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2019 Tesla Model 3 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2019 record →

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Mar 15, 2022CA

While driving with Tesla auto-pilot enabled, the car experiences phantom braking. This has happened multiple times already. The car will break unexpectedly for no good reason even if there is no obstruction on the road. The problem typically happens in the freeway at high speeds and presents a huge safety risk to the car occupants and the car behind since it increases the risk of a rear end collision. The problem is pretty common, a simple search on internet of Tesla Auto Pilot Phantom braking will yield many results. The problem started getting worse after Full Self Driving Beta was enabled around January 2022. When the problem happens, the car beeps loudly and breaks really hard.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 6, 2022MD

Tesla provided notification of NHTSA Recall No. 21V-00D regarding the coaxial cable affecting camera visibility on 12/31/21. There is no estimate of when they will replace this cable, just that they have no parts available. I believe a reasonable time has passed and would like to have this safety issue resolved.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Mar 5, 2022CO

Automatic Cruise Control and Tesla's Auto Pilot feature phantom braked extremely aggressively when it saw on coming traffic. Sometimes without any traffic. Through a roughly 1,200 mile road trip it happened at least 2-3 dozen times to the point where I turned it off concerned it might phantom brake aggressively with a car behind me and cause me to get rear ended. Sometimes it would give me alert sounds, sometimes it would just brake. This was never nearly as much of an issue until the November update of 2021.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 3, 2022WA

While driving along the interstate on my commute at freeway speeds 60-70 miles per hour, the emergency braking system will suddenly engage, and the car will issue a collision warning. During these incidents there is no car at risk for striking my vehicle or slowing down in front of my car. My commute usually occurs in the evening and early in the morning. This typically happens at least once during my work week.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Filed Mar 3, 2022PA

TESLA HAS CHARGED $6000 FOR DELF DRIVING 2 YEARS BACK AND THE SELF DRIVING JUST CAME IN EFFECT , IT IS REALLY RISKY TO USE THIS AS THE CAR BRAKES RIGHT BEFORE EXIT AND SOME TIMES DOES NOT EVN RECOGNIZE THE RED LIGHT S

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 26, 2022NY

On a cold day at 26F, the parking system will seized. When attempting to move, you will have to move the accelerator pedal nearly more than a quarter to break free. This is extremely dangerous if you are parking close to another vehicle ahead.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 26, 2022NY

Vehicle handle will become frozen and because of the design, it is difficult to open the door. Once it is opened, the windows will not roll down far enough for the driver to close the door. Because of this, the driver will need to move or drive the vehicle with the door open.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 26, 2022CA

Constantly beeps and makes me think I’m getting into an accident took to tesla they say sensors are ok. But a car shows on my blind side and sometimes there’s no car there, especially big trucks doesn’t bring up sensor correctly

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 25, 2022MA

Several times while driving highway Route 2 in Massachusetts, westbound and eastbound, the adaptive cruise control system slammed on the brakes for absolutely no reason. There was nothing in front of the car for 100 yards, sometimes longer. It happened at least 10 times within an hour. This caused a dangerous situation for myself and the cars behind me who were not expecting my vehicle to brake suddenly and for no reason. There have been many other cases of this submitted to the NHTSA, it is not an isolated problem. There were no warnings displayed during the phantom hard braking incidents.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 25, 2022TX

Range is not true for 2019 P3D as it is advertised as 310, same for long range with same motor and same battery size, while performance has bigger wheels. I never got more than 220 range.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 24, 202215,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, the rearview camera was inoperable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and scheduled two appointments for an associate to go to the contact's residence for the recall repair; however, the manufacturer canceled the appointments. The contact was instructed to use the side-view and rearview mirrors. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Feb 23, 2022FL

Going down the highway (I75) and at a certain exit north of Sarasota FL the car just randomly and unexpectedly brakes (phantom braking) No cars around, just straight highway Has happened several times in this spot and also other spots

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Feb 22, 2022TX

Consistent "phantom breaking" when autopilot is engaged. There is not an option for a regular cruise control, rather, Tesla activates an autopilot feature when the cruise is activated - the adaptive breaking is consistently applying the breaks when there is no reason. This is a safety issue as people following behind could hit my car when it tries to stop for no reason on a highway going 65-70 mph.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 21, 2022NC

When using cruise control the car will suddenly brake without warning and for no obvious reason. This happens with regular Cruise Control as well as Adaptive Cruise Control. It happens at low speeds (in town driving) and at Interstate speeds (65+mph). No warning lights or sounds. Most recently, today. Tesla has not been responsive to date. At higher speeds, there is a strong chance of either being rear ended or forcing the car behind me to take evasive action if they are too close which could result in an accident.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 20, 2022OH

Car has too many phantom braking issues while using autopilot and cruise

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 18, 2022MD

My Model 3 Tesla while in cruise control initiated braking while on a highway approaching an overpass. There was no obstruction on the road. I believe the cameras deduced the shadow of the overpass as an object and tried to stop. This incident has been termed ghost braking.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Feb 18, 2022CA

Phantom breaking on highways when approaching an overpass during daytime. Abrupt breaking on 5 fwy from 65mph Limit to 45 mph Limit when it is 65mph Limit.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Feb 18, 2022IA

Defrost "button" location moved with SW update. Window became fogged rapidly and I couldn't find button. Figuring out how to locate the button, even though I had read update notes about moving button, took several seconds causing me to focus on car touch screen rather than road much longer than it should. I missed my turn because of this and could have easily run a traffic control sign/signal or drifted out of my lane, but I am experienced enough to know to glance up from the screen frequently even while searching for button. I waited a couple months to file this complaint figuring I would just need to get used to the new button placement, but I am thoroughly convinced the button needs to have 1 touch access on the touch screen as it did before, not opening a separate climate menu.

Electrical System › Adas › Autonomous/Self Driving › SoftwareCrash
Filed Feb 18, 202227,140 milesCA

The contact owned a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at 57 MPH during rainy weather conditions, when hitting a puddle the vehicle then drastically slowed down and fishtailed veering to the left. As a result, the contact crashed into the divider. The air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a AAA center where it was confirmed a total loss. The contact mentioned that the failure could be related to Phantom Braking. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 27,140. It was determined that there was no phantom braking at the time of the accident. Consumer stated he would like to withdraw the complaint.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 17, 2022IL

I start noticing when you stop at stop light or traffic light and soon you start drive and before it’s get speed it’s break for second you feel and notice something stop for second and this start happening since last 10 days

Air Bags
Filed Feb 17, 202250,100 milesAZ

The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that the air bags deployed without impact. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was sent to the manufacturer who was investigating the failure however, no resolution had been made. The vehicle had not been repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 50,100.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 17, 2022NY

I was driving on a straight local street going around 40mph when all of a sudden, the car baked hard without the presence of any other cars or obstacles. This may have happened several times already and I am now reading that other people had similar incidences.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 17, 2022NJ

This is related to the latest recall for Tesla unnecessary braking and acceleration on the highways . This happens to me a few times while I am on autopilot the car would suddenly break and accelerate right after .

Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
Filed Feb 16, 2022MN

Q: What component or system failed or malfunctioned... A: Summary: When using the car seat forward facing and in a configuration acceptable for forward facing as outline in the product manual, specifically when using the vehicle safety belt, the car seat harness can get tangled and interlocked with the vehicle safety belt, preventing the car seat harness from being tightened fully and also damaging the vehicles safety belt in the process. See attached images, videos, and transcript with Clek Support for more information. Q: ... and is it available for inspection upon request? A: Yes Q: How was the child’s safety put at risk? Had I not noticed the issue by checking the tightness of the harness on my child's shoulders, I could have incorrectly believed that my child was securely fastened in the car seat. An inattentive parent or one that doesn't frequently check the tightness of the shoulder straps, could believe, if they were to pull the harness tightening strap and it were to stop, that their child was secure when in fact the harness could be tangled with the vehicle safety belt and the child not being secured in the car seat. Additionally, over time the vehicle seat belt could become damaged enough to where it no longer can serve its purpose adequately in securing the car seat to the vehicle. Q: Has the car seat been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A: Clek support has been contacted and all details were provided but they are claimi

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 11, 2022VA

My concern is regarding the backup cameras on the car. While backing up the drivers rely on the backup and side view cameras to be aware of surroundings. Currently the camera skips frames or freezes and are is no longer reliable making it dangerous to backup vehicle while relying on the screen. There are multiple forums with similar complaints yet the manufacture states there is no current fix for this problem. This issue has been going on for almost a year.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Feb 11, 2022OR

My radar-capable Tesla Model 3 is in the FSD beta program. As part of the program, Tesla disabled radar functionality. Unfortunately on vision the car brakes aggressively (10+ mph decrease) approximately one time per five miles on the local undivided highways of Central Oregon. This is not safe for me or for other drivers. I have contacted Tesla repeatedly to opt out of the FSD beta program and reenabled radar, but they have not responded. Customer service and service centers are not empowered to fix the situation. This situation puts me and other drivers at risk and could be easily remedied by Tesla by adding a process for FSD beta program removal. Clearly their current approach is not working.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 4, 2022MN

Every time I am on a two lane road, and sometimes even on divided highways, I experience numerous instances where the car seems to think there is an imminent collision, where the brakes are immediately applied excessively and for seemingly no reason. This issue is present with either the FSD beta engaged or simply having cruise control engaged at all. The issue is far worse at night, and in a 1 hour drive it is likely to happen several times. In addition to the above, the car also forces the auto high beams back onto auto when re-engaging the system after I've had to take control to stop it from stopping or swerving unnecessarily. Since the auto high beams are really bad, the car often will flash oncoming drivers on its own, and again for seemingly no reason. I usually remember to disable it every time, but have also forgotten and flashed oncoming drivers due to this as well. In addition to the above, the FSD system will make swerves that make no sense at times as well. For instance, it turned into what it thought to be the turning lane a block early, but maintained speed for the actual intended turn. When it saw the lines ending, it abruptly made a 90 degree turn a block early as it didn't know what to do. While I feel competent enough to be MORE alert than an average driver should expect to be when driving, I feel it is a matter of time, if it hasn't already happened, where Teslas cause a rear end accident, injury, or even death, from their seemingly random and sudden movem

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Filed Feb 4, 2022FL

While driving with autopilot engaged (adaptive cruise control + automatic braking) the vehicle abruptly slams on the brakes even when there is no vehicle or objects in its path.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Feb 3, 2022TX

Wiper don't work as expected on auto, and changing setting on the screen it's very dangerous in severe weather as you need to click the button, look to the screen while visibility almost zero and choose the speed while driving. This is very unsafe and almost I make accidents because of that. Solution is to let users change speed from steering scroll after hit the physical button on the indicators stick.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 3, 2022CA

Location: 5 Fwy North (Solana Beach area) Situation: 5pm Rush hour traffic. Speed 30- 40mph Incident: Emergency braking system engaged for no reason resulting in all 4 wheels locking up. Scared the s#!t out of me but no injury or accident. No warning lamps or messages before the incident. Outcome: Looked like an idiot to my fellow commuters. When I arrived home I turned off the feature and never used it again. No inspections.

Steering
Filed Feb 2, 2022TX

Two problems 1. vehicle breaks randomly on the road when on assisted driving is enabled on freeways 2. new vehicle steering makes creaking/ clicking noise when turning. reported to tesla and vehicle was repaired, but same issue again.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Feb 1, 2022OH

Since the last software update, it became twice as complicated to start the windshield defogger, because the button that was previously always on the screen, was relocated one level deeper and takes that much longer to keep our eyes off the road. This is unsafe.

Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection
Filed Jan 18, 2022TX

Automatically activated Blind Spot camera system view is filled over 50% with glare from blinker while driving at night. This renders the driver safety feature unusable during nighttime driving and creates additional driver distraction with the bright light flashing on the vehicle display every time the turn signal is activated at all driving speeds.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 16, 2022CA

The screen on my Tesla fails routinely (everyday) while driving and then reboots after about 3 minutes. This happens abruptly with no warning. Tesla has told me (verbally) that it was reproduced in their service location in Palo Alto. During this time, I have no idea of my speed or any other vehicle status, such as lane keeping, collision warning, navigation, heating, etc. I have tried to remedy this issue with Tesla service repeatedly over two months, and the interactions have been unsatisfactory. Tesla does not seem to appreciate the potential seriousness of this issue and the risk to ourselves and others. Tesla Service at Sunnyvale, CA, encouraged me to continue driving, even though I pointed out the risk of "driving blind". My family is very wary of this vehicle now.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 11, 2022CA

Tesla implemented a software "update" 2021-12-24 and removed basic functions making driving in everchanging CA weather a hazard. Both Front and Rear defrost buttons were constantly across the bottom bar of the touchscreen in the car before the software update on 2021-12-24. After the software update, the functions have been removed from the ever-present bottom bar. Because the touchscreen is the only way to turn on the defrost, this is a hazard. Now istead of simply pressing a button on the bottom of the screen, you have to press the car, then go to "climate" then turn on defrost. This is now a 2 or 3 step process. The other way to turn on defrost is to "Swipe" up on the temperature, and this (if the climate control is off) will automatically turn ON the climate control. On the new screen, I then have to hit "climate off" and also "defrost on". This is unsafe. Standard functions such as: Volume, Temperature Control, Defrost should be a SINGLE PRESS away, not hidden behind several menus. Attachments Description: OLDUI.PNG this is the OLD User Interface. Notice bottom bar on bottom of "Screen" I have circled the defrost buttons in pink. NEWUI.PNG this is NEW User Interface. Notice the bottom bar now does not have the defrost buttons, but instead a "Toybox", Phone, and other icons that have nothing to do with driving a car.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 9, 2022MN

Heating in the vehicle suddenly stops working in cold weather. I have been in the midst of a drive home in sun zero temperatures where I lose heat from my climate control and the cabin temperature plummets very quickly

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jan 6, 2022NC

The most recent OTA update, V11, poses a severe safety risk and potential for future incidents. The update has moved visibility/safety activation into sub-menu's requiring the driver to take their eyes off the road for longer periods of time and search for these controls while the vehicle is moving. The main safety feature which is no linger available on the main screen is defrost, but other controls such as climate control, seat heating, TPMS, and more are now 2-3 clicks/swipes away when they used to be one. Not only does it take 5-10 seconds to turn on the defroster which could be deadly in the event of a quickly fogging windshield, but one has to then take their eyes off the road to adjust all of the other climate functions that come on automatically by simply activating the defrost, such as a/c, seat heaters, etc. There is also no fan speed control to defrost, so on a very cold day if one does not want the defrost blowing at full power (very loud) the entire time they are driving they must keep toggling the touch button on and off, each instance requiring 2-4 clicks/swipes and 5-10 seconds of taking eyes off the road.

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Filed Dec 30, 202118,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that the manufacturer had provided a new software update for the vehicle. The contact stated that the update made it difficult to use some functions. The contact was concerned that he had to take his eyes off the road to use the windshield wipers, defroster, and other features. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000. The VIN was not available.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Dec 30, 2021CO

Software Update Version 11 makes it dangerous to drive when the front and/or back windshield fogs up. Getting the defogger to turn on requires multiple attempts to find icons and then more icons and then more options while attempting to drive the car (or pull over out of traffic to hunt down the defrost "button".) My windshield fogged up in a matter of seconds and it was impossible to SEE who was ahead of me, see the road, or get pulled over to avoid an accident while I struggled to find the software "button" hidden deep in the menus/screens somewhere. Also, blind spot warning camera is DANGEROUS. It requires the driver to look away from the road and traffic, attempt to interpret complex visual data, and make a split-second decision (all while driving is traffic). It's way WORSE than not having the distraction at all. I love my Model 3, but someone needs to reign-in Tesla and keep them from forcing owners to drive their cars in an UNSAFE manner.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Dec 27, 2021CA

Update 2021.44.25.2 hid the defrost, defog, windshield wiper controls. these are safety concerns for me. the update also hid the seat heaters which is irritating but only a safety concern if i get cold and become distracted.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 27, 2021FL

Tesla's new user interface / software to navigate the screen (adjust climate, radio, seats, vehicle settings, odometer, trip settings, etc.) has been destroyed in their latest update. Their cars are now too complicated to drive and pose a serious safety risk as drivers are trying to adjust simple controls in their vehicles which now require much more focus and effort to adjust. Tesla needs to revert their changes to their user interface.

Suspension
Filed Dec 15, 2021CA

The left front lower control arm came loose while I was getting out of my garage. The vehicle immediately became undrivable.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Dec 9, 2021PA

During autopilot driving on highway, the car applied the brakes hard 2 times during my drive for no apparent reason. I was fortunate that no one was close behind me. This is a significant safety hazard.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Nov 29, 2021CA

This is my primary car and I have been driving the Model 3 for more than an year. The side view mirrors provide very limited visibility. It doesn't provide the necessary field of view needed for safe driving. Many a time I find myself missing a car in the side lane when I turn my head. My spouse will not drive the car for same reason. The mirrors itself is very small and so is the viewing angle coverage. For context, I often travel for work and drive numerous different rentals cars - I have never felt this issue on other cars. I sincerely feel something is wrong with Tesla Model 3 side mirrors. I also the feel the same way about the rear view mirror. It is small and has to precisely adjusted. It is however less of a safety issue compared to the side view mirror.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Nov 16, 2021WA

We have two Tesla Model 3s - 2019 and 2020. Both vehicles are experiencing increased issues with phantom braking where the car unexpectedly applies the brakes for no apparent reason when using cruise control or AutoPilot. Often times the braking is sever and abrupt. There have been incidents where we were nearly rear ended by the car behind us because of this. This is a major safety issue and I am asking the NHTSA to investigate.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 15, 2021CA

Tesla model 3 is a cat death trap. There is a large platform cats can easily crawl into. . Cats jump out of the moving car when it's too late. Over two years period, two of my cats were killed the exact same way. When I took the car to the Tesla service center, they refused to even take a look and diagnose the issue. Tesla needs to provide a fix for owners with cats or even have neighbors with cats. I'm attaching a picture showing the space with cat hair still stuck to it. The car behind me almost hit me when I tried to suddenly stop when I saw the cat jumping out. Cats died anyways.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 15, 2021MI

On three occasions while driving on the expressway the vehicle slammed on the brakes while TACC was enabled. One occasion the vehicle behind me had to swerve onto the shoulder to avoid hitting my vehicle. There was no threat or obstacles in the road, it was totally random. I’m afraid to use TACC and have no option for traditional speed based cruise on my vehicle.

Forward Collision Avoidance › WarningsCrash
Filed Nov 14, 2021TX

June 2021 I had an accident while Tesla Auto Pilot was engaged. I was paying complete attention to the road, there was vehicle merging to the highway from right. Neither Tesla slows down neither it have any warning and vehicle collided. Tesla Auto Pilot is misleading, and have serious safety concerns. I reported this issue to Tesla, its been months I have not heard back. I am enclosing the incident video below. https://youtu.be/orB5qq3XsJU I will be happy to share more details. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 29, 2021CA

The casing that the batteries are covered in will sometimes "pop" during charging or preconditioning events. I think it's made from AL and the temperature increase during cold days causes this pop. This may cause high cycle fatigue in colder climates while the vehicle is being charged constantly.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Oct 28, 2021AL

After getting a shingles vaccination and eating lunch, a vaccine side-effect suddenly caused me to become extremely sleepy while driving. But AutoPilot drove me safely to my destination parking lot where I took a two hour nap. AutoPilot saved my life and car from an accident.

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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