What 26 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Tesla Model 3 Bev

I am writing to file a formal safety complaint against Tesla, Inc. regarding a software update failure that has disabled legally required vehicle functions on my Tesla for over two years. For more than 26 months, my vehicle has been unable to complete a software update through Tesla's over-the-air (OTA) update system. As a direct result of this failure, my vehicle's display screen does not function for the first several minutes of every drive. This prevents me from accessing my speedometer, turn signals, and other legally required safety features, rendering the vehicle non-compliant with federal and state motor vehicle safety standards during this period. I have made multiple documented attempts to resolve this issue through Tesla's customer support channels over the course of these two years. Despite these efforts, the issue remains unresolved. Tesla has now informed me that resolving the defect will require a paid service visit — despite the fact that the failure originates within Tesla's own software update infrastructure, not from any action or negligence on my part. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this matter on the following grounds: 1. The software defect disables legally required vehicle safety functions, including the speedometer, turn signals, hazard lights, and more. 2. The defect has persisted for over two years despite repeated good-faith efforts by the vehicle owner to resolve it through the manufacturer. 3. Tesla's OTA update system is manufacturer-controlled infrastructure. A failure within that system constitutes a manufacturer defect, not a maintenance issue. 4. Tesla is requiring payment from the consumer to correct a defect in their own systems. I believe this issue may not be isolated to my vehicle and could affect other Tesla owners experiencing similar OTA update failures. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether a broader safety defect exists and whether a recall or corrective action is warranted.

NHTSA ODI 11726794

Back windshield spontaneously cracked from the heat.

NHTSA ODI 11537263

The contact owns a 2017 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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11481876

On August 9th, 2021 I was traveling on Interstate 40, in NC, at MM 103 at approximately 70 mph. when with no warning the Main Control Unit (MCU) went blank. Adaptive Cruise control, speedometer were not operable or could not be seen. The MCU reset after a brief (5 second) pause. I immediately placed a service request for August 25th with Tesla. Tesla updated the firmware and performed standard maintenance on August 25th. See attached screenshots. On October 26th, at approximately 505 in the afternoon, I was traveling on I-40, in NC, at 70 mph when again the MCU went out but did not reset itself and remaind blank for the remainder of my trip, approximately 20 minutes. During this time adaptive cruise control, speedometer, turn signals, wipers and lane assit features were inoperable. I was able to complete my travel that afternoon in the car. On October 28th, I placed a service request for November 9th, with Tesla and shared the video I had of the incident. Tesla investigation into the incident indicated "We have concluded the investigation and found the crash (MCU) to be related to a current firmware bug that is known by our engineering team. We do not yet have a timeline when it will be fixed." This indiactes that Tesla knew of the issue with the firmware and has not resolved it. On Nov 2nd, 2021, Tesla cancled my November 9th, request for service due to software issue. I immediately reopened the claim, requesting the MCU be replaced and the newest version of software and driver safety features be installed I have not heard from Tesla about a resolution.

NHTSA ODI 11439164