Tesla Model 3 2020: Retiros, Quejas y Ley de Limón de California

My wife was cleaning the interior and wiped the center main display of her model 3. While doing that somehow she managed to Turn the heat on set the fan/temp controls to HI and popped the front frunk to open. When she exited and closed all doors, it looks like the heat kept running at max for more than 24 hours in the garage. When I entered the garage it was hot in there and inside temp of the car was at 87f. Not sure if there was a fire hazard due to heaters over heat. Just wanted to bring this to your attention.

NHTSA #11728751

The touch-screen only media center has an off-by-one error when using the media player for USB media. This results in unsafe conditions for the driver where the expectation of pressing "S" would navigate to music starting with "S", but instead navigates to music starting with "T". This creates momentary confusion for the driver, and pulls focus from the road. There is no mechanism to scroll through the music using non-touch related functionality. There is no warning to only use the media feature when stopped/parked. The manufacturer has acknowledged the issue, but refuses to provide any diagnostics or solutions without taking a downpayment for service.

NHTSA #11728266

Issue 1: While using Full Self-Driving (Supervised) at night on a two-lane road with a straight lane and a turn lane, the vehicle crossed the white lane markings and drifted into the adjacent lane. I had to manually intervene to correct many times. This happens regulary at night. I clean the lenses on the cameras but it doesn't reslove the issue. Issue 2: While using Full Self-Driving (Supervised), the vehicle positioned itself in the incorrect lane when entering a roundabout, selecting the wrong entry lane for my intended exit. This happens at day and night about 50% of the time. I report the issue via the Tesla feedback, but they do not fix it.

NHTSA #11720709

Tesla was on Full Self Driving following a curve in the road were traffic lights. Lights were red Car should have stopped but did not. Ran red light with no attempt to stop or slow down.

NHTSA #11737235

Driving S/B on Ann Arbor Saline Road. Had FSD on the Tesla engaged. Needed to make left turn onto Maple. Left arrow light to Maple was red. Traffic light to continue straight on Ann Arbor-Saline was green. Despite left arrow being red, Tesla did not slow and ran red light to make left turn onto Maple.

NHTSA #11733532

When adaptive cruise control is enabled (Autopilot, not equipped with Full Self Driving) car will sometimes brake hard as if there is an obstacle ahead, with the words "Curve Assist Active" flashing on the screen. Seems to happen most often on state highways, vs interstate. In one case last night car slowed from 65mph to 30mph, on a straight road, with no object ahead. Thankfully no cars were immediately behind or I would have been rear-ended. Happened 4 times in 500 miles of highway travel.

NHTSA #11720867

This was not an incident. Instead I’d like to report it as a design flaw. I discovered low speed noise and got it fixed at Tesla service center. Upper control arms and lower control links have both been replaced at ~70k miles and the cost to repair was over $2k at Tesla service center in Feb 2026. Later in May 2026 Tesla published a service bulletin acknowledging this is a design flaw

NHTSA #11743946

Vehicle made thunking noise when driving over uneven surfaces such as bumpy roads, speed bumps, or railroad tracks. Diagnosis at Tesla service center showed front upper control arms assemblies (left and right), lower lateral link, and front lower compliance link (left and right) required replacement. Of note: upper control arm assemblies were previously replaced under warranty in November 2021 at 28000 miles. This short interval indicates defective suspension components leading to cascading failures putting driver safety at risk.

NHTSA #11711819

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound while turning the steering wheel. The messages "Traction Control Disabled", "Lane Departure Avoidance Feature Disabled", "Automatic Vehicle Hold Disabled" and "Stability Control Disabled" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was discovered that the lateral link was not attached to the control arm due to a defective bolt. The contact was informed that the subframe and the front passenger’s side lower control arm needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V835000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was 46,124.

NHTSA #11734843

Steering rack failed

NHTSA #11673546

Steering wheel covering delaminates and peels during normal use, creating loss of grip and distraction while driving.

NHTSA #11706691

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel seized, and the front passenger's side of the vehicle lowered to the ground and made an abnormal grinding sound, before coming to a stop. The contact stated that upon exiting and inspecting the vehicle, it was noticed that the tie rod had detached from the front passenger's side wheel, and the front passenger's side wheel had turned inward and was pinned by the wheel well. The vehicle was towed to a Tesla Service Center, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front passenger's side steering assembly needed to be replaced. The contact was charged a fee for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

NHTSA #11626866

Air bags did not deploy during crash. It is available for inspection upon request My face smashed into the steering wheel resulting in black eyes, swollen nose, cuts on my face and a concussion. Yes, the airbags clearly did not deploy during crash No No

Reportado presuntamente: 1 lesión (según lo reportado a NHTSA). NHTSA #11705237

Summary Complaint – 2020 Tesla Model 3 (VIN: [XXX] ) I am reporting a defect with the passenger side airbag system in my 2020 Tesla Model 3. Tesla Service identified the passenger airbag sensor as defective and quoted a $1,600 repair cost. This raises concern that the problem is not isolated, but may represent a broader safety defect affecting other Model 3 vehicles of the same year. Why this is a safety issue: - Airbags are federally required safety systems. A defective sensor risks non-deployment, delayed deployment, or incorrect deployment. - Tesla has already recalled 2020 Model 3 vehicles for airbag issues (twisted side curtain airbags – NHTSA Campaign ID 21V834000). - In 2024, a Model 3 recall was issued for a defective driver airbag module. - Other automakers (GM, Hyundai/Kia, Takata) have recalled vehicles for similar airbag sensor/module failures. Requested Action: I respectfully request that NHTSA: 1. Open a defect investigation into passenger side airbag sensor/module failures in the 2020 Tesla Model 3. 2. Require Tesla to issue a recall and provide free repairs if systemic defects are confirmed. 3. Ensure reimbursement for owners who have already paid out-of-pocket. Airbag integrity is essential. I urge NHTSA to investigate and protect the safety of Tesla Model 3 owners and passengers. Complainant Information: [XXX] [XXX] Phone: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11681732

I have to pay over $1444 to Tesla to change the airbag because it is not working properly. Tesla will: Update front passenger Airbag to Maintain compatibility with front passenger seat. Replace Occupant Classification System (OCS) of Front passenger Seat. Install OCS filter module.

NHTSA #11654060

I am getting "Safety Restraint System Fault" on my car. This puts my family at risk if the safety features are faulty. When I contacted Tesla, they want me to drive 41(!) miles away and charge me almost $500.

NHTSA #11680461

Tried to put on seatbelt and would not click locked. Have never had issues and nothing has changed that could cause any damage or malfunction. Nothing inside or stuck just won’t lock.

NHTSA #11654191

Safety restraints are malfunctioning

NHTSA #11604879

I am reporting a spontaneous windshield crack that developed on my 2020 Tesla Model 3 Performance under normal operating conditions. After exiting a routine drive-through car wash in Las Vegas on a hot day, I noticed a hairline crack in the windshield. It originates from the very bottom edge within the black ceramic frit area, curves upward, and spans across the glass. There are no impact points, chips, or pits of any kind. I brought the vehicle to Tesla Service, where the Service Manager visually confirmed it is a stress crack not caused by external damage. Despite this, they stated that Tesla does not offer goodwill or warranty repairs for windshields, regardless of the nature of the failure. This raises a serious safety concern. A windshield is a structural component of the vehicle and critical for driver visibility. A spontaneous failure like this without external cause compromises safety, especially at highway speeds. There are numerous reports of similar spontaneous cracks in Tesla Model 3 vehicles, often originating from the same area. This suggests a potential systemic defect in the design, installation, or bonding of the windshield. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this issue for safety implications and possible structural design flaws.

NHTSA #11668723

A crack appeared on the interior of the windshield, with no marks of any exterior impact and no external crack or other mark on either surface of the windshield. The crack originated directly from the windshield positioned camera/rear view mirror.

NHTSA #11580472

The windshield wipers do not have proper functional control. There is no adequate manual control over the windshield wipers without being distracting, further more the windshield wipers constantly put themselves in "auto" mode when you turn them off. This causes unnecessary distraction while driving and because the only feedback you have is either on the main touch screen or the bottom left touch screen this is a severe safety issue.

NHTSA #11566764

License plate light has a recall

NHTSA #11652421

I am writing this claim to report a headlight assembly passenger side has failed at 22,000 miles in a Tesla model three 2020 year

NHTSA #11621520

Subject: Non-Functional Left Rear Tail Light Due to Condensation Build-Up in Tesla Vehicle Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report an issue with my Tesla vehicle concerning the left rear tail light. The tail light has stopped functioning, and I believe this failure is due to condensation build-up within the light assembly. When I previously reported the condensation to Tesla, I was informed that it was normal and not a cause for concern. However, it now seems that this persistent condensation has led to the failure of the tail light. This issue raises significant safety concerns, as fully functional tail lights are essential for safe driving. *Especially during automated self-driving which disregards the alert of a nonfunctional tail light. * I am seeking your assistance in addressing this problem and ensuring that it is properly investigated. I am concerned that other Tesla owners might experience similar issues, which could compromise vehicle safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your guidance on the next steps. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] VIN: [XXX] --- INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11590195

Had to drive through water about 8” deep and while going through the water the rear bumper, and the skid plate underneath the car was yanked off breaking 2 brackets that hold the skid plate on and it broke the manufacturer welds on the other two brackets. This is a known defect with 2017-2019 but obviously it is also a defect with the 2020s.

NHTSA #11648596

Tesla Model 3 vehicles, including mine, manufactured before the 2024 "highland" vehicle refresh, do not have a mechanical latch mechanism for opening the rear doors, in the event vehicle power is lost.

NHTSA #11634058

The door handles on the chrome version of the Tesla Model 3 begin to delaminate after several years of use. They delaminate along the door handle seam which creates an extremely sharp edge that can cut fingers. I've had the rear handle on my own model 3 rear door cut my kids finger when they tried to get into the back seat. Because the car is technically out of warranty Tesla will not cover repair without significant cost. There is no warning sign or notification other than when you reach to pull the handle and the sharp chrome edge cuts you, the one door with this issue now has the handle partially protruding since the handle can no longer sit flush. There are several threads where similar chrome version model 3 owners have had the exact same issue occur with the exact same safety risks. Tesla has only repaired the ones that fell under factory warranty. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reportado presuntamente: 1 lesión (según lo reportado a NHTSA). NHTSA #11583196

I received a proactive service alert from Tesla car stating: Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Issue. Tesla wants to charge me to fix this and said there may be issues with the restraint system, such as seats belts or airbags if I don’t pay out of pocket to fix it. This seems ridiculous I have to pay to fix this safety concern.. please issue a recall for this… seems a lot of people are getting this after researching on google and Reddit. Thanks

NHTSA #11677060

An error 'Front passenger safety restraint system fault' came up that seems to be a very common issue with someone people paying $1500 to nothing to fix.

NHTSA #11588326

My car is experiencing a passenger seat safety restraint error, which is a safety issue.

NHTSA #11589416

For the fourth time the seat sensor has failed in the driver seat. when the seat sensor fails the car no longer auto connects blue tooth media play from the phone but also no longer detects an occupant in the vehicle. this causes the vehicle to go in to park while driving at low speeds without a seat belt, i.e. moving the vehicle in the garage, and it also prevents the car from recognizing when the occupant has left the car and leaves it powered on the whole time. the first three times they repaired it under warranty and it has not failed for the fourth time in four years. I have asked if the sensor function can be deactivated and they said that it can not and needs to be continuously replaced. the service representative told me that the item is secured by adhesive and getting in to and out of the car can cause it to bend and kink which is what happened to mine - and he also said given the heat in Florida its understandable the adhesive wont stick.

NHTSA #11586923

There is an issue with the front passenger restraint safety system. I got a warning that I need to replace the Occupant Classification System (OCS) of Front Passenger Seat due to faulty wiring.

NHTSA #11585531

Front passenger safety restraint system fault

NHTSA #11580354

The newer versions of FSD do not allow driver control of the max speed. The current versions allow you to set a maximum speed with a scroll wheel on the steering wheel.

NHTSA #11708226

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving with the cruise control feature activated at various speeds, the brakes applied inadvertently. The contact also stated that the cruise control feature failed to operate as intended after dark, after deactivating inadvertently. Additionally, the contact stated that the front and rear cameras displayed phantom images and failed to work as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA #11607511

I was already situated in the left turn lane on a two way city street, slowing down, and about to come to a full stop before making a U turn when I felt a surge in power before the car picked up, accelerated uncontrollably, and launched forward. In front of the turn is a raised cemented median strip divider where the car hit and went on top of it. Instinctively, I just held on to the steering wheel firmly to keep the car straight so that it will stay on (top) and within the divider and not veering to the right or left and running onto incoming traffics on both sides of the street. The car came to a stop after coming off the other end of the divider (approximately 100 ft) and ended on one of the lane from the opposite traffic. Thankfully there were no cars on that lane at the time and I was able to sluggishly drive the car safely into an adjacent parking lot. I, as well as other could have been seriously injured or killed. All wheels and tires are visibly damaged and possibly the underside as well. The car is in a body repair shop and waiting for inspection at this time. I already reported the incident to my insurance and Tesla companies. All inspections and reports are pending at this time. There was no police report since there was no collision or bodily injuries. There were no warning signs, signals, messages, or symptoms from the car or from Tesla before the incident. The car 12V battery was changed 3 months prior by Tesla Service Center. This is my first encounter with this sort of problem.

NHTSA #11555372

2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus, VIN [XXX] restraint control module fault codes RCM_a056 and RCM_a058. Passenger front seat occupancy sensor failure triggering "Service Required" airbag system alert. September 2024: fault code RCM a056: Tesla repaired this issue under the Supplemental Restraint System Limited Warranty (5 years, 60,000 miles) at Tesla Service Latham NY (326 Old Niskayuna Rd, Latham NY 12110). January 10, 2026: Fault code RCM_a058. Reported in writing through the Tesla app. Tesla scheduled a service visit for January 13, 2026. Technician assessed the vehicle in person and declined to repair, verbally stating the fault may be a one-time occurrence and to monitor and return if it continued. April 2026: Fault continues recurring. Tesla Service Latham issued estimate #XXX dated April 18, 2026 for $1,076.32 customer pay. Repairs include resistive occupancy sensor replacement and seat back trim cover replacement. This is a safety-critical system governing airbag deployment. Tesla has documented this failure mode in internal service bulletins citing electrical interference in the seat harness as a design issue. Tesla repaired this under warranty, dismissed a related restraint fault for the same seat when reported within months of the repair, and is now billing the owner for a safety system that failed due to a known design defect. A recall is warranted. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11732996

The car has message saying "Safety Restraint System issue" . There has been no event to cause this. No recent MVA or any stress or damaging incident to the seat belt or seat in general. Reviewing this on the internet, this is a common defect on Tesla's. The company won't fix it unless you pay them to do so which is crazy considering it is a defect in their safety system. And a well known one to them from my communication with their Tesla service centers which have a monopoly on fixing Tesla's. He said there would have to be a recall. So that is exactly what needs to happen from the NHTSA.

NHTSA #11707511

Many Tesla owners have received notifications about a "Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault". It seems that there might be a defect with the car, given the number of people impacted and the severity of not having proper safety restraint. I am very careful with my car, and it has not been involved in any accidents, so I think Tesla should do a recall to make sure all Front Passenger Safety Restraint System is functional

NHTSA #11578814

The screen (which controls all functions of the vehicle) starts to go haywire. It's almost like there is a phantom touching the screen and pressing buttons. The screen will start zooming in and out - changing your navigation destination. The air controls will turn on full blast and then you are unable to shut them off because the screen will not respond. It becomes a giant distraction to the driver (imagine a screen that large malfunctioning) and tesla does not think this is a safety issue. We reported it to them. They couldn't replicate the issue (is what they told us and then let us know it was out of warranty and we could just replace the screen to a tune of almost $2000). There are no cracks or issues with the screen itself. I cannot upload the videos as they are too big to share but I can send them to an email address.

NHTSA #11739307

Found the front body controller to be internally faulted

NHTSA #11603096

I AM STILL WAITING FOR TESLA TO MAKE THIS REPAIR. I HAVE CONTACTED A SERVICE CENTER SEVERAL TIMES AND TRIED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ONCE. TESLA CANCELLED THE APPOINTMENT AND KEEPS TELLING ME THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE PARTS TO MAKE THE REPAIR. IT HAS BEEN OVER A YEAR AND A HALF SINCE TESLA ANNOUNCED THE RECALL AND IT HAS FAILED TO REPAIR MY CAR. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THE HARNESS CAN SHORT OUT AND CAUSE A FIRE.

NHTSA #11579885

While driving my Tesla Model 3 with self-driving engaged in excellent conditions, the car suddenly braked to a full stop. There was no apparent reason to do so and the driver did nothing. The road ahead was free of traffic, and no obstacles, pedestrians or animals were visible. It was possible to resume driving by turning self-driving off. Tesla forums online show many instances of others reporting similar problems in various Tesla models over several years. A rear end collision will ultimately be the result of this flaw if it hasn’t yet occurred.

NHTSA #11701217

While driving on the highway from philadelphia to allentown using I-476 north i was driving using cruise control and the car suddenly applied brakes ( phantom braking) there was no one either in front or sides or behind me. No accident happened

NHTSA #11557036

Driving on the freeway with the adaptive cruise control set to 78 mph. Traveling in the #1 lane, medium traffic, no vehicles in front of us for a while (in our lane or the #2 lane next to us). Roadway was dry, sun was overhead at that time of the day. Weather said it was 72 outside, so not excessively hot. While nearly cresting the top of a slight incline, the car hard-braked, taking the speed from 78mph to 58mph for no obvious reason. (Thank heavens the car behind us was following at a safe distance and was able to brake, too.) There was no debris on the roadway or any other reason why the car would need to brake. Suffice to say that we deactivated the adaptive cruise control for the remainder of the journey.

NHTSA #11555919

The complaint was filed on behalf of the contact's daughter. The contact's daughter owned a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while the contact's daughter was driving at 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the contact's daughter stated that the brake pedal felt spongy and unusual. The contact's daughter stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floor; however, the vehicle still did not stop. The contact's daughter enabled the emergency braking system; however, the vehicle still did not stop. The contact's daughter beeped the horn to alert the nearby driver, and the dash cam independently activated. The contact stated that because of the failure, the contact's daughter's vehicle rear-ended the vehicle in front of the contact's daughter's vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that after the crash, the emergency braking system failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss by the insurance company. A Police report was filed. The contact's daughter was treated at the local hospital on the following day. The contact's daughter sustained headaches, whiplash, and a concussion. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

Reportado presuntamente: 1 lesión (según lo reportado a NHTSA). NHTSA #11693937

Automatic breaking was initiated as I was pulling in a driveway as I got closer to a large trashcan. The braking was aggressive and I now have concerns that it might've given me minor whiplash as it was so sudden. I have pictures of where I parked. I was about 6-8 feet away from the trashcan when the car automatically braked. I've pulled into this spot numerous times and never had this reaction.

NHTSA #11663794

My car did a Phantom break while I was driving on President George bush Turnpike E at the Dallas North tollway exit . I was taking the exit with in the speed limit of 40 miles per hour and was keeping the distance from the car in front. Suddenly the car did an automatic break and car slow down significantly. I got hit from behind and had damage to the bumper and trunk. Emergency break feature went out and an alert came. It is very concerning that the car stops in the middle of road by itself and being hit from behind. I would like an answer from Tesla. I have the dash cam footage of the accident

NHTSA #11624374

Subject: Urgent Complaint Regarding Power Steering Failure in 2019 Tesla Model 3 Hello NHTSA, I am writing to file a complaint regarding a very dangerous situation I recently experienced with my 2019 Tesla Model 3. While driving on the freeway at approximately 65 mph, the power steering failed unexpectedly. I struggled significantly to change lanes in order to exit the freeway, and it felt as though my vehicle was going to collide with other cars. After managing to get off the freeway, I nearly hit the guardrail while attempting to turn onto a side street, creating a hazardous situation. I am deeply concerned about the potential consequences; for instance, what if I had struck a pedestrian, or if the car had collided with another vehicle at high speed? I live on a winding mountain road, where I could have easily driven off a cliff. Turning the car off and back on temporarily resolved the issue. However, there are numerous complaints regarding steering rack failures with Tesla vehicles. Tesla has quoted me $2,700.00 to fix what appears to be a known manufacturing defect. They are aware of this potentially hazardous situation but are not taking responsibility for the repairs. This is a serious safety issue, and I urge Tesla to accept responsibility and cover the repair costs before someone is seriously injured or killed—if such an incident has not already occurred. Please let me know what further actions I can take to facilitate Tesla's resolution of this dangerous problem. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely,

NHTSA #11680195

1.) Steering wheel,yes. 2.) I lost steering at 50 MPH with my twp daughter in backseat. 3.) Car was towed BACK to Tesla (it eas there 3 days ago for 2 front upper control arms replacement) 4.) car not inspected by anyone other than Tesla. 5.) yes 2 warnings “steering assist reduced”and “lane departure disabled”.

NHTSA #11577299

My Model 3 intermittently has the steering wheel locked in position, which sometimes resolves temporarily after rebooting the car. I always get a steering assist reduced error on the car, regardless of rebooting. It also no longer has lane keep capabilities or Autopilot, which involve the car automatically moving the steering. I have not gotten this inspected by a dealer or service center. The issue first appeared yesterday, after I tried to pull out of a parking lot, but I had trouble since my wheel would not turn. I will be going to a service center next week. After the errors began, I have not meaningfully driven the car, since locking of the wheel while driving is very dangerous. A handful of errors showed up on the screen (Cruise Control disabled, Traction Control Disabled, Stability control disabled, Steering assist reduced), and I did not have any regenerative braking applying. I returned safely to my parking spot. After multiple reboots of the car (pressing both wheel buttons), I found that sometimes after putting my car into Drive, my steering wheel was locked. Other times, I could turn my steering wheel without issue, but I would always receive the Steering assist reduced error.

NHTSA #11576321

I was driving my vehicle. It said there was an issue with code "RCM_a056 Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault." Many older model 3's are having this issue and with the quote from tesla, they would need to perform a retrofit for the electrical wiring system.

NHTSA #11632840

An alert stated: "RCM_a056 Front passenger safety restraint system fault." Upon bringing car to Tesla service center, Tesla stated: "Confirmed concern through vehicle logs. Found vehicle needing passenger ocs retrofit to resolve issue. Customer declined repair." They wanted over $1,200.00 for a faulty seat sensor because they claimed they couldn't replace the seat sensor without replacing the entire airbag system on the passenger side. They explained to me that they changed the airbag systems in their newer Model 3s and refused to stock or replace components in their older Model 3s.

NHTSA #11592308

I received a message on the screen saying there was a problem with the OCS and that it needed to be serviced immediately. I take it to Tesla service and they tell me they will need to do the following: 1. Replace MODULE - OCS FILTER 2. Retrofit SBR in OCS Equipped Front Passenger Seat - Remove and Replace 3. Replace FIRST ROW SEAT HARNESS 4. Replace FIRST ROW - SEAT BELT REMINDER SENSOR BOX CLIP 5. Replace FIRST ROWOCCUPANCY SENSOR 6. Replace FIRST ROWHARNESS ASSEMBLY -OCCUPANTCLASSIFICATION SYSTEM - RIGHTHAND 7. Replace Front PassengerAirbag And Update VehicleConfiguration - Remove and Replace To have all of this done, I paid $1,850. Nothing is covered under warranty. I have 64,000 miles on my car. It has never been in a wreck and I have taken good care of it. From what I understand, this is a common problem with Tesla’s.

NHTSA #11579515

My Motor Control Unit failed. No reason given by Tesla Service Center. It simply just died. They cannot find a reason, and they also said I didn't do anything to cause the MCU to fail. Service Center agrees this is a rare event. Likely got a really faulty MCU to start with. I bought my car in 2020, so just over 4 years later my MCU died.

NHTSA #11621654

Car radio goes so loud it damaged my ear nerves. This results in pain especially when exposed to loud sounds

Reportado presuntamente: 1 lesión (según lo reportado a NHTSA). NHTSA #11640726

After loading our two children ages 2 and 5 in to vehicle and securing in car seats, the car doors were closed and would not reopen. The children were unable to open the doors themselves. The trunk and other entries did not open. There was no obvious way to open the doors or the issue the car was experiencing. The battery cover would not open. Eventually after I searched the Internet I determined that the 12V battery died (no warning whatsoever, doors worked before loading children) and this caused all occupants to be detained in vehicle as the emergency release is the mechanical means of opening the door and this emergency release is not intuitive or obvious. Within 20 minutes I was able to use an arcane hot wiring method to unlatch a door with a spare 12 V source and a hidden 12 V port not immediately obvious either. Thankfully not in setting of an emergency, not a sunny or excessively warm day and had internet access to research this event. If any of the above were true, life limb and property loss would easily have occurred.

NHTSA #11708507

Sunday [XXX] downtown Sacramento, driving about 25 mph. Heard a loud bang—bolt sheared off front subframe. Steering felt lagging upon making a right turn vehicle proceeded in a very wide turn, pulled into parking lot. Wheel locked right as I exited [XXX] parking spot; steering went slack, brakes scraped rotor. Two witnesses saw hardware hit pavement. AAA tech removed tire: lower control arm bolt missing, no Loctite, subframe raw. Second bolt loose—single point of failure. Tesla missed this on six different service visits and during their one-twenty inspection before delivery. Recall 21V835 should’ve flagged it but service personnel assured me all clear on every visit . Vehicle towed to Tesla service center at 1104 Tinker rd, Rocklin, CA. Tesla shop manager Sal confirmed this failure as manufacturers defect, and poor assembly. Safety was seconds from total loss. Need probe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11715438

My Tesla Model 3 is experiencing premature suspension failures involving the lower lateral links and stabilizer links. These components were already replaced once, and they are failing again in less than 30,000 miles. This is not normal wear for suspension parts on a modern vehicle. These failures cause clunking, instability, and looseness in the front end—conditions that affect the vehicle’s ability to track straight and maintain control, especially over uneven pavement or during emergency maneuvers. This isn’t an isolated case. There are extensive reports from other Tesla owners across multiple models (Model 3 and Model Y in particular) showing the same premature wear on these suspension links. Many owners have parts failing even earlier. Once the car is out of warranty, Tesla charges thousands of dollars to replace these components, despite clear indications that the suspension was under-engineered for the weight of the vehicle. Tesla knows this is a recurring issue but refuses to issue a recall or goodwill repairs. A repeated failure of critical suspension links in such low mileage suggests a defect. These parts should not be wearing out this fast, and the resulting instability poses a real safety risk. I’m requesting NHTSA investigate these premature failures.

NHTSA #11703787

Incident #1 Vehicle sitting at a red light. After several seconds the vehicle operating under Tesla FSD suddenly started to drive as if the light had turned green, which it had not. I stopped it immediately. Incident #2 Vehicle was stopped a t a red light and started forward again as it the light had changed but had not. I noticed a flashing red light at the next intersection a few hundred feet away. So, I went around the block and tried again and it behaved the same. After a few seconds it started to go again. There was not another light near where the first incident occurred.

NHTSA #11692447

I've had the car since December 2019. The car will "phantom brake" when the autopilot adaptive cruise control is on. This happens intermittently, ~1 time per month on my normal commute. I will be going along, cruise set to 75 and out of nowhere it'll slam on the brakes and lose 10 MPH in a second before I can take over. This occurs with absolutely no traffic or reason, it'll be an empty highway and it does it. I drive with my foot over the accelerator so I can floor it to override the car. This is the exact opposite reaction I would think that someone should have to do with a safety feature. Tesla tells me the system is working fine, but random brake checks on the highway should never be normal. I don't understand how this system was approved to operated by the government.

NHTSA #11553350

I have been getting an alert: Front passenger safety restraint system issue/Service is required. It has come on when there is no one in the seat and goes away shortly after I start to drive. I contacted Tesla and they sent an estimate to repair it which includes a bunch of different bolts, Passenger Airbag, Airbag Harmiss Retaining Clip. Also replacing Occupant Classification System (OCS) of Front Passenger Seat while Servicing Supcomponents. List of parts for that is First Row Seat Harness Assembly-Right Hand, First Row - Seat Belt Reminder Sensor Box Clip, First Row Occupancy. All of this will cost over $700 . Aren't these items required safety equipment that they should responsible to maintain? I have seen that there are a lot of other people having the same issue, I think that there should be a recall on this that they shoud have to pay for.

NHTSA #11686748

I keep receiving an alert: “Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault”. I contacted Tesla and they informed me that my airbag sensor needs to be recalibrated and may jeopardize a child sitting in the seat if the airbag is deployed. I understand that this is a common problem with the Model of Tesla.

NHTSA #11637173

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while attempting to exit a parking lot, the rear sensors failed to operate as designed. The contact stated that the rearview sensor failed to provide an audible warning, which resulted in the vehicle bumping into another vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,238.

NHTSA #11682956

Rear camera works intermittently. It says it's temporarily unavailable and then it restores when car is started next time after exiting. Seems to be a sensor or camera cable issues because camera works fine when it does.

NHTSA #11627327

Essentially, I find the lack of emergency, unpowered door release for the back doors a little concerning. There is no way to open the door in the event that all power to the door latch fails. Even in newer models (at least of 3/Y/Cybertruck, that i know of) the emergency release is buried under the cupholder liner in the rear seat. Here is a youtube video showing a homebrew retrofit. It seems like something like this should probably be provided to owners of this model of car. The internals of the door seem to make this feasible. [XXX] The front seats, on the other hand, have an easily accessed and intuitive emergency door release. I imagine that the rear seats differ from this model because of child safety locks. Just removing all emergency handles from the door seems like a pretty bad solution. I further understand that there are situations in which even an emergency door release will fail to open the door, and a glass break device is probably the ultimate recourse to this situation. But rear seat emergency egress really seems like a blind spot in NHTSA requirements at least. I shouldn't have to do an airline style safety briefing to my rear passengers in a consumer vehicle. Thanks for your time, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11678986

I am writing to report a repeated and potentially dangerous defect in my 2020 Tesla Model 3. On four separate occasions, the front trunk (frunk) latch has opened on its own, without any input from me. This has occurred while parked in my garage and poses a serious safety risk, especially at highway speeds where the hood could flip up and obstruct the driver’s view. I am aware that Tesla has issued recalls for this exact problem involving the frunk latch mechanism on certain Model 3 vehicles. However, I have been told by Tesla that my VIN is not included in the recall, despite my car exhibiting the same malfunction. I brought my vehicle to the Carlsbad CA Tesla service center, but they found no issue and have since told me they consider the matter closed. I also want to note that I previously experienced a failure of the rear camera cable, which Tesla also initially claimed was not part of a recall—only to later repair it under warranty when the problem became undeniable. I believe this hood latch issue poses a critical safety hazard that may be more widespread than Tesla currently acknowledges. If the frunk opens while driving, it could cause a catastrophic accident. Tesla’s dismissal of this issue leaves me driving a car that could endanger myself and others on the road. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this defect and consider whether the existing recall should be expanded to include additional vehicles like mine. I would also like NHTSA to contact Tesla and direct them to address the situation in my vehicle…to do more than say “we could not reproduce the reported issue." Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

NHTSA #11662321

I am experiencing persistent front suspension issues with my Tesla Model 3 Performance. The vehicle has been taken to a Tesla Service Center three times, yet the problem has not been resolved. The issue includes: Unusual noises (clunking, knocking, or creaking) from the front suspension. Instability or poor handling at various speeds. Repeated failures of suspension components despite repairs. Each time, Tesla service has attempted repairs, but the issue continues to persist, raising serious concerns about the safety and durability of the suspension system.The vehicle is currently at Tesla service center as of March 4th 2025 and they are working on the same problem for the 3rd time.

NHTSA #11646474

upper control arm is creaking, extremely common problem, we need to demand a recall

NHTSA #11587314

When driving in "Autopilot" mode which uses adaptive speed control, the car suddenly slows down without any warnings. This happens even when there is no vehicle in front of the car and therefore slowing down is not expected. This has happened several times while driving on freeways. If it weren't for my immediate reaction, serious multiple-car accidents would have happened. My reaction has been to quickly disengage the "Autopilot" system and manually accelerating to avoid rear collisions. The other issue is the car suddenly steer the wheel and drag the car to the side even when there is no reason to do so. In such cases, I have to forcefully steer the wheel to the opposite direction to avoid collision with other cars moving on either side, or parked cars on the streets.

NHTSA #11571355

I am writing to provide feedback on the recent mandated Tesla Full Self Driving software update (recall). When I keep both hands on the steering wheel, I now get constant warnings. Specifically, even when I drive with both hands firmly on the wheel at 9 and 3 o'clock and maintaining what I feel is adequate control, the system nags me with disruptive alerts. It tells me to apply pressure and flashes visuals that my hands are not properly positioned, despite both remaining clearly in contact with the wheel the whole time. I typically drive responsibly with proper grip, yet these frequent notifications are frustrating and stress-inducing. The sensors seem to be calibrated too sensitively if they are detecting grip issues when both my hands are correctly and securely holding the wheel. Prior to the mandated update, I didn't receive nearly as many warnings. The update was not helpful and makes driving more stressful and less safe if anything. I understand the goal is to enforce safe driving, but the current warnings are excessive even when drivers are maintaining proper hand positioning. Perhaps the regulations could be relaxed so alerts only activate when grip is legitimately inadequate, rather than routinely throughout normal driving. Please let me know if any further details on my experience with both hands on the wheel would be helpful. I would be happy to provide additional information to aid review of this system. Thank you for your consideration.

NHTSA #11568463

Your latest mandates has arguably made the car less safe by removing what allowed the system to operate safely. Please roll back this “recall” it’s not a recall in the slightest it’s a shot at someone or multiple people that dislike Tesla.

NHTSA #11561228

I am writing to urgently express my concerns about the latest software update for the Tesla Model 3’s autopilot system, which, in my view, significantly compromises safety. As a Model 3 owner for over two years, I have generally found the vehicle and its features to be reliable and safe. However, the recent update has introduced an overly stringent hands-on-wheel detection mechanism that is not only inconvenient but also potentially hazardous. The new update requires frequent and often forceful interaction with the steering wheel to assure the system of driver presence. This change is drastically different from my previous experience, where I received only one hands-on-wheel violation in two years. The current sensitivity of the system disrupts the smooth operation of the autopilot, leading to frequent and abrupt disengagements. I have found myself struggling to maintain the system’s activation, inadvertently causing the vehicle to exit autopilot mode multiple times. This issue goes beyond mere inconvenience; it actively detracts from driving safety. The need for constant and sometimes aggressive adjustments to satisfy the system’s requirements is distracting and can lead to erratic vehicle behavior. The irony is stark: a system designed to enhance driving safety and ease is now a source of potential danger and stress. The unpredictability and over-sensitivity of the updated system could lead to dangerous situations, especially on highways or in heavy traffic, where sudden disengagement of the autopilot can be particularly risky. As a driver, I now find myself more focused on keeping the autopilot engaged than on the actual driving conditions and surroundings, which is surely contrary to the feature’s intended purpose. You need to investigate this issue as a matter of urgency. Adjustments are necessary to prevent potential accidents and ensure that the tech helps, not hinders.

NHTSA #11561009

Both front wheel and rear rims cracked under normal driving conditions. This is the third occurrence of rim failure on this vehicle. The most recent incident occurred in Ewing, NJ near Parkside Ave and Hillcrest Ave. There was no significant impact or major pothole at the time of failure. Multiple wheel failures indicate a potential structural durability issue. Cracked rims pose a serious safety risk due to the possibility of sudden tire pressure loss or blowout while driving. The vehicle has been operated under normal road conditions, and this repeated failure should not occur. The damaged wheels are available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA #11730669

My Tesla Model 3 was brought to Tesla Princeton Service Center on February 27, 2025 for a 12V battery replacement. During the service visit, Tesla also replaced the rear glass, citing the rear defroster as the root cause of the battery drain — a repair that was added without prior discussion and increased the total invoice from an original estimate of $180 to a final charge of $1,730. Upon picking up the vehicle, the rear backup camera, blind spot cameras, navigation system, Sentry Mode, and windshield wiper sensor were all non-functional. None of these systems showed any malfunction prior to the service visit. Tesla Princeton’s service advisor denied responsibility without performing diagnostics, and in a subsequent message admitted he could not determine the cause with certainty without diagnostics — which have still not been performed. The vehicle was discharged from a licensed Tesla Service Center in a condition non-compliant with FMVSS 111. I have escalated this matter to Tesla executive leadership in writing and am filing this NHTSA complaint to create a federal record of this safety violation.

NHTSA #11722273

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the trunk became inoperable. The contact stated that the trunk latch failed to open when the trunk release was engaged using the mobile application, the instrument panel, or the trunk release button. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The contact was informed by the dealer that the cable harness was not repaired and that a zip tie was placed on the cable harness. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that after the dealer visit, the trunk failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 69,125.

NHTSA #11705132

I am writing to formally report a critical safety incident involving my 2020 Tesla Model 3, where the bumper detached while driving through a puddle of water on Oct 9th, 2025. This occurred on a busy street, and fortunately, another driver alerted me just in time, averting a potentially serious accident. Following the incident, I arranged for my vehicle to be towed to a Tesla-authorized collision center and opened a claim with my insurance company. I have since learned that this issue is recognized internally by Tesla, as they have created a service incident regarding it, but have failed to communicate this to customers effectively. Tesla's lack of accountability is concerning. Despite repeated attempts to address this with their support and service teams, they have deflected responsibility and continue to downplay the seriousness of this matter, insisting I must rely on insurance to cover the costs. This situation raises significant safety concerns, not just for myself but for all Tesla Model 3 drivers. I urge NHTSA to take the following actions: 1. Investigate this safety issue regarding the bumper detachment on Tesla Model 3 vehicles. 2. Pressure Tesla to publicly acknowledge this known issue and take immediate corrective action to prevent future occurrences. 3. Ensure that affected customers are compensated for damages and repairs due to this defect. I appreciate your attention to this serious safety issue and look forward to seeing NHTSA hold Tesla accountable to protect all consumers and ensure vehicle safety. I have attached proof of diligent efforts on my part to get this resolved: - Claim number with Progressive - Communication with Tesla giving them proof of this issue - Earlier NHTSA bulletin acknowledging the issue and the Tesla internal service incident created for this issue. Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.

NHTSA #11692513

Software update was pushed onto my car, after the update the car autopilot ECU no longer works. When the ECU finally failed these features were stuck or are completely broken/not working: - Auto dim rear view mirrors (these were stuck in dim mode, preventing me from seeing in rain or darkened environments such as at night or under shade, 0% visibility under these conditions when changing lanes or reversing) - Rear view camera completely stopped functioning, as did all cameras on the car - Forward collision warning no longer works - Autopilot (ADAS features in general) no longer functioning including lane keep assist - On screen navigation is locked in place where the car failed (screen shows location where the car ECU presumably failed). I am further unsure if the following features function as required: - Airbag deployment - AEB (Automatic emergency braking)

NHTSA #11673796

Vehicle must have thought a shadow line in the road from a bridge indicated a wall I was about to hit, as it slammed on the breaks in the middle of the freeway. Car behind had to swerve to avoid. On the same trip, several nags of 'keep eyes on the road' were incorrect, as my eyes were directly on the road, but phone was in hand functioning as a microphone taking voice memos. Car proceeded to shut itself down while in the middle of the freeway, causing me to go slower than traffic and put me in danger as cars behind me had to swerve or lane change to avoid me as I tried to pull off to the shoulder. These forced shutdowns from incorrect 'nag fails' are causing safety issues. Nag failures should not forcibly shut the car down. Not sure if this is being enforced by NHTSA, or why Tesla is choosing to disable their auto steer or FSD when drivers are detected to be failing nags - nags should be there to help drivers, and potentially the nag data/cab video can be used after the fact should a user failing nags be involved in an accident for insurance dispute resolution, but shutting the cars down themselves is causing issues.

NHTSA #11674749

Back and buttocks area suffered electrical burns and pain from Tesla Seat Heaters (in heated seats) twice 1. Happened in 2024 on temperature level 3 2 Although I turned it down it happened again in 2025 on temperature level 2

Reportado presuntamente: 1 lesión (según lo reportado a NHTSA). NHTSA #11640654

My Model 3 failed at under 50,000 miles and gave out a series of failure warnings. It was unable to drive anymore and steering became stiff and unresponsive. In researching this I see it is a common issue with hundreds of thousands of cars affected. And the NHTSA has an open investigation into it. Tesla as usual is denying the problem exists.

NHTSA #11643458

Unknown issue with front passanger safety restraint system. Car suddenly notified me of an issue with the restraint system. Before the fault the car was simply just parked in my driveway, then I went into the car and the safety issue appeared. The seat was adjusted for my mom's height the day prior, this might have caused a wire to become pinched and caused the fault due to how the wiring under the seat is set up from manufacturing. Online search results show this to be a common occurrence for cars from 2019-2021 in Tesla.

NHTSA #11627805

I am filing a complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2020 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus. While driving on the freeway, the car displayed a “Power Limited - OK to Drive” message, followed by “Power Reduced,” and then automatically limited my speed to 60 mph. This happened unexpectedly on a busy freeway, nearly causing an accident with a car behind me. The message advised that “exiting and re-entering the vehicle may restore operations.” I took the freeway exit and exited the car, re-entered, and resumed driving, but the error returned, reducing my speed further to 58 mph, and at one point, down to 7 mph. This behavior makes the car unsafe for freeway driving, as the speed can drop suddenly, putting me at risk of a collision. This issue persists on city roads as well, with speed reductions happening within a mile of driving, restricting the speed anywhere between 7-60 mph. I scheduled a service appointment with Tesla on 10/12/2024, but the earliest available date is 11/1/2024. I contacted Tesla’s customer service to prioritize my appointment or perform a remote diagnosis, but they refused to accommodate my request. During my own online research, I found that the car log indicates a “RearDrive Inverter Sensor” detecting high temperatures, likely causing the speed restrictions, along with a non-functional powertrain pump. Although my car is under an 8-year warranty for the battery and drive unit, Tesla has sent me a pre-approval bill for the upcoming service, making me concerned they may try to classify these issues as non-warranty and charge me hefty amounts for repairs. Currently, I cannot safely use my vehicle, especially on freeways, and I have no other repair options outside of Tesla. This ongoing issue is urgent and impacts my safety and ability to drive the car reliably.

NHTSA #11622202

In a private parking lot, within line of sight and ample time to respond to problem I used Tesla Smart Summon. Instead of taking an obvious route through the parking lot, it narrowly hit a parked car, then proceeded to drive over a parking barrier and into a wooded field towards me and a crowded food truck area. I was unable to cancel the feature in time to stop the car from the collision as it accelerated too fast and without any initial signs of an issue. Even after canceling through the app, the car tried to continue for a brief period. If anyone was in the area or we were closer we could have been hit. Tesla replaced the cameras but claimed no responsibility for damages, citing I was "in control". There were no warning lamps or indicators of any defects before the incident. I also have the original dashcam footage portraying the incident, which clearly shows numerous safety hazards to the smart summon feature.

NHTSA #11634598

Received several "Steering Assist Reduced" alerts when stopped in traffic last week, followed immediately by the failure of the power steering after each alert. Power steering resumed after a soft restart. Tried to make appointment at Tesla Service Center last Friday to get this addressed, but they said they had no appointments available and would not be able to diagnose my vehicle until today, August 12, 2024.. In the interim, the power steering went out again while on the freeway, forcing me to exit and restart the vehicle again. This is a clear danger to myself and my passengers. After receiving the results of the diagnosis today, they informed me that both the steering rack and harness would need to be replaced at the cost of nearly $5,000. The technician showed me some corrosion in one of the electrical connections where there had been water intrusion. I told him this was surprising since the car is relatively new and it would seem that Tesla would have sealed this connections to resist the relatively dry rainy seasons we experience here in Southern California.

NHTSA #11608107

The Tesla is reflecting an error “DIR_a126” that is reducing the speed below the speed limit and with no rhyme or reason. Tesla services are not available and the problem is intermittent. Additionally, based on research it is found to not have consistent resolutions and reasonings

NHTSA #11599829

I have taken my vehicle into Tesla to have the issue fixed twice. They don't know what's happening or how to fix it. My car is randomly taking the wheel and steering me into other cars / off the road. It happens once a month or so, I have a newborn baby I drive in the car and I don't feel safe driving. I've recorded the incident and Tesla Service said "that should not be happening unless I'm using auto pilot" which I never do. I've looked into lemon law but I did not purchase the car from tesla directly, I bought it from a used car dealership. I'm not sure what to do, I can't sell the car because I would still owe $10,000 after the sale. Please help anyway you can, I'm desperate for anything.

NHTSA #11604072

I was traveling on autopilot in left lane with autopilot engaged on 06/13/2024 on HW 101 at around 9:40am my car all of the sudden slammed on brakes and dropped speed from around 65mph to 30mph before I was able to react and recover speed. Reached out to Tesla on their app about this and they are sending me estimate of $275 to check it out

NHTSA #11594305

Front subframe assembly broken Turn signals don't register input Lateral and compliances links broken

NHTSA #11582532

I took delivery of this Tesla Model 3 last month and have been using it often for my commute. Tesla’s “Traffic Aware Cruise Control” is dangerous and has put my life at risk multiple times now when driving on the highway at night. It slams on the brakes as if it is about to crash when nothing is ahead. It also slammed the brakes when passing a semi truck that was accelerating from being stopped on the shoulder. If anyone was behind me, they would have crashed into me. This “phantom braking” only happens at night. I would disable it immediately but it is not able to be disabled! This is the most frustrating part. I have a long commute on the interstate at night and really need cruise control, and now I am constantly worried when commuting that the car will slam the brakes. The fact that I can’t revert to an old fashioned cruise control with no sensors and no cameras is absurd and extremely dangerous. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I don’t believe anything “failed”. I believe Tesla’s software is not ready for the real world and this “traffic aware cruise control” should be a beta feature that drivers can use at their own risk. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Unexpected, random slamming of the brakes at highway specs on the interstate at night. In all situations that the “phantom braking” has happened, I would have been rear ended if someone was following behind me. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, as there has been no crash yet Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warnings, no messages, nothing. Just sudden braking when using “traffic aware cruise control”.

NHTSA #11581449

Dear NHTSA, I am contacting you regarding campaign #23V-838 and the recent Tesla software update, which I believe has compromised the safety features of my Tesla Model 3. For over two years, I’ve trusted my Tesla’s capabilities, notably its autopilot feature. However, the latest update has introduced a wheel detection system that’s overly sensitive and disruptive. Previously, my driving experience was smooth, responsible and safe, with hands on the wheel and autopilot assist for when I needed to make blind lane changes, allowing me to look over my shoulder briefly at the blind spot while the wheel kept straight without rear ending anyone. Now, with this mandated update, I’m forced to make frequent, forceful adjustments to the steering wheel. I can’t look away from the front of the car even briefly to check my surroundings. This constant intervention and forbidding drivers from looking around to check for safety is distracting and dangerous, leading to abrupt autopilot disengagements and brief rapid ways in which the car behaves as the car disengages and throws you into manual when you weren’t expecting it. This isn’t just about inconvenience; it’s a safety hazard. I’m now more focused on maintaining autopilot than on the road and surrounding conditions. This undermines the very purpose of the feature. As someone who’s always vigilant about my surroundings, especially at intersections, I find this update counterproductive. It forces me to turn off the feature, leaving me without the assistance that I’ve come to rely on for safer driving. I urge you to review this matter with utmost priority. The balance between driver engagement and the autopilot system’s safety has been significantly disturbed by this update. Necessary adjustments are needed to prevent potential accidents and ensure that this technology continues to enhance driving safety and efficiency. Thank you for addressing this critical issue.

NHTSA #11565913

I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning issue regarding the recent update related to recall alerts in my vehicle, which has inadvertently led to an increase in distraction while driving. I received a software update for my vehicle, which included new features aimed at enhancing autopilot alerts. However, instead of improving safety, these updates have unintentionally resulted in an increased level of distraction while driving. Issues Identified: Frequency of Alerts: The frequency of recall alerts has become excessive, leading to a constant stream of notifications while driving. This has proven to be highly distracting and has compromised my ability to focus on the road. Alert Presentation: The visual and auditory presentation of the alerts is intrusive and often occurs excessively during driving. The alerts are not sufficiently streamlined to ensure minimal disruption, causing a significant distraction. Impact on Driving Behavior: The continuous alerts have forced me to divert attention away from the road, leading to an increased risk of accidents and compromising overall road safety. Recommendations: As per most other vehicle brands that benefit from self-driving technologies, like Cadillac and Ford, they are not affected by this recall, and do not make the driver continually look at the display for information regarding to the alert. Intelligent Alert Timing: Incorporate a smart algorithm that considers the driving context before issuing an alert. This can prevent alerts during critical driving moments, reducing distraction. Comprehensive Testing: Conduct thorough testing of software updates before release to identify and address any unintended consequences, such as increased distraction. Before this update, it was a lot less distracting to drive this vehicle, due to the limited notifications. Since this update, I've found myself removing my eyes from the road because of the increased notifications. A reversal of this recall is in need.

NHTSA #11564302

To Whom It May Concern at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), I am writing to urgently express my concerns about the latest software update for the Tesla Model 3’s autopilot system, which, in my view, significantly compromises safety. As a Model 3 owner for over two years, I have generally found the vehicle and its features to be reliable and safe. However, the recent update has introduced an overly stringent hands-on-wheel detection mechanism that is not only inconvenient but also potentially hazardous. The new update requires frequent and often forceful interaction with the steering wheel to assure the system of driver presence. This change is drastically different from my previous experience, where I received only one hands-on-wheel violation in two years. The current sensitivity of the system disrupts the smooth operation of the autopilot, leading to frequent and abrupt disengagements. I have found myself struggling to maintain the system’s activation, inadvertently causing the vehicle to exit autopilot mode multiple times. This issue goes beyond mere inconvenience; it actively detracts from driving safety. The need for constant and sometimes aggressive adjustments to satisfy the system’s requirements is distracting and can lead to erratic vehicle behavior. The irony is stark: a system designed to enhance driving safety and ease is now a source of potential danger and stress. The unpredictability and over-sensitivity of the updated system could lead to dangerous situations, especially on highways or in heavy traffic, where sudden disengagement of the autopilot can be particularly risky. As a driver, I now find myself more focused on keeping the autopilot engaged than on the actual driving conditions and surroundings, which is surely contrary to the feature’s intended purpose. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue as a matter of urgency and safety.

NHTSA #11561000

While operating TACC with lane keeping assist, I experienced multiple iterations of phantom braking when the road and weather was clear ahead. This phantom braking could potentially cause other drivers to collide with the vehicle that unexpectedly braked in the middle of the highway. This problem has been a common issue with multiple people taking their cars to the service center to get checked out with no problem identified. There are no warning lights or indicators that the Tesla is going to phantom brake on the highway. Recommend having Tesla provide information regarding this phantom braking.

NHTSA #11561858

FSD Beta Firmware Version 2023.27.7. -- When operating with FSD Beta in control of the vehicle, the turn signal is activated and the appropriate left or right side blind spot video is brought upon the driver's display automatically. This works perfectly for city street lane changes and turns at intersections or driveways, etc. When operating on a controlled access highway the systems works in the same manner, activating the turn signal and displaying the blind spot video on the driver's display when changing lanes and exiting the highway. However, the turn signal is not activated and the blind spot video is not displayed on the driver's instrumentation when first entering a controlled access highway. This is the one exception where the driver is required to activate the turn signal while FSD Beta is in control, and seems like an oversight or 'bug'. However, it might be by design, in which case the intent that the driver is required to activate the signal indicating the vehicle's merge has not, to my knowledge, been communicated to the driver as the one exception to the otherwise automatic operation of the turn signal and blind spot video display while the vehicle is under FSD Beta's control.

NHTSA #11555494