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2018 Tesla Model 3

2018 Tesla Model 3: collision-avoidance and electrical issues lead owner complaints

Forward collision avoidance failures — including cameras going black and on-screen warnings that driving visualization is degraded — make up the largest share of owner complaints. Electrical problems, particularly vehicles shutting off without warning and firmware-attributed shutdowns, and suspension failures involving front suspension components are each nearly as common. Airbag and automatic emergency braking system deactivation round out the major complaint areas.

Most reported areas

Forward Collision Avoidance safety 20%
Owners report the rear camera going black while backing up and the forward-facing camera displaying an on-screen error stating driving visualization is temporarily degraded, occurring both on regular roads and freeways. · 24 crash · 8 injured
Electrical System safety 17%
Owners report vehicles shutting off on their own, with Tesla service centers attributing the behavior to firmware issues. · 1 fire · 14 crash · 4 injured
Suspension safety 17%
Owners report lower ball-joints on the front suspension snapping, with at least one incident linked to a rollover. · 1 fire · 11 crash · 1 injured
Air Bags safety 14%
Owners report escalating incidents in which the vehicle disables automatic emergency braking, traction control, partial steering control, and regenerative braking. · 15 crash · 9 injured
Seat Belts safety 10%
98 complaints (10%), with 1 crash and 1 injury reported and no fires. One owner describes hitting the steering wheel during a rear-end collision.

Source: NHTSA owner complaints · 975 complaints

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General information compiled from public NHTSA complaint data, for reference only — not professional advice and not reviewed by automotive experts. Verify before acting; Team AM is not responsible for decisions made from it.