2018 Tesla Model 3 complaints

I was exiting the highway onto a Blvd and I slowed down. The car all of a sudden accelerated by itself, went over the exit curb and hit the central median of the blvd. Fortunately, no vehicles on the blvd wer crossing when this happened. I was fortunately not physically hurt in the incident but it could have been afr worse if I had a vehicle in my front or on the lvd when the incident happened.

Safety restraint system fault RCM_a094

I was notified by Tesla in early 2022 of recall 21V-00D for a safety issue. I have asked several times to have it fixed. As of August 18, 2023 it is still not fixed and Tesla is still claiming that the parts are not available.

The middle rear passenger seatbelt became loose and unhinged at the hip. We notified the repair team and was quietly fixed and they told us it is a common thing they have been fixing. If this is true, the bolt could come loose during an accident and cause the seatbelt to not restrain a passenger if not fixed. The file attached says they inspected the seatbelt but “no correction required” even though the technician did in fact reattach the seatbelt.

2018 Tesla Model 3 shows “Front left safety restraint system fault”. My car was not identify as having the recall applied but have the same issue the recall or warranty would resolve. My care is out of warranty and Tesla want to charge estimated $1,500 to resolve this issue. Tesla has this issues with all makes and models and is a safety issue.

Front suspension arm dislocated while driving (at 15mph). Could have been fatal had I been on the highway. Bolt connecting suspension was not broken, must have just come loose. I believe this is similar to the recall notice 21V-835, but that only covered years 2019-2021. My car is a 2018, one of the first ones released. This should have also been included in the recall. Tesla told me my car is out of warranty and to take to a body shop.

The driver side front left suspension lateral link fasteners (bolts and nuts) completely fell off, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame. This occurred at low speed attempting to turn into my home driveway and resulted in the front left fender resting only on the tire. Significant body damage was incurred, with the fender and the driver door coming in contact and obstructing initial exit of the vehicle. Tesla claimed that my car was not included in any recall, even after escalation within the service department and my insistence that they cover the costs of the repairs. They refused repeatedly. I ended up paying $2037.08 for the suspension repairs, and additional $3000 for body repairs. This would have been a catastrophic incident and failure had I been at highway speeds, which I was literally 5 minutes prior to the suspension failure.

The issues are all related to the feature called AutoPilot, all on a highway, traveling at highway speed while using autopilot. sunny, dry, daytime 1. The car hard braked with no other vehicles or objects on roadway. I had to take back control quickly 2. The car hard braked when i was driving in the right lane and a car was in the entrance lane beside me, causing a near accident with the other vehicle which was trying merge onto lane, i had to quickly take back control to avoid a dangerous situation. 3. I was in left lane and turned on the turning indicator to move to the right lane, the car started to move lanes, then suddenly abandoned attempt, moving back to the original lane. there was no object in the target lane and there was a car behind me in the left lane wanting to pass, causing a dangerous situation. (this happened twice)

The vehicle is reporting a right passenger restraint error message on the screen. Tesla "fixed the sensor" in 2021 under warranty. Now the same issue is present and Tesla says they have to replace the senor again with a newer one which is now no longer compliant with the OCS system or the air bag. They are charging customers $1600 to replace the sensor, OCS and airbag, all of which are safety specific requirements and is a product failure on their part. The error comes and goes at random, and at any speed. As low as 0-5 mph and as much as at 75mph

Front passenger safety restraint system fault. Tesla refuses to fix unless I pay out of pocket.

The passenger and driver side bolts connecting the shock strut to the lower control arms have come loose. The passenger side nut is missing and the bolt has almost fallen out, just hanging on by a thread. Can make driving dangerous by increasing instability.

The center display that houses all of the cars instrumentation including gauges randomly goes out while driving. It will go out for 10 to 15 minutes until it recovers. This leaves me with no gauges at all including loss of backup camera, turn signals, speed and various other functions. I purchased the car two weeks ago and this has happened 5 times already.

While vehicle is in full self driving (FSD), it randomly hallucinate, triggering left or right turns when the mapped course is forward. This has occurred 8-10 times within the past week. I stopped using it today after a near accident while driving on the highway. I reported all incidents to Tesla, they historically do not respond to inquires. This is extremely dangerous to the driver, other drivers, and demonstrates Tesla’s neglect in releasing beta releases to the public. No warnings were displayed at the time of each incident. Tesla has my driving data, camera access and my feedback notes. TeslaFSD version is v11.4.4 or 2023.7.20.

Software bug for sure. When car is in autopilot the windshield wipers start and cannot be turned off. This occurrs when the windshield is clean , not raining. The wiper off virtual switches cannot be turned off and the only option is to switch from auto to 1 to slow the wipers. If the car is not in autopilot the issue doesn’t not occur and the wipers operate as they should.

Bolt connecting lower control arm to the sub frame fell out as it wasn’t torqued/fastened properly during manufacturing. This caused suspension to rattle and cause wheel alignment warnings to go off.

My car left the road traveling at 60mph, and after leaving the road it was quickly approaching a metal pole. At this time it seemed that the breaks were not able to stop the vehicle. After totaling the car, and what I thought would be the loss of my life, my airbags did not deploy. To further explain the extent of the accident: the front bumper is destroyed, the hood is destroyed, the windshield is destroyed and caved in onto me, the roof was destroyed, the back glass was also destroyed, along with much more extensive damage to the build of the car. The pole involved in the accident came out of the ground and through the car. It is unfathomable how I am still alive with manageable injuries. Yet- no airbags. This could have ended much differently.

Vehicle has experienced dramatic increase in so-called phantom braking incidents when adaptive cruise control is turned on. The vehicle suddenly and forcefully brakes for no apparent reason even when there are no vehicles or other hazards in front or on the sides of it. I have revisited sites where the incidents have occurred to see if there is some environmental factor such as reflective signs that might have triggered the incidents but have been unable to replicate them. They are completely random. I am aware that this phantom braking issue has previously been reported but based on a review of various Internet sites such as Reddit, owners have reported a dramatic increase in incidents over the past month or so.

I have owned my Tesla Model 3 since early 2019. The adaptive cruise control worked incredibly beautifully for years up until a few weeks ago - I think sometime in June 2023 (could have been May 2023). All of the sudden, I was *frequently* experiencing phantom braking, ie. braking with no explanation, while using adaptive cruise control. Sometimes the braking was gradual, other times more forceful. It would happen at random places - Sometimes in/near intersections or around other vehicles, other times just out on the open road with no vehicles or stoplights anywhere in sight. Even on a 20 minute drive, it can happen three or four times. To me, this is a severe hazard. I have a disability, and I purchased this vehicle because of the incredible safety features. Prior to this, it has 100% lived up to what people said about it - just amazing. But now, the very reason I purchased this vehicle, its advanced safety features, I find not just unreliable but somewhat terrifying. I *believe* that Tesla may have (effectively / unintentionally) disabled the built-in radar in vehicles like mine. This is because I've read online accounts of people with the same year having the same problems as mine, also at around the same time that mine started. Specifically, my model year has radar built in. But I understand that newer Teslas rely solely on cameras, ie. "Tesla Vision." I understood that because my vehicle physically has radar installed, that my adaptive cruise control would still work at l

Tesla is charging me to replace the defective second-row center seatbelt buckle. My car has 47,600 miles today (7/13/23). I've owned several other cars and never had to replace a seatbelt buckle before.

This is for an issue noted on a 2018 Tesla Model 3. On August 2020 the car was serviced for an error message that stated "Front passenger safety restraint system fault/Contact Tesla Service", this went into service for an "OCS REWORK" which was explained to me as some harness under the passenger seat; cost was covered under Limited Warranty. Issue came back on August 2021, same exact one "Front passenger safety restraint system fault/Contact Tesla Service", and went into service again. This time service needed to replace the whole passenger seat, at Out of Warranty cost of $2,059. After explaining the recurring issue, an agreement was reached for a discount; but still ended up paying for theft of the same issue again. Thought appropriate to report this issue, since from the warning, seems like a restraint system problem that can be a bigger issue if not recalled or fixed within warranty.

Received an error "Front left safety restraint system fault. Service is required." error on my vehicle yesterday (7/11/2023) which disappears when lifting seat to highest position. As soon as seat is lowered more than 1/2" the error reappears and airbag light is illuminating notifying that the airbag is not enabled. This error is clearly an issue with the safety restraint system on the vehicle but Tesla will not honor fixing this under their Supplemental Restraint System Limited Warranty. The vehicle is within coverage period (<5 years and <60,000 miles). I am being told this SRS Limited warranty covers air bags, seat belt, seat belt buckles, sensors, and modules only. I have not taken the vehicle in for service as the quote I received is too expensive ($601). Please see photos for my conversation with Tesla service as well.

We had a warning light that says "“front passenger safety restraint system fault”. The Tesla dealership said that the airbag needs to be replaced. There were no incidences that led to this warning. It just appeared on its own.

I received an alert that there’s a problem with my airbag. I reported it to tesla and since my car is out of warranty, it will cost over $1300. Since it’s only an alert, I decided to not pay the $1300 but now I’m wondering how unsafe is it does it mean the passenger airbag will not work in the event of a collision?

I received a random RCM_a056 safety alert message on my 2018 Tesla Model 3. The Tesla Service Center requires the following repairs: 1) replace front passenger airbag and update vehicle configuration and 2) retrofit SBR in OCS equipped front passenger seat. My vehicle has over 110,00 miles on it, so I am past the Supplemental Restraint System warranty period of 5 years or 60,000 miles. The cost to repair these safety alert is $1,257.76 as Tesla does not classify this safety failure as a recall issue; however, there are numerous Tesla Service Bulletins and complaints as early as 12/30/19 discussing this issue in online Tesla forums. Why is this known issue not classified as a Recall?

I am writing to report a safety concern with my Tesla Model 3 vehicle. The issue pertains to a persistent warning message that displays "Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault". This warning suggests a potential malfunction in the safety restraint system, which could pose a significant risk to the passenger in the event of an accident. The warning message first appeared in July 2019 and has since been a recurring issue. Last December 2023, I paid out of pocket to get this serviced. The warning disappeared for a few months but reappeared recently. I have scheduled a service appointment with a Tesla service center to diagnose and hopefully rectify the issue. However, I felt it was necessary to report this to the NHTSA due to the potential safety implications for other Tesla Model 3 owners if this is a widespread issue.

Vehicle owned since December 2018. Squeaking noise from suspension June 2023 with no precipitating event or incident . No alert or messages. Previous front control arm replacements done. Per Tesla Service inspection, Correction: Links - Compliance - Lower - Front - RH/LH (Remove and Replace) & Correction: Links - Lateral - Lower - Front - LH/RH (Remove & Replace). Suspension issues.

Driving on the highways in cruise control. Car auto braked when going under an under pass. No other cars in front to trigger.

My vehicle recently depicted warnings on my screen showing " Front Left Safety Restraint System Fault" " Service is Required". I also sometimes get a visual warning showing a depiction of an airbag. Now I don't know if anything is wrong, but Tesla is going to charge me $400 to fix this problem. My cars warranty expired in April of this year. My concern is, if this is an airbag problem shouldn't it be coved by a recall? Or does your agency need to receive a large number of complaints to issue a recall? To answer your general questions, the warning messages started one month ago, late May. Beside the warning message, the airbag warning lamp would sometimes appear. I have a service appointment with the Tesla Service Center on July 1, so I should know more then.

THIS IS ON RECAL SB-20-31-006 R3. THE BALL JOINT OF MY TESLA MODEL 3. SQUEAKS/CREAKING, WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, WHEN I DRIVE SLOW, DRIVE FAST, HIT ANY BUMP, TURN. THE NOISE HAS GOTTEN LOUDER. I WAS TOLD BY TESLA TAHT MY CAR DOES NOT QUALIFY UNDER THE RECAL DUE TO MY VIN#. REQUESTING ASSISTANCE TO GET THIS FIXED.

Got an error code "RCM_a056" that indicates that there is a fault with the Front passenger safety restraint system. Looking at this problem online it seems that is not very unique and many owners of 2018 Model 3 have suffered the same issue. I was quoted for a service that changes the OCS sensor, but then they also have to replace the airbag due to "compatibility" reasons.

I’ve called twice for Tesla to fix the part for this recall. They tell me they won’t fix because I have an aftermarket truck opener. The back up camera works sometimes but not all times.

My Tesla 3 on autopilot have stopped on highways without cause this week. This happened numerous time during this year.

The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed over a speed bump, he heard a rattling sound coming from the front passenger’s side suspension. Upon visual inspection, the contact observed that a bolt had detached from the suspension. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined a damaged frontal lower lateral link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V235000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving with the Adaptive Cruise Control set to 75 MPH, the vehicle decelerated quickly to 45 MPH. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to his destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Driving in Full Self Driving mode, the vehicle made a left turn into oncoming traffic.

The Rear Camera feed was delayed by almost 1 sec resulting in the crash and hitting the shelf while backing the vehicle. The software version which was installed 2023.12 Tesla more and more relying on cameras for ADAS but the Software patches result in lot of random behaviors in the car... Tough being on stable release the Software still buggy and continue to surface random software related bugs In my case the feed from froze for more than a second .. Resulting in the Crash..

Owner driving route on 680 approaching Omaha 6/9/23 at 4:43. Car abruptly slowed and braked while passing a semi truck in the right lane on a curve. Regained control by pressing accelerator. But the reduction in speed was large and could easily have caused a rear end collision had a car been following at the time. Logged using In Car Bug Report as instructed previously by Tesla Customer Support. However, follow up with Tesla service center was unproductive.

How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -Due to the Suspension recall that was released in March 2023. My car spinned out of control on the High causing my car to loose control on HW 85 south I nearly lost my life but the car stopped due to a limb in the grass. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?No, because the accident before the recall was experienced. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No

My car has started making squeaky noise in the front of the vehicle. Upon getting it inspected I was told the suspension links will have to be replaced. I told the rep at Tesla that 2018 model 3 Tesla is under recall for suspension. Links as this problem is a common found problem amount this model of the Tesla. And therefore it’s under recall. But they refused and said my car is not flagged for that recall so I will have to pay to fix the problem.

Front suspension lateral link fell off from subframe while driving. No warning was given. Unable steer vehicle.

Left Lower Lateral Control Arm Failure: One of the bolts attaching the control arm to the subframe had loosened and fallen out. The increased stress caused the other attachment point on the control arm to break resulting in complete failure. Luckily, this happened in a parking lot; on the road this would amount to an extreme safety risk. The Vehicle has been inspected by Tesla and the incident occurred with out warning. There is currently an extremely limited recall for this problem (Recall # 23V-235), but my Model 3 is not included in this.

Tesla Cruise Control was in use when passing a white van or suv on route 505 near Winters. On Friday May 19 at approx. 5:45PM. Our Tesla abruptly slowed from 70mph to approx 50mph before our driver regained control. A motorcycle following was forced to pass us using the left shoulder. The motorcycle was following at a safe distance but was put at risk due to abrupt slowdown by our Tesla. Tesla Customer Service checked vehicle remotely and states there are no current problems with the car. No alerts. Cameras are aligned. Tesla advised computer reboot and ongoing monitoring by owner. States that car may learn over time. Car is equipped with "Full Self Driving " feature but only "Cruise Control" was in use at time of event.

2018 Tesla Model 3 was in cruise control (not self-drive) on an interstate with no other vehicles in the near vicinity. The car repeatedly applied brakes unexpectedly. I have traveled with this vehicle before and did not have unexpected braking problems. I have requested a Tesla service appointment but do not know if Tesla has an answer to what I hear is a widespread problem.

Driver received alert "front passenger safety restrain system fault." Tesla advised that airbag may not deploy when occupant in passenger seat due to seat pressure sensor malfunction. Added "filter" and issue corrected. Issue has returned and Tesla is asking for $2,000 to replace the entire seat due to pressure sensor not being otherwise accessible. I would like to alert the NHTSA to this issue since I do not feel as though a safety issue such as this should exist on a 4 year old car and, in addition, the cost of repair should not be left to the consumer to cover. I feel as though a safety recall is warranted. Thank you.

Driver seat belt is not locking when I pulled suddenly. It looks that the driver side (front left) seat belt impact locking system is malfunction. Car is only 4 years and 4 months old with 57,000 miles. It is life danger to driver if he hits with an accident. A message came up. Making appointment with Tesla, but I believe that it should be a recall item like rear harness. I have never seen even in 20 years old car the seat belt impact locking system malfunction. It is a poor workmanship of the impact locking system. I would appreciate if you begin an investigation into this and urge Tesla to issue a recall notice to safe drivers and others around.

Brakes completely failed after the car sat idle for a week. Went to start the car and there were no breaks at all. Fortunately the car was at the garage and after close inspection of the break system it was discovered that the break lining to the break wheel assembles (both sides) had significant rust. With the left rear completely rusted out and leaked the entire fluid out. If we had driven the car it could have been a disaster. We could have been killed and or someone else killed. The car had been in a heated garaged its entire 4 year life and maintained properly. There was no damage to the vehicle prior to the break failure.

PCS failure right when warranty expired. This should have been covered under battery warranty since it is component of charging system. But, Tesla refused to consider this under battery warranty

My car and every other 2018 or older Tesla doesn't have an audible sound safety system when reversing or driving in low speeds. I work with a blind girl who can't hear me coming. This is dangerous.

My 2018 Model 3 was purchased brand new direct from Tesla with no other drivers or accidents. In Feb of 2023 I heard a creaking sound from the front driver wheel. The steering wheel felt like it was shaking when going into lane changes. I brought it into Tesla and they found that both lateral link bolts were loose, subframe damage. The exact issue was recalled under #23V-235. I showed them the reports but Tesla refused to honor the recall because they only do it on specific vins. My VIN was clearly missed in error. There is absolutely no way that I had the exact issue as the recall and for my car to somehow be an exception. I paid $2,162.13 that needs to be refunded. This could have killed me and they are lucky that I brought the car in and found the issue before they were dragged by the NHTSA to actually do the recalls. Now they are trying to skimp on my repair because of a lucky coincidence that my vin was somehow missed.

Charging power conversion system component fail to take the full capacity the charging station able to give causing very slow charging. Warranty was not covered and costing over $1500 to fix & replace. When asked that this should be Battery warranty, I was turned down and was told that it's not 'part of the battery'. This is safety concern and fire hazard