2019 Tesla Model 3 Problems & Owner Complaints

Forward Collision Avoidance 168 10 crash 2 injury 2 death

“On 10/17/2021 my son was killed along with his passenger in this Tesla. The car was thought to be going over 100 miles an hour on a city road Coconut Point Road in Estero Florida. The car was thought to have hit a tree with the rear tire and was sent flying through the air and hit another tree and split in half. My son knew this road well as it was close to his home and drove it on his way home from work. I feel strongly that this was an acceleration issue!! He has driven this car for 2 years, so knew the car well.”
NHTSA complaint #11524321, 2021 · crash · 2 death(s)

“Vehicle in front stopped suddenly. The car gave NO alert AND did NOT stop whatsoever. The tesla collided with the vehicle in front. **I have dashcam footage of the incident”
NHTSA complaint #11690831, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 complaint #11477733, 2022 · 1 injury(ies)

Electrical System 91 4 crash 2 fire 1 death

“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 complaint #11302656, 2019 · crash · 1 death(s)

“Received an alert through the Tesla App that my car alarm was going off. When I stepped outside my house I saw smoke coming out of the windows. I opened the rear passenger door and saw the floor on fire. I went inside and called the fire department. By the time they arrived the entire car had been destroyed.”
NHTSA complaint #11464748, 2022 · fire

“The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that his wife was driving approximately 30-40 MPH at night with Full Self-Driving(FSD) mode engaged. The contact stated that the driver was exiting the highway to merge onto another highway that would close intermittently. The contact stated that the driver briefly looked at the navigation screen, and the vehicle suddenly crashed into the first highway closure gate, and the windshield shattered. The vehicle then crashed into a second highway closure gate. The contact stated that the Full Self-Driving(FSD) mode failed to operate as need…”
NHTSA complaint #11692414, 2025 · crash

Suspension 82 6 crash 1 fire 3 injury 1 death

“PLEASE NOTE THAT I HAVE USED THE VIN OF ANOTHER 2019 MODEL 3 TO SUBMIT THIS COMPLAINT SINCE THE VIN OF THE BADLY MANGLED CAR WHICH IS THE SUBJECT OF THIS COMPLAINT IS INDECIPHERABLE. HERE IS MANGLED MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD: HTTPS://WWW.COPART.COM/LOT/52448180/PHOTOS/2019-TESLA-MODEL-3-IN-INDIANAPOLIS FROM THE CONDITION OF THE WRECK AND THE BIO-HAZARD MARKINGS IT IS A CERTAINTY THAT OCCUPANTS HAVE BEEN SEVERELY INJURED OR KILLED. THE ATTACHED PHOTOGRAPH SHOWS THAT THE UPPER BALL JOINT HAS POPPED APART. THIS CAN ONLY HAPPEN IF THERE IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT OR IF THE BALL HAS WORN DOW…”
NHTSA complaint #11364724, 2020 · crash · 1 death(s)

“HERE IS A 2019 MODEL 3 IN THE JUNKYARD HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS/37069661?ROWNUMBER=1 IT HAS BEEN IN A MAJOR CRASH. THE TREAD ON THE FRONT RH TIRE HAS BEEN RUBBED COMPLETELY AWAY. THE TOP BALL-JOINT HAS POPPED APART. IT IS UNUSUAL FOR GOOD QUALITY BALL-JOINTS TO POP APART EVEN AFTER AN IMPACT. BEARING IN MIND THAT THE TOP WISHBONE ON A MODEL 3 IS MADE FROM PLASTIC IT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY THAT A LARGE FORCE WAS TRANSMITTED TO THE BALL JOINT. IT IS ALMOST CERTAIN THAT WHAT HAPPENED WAS LIKE THIS. A SUSPENSION PART FAILED WHILST THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN AND THIS CAUSED THE TIRE…”
NHTSA complaint #11348712, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I WISH TO FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT A TESLA MODEL 3 IN THE INTEREST OF HUMAN SAFETY. THIS IS CONCERNING THE ISSUE OF BATTERY FIRES. I BELIEVE THAT THIS INCIDENT HAS SO FAR GONE UNREPORTED. HERE IS A MODEL 3 IN THE SALVAGE AUCTION YARD THAT HAS BEEN ALMOST TOTALLY DESTROYED BY FIRE. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS?ITEMID=34394730&ROWNUMBER=2&SIMILARVEHICLEITEMID=&ISNEXT=&LOADRECENT=TRUE THE CAR IS SO BADLY BURNED THAT THE VIN IS NOT ABLE TO BE DETERMINED BUT THE AUCTION SITE WOULD HAVE THAT RECORD. I HAVE SUBSTITUTED THE VIN OF ANOTHER WRECKED MODEL 3 IN ORDER TO MAKE THIS REPORT.…”
NHTSA complaint #11282556, 2019 · fire

Air Bags 78 9 crash 5 injury

“MY WIFE WAS TRYING TO PARK THE CAR IN OUR GARAGE WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY SPED UP AND HIT OUR INNER GARAGE WALL. IT THEN REVERSED BACK AND HIT THE WALL A SECOND TIME. THEN IT AUTOMATICALLY REVERSED AND PARKED ON THE NEIGHBOR'S DRIVEWAY. BOTH THE STERLING AIR BAG AND AIRBAG NEAR THE FEET DEPLOYED. THE CAR'S FRONT WAS SMASHED. OUR GARAGE WALL AND DOOR ARE ALSO BADLY DAMAGED. I HAVE ASKED TESLA TO INVESTIGATE IF IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE AUTOPILOT TAKING OVER BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM THEM YET AFTER MORE THAN A WEEK.”
NHTSA complaint #11267131, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“Major side impact. Vehicle struck 30-35mph perpendicular to direction of travel. Vehicle did a 180 and suffered significant damage. Side Airbags did not deploy and shattered glass projectiles were flung to the head area of rear occupant, as evidenced by glass shards caught in car seat head area.”
NHTSA complaint #11494477, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING IN AUTO PILOT AT 65 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DRIFT TO THE LEFT AND THEN IT SPUN OUT OF CONTROL CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A MEDIUM GUARD RAIL. THERE WAS NO OTHER VEHICLE INVOLVED IN THE CRASH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOYED, A UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT DID ILLUMINATE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS THE ONLY ONE IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED HOWEVER THEY HAD WHIPLASH AROUND THEIR NECK, BUT THERE WAS NO MEDICAL ATTENTION OR TREATMENT FOR THE INJURY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. T…”
NHTSA complaint #11403465, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Unknown Or Other 77 12 crash 2 fire 3 injury 1 death

“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 complaint #11302656, 2019 · crash · 1 death(s)

“MY WIFE WAS TRYING TO PARK THE CAR IN OUR GARAGE WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY SPED UP AND HIT OUR INNER GARAGE WALL. IT THEN REVERSED BACK AND HIT THE WALL A SECOND TIME. THEN IT AUTOMATICALLY REVERSED AND PARKED ON THE NEIGHBOR'S DRIVEWAY. BOTH THE STERLING AIR BAG AND AIRBAG NEAR THE FEET DEPLOYED. THE CAR'S FRONT WAS SMASHED. OUR GARAGE WALL AND DOOR ARE ALSO BADLY DAMAGED. I HAVE ASKED TESLA TO INVESTIGATE IF IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE AUTOPILOT TAKING OVER BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM THEM YET AFTER MORE THAN A WEEK.”
NHTSA complaint #11267131, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, SECOND IN LINE. MY CAR LUNGED BACKWARDS HITTING THE CAR BEHIND ME. I HAD DONE NOTHING TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS SLIGHT DAMAGE TO MY REAR END AND THEIR FRONT END. MY NECK DID WHIPLASH. THERE WAS AN INFANT IN THE BACKSEAT WHO WAS INJURED IN THE OTHER CAR. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER CAR WAS NOT INJURED. PLEASE CALL ME (XXXX) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”
NHTSA complaint #11206931, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Vehicle Speed Control 71 19 crash 6 injury 2 death

“On 10/17/2021 my son was killed along with his passenger in this Tesla. The car was thought to be going over 100 miles an hour on a city road Coconut Point Road in Estero Florida. The car was thought to have hit a tree with the rear tire and was sent flying through the air and hit another tree and split in half. My son knew this road well as it was close to his home and drove it on his way home from work. I feel strongly that this was an acceleration issue!! He has driven this car for 2 years, so knew the car well.”
NHTSA complaint #11524321, 2021 · crash · 2 death(s)

“LAW ENFORCEMENT ENTRY - VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A 10-VEHICLE CRASH. DRIVER AND PASSENGER BOTH STATED VEHICLE HAD UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. ADDITIONAL WITNESS STATEMENTS APPEAR TO VERIFY REPORT. *DT AS VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE DRIVER REPORTEDLY TRIED TO SLOW THE VEHICLE AS IT APPROACHED STOPPED/SLOWED TRAFFIC. VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND AND DRIVER WAS NOT ABLE TO SLOW IT BEFORE IT CRASHED INTO STOPPED TRAFFIC. POLICE REPORT GO 51 2019- XXXXXXX 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT…”
NHTSA complaint #11265452, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at 3 MPH and slowing the vehicle into his residence driveway, as he took his foot off the accelerator the vehicle accelerated at a high rate of speed forward. The vehicle crashed into the residence and entered the house. The contact stated he did not notice any warning lights. The contact was rendered unconscious and was transported by ambulance to an ER. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. The contact had sustained a broken back and had fractured his sternum. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and ha…”
NHTSA complaint #11504715, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Lane Departure 69 3 crash 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while his partner was driving at approximately 60 MPH in inclement weather, the lane departure feature malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to hydroplane and crash into the median. No air bags were deployed. The contact's partner sustained a sore neck and back; however, medical attention was not received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11498381, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I was involved in a collision while driving my 2019 Tesla Model 3. The incident occurred on April 2nd 2026 in [XXX] Prior to the collision, the vehicle was operating normally The crash resulted in damage to the front driver-side of the vehicle, including a destroyed headlight and body panel damage. At the time of the incident, weather and traffic was light and normal. The vehicle was set and supposed to head straight when suddenly at the intersection it jerked right and headed straight into another vehicle. I attempted to take control but was unable to due to resistance on the wheel and ho…”
NHTSA complaint #11729060, 2026 · crash

“I was going 45 mph with autopilot engaged and in fact the autopilot actually caused the accident. The car suddenly turned to the right and hit the curb then spinned 180 degrees midair, landed on the sidewalk and then rolled back fishtailed a wooden pole.”
NHTSA complaint #11430615, 2021 · crash

Service Brakes 63 8 crash 4 injury 2 death

“On 10/17/2021 my son was killed along with his passenger in this Tesla. The car was thought to be going over 100 miles an hour on a city road Coconut Point Road in Estero Florida. The car was thought to have hit a tree with the rear tire and was sent flying through the air and hit another tree and split in half. My son knew this road well as it was close to his home and drove it on his way home from work. I feel strongly that this was an acceleration issue!! He has driven this car for 2 years, so knew the car well.”
NHTSA complaint #11524321, 2021 · crash · 2 death(s)

“The Tesla was hit on the passenger side by a Honda civic that ran a red light traveling more than 25 mph The Tesla spun 180 degrees after impact. No airbags deployed. Immediately after impact the Tesla turned on hazard lights. However the vehicle would not come to a stop after pressing on the brakes. After impact the vehicle was coasting backwards at probably less than 5-6 mph. It would not respond to brake presses. Oddly the vehicle had regen braking enabled which should have brought it to a stop, but it didn’t. The vehicle kept coasting backwards as if it was in neutral for about 20 met…”
NHTSA complaint #11734115, 2026 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“Multiple extreme braking so much where today actually hurt my neck it stopped so abruptly up a hill miscalculating that a walker was about to be hit by my car, the man was nowhere near being hit and the auto braking skid to a halt whipping my head forward and my sweatshirt choked my Adams Apple area. It was extremely abrupt, scared me, the walker and nearly caused a rear end collision with the car behind me. This has happened a lot in the past 3 months yet I’ve had the car for over 4 years so I am assuming something is wrong with the software updates - it’s super scary not to have control of…”
NHTSA complaint #11524916, 2023 · 1 injury(ies)

Steering 51 5 crash 1 fire 4 injury 1 death

“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 complaint #11302656, 2019 · crash · 1 death(s)

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11243132, 2019 · crash · fire · 3 injury(ies)

“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 complaint #11477733, 2022 · 1 injury(ies)

Seat Belts 50

“It was raining and my passenger got in the car (slightly damp). When he sat down, I reveived an error message on the screen saying "Front passenger safety restraint system issue". The airbag light is red indicating that it won't work for my passenger. You should be able to get into a car wet without your airbag no longer working. My understanding is that this is a common problem. Tesla wants > $1000 to replace the seat sensor + requires me to pay to have my airbag replaced so the part matches the sensor. According to Tesla Service Bulletin SB-23-20-002, the new style of seat sensor is strictl…”
NHTSA complaint #11745079, 2026

“Our seatbelts and airbags required replacement as Tesla stated safety equipment on a Tesla is only guaranteed until 60,000 miles and after that they often need repairs. It was quite expensive. The seatbelts and airbags total cost was $1296.40 and already the Tesla says the front passenger airbag needs to be replaced again.”
NHTSA complaint #11741863, 2026

“The car was giving me a warning "Front Left Restraint System Fault" (RCM_a021) approximately for 4 months (Jan 2026?) - I brought the car in for service April 2026 and after researching, the technician found that there was a failure in the wiring harness - this is the wiring harness that is responsible for the seatbelt pretension mechanism that activates in a accident. The technician had to replace the harness for the issue to resolve. However, it's my understanding that, had an accident occurred prior to the repair, that the safety system would not have operated properly.”
NHTSA complaint #11735264, 2026

Seats 44 1 injury

“I am writing to report a serious safety incident involving my 2019 Tesla Model 3. My goal is not to assign blame, but to make Tesla aware of an incident that I believe warrants review from a safety perspective. While the vehicle was parked, my children were sitting inside watching TV, we were standing 5 ft from the vehicle. My younger son was seated in the front passenger seat, and my older son, not realizing his brother had leaned over the top of the seat, adjusted the passenger seat upward. As the seat moved up, it trapped my younger son's neck against the seat and obstructed his airway. Fo…”
NHTSA complaint #11754413, 2026 · 1 injury(ies)

“The Front Passenger Safety Restraint System failed prematurely on my 2019 Tesla Model 3 at only 23,105 miles, triggering the alert 'Alerts - Seats - Front passenger safety restraint system issue/Service is required' and disabling passenger airbag functionality. Upon inspection, Tesla Service quoted $1,285.13 out-of-pocket to repair the system. While the root failure involves a $12 occupant occupancy sensor (Part #1099592-00-F), Tesla's mandatory service procedures require a full subsystem revision cascade to fix it. Specifically, under 'Replace Occupant Classification System (OCS) of Front Pas…”
NHTSA complaint #11753364, 2026

“I am getting an electrical fault which has disabled my front passenger seat airbags. They need to replace the wiring, which means they also now need to replace the passenger airbag itself because wiring has changed and the old airbag is not compatible with the new wiring. Replace Occupant Classification System (OCS) of Front Passenger Seat while Servicing Subcomponents Update Front Passenger Airbag to Maintain Compatibility with Front Passenger Seat I had this same error 4 months ago and it ended up shorting out the entire electrical system, which disabled autosteer and eventually completel…”
NHTSA complaint #11749648, 2026

Visibility/Wiper 24 1 crash

“I AM FEMALE SAFE DRIVER WITH CLEAN DRIVING RECORDS, MY TESLA WAS THIRD CAR STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT ON DEC 19TH IN THE CITY STREET, AND ALL OF SUDDEN, I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT IT TRIGGERED UNINTENDED SPONTANEOUS ACCELERATION THAT RESULTED IN ACCIDENT WITH TWO CARS AHEAD OF ME, DAMAGED ALL 3 VEHICLES INCLUDING MINE, I PUSHED THE BRAKE IMMEDIATELY & PARKED BEFORE ALL AIRBAGS IN MY CAR DEPLOYED. I TRIED TO PROVE MY POINT TO THE INSURANCE THAT ITS NOT MY FAULT BUT ITS A CAR THAT BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE DUE TO PROBABLY SOME KIND OF NIGHTLY AUTOMATIC SOFTWARE UPDATE OR A MECHANICAL PROBLEM BUT INSURANC…”
NHTSA complaint #11300156, 2019 · crash

“Back window spontaneously cracked. Much of the back roof is this glass, thus I am concerned that in an accident will that tempered glass hold up”
NHTSA complaint #11651445, 2025

“We own a 2019 Tesla model 3 which had a left front headlight stop working (headlight, turn signal, and daytime running light). As soon as the headlight went out the windshield wipers stopped working. The vehicle does not have fuses but the headlight and wipers share a wiring circuit. I thought it might be a coincidence but found several of the same issues on a google search. It is beyond ridiculous that lowing a headlight at night would cause your wipers to stop working. Its bad enough to have a reduction in visibility due to a light going out but to have the windshield wipers tied to the head…”
NHTSA complaint #11632712, 2024

Structure 22 7 crash 1 fire 5 injury

“MY WIFE WAS TRYING TO PARK THE CAR IN OUR GARAGE WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY SPED UP AND HIT OUR INNER GARAGE WALL. IT THEN REVERSED BACK AND HIT THE WALL A SECOND TIME. THEN IT AUTOMATICALLY REVERSED AND PARKED ON THE NEIGHBOR'S DRIVEWAY. BOTH THE STERLING AIR BAG AND AIRBAG NEAR THE FEET DEPLOYED. THE CAR'S FRONT WAS SMASHED. OUR GARAGE WALL AND DOOR ARE ALSO BADLY DAMAGED. I HAVE ASKED TESLA TO INVESTIGATE IF IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE AUTOPILOT TAKING OVER BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM THEM YET AFTER MORE THAN A WEEK.”
NHTSA complaint #11267131, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“Component: Exterior Door Handle (Front Passenger) Incident Description: A latent manufacturing defect resulted in the structural delamination of the interior chrome plating on the front passenger door handle. This failure occurred after the last use of the handle, creating a razor-sharp metallic edge that was not visible during a normal approach to the vehicle. Upon contacting the handle to open the door, a passenger sustained a deep laceration from this jagged metallic blade. Safety Hazard: The defect transforms a primary vehicle touchpoint into a concealed cutting hazard. The chrome skin…”
NHTSA complaint #11737862, 2026 · 1 injury(ies)

“The chrome lamination/sticker is peeling from the underside of the door handles. This peeling causes an extremely sharp edge that cut my finger. This issue is noted rather constantly over the internet. The sharp edge is hidden by the retracting mechanism of the door handles, and so you don’t see it until you grab it and cut yourself.”
NHTSA complaint #11732300, 2026 · 1 injury(ies)

Back Over Prevention 19 1 crash

“There was a failure of a rear camera to detect the proximity of a closed garage door when in reverse in a driveway. The result was hitting the garage door and damaging the garage door as a result. This could be dangerous as there was no warning on the backup camera screen and no audible warning. This was a very expensive repair given the garage door was a unique color and design.”
NHTSA complaint #11736150, 2025 · crash

“The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rearview camera became inoperable while opening the trunk. The message “Camera Not Available” was displayed. The contact stated that the rearview camera functionality returned after opening and closing the trunk several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the rearview camera wiring harness had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact informed the dealer that the vehicle had previously been associated with a recall related to th…”
NHTSA complaint #11717250, 2026

“My vehicle was working fine when Tesla issued an over-the-air software update recently. The next day, my backup camera was not working. The back up camera is required for this vehicle under FMVSS 111 and is otherwise essential for this vehicle due to limited rear vision through the rear window. In addition, GPS/navigation stopped working, the windshield wipers did not function on certain settings and the display was at times not legible, presumably because it believed it was a different time of day and was in the wrong mode. There are likely additional issues that have not revealed themselves…”
NHTSA complaint #11676973, 2025

Visibility 11

“The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention) and 22V702000 (Visibility) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11495495, 2022

“The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse, the Back Over Protection camera failed to display an image on the screen. The contact stated that he received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V00D000 (Electrical System, Visibility, Back Over Prevention) several months ago. The dealer was contacted and stated that the parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact…”
NHTSA complaint #11468209, 2022

“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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11586341, 2021

Power Train 10 1 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER SPOUSE WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED THROUGH A WOODEN FENCE, KNOCKED IT DOWN, AND CRASHED INTO A NEIGHBOR'S WALL. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THERE WAS NO INJURY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT CALLED A TESLA ROAD SIDE SERVICE WHOM ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO DAN'S PAINT & BODY (3810 E 22ND ST, TUCSON, AZ 85713) A TESLA APPROVED BODY SHOP, WHERE THE INSURANCE COMPANY APPROVED THE BODY DAMAGE REPAIRS. THE MANUFAC…”
NHTSA complaint #11309205, 2020 · crash

“Steering wheel lost power (in city driving) it took the driver and the passenger turning the wheel to wrestle the car to the side of the road. Turned off the car’s power after coming to a stop. The car would not start. Took 6 resets to power up the car and return it to “normal.” This is the second time the car had the steering lock up and the car not start. The first time was after shopping. The car was parked at the time. Took 4 resets to return the car to “normal.””
NHTSA complaint #11588181, 2024

“Tesla Model 3 battery pack coolant connector design flaw. It is made by plastic and covered with very thin cheap plastic cover which can very easily create impact and break the battery pack connector when any small objects hit front wheels(both side) while driving that leads the following safety and hazard issues to driver and passengers. 1. When there is hit in the coolant connector while driving the coolant start leaking which put safety of car,driver,passengers and others in very high risk 2. When it happens the dashboard shows the car is running reduced power and not giving enough info t…”
NHTSA complaint #11587433, 2024

Fuel/Propulsion System 8 1 crash 2 fire 3 injury

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11243132, 2019 · crash · fire · 3 injury(ies)

“I WISH TO FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT A TESLA MODEL 3 IN THE INTEREST OF HUMAN SAFETY. THIS IS CONCERNING THE ISSUE OF BATTERY FIRES. I BELIEVE THAT THIS INCIDENT HAS SO FAR GONE UNREPORTED. HERE IS A MODEL 3 IN THE SALVAGE AUCTION YARD THAT HAS BEEN ALMOST TOTALLY DESTROYED BY FIRE. HTTPS://WWW.IAAI.COM/VEHICLEDETAILS?ITEMID=34394730&ROWNUMBER=2&SIMILARVEHICLEITEMID=&ISNEXT=&LOADRECENT=TRUE THE CAR IS SO BADLY BURNED THAT THE VIN IS NOT ABLE TO BE DETERMINED BUT THE AUCTION SITE WOULD HAVE THAT RECORD. I HAVE SUBSTITUTED THE VIN OF ANOTHER WRECKED MODEL 3 IN ORDER TO MAKE THIS REPORT.…”
NHTSA complaint #11282556, 2019 · fire

“When Driving an Alert activates DIR_a126 Power Reduced. Exiting and re-entering vehicle may restore operation. My vehicle speed limit goes to 50 mph and keeps lowering after driving for a few miles to a creep. This alert pop up constantly.”
NHTSA complaint #11554456, 2023

Exterior Lighting 6

“We own a 2019 Tesla model 3 which had a left front headlight stop working (headlight, turn signal, and daytime running light). As soon as the headlight went out the windshield wipers stopped working. The vehicle does not have fuses but the headlight and wipers share a wiring circuit. I thought it might be a coincidence but found several of the same issues on a google search. It is beyond ridiculous that lowing a headlight at night would cause your wipers to stop working. Its bad enough to have a reduction in visibility due to a light going out but to have the windshield wipers tied to the head…”
NHTSA complaint #11632712, 2024

“In 2020 my driver side headlight assembly stopped working then in 2023 my passenger side headlight assembly stopped working. This includes the day time running light as well as headlight and turn signal in each assembly. No warning was displayed. This can cause confusion for other drivers and pedestrians through the inability to indicate my location or intention of travel. The first time this happened, the service center explained it was a component issue and the assembly was replaced by them. No warnings were shown from the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11515662, 2023

“Poor LED headlight/headlight seal caused severe condensation (water dripping) inside headlight housing, which led to the headlight and turn signal to not function. No warning/notification received from the car. The car is 3 years old, past 50,000-mile warranty. Headlight inspected by Tesla service center and had to be replaced at owner’s expense due to out of warranty. Condition led to poor visibility and danger/risk to other drivers/pedestrians on the road especially at night. Attempting to obtain old headlight from service center, but have pictures on hand.”
NHTSA complaint #11497811, 2022

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 4 2 crash

“AUTOPILOT WAS ENGAGED. THE TESLA VEHICLE SENSORS FAILED TO RECOGNIZE 2 PARKED VEHICLES ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE STREET WHILE DRIVING, AND COLLIDED WITH THEM. ANTI-COLLISION MECHANISM AND AUTO-BRAKING FAILED TO APPLY, RESULTING IN COLLISION.”
NHTSA complaint #11302321, 2020 · crash

“I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED AND SHOCKED FROM WHAT HAPPENED LAST DECEMBER 10, 2019 (TUESDAY). AT AROUND 5:50 AM, I AM SLOWLY DRIVING AT THE PARKING LOT OF MY OFFICE AT STRYKER CORPORATION IN SAN JOSE, CA. I AM SLOWLY PARKING MY CAR AND THEN THERE'S A SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION ON MY CAR WHICH I CANNOT EVEN CONTROL OR STOP. THE ACCELERATION SPEEDS UP AUTOMATICALLY ON ITS OWN EVEN IF I'M STEPPING ON THE BRAKE. DUE TO THE SPEED UP ON THE ACCELERATION, THE CAR WENT OVER THE CURB WITH SO MUCH SPEED AND MOVED TOWARDS THE TENT WHICH IS THE SMOKING AREA IN OUR WORK. THE WINDSHIELD OF MY CAR BROKE W…”
NHTSA complaint #11292014, 2019 · crash

“DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 280, THE AUTO-PILOT STOPPED WORKING AND DRIVING BECAME ERRATIC AND UNSAFE WITH RANDOM ACCELERATIONS/DECELERATIONS. I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO KEEP ON DRIVING. TESLA KEPT CONFUSING ME WITH THEIR SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS WHILE I NEEDED TO USE THE CAR EVERY DAY. IT TOOK A WEEK TO ARRANGE FOR SERVICE. THE CAR SAT FOR A WEEK AT THE DEALERSHIP WITH NO COMMUNICATION FROM TESLA. THEN THEY SENT A LACONIC REQUEST TO PAY THEM $1,070 --- WHILE I KNOW MY CAR, BEING 10 MONTHS OLD IS UNDER WARRANTY. MICE ATE A WIRE WITHIN THE AUTO-PILOT CABLES. TESLA CLAIMS THIS DAMAGE ISN'T COVERED BY WARRANT…”
NHTSA complaint #11372471, 2020

Tires 4 1 crash

“2019 TESLA 3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT AND FLIPPED OVER. THE VEHICLE HAD 16,000 AT THE TIME OF FAILURE. IT WAS TOTALED. THE CONSUMER STATED UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE NEXT DAY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11373391, 2020 · crash

“Continental 235/40/r19 This is what I sent to Consumer Affair website: My personal experience reflects exactly the same as the poor rating of this brand. Tire has separation at 32k miles on the Tesla 3. I first noticed a thumb thumb sound. I ignored but it got worse then the vibration inside cabin started to occur. I pulled the tire off and inspected. My God i have a tire separation with steel wire sticking out and a big hump. I got mad after i found out that Tesla wants nothing to do with it (heck they don't even a have no. to call for an expensive car, shame on you Tesla) and Continent…”
NHTSA complaint #11587040, 2024

“In November both rear tires shredded, while driving. The metal belts became exposed. Tesla replaced the tires, claimed there was no other problem. The tires had been appropriately pressurized during the entire life of the tires. Mileage 9800. Two months later one of the rear tires (new tire) sustained a nail in the side wall- non-repairable (the sidewall on a new tire should not be on the pavement, but the side), and now at 3000 miles on the new tire not replaced due to the nail- the tire is beginning to shred again. This is coupled with inordinate road noise since the tires were changed.…”
NHTSA complaint #11419344, 2021

Wheels 4 2 crash

“AUTOPILOT WAS ENGAGED. THE TESLA VEHICLE SENSORS FAILED TO RECOGNIZE 2 PARKED VEHICLES ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE STREET WHILE DRIVING, AND COLLIDED WITH THEM. ANTI-COLLISION MECHANISM AND AUTO-BRAKING FAILED TO APPLY, RESULTING IN COLLISION.”
NHTSA complaint #11302321, 2020 · crash

“THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED BECAUSE OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION ISSUE IN TESLA MODE 3 IN OUR PARKING LOT. I WAS PARKING BETWEEN 2 CARS ON MY RIGHT. SO, WAS REALLY SLOW. WHILE TURNING THERE WAS A SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND THE VEHICLE WAS AT A HIGH SPEED. SINCE, I WAS TURNING, THE CAR ROTATED AT THE HIGH SPEED AND IN THE PROCESS MY CAR HIT CAR ON MY LEFT, 3 CARS ON MY FRONT. THERE WAS SEVERE DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND A FLAT TIRE. FORTUNATELY, NO PEOPLE WERE AFFECTED. WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED, ALL SYSTEMS STOPPED FUNCTIONING.”
NHTSA complaint #11300620, 2019 · crash

“Link - Lateral - Lower - Front - LH (Remove & Replace) LOWER LATERAL LINK -FRONT(1044341-00-D)”
NHTSA complaint #11510567, 2023

Engine 2 1 crash

“The contact owned a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving with the autopilot feature enabled, the vehicle slid across the road and crashed into a concrete barrier. The contact stated that it was raining at the failure occurred. No Police or Fire reports were filed. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss. The contact stated after researching, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V838000 (Electrical System). In addition, the vehicle was not inspected by Tesla to determine the cause of the failure. The manufactu…”
NHTSA complaint #11571709, 2023 · crash

“MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING WIRE ISSUES RESULTING IN ERROR MESSAGES SUCH AS "POWER REDUCED, FRONT MOTOR DISABLED, ETC" THAT DISABLE SAFETY FEATURES SUCH AS THE TURNING SIGNALS AND ISSUES WITH BRAKING AND STEERING. THE VEHICLE WILL POWER OFF/SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING AND RESTART. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY IN SERVICE FOR THE PAST 2 WEEKS AND OTHER THAN NOTIFYING ME THAT THERE ARE "WIRE ISSUES," TESLA HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM OR FIX IT.”
NHTSA complaint #11297939, 2019

Carry Handle 1

“Car seat is able to tip onto it's side during turns in the direction of the seat belt latch by sliding down the seat belt. My child's legs are caught between the seat belt and the back of the seat causing her injury. This occurs when installing as per manufacturer instructions without base using seat belt only. It only occurs in our vehicle where the handle does not touch either front seat and the seat material is low friction, both of which I believe contribute to the seat being able to tip. I have tried to contact Britax regarding this issue however their website contact form is non-function…”
NHTSA complaint #11547286, 2023

Chest Clip 1

“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 w…”
NHTSA complaint #11452313, 2022

Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1

“Went on a long trip over the last 2 weeks that involved >2000 miles of highway driving. Wanted to use the Adaptive Cruise Control but couldn't because of frequent sudden braking for no apparent reason. The last time that it happened was on I84 with no cars in sight in either direction, no large signs in sight, and no changes in pavement color in sight. We were traveling at 80mph with Adaptive Cruise Control engaged (Self Driving was NOT engaged) and the car suddenly braked to less than 50mph before I could intervene to regain speed control. We couldn't use Adaptive Cruise Control for the…”
NHTSA complaint #11513473, 2023

Firerelated 1 1 fire

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“The contact owns a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle and closing the driver's side door, the doors locked and failed to open because the vehicle was experiencing an electrical failure. The contact stated that he engaged the driver's side door emergency door release lever, but the lever failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle became hot, and he exited the vehicle through the trunk. The vehicle was towed to a Tesla Service Center, where it was determined that the 12V battery needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the…”
NHTSA complaint #11540509, 2023