHING WHAT OCCURRED.
7/2/2020
STEERING
15 Reports6% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
THE AUTO STEER IN MY TESLA MODEL 3 FAILED TODAY WHEN THE CAR WAS TURNING ON A CURVY DOWNHILL ROAD. I BELIEVE IT'S BECAUSE THE LANE MARKINGS ON THE RIGHT SIDE ENDED JUST BEFORE THE CURBING STARTED. THE CAR SUDDENLY TURNED RIGHT AND HIT THE CURB BRUSHING THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL ACCIDENT IF I HADN'T TAKEN OVER. AUTO STEER TECHNOLOGY IS NOT YET READY FOR USE ON ALL THE ROADS AND IT SHOULD NOT BE INCLUDED BY DEFAULT IN ALL THE TESLA MODELS. MY CAR DID NOT BRAKE BECAUSE THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS STILL ON. I AM STILL IN SHOCK AND AFRAID TO USE THE AUTO STEER AGAIN.
1/4/2020
FRIDAY JUNE 26TH, 6:00 P.M. PUBLIC ROADS. SUNNY, DRY. SOMETHING SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AT THE MOMENT I STARTED A SLOW LEFT TURN. THE CAR LURCHED TO A HALT. THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS ANGLED LEFT AT ABOUT A 35 DEGREES, WHILE THE LEFT WHEEL POINTED STRAIGHT. TESLA SENT A FLAT BED. THE TRUCK TECHNICIAN REPORTED BY PHONE THAT THE WHEEL WAS SEPARATED FROM THE SUSPENSION AND A TESLA BOLT WAS AVAILABLE FOR HIM TO TEMPORARILY HOLD ALIGNMENT FOR SAFE LOADING. I UNDERSTAND HE LEFT A NOTE AND THE BOLT INSIDE THE CAR. I BELIEVE THE BOLT WAS PART OF THE BROKEN SUSPENSION. THE CAR HAD 3,300 MILES. DURING MY OWNERSHIP, I NOTICED A LIGHT CLICKING (OR CLUNKING) WHEN THE CAR PASSED OVER A 3 INCH CHANGE IN ROAD ELEVATION, SUCH AS OCCURS DURING REPAVING WHEN STRIKING A MAN HOLE COVER OR NEW LAYER OF ASPHALT. I TOOK THIS TO BE A PECULIARITY OF THE TESLA SUSPENSION COMBINED WITH THE 18 INCH WHEELS. THE SOUND WAS RARE, AS MOST ROADS ARE QUITE SMOOTH AND I MADE IT A POINT TO DRIVE SLOWLY OVER SUDDEN BUMPS. MORE RECENTLY, AS OUR TOWN IS REPAVING, I HEARD THE CLICK MORE FREQUENTLY. ON FATHER'S DAY, WHILE A FRIEND WAS TEST DRIVING THE CAR, HE BEING A CAR GEEK, HEARD THE CLICK, CALLED IT A "CLUNK," AND TOLD ME TO GET IT LOOKED AT. I HAD NOT YET MADE THE APPOINTMENT WHEN SOMETHING SNAPPED ON JUNE 26TH. OVER THE WEEKEND I LEFT VOICE MAILS AND SENT TO TESLA SERVICE AN EMAIL STATING TESLA SHOULD CONSIDER GIVING ME A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE, BUT I WISHED FIRST TO HEAR THEIR REPORT ON WHAT HAD OCCURRED. TESLA SERVICE IN MILFORD IS NOT OPEN ON WEEKENDS. TESLA CALLED ON MONDAY AFTERNOON SEEKING MY INPUT ON WHAT HAD OCCURRED. LATER THAT DAY THEY REPORTED IT APPEARED TO THEM THAT A CRITICAL BOLT HAD NOT BEEN WELDED ONTO THE SUB-FRAME. TESLA SERVICE IN MILFORD ORDERED A NEW SUB-FRAME, PART NUMBER 1044521-00-R, FROM CALIFORNIA. TESLA IS RESEARCHING WHAT OCCURRED.
7/2/2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHILE NAVIGATING ON AUTOPILOT ON THE FREEWAY THE CAR TOOK THE INTENDED EXIT RAMP, HOWEVER NEVER SLOWED DOWN UNTIL I HAD TO INTERVENE. REMINISCENT OF THE CHARACTERISTICS WHICH LED TO THE RECENT FATAL CRASH REPORTED OVER THE LAST WEEK.
1/7/2020
CHARGING PORT, PLASTIC TIP OF ONE OF THE CHARGING PINS BROKE OFF AND WAS STILL INSIDE THE PORT. IT WAS OBSTRUCTING THE CHARGING HANDLE, NOT ALLOWING IT TO FULLY SEAT. THE CAR WAS SHOWING AN ERROR MESSAGE SAYING THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CHARGING CABLE. I FOUND THE OBSTRUCTION AND REMOVED IT WITH A TOOTHPICK. THE ERROR MESSAGE WENT AWAY HOWEVER ONE CHARGING PIN IS NOW MISSING ITS PLASTIC TIP. THE ONE I REMOVED FROM THE PORT WAS BROKEN AND UNUSABLE. CAR HAS ONLY 5000 MILES ON IT. THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE NOTED IN ANOTHER SERVICE BULLETIN THAT SAYS IT ONLY AFFECTS 2018 VEHICLES. OBVIOUSLY THAT IS NOT TRUE. THIS CAR IS A 2020 AND IT IS STILL HAPPENING.
9/12/2020
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
10 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
FROM THE MOMENT I DROVE MY BRAND NEW TESLA OFF THE LOT - THE SCREEN - THE ONLY WAY TO CONTROL ANYTHING ABOUT THE VEHICLE - WOULD FREEZE; BLACK OUT; AND TAKE SEVERAL MINUTES TO RESET ITSELF. WHILE IN THIS COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE STATE: THE AUDIO SYSTEM WOULD EMIT A HIGH PITCH NOISE; ANY ABILITY TO TELL SPEED; TURNING SIGNAL STATUS; ANYTHING WAS COMPLETELY IMPAIRED; THE CLIMATE CONTROL BLASTS ON HIGH FAN A TORRENT OF COLD AIR. AT 2000 MILES; THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL HUNDRED TIMES - ON AVERAGE ONCE EVERY 10 MILES DRIVEN; THOUGH SOMETIMES TWICE WITHIN A FEW MOMENTS (BOOTS UP ONLY TO RESET AGAIN) AND SOMETIMES IT CAN GO AS FAR AS 30 MINUTES WITHOUT FREEZE; BLACK; RESET. THIS IS EASILY THE MOST EXPENSIVE CAR I'VE EVER PURCHASED; AND HAD NEARLY 0 MILES UPON PICKUP - IT IS EASILY THE MOST FRUSTRATING EXPERIENCE I'VE HAD WITH A CAR. TO NOT BE IN CONTROL OR HAVE ANY VISIBILITY TO THE MACHINE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN EVERYTHING GOES COMPLETELY BLACK AND THE COMPUTER TAKES MINUTES TO RESET. THE REPAIR FACILITY HAS ESTIMATED $2400 WHICH THEY'RE ATTEMPTING TO CHARGE ME.
11/25/2020
AT A DRIVE THRU FAST FOOD TAPPED THE PEDDLE AND THE CAR LAUNCHED AND HIT A TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME
1/8/2021
VISIBILITY/WIPER
7 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
FROM THE MOMENT I DROVE MY BRAND NEW TESLA OFF THE LOT - THE SCREEN - THE ONLY WAY TO CONTROL ANYTHING ABOUT THE VEHICLE - WOULD FREEZE; BLACK OUT; AND TAKE SEVERAL MINUTES TO RESET ITSELF. WHILE IN THIS COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE STATE: THE AUDIO SYSTEM WOULD EMIT A HIGH PITCH NOISE; ANY ABILITY TO TELL SPEED; TURNING SIGNAL STATUS; ANYTHING WAS COMPLETELY IMPAIRED; THE CLIMATE CONTROL BLASTS ON HIGH FAN A TORRENT OF COLD AIR. AT 2000 MILES; THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL HUNDRED TIMES - ON AVERAGE ONCE EVERY 10 MILES DRIVEN; THOUGH SOMETIMES TWICE WITHIN A FEW MOMENTS (BOOTS UP ONLY TO RESET AGAIN) AND SOMETIMES IT CAN GO AS FAR AS 30 MINUTES WITHOUT FREEZE; BLACK; RESET. THIS IS EASILY THE MOST EXPENSIVE CAR I'VE EVER PURCHASED; AND HAD NEARLY 0 MILES UPON PICKUP - IT IS EASILY THE MOST FRUSTRATING EXPERIENCE I'VE HAD WITH A CAR. TO NOT BE IN CONTROL OR HAVE ANY VISIBILITY TO THE MACHINE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN EVERYTHING GOES COMPLETELY BLACK AND THE COMPUTER TAKES MINUTES TO RESET. THE REPAIR FACILITY HAS ESTIMATED $2400 WHICH THEY'RE ATTEMPTING TO CHARGE ME.
11/25/2020
LIGHT SOURCES SUCH AS TAIL LIGHTS OF OTHER VEHICLES, TRAFFIC LIGHTS, AND LIT SIGNS, ALL HAVE AN ARTIFACT EFFECT - VIEW OF THE LIGHT SOURCE HAS A DOUBLE THAT EXISTS RIGHT ABOVE THE ORIGINAL SOURCE WITH A SLIGHTLY DIMMER BRIGHTNESS WHEN VIEWED THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. THIS IS NOT AN EFFECT CAUSED BY POOR EYESIGHT, THINGS LOOK NORMAL WHEN VIEWED DIRECTLY THROUGH AN OPEN WINDOW. THE EFFECT CAN BE REPRODUCED AT ANY TIME, BUT IT IS MOST NOTICEABLE AT NIGHT WHEN THE VIEW OF THE ARTIFACT IS IN HIGH CONTRAST TO DARK BACKGROUNDS. THIS EFFECT IS MOST NOTICEABLE ON LED LIGHT SOURCES, SUCH AS LED TAIL LIGHTS. THIS EFFECT IS PRODUCED REGARDLESS OF THE STATE OF THE VEHICLE - OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AS DOUBLE VISION - SEEING ARTIFACTS ON LIGHT SOURCES THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD CAN CAUSE EXCESSIVE STRAIN ON DRIVERS' EYES, AND CAN BE AN UNWELCOME DISTRACTION TO THE DRIVER. THIS CAN ALSO POTENTIALLY CAUSE CONFUSION IN THE DRIVER WHERE THE LOCATION OF A LIT OBJECT MAY BE MISJUDGED BY THE DRIVER WHO SEES ARTIFACTS ON THOSE LIGHT SOURCES.
4/21/2021
STRUCTURE:BODY
6 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
AREOSHIELD UNDERNEATH CAR GET WET FROM RAIN PUDDLES AND THEN WHEN WET RIPPS OFF FROM NORMAL DRIVING. I THINK DUE TO THE WEIGHT OF THE WET FABRIC. *TR
5/24/2020
BOTH FRONT DOOR AT THE BOTTOM HAS SHARP EDGE THAT SLICE MY LEG WHEN I WORK OUT OF THE CAR. AT 65 MPH ON FREWAY WITH MINOR ROUGH SURFACE, VEHICLE ZIG ZAG SWAY BACK AND FORTH. ONLY ON MINOR ROUGH ROAD FREEWAY SURFACE
10/8/2020
AIR BAGS
5 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
1 DAY AFTER TAKING DELIVERY OF MY MODEL 3, I WAS T-BONED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY CAR WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN BY A DRIVER WHO BEAT THE RED LIGHT DUE TO BEING DISTRACTED ON HER PHONE. I BLACKED OUT AS SOON AS I HEARD A BANG AND WOKE UP AFTER I REALIZED WHAT HAD HAPPENED. AS I LOOKED AROUND THE CAR, I NOTICED THAT NO AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. I DID MY RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT NO AIRBAGS WILL BE DEPLOYED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AREA IF NO ONE IS ON THE SEAT, WHICH I UNDERSTAND. MY CONCERN IS THAT WHY DID NO AIRBAGS DEPLOY ON MY SIDE. THE CAR MIGHT NOW BE CONSIDERED TOTALED DUE TO THIS ACCIDENT. I ALREADY CONTACTED THE CAR COMPANY TO DO AN INVESTIGATION. I'M SURE I HIT MY HEAD ON THE WINDOW BECAUSE THAT NIGHT, THE LEFT SIDE OF MY HEAD AND NECK WERE HURTING. AND ALSO, I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE'S AIRBAGS ON THE SEATS AS WELL, BUT SADLY, IT DID NOT DEPLOY. NOW, I HAVE BACK PAINS AND MIGHT NEED OUTPATIENT PT. IF I'M PAYING CLOSE TO 60K ON A VEHICLE, I WOULD HOPE THAT THE MAIN SAFETY FEATURE OF A CAR WILL BE ACTIVATED IN A CRASH OF THAT MAGNITUDE.
4/4/2020
I HAVE PURCHASED A 2020 TESLA MODEL 3 BACK IN SEPTEMBER 2020 IN CASH. ONLY FOR THEIR TO BE MULTIPLE ISSUES. THE MOST RECENT ISSUE IS A FRONT RIGHT SAFETY RESTRAINT FAILURE. IT HAS BEEN LOOKED AT AND UNSUCCESSFULLY FIXED BY THE TESLA SERVICE CENTER FOUR TIMES NOW. UNDER THE LOUISIANA LEMON LAW, I AM REQUESTING FOR A WHOLE NEW VEHICLE. I HAVE TRIED CONTACTING SOMEONE FROM MY SERVICE CENTER AND EVEN STRAIGHT TO CONTACTING TESLA. NO ONE WILL RETURN MY CALLS OR HELP WITH MY CAR ISSUES.
4/24/2021
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
5 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
Tesla model 3 has side repeater cameras that work as blind spot monitor cameras and provide visuals for safe lane changes. However, my model 3 suffers from a manufacturing defect in the camera assembly which causes the visuals to wash out at night due to light bleed from the turn signal. This caused an unsafe condition where i almost ran into a car in my blindspot being unable to see them on the camera visual. I raised the issue with service and they do not consider it a manufacturing defect. The defect however has been confirmed by independent researchers like here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BUPsjguqdY
2/8/2022
The Tesla rear facing repeater cameras show the driver's blind spot when changing lanes. The cameras are also used during automatic lane changes when the car is in drive-assisted (FSD) mode on the highway and in city (FSD Beta). The cameras have a manufacturer defect. At night, light from the turn signal led is blinding a large part of the vision field of these cameras. This renders the blind spot vision for the driver but also the computer assisted automatic lane changes for the car partially obstructed. Tesla has acknowledged this defect by redesigning the rear facing cameras so the blinding is remedied. Tesla is refusing to fix this issue under warranty and requires owners to pay for this safety fix. Tesla's statement on this issue: "Hi Stephan! The blind spot camera performance on your vehicle is neither a defect of materials nor workmanship. It is a characteristic of the product. And it's a characteristic that has been design enhanced in newer vehicle production. If you wish to upgrade to newer camera technology, you have an option to purchase the upgraded cameras and have them installed." I am having my cameras replaced, and will pay for it. I believe Tesla should, however, seeing how this is driver safety related even if they are unwilling to acknowledge this.
2/20/2022
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
4 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I BOUGHT A TESLA MODEL 3 ON 9/19/20. ON 9/23/20 I WAS WAITING IN MY CAR IN A LINE OF CARS AT A FAST FOOD DELIVERY WINDOW, STOPPED 8-10 FT BEHIND A LARGE VEHICLE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AS WELL AS IN THE PARK MODE BECAUSE OF THE SLOW SERVICE AHEAD. AFTER A WHILE I REALIZED THAT MY TESLA HAD STARTED MOVING SLOWLY TOWARDS THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. PUMPING THE BRAKE, TRYING TO CHANGE THE GEAR TO REVERSE DID NOT STOP THE CAR. THE SCREEN DATA DISAPPEARED AND A MESSAGE FLASHED SAYING THAT ALL SAFETY FEATURES WERE OFF. I OPENED THE DOOR WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO STOP THE CAR. IT DID NOT EVEN AFTER I GOT OUT OF IT. IT CONTINUED TO MOVE EVEN AFTER CONTACT WAS MADE WITH THE CAR IN FRONT. THE TESLA WAS COMPLETELY CRUSHED. IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS ACCORDING TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS TOWED ON TESLA'S RECOMMENDATION. WHEN I CONTACTED TESLA THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY ACCELERATOR WAS FULLY DEPLOYED. NOT TRUE. I BOUGHT THE TESLA BECAUSE OF ALL THE SAFETY FEATURES, NONE OF WHICH SEEMED TO WORK INCLUDING FAILURE TO NOTICE A LARGE VEHICLE IN FRONT, NOT STOPPING WHEN THE DOOR WAS OPENED, STARTING BY ITSELF IN THE PARK MODE, AND THE DATA SCREEN GOING BLANK EXCEPT FOR THE MESSAGE ABOUT SAFETY SYSTEMS BEING OFF.
11/9/2020
I WAS PARKING AT A TRADER JOE'S WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED BY ITSELF WITHOUT GIVING ME ANY CHANCE TO BREAK TO AVOID COLLIDING WITH THE CURB. MY CAR GOT SCRATCHED UNDERNEATH.
5/13/2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
SO REGARDING THE CAR BRAKES THEY ARE VERY HARD TO FULLY DEPRESS AND I BELIEVE ITS BECAUSE OF THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING. FOR EXAMPLE WHEN GOING EAT HIGHWAY SPEED AND YOU NEED TO PRESS THE BREAK PEDAL HARD IT LITERALLY FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS REFUSING TO LET YOU USE THE FULL CAPACITY OF THE BREAKS. ITS VERY SCARY IT HAPPENED TO ME AND I COULD NOT PRESS THE BREAK PEDAL COMPLETELY DOWN. AND REGARDING THE LIGHTS MY CAR HAS FOG LIGHTS INSTALLED BUT I'M UNABLE TO TURN THEM ON BECAUSE ACCORDING TO TESLA SUPPOSEDLY I DID NOT PAY FOR THEM BUT THEY ARE INSTALLED ON THE CAR AND THEY DON'T WANT TO ALLOW ME TO TURN THEM ON BECAUSE ITS CONTROLLED VIA SOFTWARE. THIS IS AN UNNECESSARY THING BECAUSE IF THEY ARE INSTALLED ON THE CAR I SHOULD HAVE ACCESS TO THEM BECAUSE I BOUGHT THE CAR. THIS COULD PUT US THE DRIVERS IN A HAZARDOUS CONDITION IN FOG OR OTHER LOW VISIBLY CONDITIONS UNNECESSARILY.
1/17/2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER LEAKED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TAILLIGHT. DUE TO THE FAILURE, CONDENSATION FORMED INSIDE THE TAIL LIGHT SOCKET WHICH CAUSED THE LIGHT TO BE DIM. THE CONTACT ALSO EXPRESSED A CONCERN THAT THE ELECTRICAL CHARGING PORT WAS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TAILLIGHT. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED OF THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE TAILLIGHT REPLACED, WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.
6/8/2020
WHEELS
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
FRIDAY JUNE 26TH, 6:00 P.M. PUBLIC ROADS. SUNNY, DRY. SOMETHING SNAPPED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AT THE MOMENT I STARTED A SLOW LEFT TURN. THE CAR LURCHED TO A HALT. THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS ANGLED LEFT AT ABOUT A 35 DEGREES, WHILE THE LEFT WHEEL POINTED STRAIGHT. TESLA SENT A FLAT BED. THE TRUCK TECHNICIAN REPORTED BY PHONE THAT THE WHEEL WAS SEPARATED FROM THE SUSPENSION AND A TESLA BOLT WAS AVAILABLE FOR HIM TO TEMPORARILY HOLD ALIGNMENT FOR SAFE LOADING. I UNDERSTAND HE LEFT A NOTE AND THE BOLT INSIDE THE CAR. I BELIEVE THE BOLT WAS PART OF THE BROKEN SUSPENSION. THE CAR HAD 3,300 MILES. DURING MY OWNERSHIP, I NOTICED A LIGHT CLICKING (OR CLUNKING) WHEN THE CAR PASSED OVER A 3 INCH CHANGE IN ROAD ELEVATION, SUCH AS OCCURS DURING REPAVING WHEN STRIKING A MAN HOLE COVER OR NEW LAYER OF ASPHALT. I TOOK THIS TO BE A PECULIARITY OF THE TESLA SUSPENSION COMBINED WITH THE 18 INCH WHEELS. THE SOUND WAS RARE, AS MOST ROADS ARE QUITE SMOOTH AND I MADE IT A POINT TO DRIVE SLOWLY OVER SUDDEN BUMPS. MORE RECENTLY, AS OUR TOWN IS REPAVING, I HEARD THE CLICK MORE FREQUENTLY. ON FATHER'S DAY, WHILE A FRIEND WAS TEST DRIVING THE CAR, HE BEING A CAR GEEK, HEARD THE CLICK, CALLED IT A "CLUNK," AND TOLD ME TO GET IT LOOKED AT. I HAD NOT YET MADE THE APPOINTMENT WHEN SOMETHING SNAPPED ON JUNE 26TH. OVER THE WEEKEND I LEFT VOICE MAILS AND SENT TO TESLA SERVICE AN EMAIL STATING TESLA SHOULD CONSIDER GIVING ME A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE, BUT I WISHED FIRST TO HEAR THEIR REPORT ON WHAT HAD OCCURRED. TESLA SERVICE IN MILFORD IS NOT OPEN ON WEEKENDS. TESLA CALLED ON MONDAY AFTERNOON SEEKING MY INPUT ON WHAT HAD OCCURRED. LATER THAT DAY THEY REPORTED IT APPEARED TO THEM THAT A CRITICAL BOLT HAD NOT BEEN WELDED ONTO THE SUB-FRAME. TESLA SERVICE IN MILFORD ORDERED A NEW SUB-FRAME, PART NUMBER 1044521-00-R, FROM CALIFORNIA. TESLA IS RESEARCHING WHAT OCCURRED.
7/2/2020
Driving home at 60mph when the right front wheel fell off the vehicle causing damages to the whole right side on the car.
6/2/2021
SEATS
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER'S SEAT WILL RANDOMLY START MOVING FORWARD, BACK, UP OR DOWN WITH NO INPUT FROM THE DRIVER. IT IS VERY DISTRACTING AND CAN MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT OF MIRRORS OR REACH PEDALS. NOTIFIED TESLA AND PROBLEM CONTINUES TO HAPPEN OCCASIONALLY AFTER 2 SERVICE VISITS ATTEMPTING TO REMEDY THE ISSUE. HAVE NUMEROUS VIDEOS OF THIS HAPPENING WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON AT LEAST 6 SEPARATE DAYS BEGINNING ON OCTOBER 27TH, 2020.
12/31/2020
Tesla pushed an update (v. 2021.44.25.2) to my Model 3 a couple of days ago that has dramatically altered the usability of the car, and potentially has safety implications. There was no warning prior to the update being applied that such changes to the car's user interface were included, nor is there any option to revert to the prior user interface. Major issues with the changes are outlined below: - 1-button, single-click shortcuts to seat heating, defrost/defog functionality have been removed; when driving in bad weather where the screen may fog up rapidly, you're now required to take your eyes off the road, and click twice on a small target on the touch screen to activate the required functionality. - 1-button, single-click access to the wipers has been removed, now requiring one to either rely on the auto-sensing functionality (which works properly about half the time), or click through the HVAC menu to adjust the wiper speed. - The quick access driver profile selection dropdown in the previous interface has been removed. My spouse and I differ significantly in height, and about half the time, the car selects the wrong profile when we're both getting into the car (despite our phone keys being linked to our specific profiles). With the earlier UI, it took one tap on the screen to switch to the correct profile. Now, I have to dig through menus to select the correct profile, while my knees are being slowly ground into the steering column/dash. - When driving, the speedometer, gear selection and navigation look significantly different than in the earlier UI. This is likely to lead to more distracted driving while we get used to the new interface. I filed a service request with Tesla, requesting that they revert our car back to the prior version of the interface; this request was denied and the appointment was automatically canceled with a generic message about firmware updates being rolled out on a schedule.
12/27/2021
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I GET REPEATED WARNINGS THAT THE DOOR PILLAR CAMERAS ARE BLINDED. WHEN I CHECK IT IS CONDENSATION BETWEEN THE CAMERA AND THE PILLAR GLASS. THEY ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THIS LAST YEAR BY REMOVING A SEAL FOR BETTER AIR CIRCULATION. THE PROBLEM REMAINS. IN COLD WEATHER THIS HAPPENS, AND IT MEANS THAT ANY OF THE AUTOMATED FUNCTIONS THAT DEPEND ON THE CAMERAS CAN'T WORK CORRECTLY OR AT ALL. THEY HAVE NO SOLUTION. THE FRONT CAMERA ACTUALLY HAS A DEFOGGER IN THE GLASS IN FRONT OF IT. WHY TESLA CAN'T SOLVE THIS PROBLEM IS ABSURD. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING ON ANY STREET OR HIGHWAY AND IS ALWAYS THE CAMERA FACING THE SUNNY SIDE, SO MOISTURE IS EVAPORATED FROM AROUND THE CAMERA AND CONDENSES ON THE GLASS, WHICH OBSCURES IT.
2/18/2021
The lane departure assistance in my car was malfunctioning. Yes it is available for inspection if you would like. Today I.e. 10/25/2021, I was driving manually on Interstate 5. The car wasnât on autopilot or cruise control. I was trying to merge into right lane and had my right turn signal on and made sure there was no one in my blind spot. As I was merging there was a warning signal and message displayed on the screen that read something like- lane departing corrective steering applied. The car was trying to pull me back into the lane I was departing from and it was applying sudden brakes to slow me down. I had to apply lot of force to the steering wheel to pull the car into the lane I was trying to merge. It was rush hour traffic and the cars around me were going pretty fast. It was a really dangerous situation and there could have been a big collision if I didnât apply that force to bring the car into the right lane. There were no warning signs leading up to what happened today. But there was some malfunctioning in my car previously when the car just stopped without any warning on the ramp to my driveway. Itâs a steep ramp and the car stopped all of a sudden and would not move. I contacted Tesla service about this and no action was taken whatsoever. I am really concerned about the safety of myself and the drivers around me not knowing what kind of bugs are going to come up in the future. Please take some action to make Tesla responsible for this.
10/26/2021
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I GET REPEATED WARNINGS THAT THE DOOR PILLAR CAMERAS ARE BLINDED. WHEN I CHECK IT IS CONDENSATION BETWEEN THE CAMERA AND THE PILLAR GLASS. THEY ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THIS LAST YEAR BY REMOVING A SEAL FOR BETTER AIR CIRCULATION. THE PROBLEM REMAINS. IN COLD WEATHER THIS HAPPENS, AND IT MEANS THAT ANY OF THE AUTOMATED FUNCTIONS THAT DEPEND ON THE CAMERAS CAN'T WORK CORRECTLY OR AT ALL. THEY HAVE NO SOLUTION. THE FRONT CAMERA ACTUALLY HAS A DEFOGGER IN THE GLASS IN FRONT OF IT. WHY TESLA CAN'T SOLVE THIS PROBLEM IS ABSURD. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING ON ANY STREET OR HIGHWAY AND IS ALWAYS THE CAMERA FACING THE SUNNY SIDE, SO MOISTURE IS EVAPORATED FROM AROUND THE CAMERA AND CONDENSES ON THE GLASS, WHICH OBSCURES IT.
2/18/2021
On 6/18/2022, nearly all visual based safety and convenience features of my car ceased to function randomly. I was given errors/warnings on the screen that cruise ("autopilot") control was unavailable and that automatic emergency braking was unavailable. I drove the vehicle manually to my destination, and after sitting overnight, it magically all worked again. Software on the car at the time was 2022.16.1.1. I am filing this compliant because since obtaining this vehicle in March of 2022, the "autopilot" system has been a constant area of concern. Tesla really needs to get this system working, or perhaps be forced to reduce its functionality (like just have a normal speed based cruise?) until its ready.
6/23/2022
BACK OVER PREVENTION
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse, the rear camera would intermittently fail to operate as needed. The contact had previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention) but stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
2/25/2022
The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and using Self Driving feature, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and continued to drive the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while reversing, the vehicle inadvertently moved forward and slightly bumped into a guardrail. There was no further information provided. The contact depressed the brake pedal and was able to successfully reverse after several attempts. The contact also stated that the vehicle would fail to make normal beeping sounds and alerts while reversing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that unless he provided the specific time and date of the failure, they could not assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
3/18/2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I MADE A RIGHT HAND TURN FROM A FULL STOP OUT OF THE PARKING LOT INTO THE FARTHEST LEFT LANE INTENDING TO TURN LEFT. THERE WERE A LINE OF CARS AHEAD OF ME. AS I WAS TURNING INTO THE LANE AND LET MY FOOT OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE CAR ACCELERATED RAPIDLY INTO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME. IT HAPPENED VERY QUICKLY. IT FELT AS THOUGH THE VEHICLE TOOK OVER ON IT'S OWN. THE CAR HIT THE VEHICLE ONCE AND THEN CONTINUED MOVING AND IT THE VEHICLE AGAIN - SO TWICE IN ALL. *TR
5/14/2020
AT A DRIVE THRU FAST FOOD TAPPED THE PEDDLE AND THE CAR LAUNCHED AND HIT A TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME
1/8/2021
VISIBILITY
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse, the rear camera would intermittently fail to operate as needed. The contact had previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention) but stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
2/25/2022
The contact's granddaughter owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while her granddaughter was reversing, the rearview camera failed to turn on, causing the rear end of the vehicle to crash into a cement post. The contact was unsure whether there was a warning light illuminated. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a Tesla-certified autobody mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the contact's residence. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 400. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
4/29/2022
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving in the rain with the autopilot engaged the vehicle accelerated without warning and was incontrollable, flipped two times, and hit the curb. The contact sustained neck injuries and medical attention was provided at the hospital. All the air bags deployed. There was no reported fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent body shop. The local dealer was contacted who referred the contact to the body shop. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.
8/17/2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving on the right side of the road at 35-45 MPH, on autopilot mode with a passenger in the front passenger seat, the vehicle drove off the road independently and crashed into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact's face hit the steering wheel. The contact sustained a black eye with laceration, bruised ribs, head, neck and back pain, sprained left ankle, bruises on her thigh, may have sustained nerve damage on the right side of the face that hit the steering wheel and sciatic nerve damage on the right side of her body. The occupant of the front passenger seat sustained neck, back and clavicle injuries. The contact sought medical assistance the next day. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, then it was towed to a Tesla certified specialist body shop. A police report was filed. The contact has not been able to get a hold of the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 55,000.
1/27/2022
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
I recently brought my car in for routine servicing and informed the Tesla service technician that Iâve been experiencing significant lag with the rear (reverse) camera video feed since roughly early-December 2021. The rear (reverse) camera lag makes reversing hazardous, as any reliance by the driver on the the rear (reverse) camera feed can cause serious (potentially fatal) injury and/or property damage. I asked the technician to look into and address the issue; I told him I was aware there had been a recall and that I received a notice. He informed that they were unable to replicate the issueâwhich I find hard to believe, given it happens constantlyâand that rear (reverse) camera lag is common in Model 3s as they age. My car is less than two years oldâhardly classifying as âagedâ. In looking at Internet forums, this appears to be a very common issue with Model 3s, and one that has yet to be resolved by the manufacturer through either hardware or software update(s).
2/11/2022
POWER TRAIN
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and using Self Driving feature, the vehicle experienced phantom braking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and continued to drive the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while reversing, the vehicle inadvertently moved forward and slightly bumped into a guardrail. There was no further information provided. The contact depressed the brake pedal and was able to successfully reverse after several attempts. The contact also stated that the vehicle would fail to make normal beeping sounds and alerts while reversing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that unless he provided the specific time and date of the failure, they could not assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
3/18/2022
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, there was a loud sound coming from the vehicle. There was a warning message to take control of the vehicle displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V063000 (Electrical System, Forward Collision Avoidance). The approximate failure mileage was 9,800.
5/24/2022
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2020 Tesla Model 3?
Are complaints about the 2020 Tesla Model 3 a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2020 Tesla Model 3?
Are complaints about the 2020 Tesla Model 3 severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Tesla Model 3: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 706
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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