Adaptive Cruise Control problems of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 - part 1

Repeatedly and randomly, with cruise control (not fsd) engaged, the car would brake, sometimes aggressively. The last time, it braked so hard the tires or brakes squealed and the car swerved slightly before I was able to regain control. This was on the freeway (in colorado, if I remember correctly) while I was cruising at 70 or 75 mph. I decided that that was the last time I would use cruise control; it was just not safe. I had an appointment on October 22 to take the car in for service. But then a friend told me this was called "phantom braking" and that there was no fix. A friend suggested that I contact the NHTSA.

Main incident: time: 2025-08-28 ~12:41 pm pst what happened: after searching for a parking space, the driver was preparing to reverse into the spot, the driver pressed up the stalk to shift the gear into reverse, a sound was heard and something showed up on the screen, the vehicle once again started accelerating and running forward suddenly and sharply (3 mph to 28 mph in 3 secs), driver tried to steer the vehicle away from cars and buildings to minimize danger, the car rushed onto a concrete curb, hit one blue Tesla, then hit the side of a concrete utility pole, and ran over a plant and last crashed into the chain-link french before it finally stops injuries: * spine pain for one passenger damages: ** all tires blown out, tire falls off ** severe damages throughout the vehicle body * one Tesla parked on the parking lot was severely damaged * the utility pole's base box was scraped and deformed * one plant was knocked down similar case 3 few mins ago: time: 2025-08-28 ~12:38 pm pst what happened: the driver entered a oneway parking lot, but found no available spot and was trying to back up, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own. The driver performed an emergency brake and stopped the vehicle. At the time the vehicle stopped, it was only about 20 inches away from two cars in front of it injuries and damages: none what component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? malfunctioning of the electronic control or braking system leading to abnormal acceleration conflicting gear shifting and autopilot engagement design the right stalk is used to both shift gears and engage autopilot features, this design makes it very easy for the system to confuse the two actions autopilot feature safety issues autopilot features (whether its fsd or cruise control) should not be allowed to initiate abrupt acceleration to a dangerous speed in a low speed area (for example parking lot) insurance claim filed, number: 25-647243342.

Too fast and too close to stop sign to red light or other cars while in full self drive (supervised). I had to disable it to avoid risks of accident. Even using chilly mode.

On December 24, 2024 I was driving on freeway 5 south and all of the sudden my vehicle came to an abrupt breaking without any reason. The traffic ahead of me was of normal traffic. This abrupt breaking happened twice within 5 minutes of time span. I have notified Tesla service center and the service center gave me a quote of $137. 50 for diagnostic and to schedule the service. I felt that this issues should be taken care of by Tesla with no charge to me. This is a safety issue. I have experienced the abrupt breaking issues with my vehicle on many occasions since I own the vehicle in 2018. Each time I was told there's no problem with the vehicle when I notified Tesla service center.

I have a 2018 Tesla Model 3 that was involved in an accident on 10/12/2024. It has enhanced autopilot, which was the most advanced version of self driving when I bought the car. It was engaged in "navigate on autopilot" on the freeway. The car was following the freeway as it veered to the left, but then it stopped following the lines and crashed into the side of the freeway. The result of the accident was a total loss on the vehicle. I had shoulder and neck pain that have not required serious medical attention, but it was almost a week of discomfort and difficulty sleeping. My insurance company has deemed the vehicle a total loss and I will have to get a replacement. There were no warning alerts and the vehicle did not recognize that it was leaving the freeway lines. I was not going over the speed limit. The car did not prompt me to take over the vehicle because of danger. It just went straight towards the freeway guardrail. The car is not drivable due to the damage it sustained.

October 12, 2024. I was using the Tesla on autopilot. I was in the far right lane and the freeway was curving to the left. The car was following in the lanes, but then all of a sudden it stopped following the freeway and drove into the right guardrail. There were no alerts by the car. It did not warn to take over the vehicle or attempt to avoid the collision. The car drove directly into the guardrail without warning and was totalled.

The mcu in my 2018 Tesla Model 3 failed after a software update, rendering several key safety features inoperable, including the car’s cameras and autopilot functions. The vehicle currently has 16,600 miles and had previously received an mcu replacement in 2022. This most recent failure occurred during a firmware update, which got stuck at 50%. The Tesla service center confirmed that the mcu needs replacement again, but I was not given clear diagnostic logs or evidence of a pre-existing hardware issue. Due to this failure, the rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, and autopilot features are no longer operational, which directly impacts the safety of driving the vehicle. These features are critical for safe operation and are standard in ensuring driver assistance, situational awareness, and accident avoidance. The issue has been inspected by the Tesla service center, and they proposed replacing the mcu at a significant cost, though no prior warning signs or messages appeared before the failure during the update.

Autopilot fsd 12. 3. 6 in ohio is interpreting state route signs as speed limit signs. In milford ohio, the speed limit is 25mph. While traveling on sr 50, each state route sign had the max speed jump to 50mph. Then back to 25 at the next actual speed limit sign. An sr 28 sign was interpreted as 20mph. Errors is speed are dangerous in either the car going too fast or risking a rear end collision by incorrectly slowing down.

The most recent software update v11. 1(2024. 3. 10 9d92fb944d7f) was downloaded automatically and I installed it. The next time I drove, the car made uncommanded and unwanted lane changes, apparently because I could "go faster" if I passed the traffic in front of me. I did not want to go faster due to congestion and aggressive drivers where I live. I then discovered that "full self driving" had been activated after the download and without my knowledge or authorization. I believe that this was an unsafe condition and wish to report it. I immediately turned "fsd" off.

I got a recall notice from Tesla and Tesla is still in safety violation and is refusing to fix the issue, so I need your help to force Tesla to fix their abusive ways. The recall 23v-838 is related to "when autosteer is engaged". Autosteer/autopilot/fsd now disables even when not engaged, alleging "improper use" when it wasn't even being used. It also disengages autosteer/autopilot/fsd while driving if it detects "improper use" (even if it's detection system itself is buggy), forcing the car to slow down like in the middle of the freeway! when the battery is low and there's only a mile or two to go to a charger, the software will slow down and force the car to pull over to get a tow, taking on average 2 hours to get a tow truck to go 2 miles, rather than allowing the driver to reach the charger with the remaining battery it shows. Tesla keeps changing the battery percentage for when it shuts down. It used to be 0%, then 3% and recently 6%. This randomness creates "range anxiety" and distrust in the battery percentage being a useful indicator. Tesla should use 0% as "shut down" and leave the rest of the battery as "drivable" to reach a charger to have an accurate indicator. It also flashes alerts on the screen to "pay attention to the road", which is ironic to have a screen display to distract attention to the screen. . . Rather than pay attention to the road. Tesla took away my autosteer/autopilot improperly, and no one in the service center or support at Tesla knows how to fix this bug or give it back to me, so I can drive safely like with lane centering. I paid $10,000 for this "safety" that Tesla takes away at random, claiming they can do whatever they want because they've now labeled it beta software! this is an abusive practice the NHTSA should force Tesla to stop doing and give the power back to responsible drivers like me. Tesla abuser names include gilbert, raquel and tara. Teslas also don't detect cars in blind spots and still phantom brakes.

The new software update forced as part of the autopilot recall is terrible and the system needs to go back to the way it was. They adjustments make the feature useless. There are many unnecessary warnings and notifications, all of which destroy the driving experience and actually make the car less safe. Bring back the old system.

There are two issues. 1) the adaptive cruise control brakes for no reason. If someone was behind me they could've rear ended me. 2) at night the blind spot camera is flooded by the turn signal and it's hard to see the blind spot warning. When the turn signal is on the blind spot camera shows on the screen and blind spot warning shows up as a red shaded area. It's hard to see the warning itself because the turn signal light floods the screen.

I am writing to report urgent safety concerns with my 2018 Tesla Model 3, software version 2023. 44. 30. 5. 1, after the NHTSA recall on autopilot functionality. I have owned my vehicle for over 4 years and have never had concerns with the adas / auto-pilot / auto-steering functionality until the NHTSA required changes in December 2024. While driving on I-405 in garden grove, CA, my vehicle while in adas / auto-steering / autopilot made repeated and unusually persistent attempts to change from lane 4 to lane 3. I had to manually cancel each attempt, despite my speed being set to match traffic flow. This issue never arose before the software update for the NHTSA recall. Moreover, the vehicle consistently signaled for driver attention, despite my full attention to the road, a concerning new behavior post-update. The need to frequently override these undesired maneuvers forced me to disable the adas autopilot/auto-steering. This puts me and my vehicle occupants at risk, as I believe the adas system, functioning correctly pre-recall update, safely maintained distance from vehicles ahead and did not make unintended maneuvers to change lanes. These issues suggest the recall modifications adversely affect autopilot functionality, creating safety hazards. This is especially alarming given the potential for serious accidents due to unexpected lane changes and false driver attention alerts. I urge the NHTSA to reconsider the recall modifications to Tesla's auto-steer/autopilot adas features. It's crucial that recall adjustments do not jeopardize vehicle and vehicle occupants safety. A comprehensive review of the recall's impact is needed, potentially leading to an amendment or reversal, to ensure the safety of Tesla users and other road users.

Dear NHTSA representative, I am writing to express my deep concerns and seek resolution regarding the latest version of autopilot enforced in the recent Tesla recall, identified under campaign id #23v-838. I am a Tesla owner that’s deeply invested in the safety and functionality of my vehicle. Recent reports indicate that the mandated autopilot update has rendered the car unsafe and nearly undrivable with autopilot engaged. Disturbingly, users have reported false warnings, causing drivers to divert their attention from the road and react to incorrect information. This poses a significant safety risk to drivers, passengers, and others on the road. I wish to bring to your attention that the autopilot feature in my vehicle is currently usable, and I am hesitant to compromise its functionality based on the reported issues with the mandated update. It is disconcerting that a safety recall mandated by the NHTSA could potentially make my vehicle less safe for me and my family. I urge the NHTSA to conduct a thorough investigation into the safety implications of the autopilot update and to consider the concerns raised by Tesla owners seriously. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to a swift resolution that prioritizes the safety and satisfaction of Tesla owners. Sincerely, a Tesla owner.

Cabin facing camera required for using autopilot stopped working after software update requiring cabing camera usage. Technician has stated that many cameras have had to be replaced since the update requiring the use of the cameras.

I received the recall update for recall #23v-838 and am currently running version 2023. 44. 30. 5. 1 with the added autosteer alerts. I am finding the alerts to be too frequent when I am just looking forward at the road. I have used this system for five years and never have I had so many alerts that I feel like the car is making me take my eyes off the road just to see what it is complaining about. Then it just says keeps eyes on the road. Well, I already was so now I'm being distracted by these added notifications. This NHTSA recall has created a safety problem as the new alerts are very distracting.

While in fsd the car swerved to the left and hit a tree. Youtube of the crash. . Https://youtu. Be/as9evo5vztu.

Recently I noticed that the automatic windshield wipers are completely non-functional on my vehicle. Windshield wipers can still be turned on manually and work normally as expected in all speeds in manual control mode. But in auto control mode, they simply don't turn on at all, even in very heavy rain. This is critical because when driving the vehicle in autopilot mode or full-self-driving mode, the vehicle automatically puts the windshield wipers in auto control mode and the driver cannot change them to manual mode. So when driving using autopilot in the rain, the windshield wipers just stay completely off all the time, even when autopilot is displaying warning messages about severe weather. I contacted Tesla support about this and Tesla support immediately responded that this is a known issue and should be corrected via over-the-air update soon, but no eta available.

The adaptive cruise control (autopilot) suddenly applied the brakes while I was traveling about 70 mph on a major interstate highway. There was no reason for the sudden and rapid braking. No obstacles of any kind. I suspect the autopilot was confused with the shade of the road from asphalt to concrete as I approached a small bridge. Software version on the vehicle is 2023. 38. 6.

"self-driving system" turned into a one-way road, going the wrong way when the road was well labeled. I have had similar problems every time I have activated self-driving over the past 6 years. It is easy to reproduce the issue at any time.

While driving my Tesla Model 3, using the acc and self-steering option, I occasionally get "forward collision warnings" when going over a hill, where you can't see the road until you get over the hill. I have also had the same "forward collision warnings" on a flat stretch of road when there is clearly nothing in front of me in my lane. I have also been experiencing "phantom braking" episodes, noticing a pattern where they will happen as I approach a bridge overpass, as if the car thought the bridge overpass was perhaps an obstacle. These occur on a fairly regular basis, as in, at least 5-10 times per month. I drive a lot of highways, and drive approx 20,000 miles per year.

When driving using full self driving or autopilot, the car unexpectedly and suddenly brakes as if there is something on the road which is in the way even though there is nothing there. On one trip of 260 miles, the car unnecessarily braked twice on the freeway. Had someone been following too closely to me it could have caused a collision.

The issues are all related to the feature called autopilot, all on a highway, traveling at highway speed while using autopilot. Sunny, dry, daytime 1. The car hard braked with no other vehicles or objects on roadway. I had to take back control quickly 2. The car hard braked when I was driving in the right lane and a car was in the entrance lane beside me, causing a near accident with the other vehicle which was trying merge onto lane, I had to quickly take back control to avoid a dangerous situation. 3. I was in left lane and turned on the turning indicator to move to the right lane, the car started to move lanes, then suddenly abandoned attempt, moving back to the original lane. There was no object in the target lane and there was a car behind me in the left lane wanting to pass, causing a dangerous situation. (this happened twice).

While vehicle is in full self driving (fsd), it randomly hallucinate, triggering left or right turns when the mapped course is forward. This has occurred 8-10 times within the past week. I stopped using it today after a near accident while driving on the highway. I reported all incidents to Tesla, they historically do not respond to inquires. This is extremely dangerous to the driver, other drivers, and demonstrates Tesla’s neglect in releasing beta releases to the public. No warnings were displayed at the time of each incident. Tesla has my driving data, camera access and my feedback notes. Teslafsd version is v11. 4. 4 or 2023. 7. 20.

Software bug for sure. When car is in autopilot the windshield wipers start and cannot be turned off. This occurrs when the windshield is clean , not raining. The wiper off virtual switches cannot be turned off and the only option is to switch from auto to 1 to slow the wipers. If the car is not in autopilot the issue doesn’t not occur and the wipers operate as they should.

Owner driving route on 680 approaching omaha 6/9/23 at 4:43. Car abruptly slowed and braked while passing a semi truck in the right lane on a curve. Regained control by pressing accelerator. But the reduction in speed was large and could easily have caused a rear end collision had a car been following at the time. Logged using in car bug report as instructed previously by Tesla customer support. However, follow up with Tesla service center was unproductive.

I have owned my Tesla Model 3 since early 2019. The adaptive cruise control worked incredibly beautifully for years up until a few weeks ago - I think sometime in June 2023 (could have been may 2023). All of the sudden, I was *frequently* experiencing phantom braking, ie. Braking with no explanation, while using adaptive cruise control. Sometimes the braking was gradual, other times more forceful. It would happen at random places - sometimes in/near intersections or around other vehicles, other times just out on the open road with no vehicles or stoplights anywhere in sight. Even on a 20 minute drive, it can happen three or four times. To me, this is a severe hazard. I have a disability, and I purchased this vehicle because of the incredible safety features. Prior to this, it has 100% lived up to what people said about it - just amazing. But now, the very reason I purchased this vehicle, its advanced safety features, I find not just unreliable but somewhat terrifying. I *believe* that Tesla may have (effectively / unintentionally) disabled the built-in radar in vehicles like mine. This is because I've read online accounts of people with the same year having the same problems as mine, also at around the same time that mine started. Specifically, my model year has radar built in. But I understand that newer Teslas rely solely on cameras, ie. "Tesla vision. " I understood that because my vehicle physically has radar installed, that my adaptive cruise control would still work at least as good as it had in the past - certainly not worse. If this can't be fixed I'll be forced to sell the car, which I desperately don't want to do, as I love the car and I think the world of Tesla. I just want it to work properly again.

2018 Tesla Model 3 was in cruise control (not self-drive) on an interstate with no other vehicles in the near vicinity. The car repeatedly applied brakes unexpectedly. I have traveled with this vehicle before and did not have unexpected braking problems. I have requested a Tesla service appointment but do not know if Tesla has an answer to what I hear is a widespread problem.

Tesla cruise control was in use when passing a white van or SUV on route 505 near winters. On Friday may 19 at approx. 5:45pm. Our Tesla abruptly slowed from 70mph to approx 50mph before our driver regained control. A motorcycle following was forced to pass us using the left shoulder. The motorcycle was following at a safe distance but was put at risk due to abrupt slowdown by our Tesla. Tesla customer service checked vehicle remotely and states there are no current problems with the car. No alerts. Cameras are aligned. Tesla advised computer reboot and ongoing monitoring by owner. States that car may learn over time. Car is equipped with "full self driving " feature but only "cruise control" was in use at time of event.

Driving in full self driving mode, the vehicle made a left turn into oncoming traffic.

Vehicle has experienced dramatic increase in so-called phantom braking incidents when adaptive cruise control is turned on. The vehicle suddenly and forcefully brakes for no apparent reason even when there are no vehicles or other hazards in front or on the sides of it. I have revisited sites where the incidents have occurred to see if there is some environmental factor such as reflective signs that might have triggered the incidents but have been unable to replicate them. They are completely random. I am aware that this phantom braking issue has previously been reported but based on a review of various internet sites such as reddit, owners have reported a dramatic increase in incidents over the past month or so.

This is an issue regarding the full self driving software. My car continues to run red lights at which it is already stopped. The light is solid red to the naked eye, and the camera definitely does not show the normal steady blink of a malfunctioning signal. The pitch forward in the video is me slamming on the brakes as the car tries to run the light (about 28 seconds in). I have previously reported this to Tesla on 12/28/21, 8/25/22, 9/21/22, 11/21/22, and 4/24/23. It has happened many more times than that, as I usually don't see a point in reporting the same bug multiple times on the same software version. As far as I know, nothing is being done about this and I have received no acknowledgement of the problem. The fsdbeta@Tesla. Com autoreply states that they forward this information to the correct department. This is, in my opinion, many orders of magnitude more serious than the previous Tesla recall regarding waiting too long at stop signs as this will cause a crash for an inattentive driver. Https://youtu. Be/zvjasdleepu.

The car has fsd beta - when exiting on freeway off ramp numerous error codes came on and car lost ability to steer effectively. The car was not in autopilot mode when the incident occured.

Driving in full self driving made a sharp unexpected last second turn directly into a pilón at 30 mph causing front end damage. I have the the incident recorded on video from the Tesla. Full self driving did not disengage prior to crash and hands were on the wheel, it just happened within . 5 seconds and there was no way to react in time. I reported to Tesla many times and was ignored here is a link to the video https://share. Icloud. Com/photos/0b5kipcy1cqmurqw_6bzzdhog.

Fsd beta code version: 2022. 44. 30. 10 seems to have a nasty bug where due to some bad speed limit data for highways, will automatically change the max cruising speed set by me. Hence the car results in abruptly slowing down on the highway. I have filed bug reports via the car as soon as its happened. Locations it has occurred: on I-90 eastbound right after the framingham on-ramp around the place where the service plaza exit happens. And on route-2, eastbound between the I-95 offramp to rt-2 thru rt-2 exit to winter street. Its due to bad navigation data as the speed change happens very predictablely in the same area, regardless of road conditions, car position in lane, or weather conditions. This never happened in the past 4 years. Fsd automatically changed max speed from 75 to 61 miles per hr, causing the slow down.