What 748 owners told NHTSA about the 2022 Tesla Model 3

Phantom braking on the highway. No other vehicles in my lane or the lanes next me. Vehicle slammed on brakes and warning chime sounded

NHTSA ODI 11453144

Driving 45mph on an expressway. The wind blew apple blossoms off the trees beside the road. The posed no danger nor did they cause a visibility problem for me. The cruise control slammed on the brakes and I was nearly rear-ended.

NHTSA ODI 11453164

Vehicle brakes on cruise/autopilot for no reason occasionally

NHTSA ODI 11452981

Phantom braking on open roads. Occurrences: Twice on February 16, 2022 Twice on February 17, 2022

NHTSA ODI 11452994

Car randomly brakes while the autopilot feature is turned on, it has also happened while just in normal cruise control. Car will brake unexpectedly even in broad daylight on a straight road with no other vehicles around.

NHTSA ODI 11453024

The automatic emergency braking system activated for no reason while driving northbound at night in the right lane on MA Route 24 as I approached the intersection with MA Route 79. At the time of the incident, there were no vehicles in front of me, nor were there any vehicles entering from Route 79. The adaptive cruise control system was engaged at the time of the incident. This has happened on several occasions at that same intersection under the same conditions. It has also happened when I've been driving in the left lane on the highway and passing a tractor-trailer in the right lane. The sudden, unexpected deceleration put us in danger of being rear-ended by traffice behind us, creating the possibility of a multi-vehicle, high speed collision. The problem hasn't been reproduced or confirmed by the mfr, police or others. The vehicle has not been inspected by the mfr, police, or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure.

NHTSA ODI 11452939

Phantom Braking - Severe, very large number of instances since taking delivery of this auto in December 2021. Severe risk of rear-end collision should this occur when being followed closely. This occurs very often. On a 13 mile drive this morning, 2/19/2022, phantom braking occurred 12 times. The Tesla repair center repeatedly cancels an appointment made to address this issue, stating that 'it's normal for this to occur. Remember, autopilot is a Beta function'. The one time that I was able to have the vehicle seen by the repair center, this is what I was told. Warning chimes do sound. However, this extreme braking is unsafe, and could possibly result in loss of control if it occurs on slippery roads.

NHTSA ODI 11452969

On cruise control, on a 2 lane highway when a tall truck is coming in the opposite direction, the car breaks as if it was going to be a head on collition. I reported to Tesla service and I was told not to use cruise control in a 2 lane highway.

NHTSA ODI 11452992

I was travelling on a 2-lane road at 50 mph using the car's autopilot (adaptive cruise control). As a pick-up truck approached me in the opposite lane, the car beeped loudly and applied the emergency braking at great force, reducing the car's rate of speed from 50 to 25 mph.

NHTSA ODI 11453031

When cruise is turned on the wipers turn on. This was their response. Hello Dominic, This is Ken from Tesla virtual service center. We have been getting some push back on the most recent update doing what you are saying regarding autopilot/autowipers. Our auto wipers and sensors with our windshields need improvement and is still in beta. I am not sure why the factory has decided to lock in the auto wipers function during autopilot for that reason on last months firmware update. Your comments along with others have been reported back to the factory to provide feedback to them on the problems you are facing as a customer. Unfortunately, there is no way for us to override this or turn it off. hopefully it will no longer be the case after the next update but a mobile tech coming out on the 19th will not be able to rectify this concern.

NHTSA ODI 11452699

I only picked this car up on 2/16/22. Several times with the cruise control or autopilot/autosteer engaged on a two lane road the vehicle braked suddenly and severely in response to semi-trucks in the oncoming lane.

NHTSA ODI 11452818

I have experienced the phantom braking problem commonly reported on in the news. On several occasions when the cruise control is set, the car will randomly slam on the brakes endangering my safety and those around me. This has happened on city streets in a 45 MPH zone (for no apparent reason), a 2 lane state highway (when a car approaches from the other lane traveling in the opposite direction of me), and on an interstate (when approaching an overpass). This happens very frequently regardless of whether I use automatic steering. I have not taken it to a service center or otherwise reported the problem as it appears to be common amongst other owners of this make/model.

NHTSA ODI 11452833

I was driving on the highway on autopilot, I had my vehicle traveling at around 75mph when suddenly it slowed down abruptly all the way down to 58 for no reason at all. There were no cars behind or around me. Phantom braking is a real thing.

NHTSA ODI 11452854

I own a 2022 Tesla model 3 I am having issues with the Problem known as Phantom Braking which occurs while driving in cruise control. This happens somewhat randomly but especially when the road takes a curve, or when a large vehicle comes in the opposite direction. For example, if going 60 mph, it brakes immediately to 30 mph, and if going 30 mph, it brakes fast to 15 mph. This results in groceries sliding forward and seat belts being activated, not to mention the car behind having to brake to avoid a collision. The Tesla service department says there is no fix for it, it is just part of the current full self driving package.

NHTSA ODI 11452912

When I drive this car in cruise control, I never know when it will suddenly brake without warning, trying to bring the car to a stop whether I am going 65 or 30 mph. It will see a shadow in the road, a pedestrian on a sidewalk, an oil spot on the pavement, and will abruptly throw the car and me into rapid deceleration. If it is sees a car in the oncoming lane, driving appropriately in its own lane, my car in the opposite lane will suddenly brake like I am about to have an accident. It will brake if it sees a vehicle coming around a bend in the opposite lane. Not only is my vehicle's braking uncomfortable and alarming, it is exceedingly dangerous. On urban and semi-urban highways, multiple times someone has almost rear-ended my car. Only because I was hyper-alert to the situation was an accident averted. I am an excellent and conscientious driver, with both hands on the wheel, not using my phone. I am not using the "self-driving" mode and never have. It is an option I paid $10K for but have never used. My main concern is for the safety of my current vehicle and for the other cars on the highway around me.

NHTSA ODI 11452676

When driving on two lane roads using adaptive cruise control, the car will often decelerate or brake suddenly when there is oncoming traffic or lighting conditions change. There is no warning when this happens. I recently made a 200 mile trip and this occurred at least 15 times during the drive. I felt unsafe especially when there was a vehicle behind me.

NHTSA ODI 11452691

I was driving on the highway with cruise control activated at 60mph. The vehicle randomly broke and slowed. No other car was on site and no other person or object was around us. This has happened several times. This random braking on cruise control. This is dangerous. Please help with this issue and let me know what the next steps are. Thanks.

NHTSA ODI 11452718

Took delivery of 2022 Tesla Model 3 on Wednesday February 16, 2022. 3 incidents since taking delivery when autopilot adaptive cruise control is engaged and car randomly slams on brakes. 2 incidents with no known hazard in view of direction of travel and the other when approaching oncoming traffic driving in opposite lane. No indication (such as beeping on normal lane departure) that the vehicle was going to engage automatic braking.

NHTSA ODI 11452725

When using auto pilot (adaptive cruise control), the car randomly slams on its brakes on its own, specifically when near semi trucks.

NHTSA ODI 11452758

The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60-70 MPH, the vehicle independently stopped without warning. Also, while driving approximately 80 MPH, the vehicle decelerated independently to 20 MPH abruptly. The contact stated there was an abnormal beeping alert prior to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where they informed him, they were waiting for a firmware update. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Tesla (9140 E Independence Blvd, Matthews, NC 28105. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 7,826.

NHTSA ODI 11452850

I purchased from Tesla Motors, Inc. (“Tesla”) a Tesla Model 3, VIN: [XXX] (the “Defective Vehicle”) and took delivery of the vehicle on December 10, 2021, from the Loveland, Colorado, service center located at 1606 N. Lincoln Ave. (the “Service Center”). Since the day I took delivery of the Defective Vehicle in December 2021, the Defective Vehicle dangerously, suddenly, and repeatedly slams on the emergency brakes while I am driving on the two-lane roads that are my route to commute to work. This defect has existed and the Defective Vehicle has been unsafe and noncompliant with Tesla’ warranty since the day I took delivery of it. The defect substantially impairs the use and market value of the Defective Vehicle, as the Defective Vehicle is a danger to anyone who drives it. My daily commute is approximately 25 miles each way to and from my home, and, on average, the vehicle will slam on the brakes no less than fifteen times per commute. Often, the occurrence is much higher than fifteen times per commute. Vehicles following behind me have had to swerve to avoid the Defective Vehicle and my belongings fly into the dashboard. One morning, the emergency braking caused my vehicle to slip in the snow, and I was fearful I would hit an oncoming vehicle head on because of the unexpected emergency braking. This defect is severe and endangers my life and safety and the life and safety of any passengers. I have attempted several to have the vehicle repaired at the Service Center, but the Service Center has either refused or been unable to bring the Defective Vehicle in conformity with the warranty. I have asked repeatedly when the repairs will be made, but no one at the Service Center responds to me in the app and the Service Center unilaterally cancels and closes service appointments I attempt to make. I have notified Tesla that the vehicle is a Lemon under Colorado law. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11452878

The vehicle when autopilot is engaged, sometimes when passing large vehicle like a semi truck or for no reason the vehicle will slam on the breaks, sounds warnings for forward collision. Could cause an accident if traffic around is paying attention or a road rage incident. Phantom Braking it's mostly called

NHTSA ODI 11452884

The vehicle suddenly brakes quite significantly and without warning periodically when cruise control or automatic steering is in place. It happens most often on two lane roads when a truck or a vehicle with headlights on approaches in oncoming traffic. There is no warning and it is so startling that it causes the driver to overcorrect or worry that the car will completely stop with traffic moving behind us. It is totally unpredictable and unanticipated. Once the vehicle has passed, it rapidly resumes speed. It feels as if the car has total control, not the driver. I have not notified Tesla, but plan to. Very dangerous and unnerving.

NHTSA ODI 11452889

Driving on I-26, 4:30am, no cars around and my car aggressively brakes causing me to react quickly and disable smart cruise control. Making a return trip 1 week later on I-95, the car at various times brakes for no reason multiple times on a700 Mile trip.

NHTSA ODI 11452352

Using the Autopilot cruise control for the first time, the vehicle was traveling at the speed limit when it suddenly began braking at an aggressive rate. Since the vehicle is brand new to us, and this being our first Tesla, my wife and I thought that maybe we did something to cause the braking. We tried the autopilot cruise control again later that evening and the vehicle did the same thing. Luckily, there was not a vehicle behind us on either occasion or else we would have been rear ended. This is extremely unsafe. How can you feel confident enough to drive on cruise control when the vehicle randomly brakes at an aggressive rate? This is going to get someone killed, if it hasn't already.

NHTSA ODI 11452361