Home · 2018 Tesla Model 3 Bev · Complaints

What 982 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Tesla Model 3 Bev

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (982)Crash / fire / injury (114)Driver assistance (199)Electrical system (166)Suspension (166)Airbags (134)Seat belts (100)Speed control (89)Brakes (86)Steering (76)Seats (70)Visibility & wipers (60)

76 of 982 complaints match · Steering · clear filters · page 3 of 4

Jun 26, 2023SteeringSuspension

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.

NHTSA ODI 11528960

May 1, 2023SteeringSuspension

I received a message on the cars screen Steering alignment service recommended On the drivers side 2 bolts fell out at low speed which we picked up behind the vehicle. Using a jack one of the bolts was reinstalled to allow it to be driven onto a tow truck. I researched and found you had a recall on 2018 model 3 for bolts coming loose. It appears my vin was not part of this recall . I feel it should have been obviously as they must have worked themselves loose to fall out. I discussed this with Tesla service and they are quoting me $2500 for repairs because my vin was not included in the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11519905

Apr 25, 2023SteeringSuspensionSeat belts

I purchased this car used 12/05/2022. The seatbelt /driverside, doesn't catch on sudden stops, lurching me forward. I've almost hit the steering wheel with my face and head. Tesla says they are not responsible for replacing seatbelt. I have to pay for it. I don't know previous owners knew about this issue prior to selling it , but according to tesla, this issue doesn't fall with in their purview. Also the sealed control arm bushings on steering are squealing & after squeaking 10,000 miles of my driving this car and purchase. That too isn't covered.

NHTSA ODI 11518957

Apr 23, 2023Steering

I drive a 2018 Tesla, Model 3 mid range rear wheel drive vehicle. On Saturday, April 22, at approximately 5:10 pm, while driving on east bound on interstate 264 in Norfolk, Virginia, my car suddendly began swerving wildly from left to right. It nearly missed the median on the left and then swerved into the lane next to me on the right. It repeated this about 6 times before it allowed me to regain control of my car. I attempted with my best efforts to counter turn the steering wheel to no avail. During this time, I tried to control the vehicle, although the car's software was in control. It was frightening. If I had been on a two lane road, this could have resulted in a fatal head on collision. If there had been a pedestrian / bicyclist on the road the car that decided to drive itself could have struck a vulnerable person fatally. When I called Tesla service to report the incident, they did a quick review of the cars data and said there was some issues reported from the cars cameras. I asked for the root cause and for some reassurance that this would not happen again. I was told that sometimes the auto pilot cameras have issues and I may need to reboot the system to correct it. I was told that I should restart the software periodically as a preventive measure. I checked the owners manual, and found no mention of restarting the software regularly as preventive maintenance. Regardless of a reboot issue, a fatality could have occurred in a split moment, this dangerous event should never happen, amd a system should be in place to prevent this type of vehicle terror to never happen again. Thanks again!

NHTSA ODI 11518559

Jan 17, 2023SteeringSuspensionBody & structure

I was driving the car about 35-40 MPH when I heard a popping sound. The steering immediately locked up and the car was undrivable and unsteerable. I looked around car and the body of the car was resting on top of the front right passenger side tire. A bolt was found underneath the car. There were no vehicle system warnings, I did not hit anything, nor has the car been in any accidents. The car could not even be put into neutral or moved out of the 4 lane road. I contacted police and tow truck who said swing arm had failed. I had four children in the car who could have been seriously or fatally injured. Tesla has been contacted but said it isnt their problem or a manufacturing problem although there is lots of reports on internet and they have issued a recall for this very problem on other models. I am very concerned about this safety issue that needs to be addressed since it is potentially very dangerous.

NHTSA ODI 11502185

Dec 12, 2022Steering

Car was steering properly when parked Dec 4th. Car sat for 5 days from Dec 5 until Dec 10 while we were out of town. Car was plugged in as recommended by Tesla during that time. On Dec 11 the screen information indicated the following "Steering Assist Reduced". No steering assist was available. Armstrong Steering was required to deliver to the service center. Any senior person with less than adequate strength requiring power steering would have difficulty safely driving the car. I noticed a recall or Model S and X for similar complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11497148

Nov 5, 2022SteeringSuspension

Lateral and Comp Links Failed and Upper Control Arms Failed causing steering issues. Car has barely been driven and shouldn’t require repairs to these parts so early in its life.

NHTSA ODI 11492429

Aug 19, 2022SteeringSuspensionWheels

Vehicle developed a loud squeak coming from driver’s side front wheel well that sounded like a something vibrating or rubbing a spring at ~54300 miles. Reported issue to Tesla via the Tesla app. Tesla’s recommended solution is to replace both the right and left Upper Control Arm. Further research found that this is a widespread problem reported by Tesla owners on the web. Indeed when I was at the Tesla Service Center the women in line in front of me was bring in her vehicle for the same problem. The upper control arms include a ball joint that needs to be lubricated. This vehicle’s upper control arms DO NOT have a built in means to lubricate that joint like a Zerk fitting. The vehicle is available for inspection. The safety issue here is a defective and/or poorly designed part which if left un-lubricated would likely experience water intrusion, corrosion and possible catastrophic failure – maybe breaking at speed. Our vehicle has lost lubricant at the ball joint given the noise and is likely susceptible to/experiencing water intrusion. Also found “SB-20-31-006 Service Bulletin Reseal Front Upper Control Arm Ball Joints”, but this curiously does not include our vehicles VIN. My suspicion is our Upper Control Arm has a different part number than the Upper Control Arm in SB-20-31-006 but is likely a very similar part. My concern is part number whack-a-mole is taking place. Tesla did not even have to inspect the car to know what the problem was. No other parties have inspected the part and no warnings, alerts, messages or other symptoms have occurred except for the horrible noise.

NHTSA ODI 11480098

Apr 20, 2022SteeringSuspension

Hello. I am writing this report to describe a dramatic decrease in steering responsiveness and vehicle front-end control over my ownership of this car from new. Over about the last year, I have noticed that the steering and handling of the vehicle is not nearly as composed as it was when new. Today, the car has difficulty staying centered in the lane. This unsteadiness is especially evident at Interstate speeds (60-75mph) while the car enters a curve and experiences suspension loading. It feels loose and floaty, almost like the toe is changing while mid-corner. This results in "hunting" or back-and-forth steering inputs just to stay on center. Furthermore, any type of road imperfection causes dramatic bump steer. This culminates into white-knuckled grip driving, since the car will sharply pull out of its driving line. Performance driving, long road trips, or higher-speed cruising are no longer possible with this uncertain steering. Safety is somewhat impacted and the driving and ownership experience is dramatically diminished. For example, a new driver has difficulty with this car due to the ambiguous steering. Over the year this issue has continued, the car has been inspected exactly one dozen times, nine visits to various area Tesla Service Centers and three to reputable and performance-oriented suspension shops. They have confirmed some type of pulling but have yet to adequately resolve the issue. Across all service visits, I have requested and completed replacements of many front-end parts: solid lower control arm bushings, upper control arms, and wheel hubs. Also, a dozen alignments, few balances, and new tires. I have attempted to make an appointment with Tesla for a rack-and-pinion replacement, but they continue to serve alignment estimates and show a lack of willingness to truly troubleshoot my issue. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance. There have been no warning messages related to steering hardware, computer, or control systems.

NHTSA ODI 11461558

Mar 7, 2022Steering

Started hearing noises in left wheel well and notifications of stability control disabled and alignment issues. We scheduled an appointment, but were told it was safe to drive. As I was picking up my son, the left wheel locked up and the car had to be towed to Tesla Service Center. Problem is exactly as the recall issues for the 2019 Model 3 and Y recall.

NHTSA ODI 11455634

Jan 15, 2022SteeringSuspension

I own a 2018 Tesla Model 3. On December 1st, 2021 I heard a clunk in the front left wheel area while backing up. I stopped and found a 3 inch long 1/2 inch diameter bolt on the ground. I had my vehicle towed to the Tesla service center. They claimed that this was not associated to the recall for similar failure on 2019 and 2020 vehicles, but they extended the warranty and replaced the entire front end suspension system. Specifically, they claimed that this is not a safety issue, but they did me a "favor" by servicing this under warranty. The repair was exactly the same as the recall on the 2019 and 2020 Tesla model 3 cars. Then on January 14, 2022 I was driving over a very low speed bump and the entire right front end dropped. After inspection, it was visible that the same bolt that had dropped out of the left front tie rod had dropped out of the right front tie rod, but this time more catastrophically. Luckily, I was in a parking lot and driving slowly, but if I had hit a pothole on the highway 5 minutes earlier, it almost certainly would have cost me my life or severe injury. The tow truck driver noted that the bolt was only screwed in for less than 1/2 inch and there was no locktite on the bolt. I had the vehicle towed to the closest Tesla service center. I gave them the dropped bolt. I have not yet heard the resolution from Tesla. My biggest fear is that this is also a systemic issue on the 2018 Tesla Model 3 and it is not being addressed by Tesla. At this point in time, I am in fear of driving my vehicle whether they repair it successfully or not. Please advise me on how to protect myself on this issue. I am afraid that the repair technicians do not properly know how to repair this "clear" safety issue.

NHTSA ODI 11447588

Apr 16, 2021SteeringSuspension

DURING LOW SPEED, BOLTS BECAME LOOSE AND COMPLETELY DROPPED OUT OF LOWER CONTROL ARM CAUSING ONE WHEEL TO VEER TO THE RIGHT. VERY CONCERNING THAT CRITICAL STEERING COMPONENTS DO NOT HAVE A CASTLE NUT AND COTTER PIN, IF THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN HIGH-SPEED THERE COULD HAVE BEEN LOSS OF LIFE. TESLA IS FAILING TO ADDRESS CONCERNS OF SAFETY, THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER REPORTS OF THESE BOLTS COMING LOOSE.*DT Consumer concerned about the noise and vibration while driving and brought the car in for inspection on 9/1/20 to a Tesla dealer. Dealer stated rim was bent which caused the vibration and the bolts became loose after an impact with a speed bump. Consumer having a hard time understanding how low speed impact could cause a grade 8 bolt to become loose.

NHTSA ODI 11408379

Apr 14, 2021SteeringSuspensionCrash

THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT SUSPENSION FAILURES IN TESLAS. THERE HAS BEEN A CRASH IN ITALY WHICH IS ALMOST CERTAINLY CAUSED BY A BROKEN SUSPENSION. THE VIN OF A JUNKYARD TESLA HAS BEEN USED TO COMPLETE THIS ONLINE SUBMISSION SINCE THE VIN OF THE CAR IS UNKNOWN. THE CRASH INJURED 2 PEOPLE. HTTPS://LADIGE.IT/TERRITORI/RIVA-ARCO/2021/04/11/RIVA-LA-LUSSUOSA-TESLA-SI-SCHIANTA-IN-GALLERIA-FERITI-UN-RAGAZZO-DI-PINZOLO-E-UNA-RAGAZZA-DI-TORBOLE-1.2884987#2 THE CRASH SCENE PHOTOGRAPHS SHOW A TESLA WITH 3 WHEELS. THE BACK WHEEL HAS FALLEN OFF. SKID MARKS ON THE ROAD SHOW ONLY 3 TIRE MARKS. THESE SKID MARKS COULD NOT HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE DRIVER INTENTIONALLY SWERVING AND BRAKING PLEASE INCLUDE THIS CRASH IN YOUR INVESTIGATION INTO TESLA SUSPENSION FAILURES. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ODI 11408001

Apr 9, 2021SteeringSuspension

THE CAR WAS PULLING VERY HARD TO THE LEFT. TOOK IT TO TESLA SERVICE CENTER. THEY GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE OF NEARLY $6000 TO REPLACE CONTROL ARMS AND BUSHINGS AND STEERING RACK ETC. THEY SAID THE PARTS WERE DAMAGED FROM "OUTSIDE INFLUENCE". WHATEVER THAT MEANS. THE CAR IS 18 MONTHS OLD AND HAS 29,000 MILES. NO ACCIDENTS OR DAMAGE EVER. THIS IS A MAJOR MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT COULD HAVE HAD DISASTROUS OUTCOMES IF I DID NOT PICK UP ON THE SYMPTOMS FIRST. THIS IS IN ABSOLUTELY NO WAY RELATED TO ANY "OUTSIDE INFLUENCE". THIS IS A DEFECT PLAIN AND SIMPLE, AND A MAJOR PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE, TO SAY THE LEAST. TESLA REFUSED TO COVER THE REPAIRS UNDER WARRANTY, AND I AM TRYING TO WORK THOUGH THE CALIFORNIA ARBITRATION PROCESS NOW. I WILL HAVE TO RENT A VEHICLE FOR WEEKS OUT OF POCKET WHILE THIS PROCESS IS PENDING.

NHTSA ODI 11407320

Aug 28, 2020SteeringSuspensionCrash

SORRY TO TROUBLE YOU AGAIN ...BUT.. HERE IS A MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/37236422?ROWNUMBER=9 THE SUSPENSION FELL OFF AND IT'S LYING ON THE GROUND. HAVE A LOOK PLEASE. THIS IS NOT GOOD. NOT GOOD AT ALL. THANK YOU. KEEF

NHTSA ODI 11351734

Jan 7, 2020SteeringElectronic Stability Control (esc)Crash

DRIVING ON THE 101 FREEWAY IN SANTA BARBARA. ROAD WAS WET AFTER A LIGHT RAIN AT AROUND 6:30AM. WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE, VERY LIGHT TRAFFIC, ON A WIDE CURVE. WAS NOT SPEEDING, ACCELERATING, BRAKING OR STEERING. WAS NOT USING AUTOPILOT. TIRES HAD 11,000 MILES AND TREAD WAS STILL GOOD. CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN SPUN OUT OF CONTROL, TURNING 180 DEGREES AND CRASHED AGAINST A CONCRETE CENTER DIVIDER. I HAVE A VIDEO SAVED FROM THE CAR'S CAMERAS OF THE ENTIRE ACCIDENT. YOU CAN SEE A CAR PRECEDING ME IN THE SAME LANE AT A SIMILAR SPEED, WAS NOT AFFECTED. WHEN DRIVING THE TESLA ON OTHER RAINING DAYS DURING THE YEAR I HAD THE SENSATION THAT THE CAR DID NOT HANDLE WELL ON WET ROADS, SLIPPING WHEN ACCELERATING. THE INSURANCE NOW OWNS THE CAR SO I DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO THE BLACK BOX BUT I KNOW THAT TESLA HAS THE DATA FROM THE CRASH WHICH THEY ARE NOT SHARING WITH ME. THE CALLED ME 10 MINUTES AFTER THE CRASH NOTING THAT I HAD CRASHED AND ASKED ME IF I WAS OK. A SHORT VIDEO OF THE CRASH IS AVAILABLE HERE: HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/GYQYXGEOT94 I HAVE VIDEO FROM THE OTHER CAMERAS TOO, AS WELL AS VIDEO FOOTAGE BEFORE THIS SEGMENT.

NHTSA ODI 11297537

Jan 6, 2020SteeringBrakesCrash

ON 11/28/19 AT AROUND 5:30-6:00AM, WHILE DRIVING ON THE 5 SOUTH FREEWAY NEAR THE ATLANTIC AVE OFF RAMP, THE CAR SWERVED TO THE RIGHT ON ITS OWN. I COULD NOT CONTROL THE CAR'IT HAD A MIND OF ITS OWN. THE BRAKES AND STEERING WHEEL DID NOT RESPOND TO ME. I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED. I DON'T KNOW IF THE SIDE CAMERA THOUGHT THE SUV WAS VEERING INTO MY LANE BECAUSE THE RAIN DISTORTED ITS VIEW OR WHAT BUT IT WAS VERY SCARY. IT WAS AS IF THE CAR WAS DRIVING ITSELF EVEN THOUGH AUTOPILOT WAS NOT ON. I COULD NOT RIGHT THE CAR AFTER THE INITIAL SWERVE, IT KEPT ON GOING, HEADING TOWARDS THE EXIT BUT ENDED UP GOING OVER AN EMBANKMENT, HEADING STRAIGHT FOR A TREE BEFORE TURNING AND SIDESWIPING IT AND COMING TO A STOP. THANK GOODNESS NO ONE WAS HURT. IT WAS STILL DARK AND IT WAS RAINING BUT NOT POURING. THE FREEWAY WAS EMPTY. I WAS IN THE 3RD LANE AND THERE WAS A BLACK SUV RIGHT NEXT TO ME IN THE LANE #2. I DID NOT SEE IT VEER INTO ME; WE WERE BOTH GOING ABOUT 70MPH IN OUR OWN LANES. I HAD BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL, NO MUSIC WAS PLAYING AND AUTOPILOT WAS NOT ON'THOUGH NAVIGATION ON AUTOPILOT WAS ACTIVATED. I CONTACTED TESLA RIGHT AWAY AND THEY TEXTED THAT THE INCIDENT TEAM AND ENGINEERING TEAM WERE LOOKING INTO IT, DOWNLOADING THE DATA (I DID NOT HAVE A USB SO I DON'T HAVE ANY RECORDING OF ANYTHING). SO FAR, I HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM THESE TESLA TEAMS AND MY CAR STILL HAS COLLISION DAMAGE AS THE TESLA REP I SPOKE WITH ADVISED ME TO WAIT ON THE FINDINGS AND NOT TO CONTACT MY INSURANCE COMPANY IN CASE THEY FIND TESLA'S AT FAULT. TESLA SERVICE CENTER DID CHECK OUT MY CAR ON 12/2/19 AND RELEASED IT TO ME, DEEMING THAT IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR IN THE RAIN WHILE IT'S DARK SINCE. I'VE JUST RECENTLY REALIZED THAT YOUR DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATES THESE TYPES OF INCIDENTS AND THOUGHT I SHOULD REACH OUT.

NHTSA ODI 11297507

Oct 10, 2019SteeringSpeed controlBrakes

MY TESLA MODEL 3 HAS A DEFECT WITH AUTOPILOT SENSORS AND SOUND. WHEN ON AUTOPILOT (ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL), THE SENSORS CAN SOMETIMES FREEZE UP AND OR FAIL, CAUSING AUTOPILOT TO CEASE FUNCTIONING AND ISSUE AN AUDIO ALERT. HOWEVER, SYSTEM SOUND (BLINKERS, NOTIFICATION ALERT SYSTEM) SOMETIMES FAILS, THUS PREVENTING THE AUTOPILOT FROM ALERTING THE DRIVER THAT IT WILL NO LONGER BE BREAKING AND OR STEERING. FOR EXAMPLE, I AM DRIVING USING THE AUTOPILOT CRUISE CONTROL, WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO STEER /BRAKE/ACCELERATE FOR ME AND INSTRUCTED TO KEEP EYES ON THE ROAD, HOWEVER, WHEN THE AUTOPILOT STOPS WORKING AS WELL AS THE AUDIO NOTIFICATION, THE DRIVER WILL NOT KNOW THAT IT HAS FAILED AND THE CAR NO LONGER BRAKES, THUS MAKING IT LIKELY TO HAVE A COLLISION. I HAVE RECORDED THE FLAWS AND DEFECTS AND HAVE IT ON VIDEO. THIS CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE, ON HIGHWAY OR ON A REGULAR ROAD. TESLA HAS BEEN UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI 11267816

Oct 9, 2019SteeringSuspensionSeats

OVER 5000 MILES OF DRIVING, THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF VIBRATION AND BUFFETING IN CAR AT ANY SPEED OVER 45MPH. TESLA SERVICE HAS HAD EIGHT OPPORTUNITIES TO RESOLVE THIS, TO NO AVAIL. THE TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED TO ELIMINATE THIS AS A POSSIBILITY, AND THE WHEELS CHECKED FOR RUNOUT - ALL MEASURE VERY GOOD. SUSPENSION COMPONENTS OR CONTROL ARMS ARE THE LIKELY CULPRITS. IN ADDITION TO THE SUSPENSION COMPONENTS FAILING AFTER LESS THAN 5000 MILES, THE DRIVERS SEATS ON MOST ALL MODEL 3 ARE LOOSE AND ROCK BACK AND FORTH, WITH TESLA SAYING IT IS 'WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS'. THIS COULD BE ANOTHER SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, AS IT IS UNCLEAR WHY THE SEAT DISTURBING BECOMES LOOSE WITH NORMAL USE. AFTER DISCUSSING WITH OTHER MODEL 3 OWNERS WITH IDENTICAL ISSUES, IT IS CLEAR THAT THIS IS A INHERENT VEHICLE / PARTS PROBLEM, AND TESLA IS DOING THE LEAST POSSIBLE TO ADDRESS THESE CONCERNS.

NHTSA ODI 11267535

Sep 19, 2019SteeringSpeed controlBrakes

THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT A NEW DEVELOPMENT IN THE TESLA AUTOPILOT EXPERIMENT. ELECTREK WHICH IS A VERY INFLUENTIAL TESLA PUBLICITY PUBLICATION HAS JUST RELEASED A HIGHLY IRRESPONSIBLE ARTICLE AND VIDEO. HTTPS://ELECTREK.CO/2019/09/19/TESLA-AUTOPILOT-V10-COMMUTE-WITHOUT-DRIVER-INTERVENTION/ THIS EVEN SHOWS THE TESLA FITTED WITH A "NAG DEFEATER" ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS IS GOING TO CAUSE OWNERS TO HAVE EVEN MORE MISPLACED CONFIDENCE IN THE AUTOPILOT AND WILL MOST CERTAINLY CAUSE MORE DEATHS. PLEASE STOP THIS DANGEROUS EXPERIMENT WHICH IS RECKLESSLY ENDANGERING INNOCENT ROAD USERS. PLEASE NOTE THAT I HAVE USED THE VIN OF A WRECKED TESLA MODEL 3 SO AS TO BE ABLE TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT. I AM NOT A TESLA OWNER BUT I HAVE TO SHARE THE PUBLIC ROADS WITH THESE LETHAL VEHICLES. THANK YOU. NOTE - DUMMY USA ADDRESS USED TO NEGOTIATE YOUR WEBSITE. CORRECT NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED WITH THIS COMPLAINT.

NHTSA ODI 11256595

Aug 20, 2019SteeringSuspension

MODEL 3 IN JUNKYARD. NOT IN A CRASH. NO AIR-BAGS GONE OFF. FRONT SUSPENSION ARM SNAPPED OFF. STEERING TIE-ROD SNAPPED OFF. TESLA SEEMS TO BE PROCURING ITS STEERING AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS FROM A PRETZEL FACTORY. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. CONCERNED CITIZEN ETC. THANK YOU. HAVE A FANTASTIC DAY.

NHTSA ODI 11245138

Aug 4, 2019SteeringSpeed control

I WAS DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON CA HWY 101 WHEN I INITIATED A LANE CHANGE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT WITH AUTOPILOT ENGAGED. AFTER BEGINNING TO MAKE THE LANE CHANGE TO THE RIGHT, THE CAR ABRUPTLY VEERED BACK INTO THE LEFT LANE, THEN SLOWLY STARTED TO MOVE BACK INTO THE RIGHT LANE. IT WAS AT THAT TIME THAT I DISENGAGED THE AUTOPILOT.

NHTSA ODI 11241562

Dec 2, 2018Steering

ON 2 OCCASIONS, WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN ENHANCED AUTO-PILOT AND ENGAGED AUTO LANE CHANGE, THE CAR STARTED CHANGING LANES, THEN ABRUPTLY SWERVED BACK INTO MY ORIGINAL LANE. ON THE FIRST OCCASION, IT IS POSSIBLE I DID NOT PUSH THE LANE CHANGE INDICATOR DOWN FAR ENOUGH. ON THE SECOND OCCASION, THIS WAS NOT THE CASE. THE INDICATOR WAS PUSHED DOWN ALL THE WAY, I LOOKED BEHIND ME AND COAST WAS CLEAR. IT'S NOT AT ALL APPARENT WHY THE CAR ABORTED THE LANE CHANGE. IT WAS RAINING. I WAS DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT, 55 MPH ON A 4-5 LANE HIGHWAY AND I WAS IN A MIDDLE LANE, CHANGING TINTO ANOTHER MIDDLE LANE. IN THE FIRST INCIDENT, I WAS DRIVING ON THE SAME HIGHWAY, NO RAIN.

NHTSA ODI 11155420

Nov 15, 2018Steering

WHILE TRAVELING ON ENHANCED AUTOPILOT AND CHANGING LANES USING THE DIRECTION STALK, I HAVE NOTED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS OCCASIONALLY SWERVED BACK INTO THE ORIGINAL LANE BEFORE COMPLETING THE LANE CHANGE. THIS HAPPENED TO ME THREE TIMES DURING MY DRIVE FROM PALM SPRINGS TO SAN DIEGO ON NOVEMBER 12. IT HAPPENED TWICE ON CHANGING TO THE LEFT LANE AND ONCE WHILE CHANGING TO THE RIGHT. ON NONE OF THESE OCCASIONS WAS A VEHICLE IN THE NEXT LANE OR ACCELERATING IN THAT LANE TOWARDS THE VEHICLE. NEEDLESS TO SAY, IT WAS A BIT ALARMING. OTHER OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THIS AS WELL AS NOTED IN HTTPS://FORUMS.TESLA.COM/FORUM/FORUMS/AUTOPILOT-RANDOM-LANE-CHANGES-AND-SWERVES.

NHTSA ODI 11151758

Jul 2, 2018SteeringAirbagsBrakes

I HAVE HAD A SERIES OF ESCALATING INCIDENTS (SEE ATTACHED PDF) THAT HAVE EACH INVOLVED THE VEHICLE DISABLING AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS), TRACTION CONTROL, PARTIAL STEERING CONTROL, REGENERATIVE BRAKING (FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE), AND MOST RECENTLY EXPERIENCED COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING FUNCTION WHILE REVERSING AS WELL AS AN ADDITIONAL WARNING THAT MY AIRBAG WAS DISABLED. INITIALLY I WAS ADVISED TO RESET MY CAR SINCE IT MAY BE A SOFTWARE GLITCH SIMILAR TO A COMPUTER OR PHONE NEEDING A RESTART. AFTER SEVERAL INCIDENTS, I WAS ADVISED TO TAKE IT TO A SERVICE CENTER WHERE I WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS A FIRMWARE ISSUES KNOWN TO TESLA, BUT EXPERIENCED A CRITICAL SHUT DOWN OF MY VEHICLE'S PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY FUNCTIONS THE NEXT DAY. I HAVE SEEN BEEN INFORMED THAT THEY HAVE REPLACED THE HIGH VOLTAGE REGULATOR AND THE WIRING HARNESS. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED AN UPDATE SINCE CONFIRMING THAT THEY BELIEVE THE LATEST REPAIR WILL MAKE THE CAR WHOLE, SAFE, AND FUNCTIONAL.

NHTSA ODI 11105184

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Working with the data? Download all 982 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 19, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2018 Tesla Model 3 Bev verdict →