general problems of the 2020 Tesla Model 3 - part 1

Essentially, I find the lack of emergency, unpowered door release for the back doors a little concerning. There is no way to open the door in the event that all power to the door latch fails. Even in newer models (at least of 3/y/cybertruck, that I know of) the emergency release is buried under the cupholder liner in the rear seat. Here is a youtube video showing a homebrew retrofit. It seems like something like this should probably be provided to owners of this model of car. The internals of the door seem to make this feasible. [xxx] the front seats, on the other hand, have an easily accessed and intuitive emergency door release. I imagine that the rear seats differ from this model because of child safety locks. Just removing all emergency handles from the door seems like a pretty bad solution. I further understand that there are situations in which even an emergency door release will fail to open the door, and a glass break device is probably the ultimate recourse to this situation. But rear seat emergency egress really seems like a blind spot in NHTSA requirements at least. I shouldn't have to do an airline style safety briefing to my rear passengers in a consumer vehicle. Thanks for your time, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Experienced sudden unintended acceleration (sua) while parking the car. Was pulling into a parking spot at a very slow speed, approx 5 mph and the car accelerated to an extremely high speed on its own without any input from me. Tried to brake to stop the car but the car did not respond or stop or slow down. Due to the sua event, the car crashed into the side of a building, all air bags in the car were deployed, and the car is a total loss per insurance.

The Tesla windows have a window sensor in the door. It appears these fail. When they fail, the door does not shut securely. More specifically, it stays paritally ajar. I would like to report this a safety issue. More specifically, it is possible a passenger could fall out when the window does not shut properly. Additionally, it seem to impact the drivablity and safety. This should be considered a recall item.

Unknown issue with front passanger safety restraint system. Car suddenly notified me of an issue with the restraint system. Before the fault the car was simply just parked in my driveway, then I went into the car and the safety issue appeared. The seat was adjusted for my mom's height the day prior, this might have caused a wire to become pinched and caused the fault due to how the wiring under the seat is set up from manufacturing. Online search results show this to be a common occurrence for cars from 2019-2021 in Tesla.

Tesla's latest update pings you when you're sitting at a light and it turns green. It also shows you the green light on its screen rendering of your surroundings. The other day, Tesla incorrectly pinged me that a light was green when it was still red. It also displayed it as green on the screen. This is dangerous not only because it suggests the self-driving mode would have incorrectly registered the light and started forward (I was not in self-driving fortunately), but even without self-driving, drivers become primed to go when the ping happens, so this could lead a driver to run the light.

My motor control unit failed. No reason given by Tesla service center. It simply just died. They cannot find a reason, and they also said I didn't do anything to cause the mcu to fail. Service center agrees this is a rare event. Likely got a really faulty mcu to start with. I bought my car in 2020, so just over 4 years later my mcu died.

Hi there, it seems like a lot of Model 3 Tesla owners year 2020 have been hit with a thousand plus dollars repair for the super bottle that controls the hvac. Some at 37,000 miles. It looks like Tesla knows this is a faulty part they will cause issues. Thus they limit the warranty to 4 years only or 50,000 miles whichever comes first. Most cases was the four year warranty that runs out and the very next month we have issues with the super bottle replacement. It looks like they have now it started making a more sturdy part. So for us with older models we are hit with expensive repairs. If you do not change the super bottle the car drives on very limited speed limits which can be dangerous if you need to make a quick fast maneuver. Basically you're not able to drive the car anywhere but only to your neighborhood grocery store!! not only that if you do not fix the car quickly it will start damaging surrounding parts costing you even more. I'd like to know if there is a possible recall that Tesla would cover the cost.

In a private parking lot, within line of sight and ample time to respond to problem I used Tesla Smart summon. Instead of taking an obvious route through the parking lot, it narrowly hit a parked car, then proceeded to drive over a parking barrier and into a wooded field towards me and a crowded food truck area. I was unable to cancel the feature in time to stop the car from the collision as it accelerated too fast and without any initial signs of an issue. Even after canceling through the app, the car tried to continue for a brief period. If anyone was in the area or we were closer we could have been hit. Tesla replaced the cameras but claimed no responsibility for damages, citing I was "in control". There were no warning lamps or indicators of any defects before the incident. I also have the original dashcam footage portraying the incident, which clearly shows numerous safety hazards to the Smart summon feature.

A few months ago after an update, my turn signal functionality was completely replaced by ai. This results in me driving either with the blinker engaged when I don’t want it to be, or not engaged when I want it to be. To correct the usually incorrect ai is distracting, and often causes even more incorrect blinker usage. I find this to be dangerous.

Concern: message appeared on the Tesla screen "dir_a126 power reduced" repair solution: internal seal in battery coolant bottle was faulty and not letting coolant flow properly to rear drive unit. Tesla warranty: states that battery coolant does not need to be replaced for the life of the vehicle.

Car radio goes so loud it damaged my ear nerves. This results in pain especially when exposed to loud sounds.

I was traveling on autopilot in left lane with autopilot engaged on 06/13/2024 on hw 101 at around 9:40am my car all of the sudden slammed on brakes and dropped speed from around 65mph to 30mph before I was able to react and recover speed. Reached out to Tesla on their app about this and they are sending me estimate of $275 to check it out.

Front subframe assembly broken turn signals don't register input lateral and compliances links broken.

Issue with heater and cooler where it suddenly stops working. Not even fan turns on. It makes the car unsafe to drive and transport a baby. This is a kwon issue.

The ac and window defroster stopped working. I got it fixed and it was because of a loose connector. I added supporting document below. They said it might be because of vibration.

Received safety recall letter from Tesla 23v-838. Asked Tesla to implement the software update; they told me to do it via wifi. I do not have wifi and asked them to do an over the air update. I have not heard back from them. Please compel them to update me to the most recent version of the software to fix the safety recall.

I received a software update from Tesla which caused my car to display wanting signals that would beep repeatedly while my car was parked and while driving. The on screen messages stated “gear box fluid recommended” and “adaptive air suspension needs service”. When I reached out to Tesla they told me to not worry about those alerts because a bug in their software update caused the issue and I did not actually require those services. They admitted that they were aware of this bug and that I was not the only customer experiencing this issue. They gave me two options. Either schedule a service appointment or wait until the next software update. I scheduled an appointment because I could not drive my vehicle safely with alerts beeping every second that I was driving. A software update appeared on my screen before my appointment and it seemed to fix the problem for about 24 hours. The next day I woke up to my screen being black and the car not being responsive or displaying any information. This caused a major concern because I could not even tell how fast I was driving. The car is still driveable. I just have no information or access to any functions of the vehicle. So I scheduled another appointment with Tesla. Who determined the entire computer system needed to be replaced. Since my car is out of warranty they want me to pay out of pocket. I do not believe this is a responsibility of mine since the software update is what destroyed my computer. Tesla is responsible for making sure their vehicles are safe to drive and providing us with software updates that make the cars extremely unsafe to drive and then not wanting to be responsible for the repairs is insane. I am not the only customer that this has happened too. This has happened to many people and I think it’s extremely unfair and needs to be looked into.

Dear NHTSA, I am contacting you regarding campaign #23v-838 and the recent Tesla software update, which I believe has compromised the safety features of my Tesla Model 3. For over two years, I’ve trusted my Tesla’s capabilities, notably its autopilot feature. However, the latest update has introduced a wheel detection system that’s overly sensitive and disruptive. Previously, my driving experience was smooth, responsible and safe, with hands on the wheel and autopilot assist for when I needed to make blind lane changes, allowing me to look over my shoulder briefly at the blind spot while the wheel kept straight without rear ending anyone. Now, with this mandated update, I’m forced to make frequent, forceful adjustments to the steering wheel. I can’t look away from the front of the car even briefly to check my surroundings. This constant intervention and forbidding drivers from looking around to check for safety is distracting and dangerous, leading to abrupt autopilot disengagements and brief rapid ways in which the car behaves as the car disengages and throws you into manual when you weren’t expecting it. This isn’t just about inconvenience; it’s a safety hazard. I’m now more focused on maintaining autopilot than on the road and surrounding conditions. This undermines the very purpose of the feature. As someone who’s always vigilant about my surroundings, especially at intersections, I find this update counterproductive. It forces me to turn off the feature, leaving me without the assistance that I’ve come to rely on for safer driving. I urge you to review this matter with utmost priority. The balance between driver engagement and the autopilot system’s safety has been significantly disturbed by this update. Necessary adjustments are needed to prevent potential accidents and ensure that this technology continues to enhance driving safety and efficiency. Thank you for addressing this critical issue.

I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning issue regarding the recent update related to recall alerts in my vehicle, which has inadvertently led to an increase in distraction while driving. I received a software update for my vehicle, which included new features aimed at enhancing autopilot alerts. However, instead of improving safety, these updates have unintentionally resulted in an increased level of distraction while driving. Issues identified: frequency of alerts: the frequency of recall alerts has become excessive, leading to a constant stream of notifications while driving. This has proven to be highly distracting and has compromised my ability to focus on the road. Alert presentation: the visual and auditory presentation of the alerts is intrusive and often occurs excessively during driving. The alerts are not sufficiently streamlined to ensure minimal disruption, causing a significant distraction. Impact on driving behavior: the continuous alerts have forced me to divert attention away from the road, leading to an increased risk of accidents and compromising overall road safety. Recommendations: as per most other vehicle brands that benefit from self-driving technologies, like Cadillac and Ford, they are not affected by this recall, and do not make the driver continually look at the display for information regarding to the alert. Intelligent alert timing: incorporate a Smart algorithm that considers the driving context before issuing an alert. This can prevent alerts during critical driving moments, reducing distraction. Comprehensive testing: conduct thorough testing of software updates before release to identify and address any unintended consequences, such as increased distraction. Before this update, it was a lot less distracting to drive this vehicle, due to the limited notifications. Since this update, I've found myself removing my eyes from the road because of the increased notifications. A reversal of this recall is in need.

To whom it may concern at the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA), I am writing to urgently express my concerns about the latest software update for the Tesla Model 3’s autopilot system, which, in my view, significantly compromises safety. As a Model 3 owner for over two years, I have generally found the vehicle and its features to be reliable and safe. However, the recent update has introduced an overly stringent hands-on-wheel detection mechanism that is not only inconvenient but also potentially hazardous. The new update requires frequent and often forceful interaction with the steering wheel to assure the system of driver presence. This change is drastically different from my previous experience, where I received only one hands-on-wheel violation in two years. The current sensitivity of the system disrupts the smooth operation of the autopilot, leading to frequent and abrupt disengagements. I have found myself struggling to maintain the system’s activation, inadvertently causing the vehicle to exit autopilot mode multiple times. This issue goes beyond mere inconvenience; it actively detracts from driving safety. The need for constant and sometimes aggressive adjustments to satisfy the system’s requirements is distracting and can lead to erratic vehicle behavior. The irony is stark: a system designed to enhance driving safety and ease is now a source of potential danger and stress. The unpredictability and over-sensitivity of the updated system could lead to dangerous situations, especially on highways or in heavy traffic, where sudden disengagement of the autopilot can be particularly risky. As a driver, I now find myself more focused on keeping the autopilot engaged than on the actual driving conditions and surroundings, which is surely contrary to the feature’s intended purpose. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this issue as a matter of urgency and safety.

Cabin heat not working, vehicle’s defroster is also not work well enough to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards regarding windshield visibility. Error message on the vehicle’s user interface saying that heating and air conditioning are limited or unavailable. The blower motor, which sends air into the cabin, will remain operational.

Tesla's full self driving was enabled. The car failed to stop at a stop sign, and was actually accelerating through the stop sign. This was a huge error, and I had to slam on the brakes in order to get the car to stop. It was critical that the car stop, as cross traffic did not have a stop sign (2 way stop intersection) and the speed limit for cross traffic was 45mph. Very dangerous. I have video to confirm this incident. Please contact me if you need access to the video.

On August 2, 2023 at 0400, the Tesla m3 was charging in the garage using a home charger. Smoke indicative of an electrical fire likely originated from the vehicle and eventually triggered a smoke alarm in the kitchen. The driver was unaware the source of the smoke was the Tesla, disconnected the Tesla and moved it out of the house to protect the vehicleb assuming a fire was in the house, and called firefighters who searched the home without success for a source of the fire. The driver now believes the Tesla was the source as the garage access door was cracked open to feed the charging cable from the 240v outlet in the laundry room. The nearest smoke detector from the Tesla is in the kitchen, where the driver smelled smoke from an electrical fire. At roughly 0745, the driver was about to complete a one hour commute to work in this Tesla unaware that the incident at 0400 was related to the Tesla. The driver experienced a sudden vector and velocity change in the vehicle while traveling at highway speeds. This is the driver's last memory of the accident that followed. A witness driving behind the Tesla described the vehicle traveling in clear lanes when it abruptly jerked left, then right into the side of the highway into concrete barricades. The Tesla was destroyed, airbags deployed, and the driver was rescued by first responders,firefighters, and paramedics. The driver was evacuated to the nearest hospital with serious injuries. The driver suffered broken ribs, a pneumothorax, several lacerations to head and chest, several contusions across the shoulder, legs, and body, and a mild traumatic brain injury.

My car cameras and audio will randomly stop working. Come to find out I took a recording with a timestamp of 1151 pm where I am on the highway and driving. Have witnesses of me driving and the issue. My Model 3 logs, as stated by service technician, say my vehicle is "parked and not being operated". This means I am driving with potentially dangerous and absolutely unreliable software in my car. It shows the car isn't being operated as I am going 60~ on the highway in traffic. My car cameras will go completely black and the audio warnings will go out including the backup sounds which are a required feature. Have contacted Tesla since 2020 and no action except a blanket statement of "a future update".

Open door button doesn’t work, this is a widely reported problem online. In case of accident, fire or submersion the passenger will be at great risk for bodily harm or death.

There is no manual door opener from the rear seats. In case of a power loss doors would not open. Only way the rear passengers can get out is climb to the front seats and get out through front doors. This is a serious situation in case of accident when power loss can happen.

My fsd beta-equipped Tesla sometimes makes inappropriate lane choices while following the navigation route. After watching a video made by a beta volunteer driver while testing a similar lane selection issue they had experienced across several fsd beta firmware releases, I checked a google map navigation route that took the same turn onto the same street shown in the video. The path in the google map route correlated closely with the erroneous route driven during the test video. The vehicle initially turned into the correct targeted lane. The car was then moved left into the "suicide lane" with a median island in the path directly ahead. Tesla's level 2 adas correctly "changes lane to follow route" and moves the car out of the incorrect center turning lane. I've experienced similar errors at times. This complaint concerns the route that brought the car into the center turn lane after making the left turn correctly. I documented these findings in a video. Https://youtu. Be/dvwdgcmaraw.

The main computer failed right after the warranty expires at 51,721 miles. My computer just failed and I have not done a single thing to damage the main computer. I was upgrading to 2023. 12. 5 and the computer just crapped out. I’ve been driving around with a blacked out screen and no access to backup camera, a/c, and unable to tell my speed, or when the turning signal is on. I tried to explain to the service center that this is not my fault for the computer failing and that they need to take care of the service free of charge. The car is still drivable and I have been fighting with Tesla support and the service center people to get them to understand that I am not liable for their defective equipment. It seems the only way they are willing to take responsibility is after a recall is issued.

Rear windshield developed a stress crack. No incident was involved, it just suddenly appeared. It ran about 1/3 of the rear window. I was concerned the glass would fall in on infant passenger seated in a car seat in the back seat. This appears to be a common glass problem for Tesla.

Car did not react to uncoming car and accident happened. Car was totaled. Recall no. 23v-838 involved as the car didn’t have the right safety controls and caused collision.

The backup camera on my car (and countless others posted online) sometimes has a 1-2 second delay in starting when in reverse, and often will freeze momentarily while in motion. This problem was introduced when Tesla updated their software some time in 2021, where it was livable but noticeable. Then in a subsequent update, the lag and freezing became extreme and rendered the backup camera useless at times. Then, another software update completely fixed the problem. However, one of the recent updates has reintroduced the issue, albeit not as bad as at its worst, but still a safety risk as unexpected freezing of the rear camera, even momentarily, could cause a potential collision with an object that may appear behind the vehicle. I love the software update model Tesla has. But safety features code needs to be walled off from other functionality so it cannot be impacted by updates.

This is regarding the computer and the cameras on this car. From the first day that I got this car, I have had the issue that when I use the cameras or the backup camera on this it laggs and this is part of safety issue because I was going to ran over some people when I was reversing. The lagging is very noticibale and I took the car to Tesla multiple times and said is ok but when they send technician to my house, we went for drive and I showed him the cameras and he duplicated the problem. The problem is getting worst and last month the computer was blacked out while I was driving. I need you guys to help me out to either put a recall on this car or return and get my full money back for this junk.

The problem is my car has been in the shop six times for an issue that Tesla claims it is unable to fix. I started smelling a burning smell (smoke coming from my air vents anytime the air is on) and brought it in. The first three times they were unable to find anything the fourth time they noticed debris that was embedded in the heating fins. They replaced that unit. The fifth/sixth time they actually took the hvac unit out and noticed the entire plastic underneath was melted and warped. Since the smell has continued and I’m worried that it’s dangerous, I had the air quality tested. The formaldehyde levels were 50 times higher than the epa recommends as a safe level. (hch0 level of 6 ppm) I’ve submitted all this to Tesla and they said they are currently working with their legal team to figure out if a buy back as possible. The new york attorney general told me that the car is not viable for a lemon law due to the fact they didn’t do three chances to fix it in 90 days. (the first 2 appointments were in the 90 days but the 3-6th were just past it) the car is not safe to breath air in and my lungs hurt from even spending a few minutes in the car. I’m worried about the effects it has on my health and I feel morally wrong to sell it to anyone else. Please help.

I don't think Tesla has dealt with recall 22v-702. Tesla has not notified me of the status of the recall. Please let me know if they have solved the problem.

Recall 21v-00d was registered Dec 2021, notice said waiting for parts. It's been over 12 months and no parts yet? also, the phone number Tesla has listed on the recall notice and their recall info on your website goes to a self-service site that states to use your Tesla app to schedule a repair so there is no way of contacting the company directly to find out about the status of the recall.