What 592 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Tesla Model 3 Bev

My 2019 tesla model 3, with 41158 miles, started making a strange noise when I turned the steering wheel left or right. I scheduled service at a tesla service center. The tesla technician confirmed the noise from the upper control arms. They replaced the pair of upper control arms. After test driving the vehicle and putting the car on the lift the technician verified additional noises coming from the steering rack. The technician stated the left inner tie rod attached to the rack was also loose and since they both come together as a singular component they recommended replacement. There has been no warning lamps or messages about the problem. When I noticed the noise I scheduled the appointment. My concern is the possible steering failure if the problem isn't addressed immediately

NHTSA ODI 11554544

Suspension lateral links attached to subframe became loose causing the lateral links to separate from the sub-frame. Wheel alignment shifted causing instability, which adversely impacted vehicle controllability and nearly caused a collision while driving. Problem was inspected, reproduced, and confirmed by the dealer/manufacturer/service center. Before the failure occurred, the primary symptoms were abnormal noises from steering/suspension area. Service center attempted to address these noises by inspecting and retightening the bolts, but unfortunately, this action did not resolve the issues and, eventually lead to a failure of the suspension system. It should be noted that parking brake functions and vehicle hold feature may have been affected by this failure. This incident may be associated with with the following recalls, NHTSA Recall: 23V-235 or Manufacturer Recall: SB-23-31-001. However, my VIN does not appear to be included.

NHTSA ODI 11553170

Loss of steering power while driving on the highway. Came out of nowhere

NHTSA ODI 11552958

The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while parked, the valet could not drive the vehicle out of the parking garage because the steering wheel was firm. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,359.

NHTSA ODI 11539720

Loud squeaking noise inside cabin while driving started immediately after warranty expires and software update. Steering shakes with bumps. Almost felt like something is falling apart. Tesla service said known problem and since out of warranty customer will be charged. Wonder why all problems started immediately after warranty expires. Pls investigate if this part ( control arms and suspension) cause any safety issues. Also, software updates should be investigated as well.

NHTSA ODI 11536211

Recently I have been receiving warnings from my Tesla after hitting a pothole or bump in the road. ABS is disabled, power steering is disabled, power brake assist is disabled, forward collision warning and driver assistance features are all disabled. Upon a service visit to Tesla, they found that a fault within the ABS sensor circuit triggers these faults until the car is parked and shuts off to complete a reset cycle. Tesla claimed that this ABS cable was improperly placed and has caused damage to the sensor cable.

NHTSA ODI 11535800

At just 10 days over 4 years of ownership, which is out of warranty, and at about 44,360 miles, I noticed noise when going over small bumps, moving from stop to go and while turning the steering wheel. It appears that the upper control arm, a recall on about 3000 Tesla Model 3 and Y, was the culprit. I contacted the service center and right away, over the Tesla Mobile App, the knew it was the control arm going bad. They said it was safe to drive, however, it is a bit scary to hear the squeaking and noises when driving and turning the steering wheel, especially at highway speeds. The problem was fixed by Tesla's service center, however, because I was 10 days or so out of my 4 year/50,000 miles warranty, I was charged about $190 for the repair. I feel that since this is a know issue and has happened to many other non-recalled vehicles by Tesla, this would/should be a know defect and safety concern that should have been repaired under warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11518766

Front upper control arm is failing, making an awful noise and can be felt grinding inside the car while driving. Reported to Tesla service and they denied the repair. It is a known issue, they need to recall all effected vehicles for repair.

NHTSA ODI 11487396

Broken control arms

NHTSA ODI 11485027

Yesterday I had the most frightening driving experience of my entire life. It was raining heavily and I was going about 35 mph on the local road in my model 3 standard, 3 years old. Suddenly I lost all traction and was slipping side to side +/-90 degrees from the direction of traffic. I immediately took my foot off the accelerator and tried to slow down but didn’t brake. I swung 180 degrees each way about 5 times. Luckily no one hit me but I was taking up all lanes as I careened all over the road. I can’t believe how easily the model 3 loses traction in the rain. This is unacceptable.

NHTSA ODI 11477733

I was driving with my 5 yo in a car. We had to swerve to miss a truck pulling out in front of us, and when we swerved slightly, the systems of the car shut down. I could not drive the car to get us out of the middle of the road, but I also could not put the car into park. In order to prevent the car from rolling down the hill with my daughter and I inside, I had to keep my foot on the break. The emergency flashers also did not work, so there was a material risk of being rear ended. The AC also stopped working. It was 100+ degrees outside. The doors and windows did not work, so we were trapped in a hot car, in the middle of the road, without emergency flashers. Tesla Roadside refused to come. They also refused to help me because the car was in my husband's name. My 5 yo daughter and I could have died either of suffocation or by collision.

NHTSA ODI 11473540

You have many reports of Tesla Model 3 ball joint failures. The ball joints are failing due to lack of lubrication. If an owner complains enough Tesla will squirt some lube in and reseal with silicon goop. Owners are even DIYing with WD40. Here is a Tesla in the junkyard with upperball-joint popped apart and all other ball-joints busted. https://www.iaai.com/VehicleDetail/33393366~US Just wondering when you might get around to demanding a recall. Thanks Your friend Keef. Say Hello to Elon for me.

NHTSA ODI 11461981

On 3/28/22 at 4:01 pm, while in parking lot traffic traveling 2-3 mph, the vehicle lost propulsion, and steering. The vehicle's audible warnings sounded and displayed a series of errors ranging from tire pressure to driver assistance features not being available. The vehicle struggled to move and had steering as stiff as a vehicle without power steering all four tires flat. I backed it into a parking space and conducted a hard re-start using the steering wheel buttons. After a few minutes the vehicle rebooted and continued as normal. A service appointment with Tesla was made immediately. On 4/15/22 Tesla conducted a remote diagnostic and submitted a repair estimate to me in preparation for a 4/16/22 repair. The estimate was for the amount of $757. This amount appears to be related to my vehicle being 3,000 miles past the bumper-to-bumper 50,000 mile warranty. The invoice states Tesla will conducting the following: Correction: Sensor - Wheel Speed -ABS - Rear - RH (Remove & Replace); Correction: Hub - Rear - RH (Remove & Replace); Correction: Hub - Rear LH (Includes Alignment Check) (Remove & Replace). Lastly the invoice lists the HUB ASSY as the part being replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11460948

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.

NHTSA ODI 11450036

Steering wheel locks up on my 2019 Tesla three it has done this two days in a row the car was and the customer service shop for seven days they text me told me the car was to be picked up and was all fixed I went to the Tesla dealership in Orlando to get my car when they try to retrieve my car from the shop the wheel froze again they gave me another loaner car. Estimate time to be referred for this problem is seven days The days that this problem has occurred August 31 September 1 September 10 2021

NHTSA ODI 11432526

squeaky sounds and shaking steering control due to the front 2 wheels upper control arm ball joints lost the lubrication. extremely laud squeaky sounds, the squeaky sounds is similar to car that about to fall apart in movies. resulting the model 3 driver has to be on high alert all time, scared if the wheels will fall apart or the steering will be out of control or difficult to control.

NHTSA ODI 11421183

YET ANOTHER TESLA IN THE JUNKYARD HTTPS://EREPAIRABLES.COM/SALVAGE-CARS-AUCTION/TESLA/MODEL+3/VID-43698899 NOT IN A CRASH. FRONT SUSPENSION SIMPLY FALLEN TO BITS. THE USUAL BUSTED STEERING KNUCKLE AND POPPED BALL JOINTS. I'VE SEEN SHOPPING TROLLEYS WITH STURDIER SUSPENSIONS. PLEASE GET THESE DEATH TRAPS OFF THE ROADS. YOURS EXTREMELY PERSISTENTLY KEEF

NHTSA ODI 11398627

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HAVE A LOOK AT THE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THIS TESLA WITH A SNAPPED SUSPENSION. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/39201645?TENANT=US&ROWNUMBER=8 I HAVE FILED OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME FAILURE ON OTHER MODEL TESLAS THAT SHARE THE SAME SUSPENSION PARTS. THIS IS NOT CRASH DAMAGE. THIS IS BAD MANUFACTURING. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. THANK YOU KEEF

NHTSA ODI 11398325

HERE IS A TESLA MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/39201645?TENANT=US&ROWNUMBER=8 IT HAS NOT BEEN IN A CRASH. THERE IS NO IMPACT DAMAGE AND NO AIR-BAGS DEPLOYED. THE FRONT SUSPENSION HAS SIMPLY FALLEN TO BITS. THE STEM OF THE BALL-JOINT HAS SNAPPED. THE STEERING KNUCKLE HAS BROKEN IN HALF. THE TESLA FACTORY IS A DISORGANIZED SHAMBLES. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=HF_ORMIY9TK THERE ARE MANY REPORTS OF DRUG USE BY EMPLOYEES AND MANAGEMENT. QUALITY CONTROL IS NONEXISTENT. PLEASE STOP THIS MADNESS. THANK YOU KEEF

NHTSA ODI 11398300

THIS IS A COMPLAINT ABOUT BALL-JOINT FAILURE IN TESLA MODEL 3 CARS. PLEASE NOTE THAT I HAVE USED THE VIN OF ANOTHER TESLA TO FILE THIS COMPLAINT SINCE THE VIN OF THE CAR IN QUESTION IS UNAVAILABLE. MANY OWNERS ARE COMPLAINING ON THE FORUMS THAT THEIR STEERING IS CREAKING AND THEY ARE RESORTING TO DIY REMEDIES SUCH AS PEELING BACK THE RUBBER BOOT ON THE TOP BALL JOINT AND SQUIRTING IN LUBRICANT. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY CASES WHERE THE BALL HAS EVENTUALLY WORN DOWN AND POPPED OUT OF THE SOCKET. HERE IS A THREAD DISCUSSING THIS AND THE OWNER HAS INCLUDED A PHOTOGRAPH SHOWING THE SEPARATED BALL JOINT. THIS PHOTO IS ATTACHED TO THIS COMPLAINT THREAD: HTTPS://TESLAMOTORSCLUB.COM/TMC/THREADS/WHOMPY-WHEEL-SYNDROME.221394/#POST-5355853 SNIP ***I WAS DRIVING THIS MORNING AND THE CAR STARTED TO PULL TO THE LEFT, AS IF MY TIRE HAD GONE FLAT. I PULLED OVER AND FOUND THAT SIDE OF THE CAR TO BE RESTING ON THE TIRE. I THOUGHT THE AIR SUSPENSION HAD GONE OUT IN THAT AREA, BUT AFTER HAVING IT TOWED, WE FOUND THE BALL JOINT TO HAVE FAILED. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE, I AM THANKFUL IT WASN'T MUCH WORSE. IF YOU GOOGLE WHOMPY WHEEL SYNDROME, YOU'LL SEE PLENTY OF STORIES WHERE AN ACCIDENT ENSUED AND LOTS OF DAMAGE FOLLOWED. NOW I'M JUST INTERESTED TO SEE WHAT THIS WILL COST TO FIX. GUESSING I SHOULD HAVE THE PASSENGER SIDE REPLACED, AS A PRECAUTION, AS WELL. "WHOMPY WHEELS" IS A TERM COINED AND PERPETUATED BY A LUNATIC LIVING IN AUSTRALIA.THE PICTURES ASSOCIATED WITH THAT PHRASE WERE TAKEN FROM RANDOM PICTURES THE GUY FOUND WHILE TRAWLING THE INTERNET, THAT IS NOT TO SAY PEOPLE HAVEN'T HAD SUSPENSION ISSUES, BUT "WHOMPY WHEELS" IS FUD AND THEREFORE NOT A LEGITIMATE SOURCE OF INFORMATION.**** THERE ARE MANY TESLAS SHOWING UP IN THE JUNKYARDS WITH THIS EXACT SAME FAILURE. PLEASE ACT NOW. THANK YOU. KEEF

NHTSA ODI 11397998

HERE IS A 2019 TESLA MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD. HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/53850990/PHOTOS/2019-TESLA-MODEL-3-PA-PITTSBURGH-NORTH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE IS COMPLETELY SMASHED IN. JUDGING BY THE FACT THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR-BAGS HAVE NOT DEPLOYED AND THAT THERE IS NO BLOOD SPLATTER ON THE DASHBOARD IT LOOKS AS THOUGH THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS UNOCCUPIED. THIS IS VERY FORTUNATE. TURNING NOW TO THE PROBABLE CAUSE OF THE CRASH, THE FRONT SUSPENSION IS IN PIECES. THE STEM OF THE LOWER BALL-JOINT HAS SNAPPED AND SO HAVE MOST OF THE OTHER GIBLETS. THE TIRE HAS HAD ALL THE TREAD WORN OFF. THE TREAD ON THE OTHER TIRES IS IN GOOD CONDITION. GIVEN THE KNOWN WEAKNESSES OF TESLA BALL-JOINTS AND CASTINGS THAT ARE THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL IN CHINA IT IS A NEAR CERTAINTY THAT THE SUSPENSION FELL TO BITS CAUSING THE TIRE TO BE SHREDDED AND THEN THINGS WENT FROM BAD TO WORSE. WHY DON'T YOU FOLLOW THE LEAD OF CHINA AND GET THESE JUNK-HEAPS OFF THE ROADS? YOURS IN DISGUST. KEEF

NHTSA ODI 11366782

WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT INTO MY DRIVEWAY TRAVELING ABOUT 10MPH THE STEERING COMPLETELY DISENGAGED AND WOULD SPIN COMPLETELY AROUND WITHOUT MOVING THE FRONT WHEELS AT ALL. I STOPPED AND CALLED SERVICE BEFORE HITTING ANYTHING. THE CAR IS BEING SERVICED NOW. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11324679

I PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED A CONCERN WITH THIS CAR THAT OCCURRED IN DECEMBER 2019. TESLA IN MILFORD, CT HAD THE CAR IN SERVICE FOR 23+ DAYS BECAUSE OF ERRORS WITH THE CAR: ALERT MESSAGES INCLUDED (BUT WEREN'T LIMITED TO) POWER REDUCED, FRONT MOTOR DISABLED, ETC. THE CAR KEPT POWERING OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND THE BRAKES AND STEERING MALFUNCTIONED. TESLA ULTIMATELY DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A "SHORTED PENTHOUSE HARNESS." TWO WEEKS AFTER RECEIVING THE CAR BACK, THE ERROR MESSAGES REAPPEARED. THE CAR BROKE DOWN AGAIN AND HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO TESLA IN MILFORD, CT. WHILE TESLA INDICATED THAT THE PRIOR ISSUES WERE RESOLVED, THEY OBVIOUSLY WEREN'T. THE CAR SHUT DOWN AGAIN WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND ALSO IN THE CITY. THE BRAKES AND STEERING DIDN'T FUNCTION PROPERLY. I RECEIVED ERROR MESSAGES INDICATING POWER REDUCED, BRAKES DISABLED, POWER STEERING DISABLED, FRONT MOTOR DISABLED, AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING DISABLED, CAR MAY BE FREE ROLLING--JUST TO NAME A FEW. THIS CAR IS UNSAFE AND UNRELIABLE. AS OF TODAY, THE CAR HAS BEEN IN SERVICE FOR 28+ BUSINESS DAYS; HOWEVER, TESLA TOLD ME THEY WORKED ON THE CAR OVER THE WEEKEND, WHICH WOULD INDICATE THE CAR HAS BEEN IN SERVICE OVER 30 DAYS.

NHTSA ODI 11308965

THE DRIVER WAS INVOLVED IN A FATAL ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE AUTO-PILOT AND/OR LANE-ASSIST FEATURES FAILED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO TRAVEL OUT OF ITS LANE AND INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHILE TRAVELING WEST ON OSCEOLA POLK LINE ROAD EAST OF SULLIVAN ROAD IN FLORIDA. THE TESLA THEN COLLIDED WITH A VEHICLE IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC, KILLING THE DRIVER OF THE TESLA. FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL AND OSCEOLA COUNTY FIRERESCUE INVESTIGATED.

NHTSA ODI 11302656

I AM MAKING THIS COMPLAINT IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC SAFETY. THERE HAS BEEN A TESLA MODEL 3 CRASH IN RUSSIA. HTTPS://WWW.THESUN.CO.UK/NEWS/9700731/TESLA-CAR-EXPLODES-AUTOPILOT-FAILURE-DRIVER-TRUCK-RUSSIA/ IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER AUTOPILOT OR DRIVER DISTRACTION WAS THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH THE BATTERIES LITERALLY EXPLODED. THIS IS AN ORDER OF MAGNITUDE WORSE THAN THE MODEL S AND X FIRES. ** I HAVE USED THE VIN OF ANOTHER MODEL 3 WHICH IS IN A WRECKING YARD** THIS IS NOT DONE IN ANY FRAUDULENT WAY. IT IS DONE IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH YOUR WEBSITE DESIGN. IT IS NEAR IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE RUSSIAN OWNER TO NEGOTIATE YOUR SITE AND FILE A COMPLAINT SO I HAVE TAKEN THE LIBERTY OF FILING ON HIS BEHALF.

NHTSA ODI 11243132