general problems of the 2020 Tesla Model 3 - part 1

My Tesla Model 3 is experiencing premature suspension failures involving the lower lateral links and stabilizer links. These components were already replaced once, and they are failing again in less than 30,000 miles. This is not normal wear for suspension parts on a modern vehicle. These failures cause clunking, instability, and looseness in the front end—conditions that affect the vehicle’s ability to track straight and maintain control, especially over uneven pavement or during emergency maneuvers. This isn’t an isolated case. There are extensive reports from other Tesla owners across multiple models (model 3 and model y in particular) showing the same premature wear on these suspension links. Many owners have parts failing even earlier. Once the car is out of warranty, Tesla charges thousands of dollars to replace these components, despite clear indications that the suspension was under-engineered for the weight of the vehicle. Tesla knows this is a recurring issue but refuses to issue a recall or goodwill repairs. A repeated failure of critical suspension links in such low mileage suggests a defect. These parts should not be wearing out this fast, and the resulting instability poses a real safety risk. I’m requesting NHTSA investigate these premature failures.

Subject: urgent complaint regarding power steering failure in 2019 Tesla Model 3 hello NHTSA, I am writing to file a complaint regarding a very dangerous situation I recently experienced with my 2019 Tesla Model 3. While driving on the freeway at approximately 65 mph, the power steering failed unexpectedly. I struggled significantly to change lanes in order to exit the freeway, and it felt as though my vehicle was going to collide with other cars. After managing to get off the freeway, I nearly hit the guardrail while attempting to turn onto a side street, creating a hazardous situation. I am deeply concerned about the potential consequences; for instance, what if I had struck a pedestrian, or if the car had collided with another vehicle at high speed? I live on a winding mountain road, where I could have easily driven off a cliff. Turning the car off and back on temporarily resolved the issue. However, there are numerous complaints regarding steering rack failures with Tesla vehicles. Tesla has quoted me $2,700. 00 to fix what appears to be a known manufacturing defect. They are aware of this potentially hazardous situation but are not taking responsibility for the repairs. This is a serious safety issue, and I urge Tesla to accept responsibility and cover the repair costs before someone is seriously injured or killed—if such an incident has not already occurred. Please let me know what further actions I can take to facilitate Tesla's resolution of this dangerous problem. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely,.

Steering rack failed.

Vehicle must have thought a shadow line in the road from a bridge indicated a wall I was about to hit, as it slammed on the breaks in the middle of the freeway. Car behind had to swerve to avoid. On the same trip, several nags of 'keep eyes on the road' were incorrect, as my eyes were directly on the road, but phone was in hand functioning as a microphone taking voice memos. Car proceeded to shut itself down while in the middle of the freeway, causing me to go slower than traffic and put me in danger as cars behind me had to swerve or lane change to avoid me as I tried to pull off to the shoulder. These forced shutdowns from incorrect 'nag fails' are causing safety issues. Nag failures should not forcibly shut the car down. Not sure if this is being enforced by NHTSA, or why Tesla is choosing to disable their auto steer or fsd when drivers are detected to be failing nags - nags should be there to help drivers, and potentially the nag data/cab video can be used after the fact should a user failing nags be involved in an accident for insurance dispute resolution, but shutting the cars down themselves is causing issues.

My Model 3 failed at under 50,000 miles and gave out a series of failure warnings. It was unable to drive anymore and steering became stiff and unresponsive. In researching this I see it is a common issue with hundreds of thousands of cars affected. And the NHTSA has an open investigation into it. Tesla as usual is denying the problem exists.

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving 10 mph and making a left turn, the steering wheel seized, and the front passenger's side of the vehicle lowered to the ground and made an abnormal grinding sound, before coming to a stop. The contact stated that upon exiting and inspecting the vehicle, it was noticed that the tie rod had detached from the front passenger's side wheel, and the front passenger's side wheel had turned inward and was pinned by the wheel well. The vehicle was towed to a Tesla service center, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front passenger's side steering assembly needed to be replaced. The contact was charged a fee for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

The 2020 and older models of the Tesla has bad control arms an should be a recall they are charging us over $1,500 for an issue that happens to so many Teslas.

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.

While driving I attempted a turn and heard many horribly loud clunking noises and was unable to steer car. I looked under the front of the car and saw the left front tire turned to the left (the right front tire was straight) and there was a piece on the ground which was determined to be the lower control arm. The two bolts were missing so it became disconnected. Thankfully I was in a parking lot at a slow speed so no injuries. The car was towed to a repair shop who analyzed the problem. There was no warning given on the car’s computer system, just sudden loud clunking sounds when the car became inoperable. One day later I located one of the two bolts in the driveway.

Received several "steering assist reduced" alerts when stopped in traffic last week, followed immediately by the failure of the power steering after each alert. Power steering resumed after a soft restart. Tried to make appointment at Tesla service center last Friday to get this addressed, but they said they had no appointments available and would not be able to diagnose my vehicle until today, August 12, 2024. . In the interim, the power steering went out again while on the freeway, forcing me to exit and restart the vehicle again. This is a clear danger to myself and my passengers. After receiving the results of the diagnosis today, they informed me that both the steering rack and harness would need to be replaced at the cost of nearly $5,000. The technician showed me some corrosion in one of the electrical connections where there had been water intrusion. I told him this was surprising since the car is relatively new and it would seem that Tesla would have sealed this connections to resist the relatively dry rainy seasons we experience here in southern California.

At 04/12/2024 7:17pm est the alert "steering assist reduced. Steering may require increased effort" appeared while driving and remained for the duration of the drive. In the event log this was listed as "ui_a020 steering assist reduced". The alert disappeared after the car was parked for a while and restarted. This alert also occurred multiple times earlier in the year (and mentioned when the car was brought in for an unrelated service issue) but I had not recorded the date and time so Tesla was not able to capture a log. It eeappeared on two occasions after 4/12, including once on 4/19/2024 at 6:47pm est. In some, but not all instances, the steering wheel did require considerably more force to turn after the alert appeared. I scheduled a service request with Tesla on 4/13/2024 (for a service date of 4/24/2024) and received a repair estimate on 4/18/2024 with a remote diagnosis. The repair suggested was a steering rack replacement. I dropped off the car at the service center on 4/24 but because of a shipping delay on the part, the repair was completed Tuesday 4/30. I am attaching the initial estimate as well as the final invoice from Tesla.

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

I had done a software update and my horn no longer works. Also the 2 steering wheel buttons don’t work anymore.

1. ) steering wheel,yes. 2. ) I lost steering at 50 mph with my twp daughter in backseat. 3. ) car was towed back to Tesla (it eas there 3 days ago for 2 front upper control arms replacement) 4. ) car not inspected by anyone other than Tesla. 5. ) yes 2 warnings “steering assist reduced”and “lane departure disabled”.

My Model 3 intermittently has the steering wheel locked in position, which sometimes resolves temporarily after rebooting the car. I always get a steering assist reduced error on the car, regardless of rebooting. It also no longer has lane keep capabilities or autopilot, which involve the car automatically moving the steering. I have not gotten this inspected by a dealer or service center. The issue first appeared yesterday, after I tried to pull out of a parking lot, but I had trouble since my wheel would not turn. I will be going to a service center next week. After the errors began, I have not meaningfully driven the car, since locking of the wheel while driving is very dangerous. A handful of errors showed up on the screen (cruise control disabled, traction control disabled, stability control disabled, steering assist reduced), and I did not have any regenerative braking applying. I returned safely to my parking spot. After multiple reboots of the car (pressing both wheel buttons), I found that sometimes after putting my car into drive, my steering wheel was locked. Other times, I could turn my steering wheel without issue, but I would always receive the steering assist reduced error.

I believe the steering over steered and the tire strut got broekn due to a pot hole.

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.

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and became firm. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic was not able to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,272.

On oct 9, 2023 1:45 pm I was driving home southbound on California sr-73 in costa mesa. The vehicle was pulling hard to the right. I got home and made an appointment with Tesla service in costa mesa for the following day. Two days later I was told that they had tried to do a wheel alignment twice and failed, and that the car needed a new steering rack after 52000 miles. I agreed to the repair and demanded the return of the replaced parts. They returned a steering rack and two connecting bolts. They were inspected by the California bureau of automotive repair. I still have the parts and will make them available to aid the investigation. I have a paid invoice in the amount of $3114. 53. What began as a concern about wheel alignment quickly became an alarming safety issue when I realized that if the steering rack had failed I could have lost control at any time. It was since that I learned that NHTSA is actively investigating early steering rack failures in Tesla vehicles. I have the part for you to dissect. I look forward to working with you. Best regards, sarah rosen.

Sporadically, I've been driving and the steering stiffens so much that I can barely turn the wheel. The car flashes a warning that steering assist may be reduced. I pull over, turn the car off, restart it, and it is fine again. This happens, such as the last time I filled this out, randomly and not every day nor on every drive. I contacted Tesla and they estimated a $2,000+ cost to fix it and can't get to it until October 2nd at the earliest. Meanwhile, I need it to get to and from work. They stated that the steering concern hasn't been reported in any other vehicle, but I've seen it reported by others to NHTSA.

While driving on the highway, the car suddenly alerted me that the steering assist was affected. The steering wheel became extremely stiff. To turn, it took two hands and quite a lot of strength. I pulled off onto an exit, turned the car off, then started it back. The steering worked properly the rest of the drive. The next day, steering worked fine on my 50-mile drive to work. On the way home, however, it froze up the same way again. Again, I pulled over, turned the car off, then back on and the issue was resolved. The steering wheel was so stiff that I could barely turn it, however, and it is incredibly unsafe. The soonest they said they could check the car is October 2nd. It seems to be a software issue since turning the car off and then back on resolves it. Tesla, however, is impossible to get in touch with other than sending a text through the app and then I'm licky if I ever get a response.

My son-in-law went straight off country road and into a tree car burnt to ground was burnt to death date was June 26 2023 sheriff spokane county investigating teal front suspension repaired 1 month before at local Tesla shop spokane wa.

Braking and stopping - braking system - improperly functioning braking systems. I experienced a problem with the brake pedal, brake calipers, and/or any component of a Model 3 braking system. “model 3 has an anti-lock braking system (abs) that prevents the wheels from locking when you apply maximum brake pressure. This improves steering control during heavy braking in most road conditions…forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking do not operate when driving at very low speeds (see collision avoidance assist on page 128). Do not rely on these features to warn you, or to prevent or reduce-the impact of a collision. (Tesla owners manuel71-73) I stop on a downward slope with my foot on the brake to wait for a gate to open in my apartments. I let go of the brake and the vehicle remained steady until it started rolling. When it started rolling, I jam my foot on the brake but the brake is engaged (locked). The vehicle accelerates, the brakes and steering wheel is locked giving no control over the vehicle. The vehicle drives through the gate and into a wall. The airbags deploy and I get out immediately for caution of explosion and shock. I call a tow truck and made a claim with usaa. I got a concussion and multiple injuries on my body. I’ve been getting medical treatment for 6-8 months. Usaa didn’t help as they deemed the accident was my fault and totaled the vehicle. I bought the vehicle for more than what’s it’s worth. I have loan payment that I can not pay. This was my only asset and this accident changed my work life. Tesla gave me the run around on how to make a claim and no compensation. Directed me to insurance company. This demonstrates failure of an braking system, operating electric vehicles, company responsibility, safety and transportation regulations and policies. These vehicles are highly dangerous for my safety and others as there’ve been multiple accidents and deaths.

This happened on 2/18/2023. After I charged my car at a local supercharging station, I drove on the local roads for about 2 miles when the car started shutting down. I could barely steer, and the computer monitor stated that the brakes were turning off, and other parts, like cameras, were losing functionality. I pulled over into the local park. I was frightened that my car was no longer functional and that I could be in grave danger driving again. I tried to call Tesla but no one answered. I had to go through the app. My dad came and we found a youtube video that said to walk out of the car to let it restart. Looks like it happened to another owner. We did that and the car started functioning again. Not sure why it did this after a charge. But it happened again 3 mos later when I was on the freeway. Luckily, I knew what to do from prior experience. But I am mindful of this whenever I supercharge my car. I wait after charging to drive. This shouldn't be the case and Tesla should tell people of this issue. I tried to tell Tesla service when I went in for another repair but they ignored my comments.

The material used to cover the steering wheel is defective and not up to safety standards. The poor quality plastic used to cover the wheel is a very thin plastic that melts from the sun and peels off causing a safety hazard. I brought this to Tesla's attention and was told they will not fix it without me paying for it. There are number of consumer complaints on the internet for the same issue showing the defective material.

This cocksucker blasts oncoming traffic with disco highbeams every single fucking time there's a lonely oncoming car on the highway. Someone's gonna shoot my ass for blasting them repeatedly with highbeams. Because autosteer is connected to auto highbeams, I can't turn it off unless I turn autosteer off and drive like a 1995 peasant.

Sporadically when driving at highway speeds, car will experience an error. Steering assist immediately decreases (wheel harder to turn), cruise control (if enabled) will disengage, and following error codes appear on flatscreen : - vehicle hold feature unavailable - tire pressure monitor system fault - automatic emergency braking disabled - abs (anti-lock brakes) disabled - regenerative brakes disabled - steering assist reduced - traction control disabled unsure of which component is at fault. Tesla service center (norfolk va) has pushed off appointment for more than 30 days but has acknowledged that there is an issue. Safety: loss of abs is a major safety risk to occupants. Loss of steering assist also puts driver and others at risk due to increased steering effort. Loss loss of regenerative braking also a safety risk due to the instantaneous change of vehicle braking behavior when regenerative braking switches off.

I was trying to avoid a car parked on the side of highway on my right going between 45 to 55 miles an hour and slightly steered the car to the left, and the car swerved back and forth at the slightest steering wheel movement as if skidding in the snow. The road was dry (no rain) but the steering was not stable and the car ended up hitting a truck on the left. It caused a very serious accident and we are lucky that there was just a major car damage and no one was hurt. The steering seems to be uncontrollable and loose, and causes major swerving if one has to steer away at a high speed.

I was driving down the interstate and had my Tesla on self driving. For no reason at all it did a aggressive left turn causing me to go off the road into the median. It tore up pieces of my car and Tesla wouldn’t do anything about it and have no idea why it went off the road. I have a video of the incident.

This is a complaint about the beta release autopilot. A random Model 3 VIN has been used to be able to file a complaint. This complaint applies to all models of Tesla. Here is a video of a proud beta tester. . Read more...

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving in the rain with the autopilot engaged the vehicle accelerated without warning and was incontrollable, flipped two times, and hit the curb. The contact sustained neck injuries and medical attention was provided at the hospital. All the air bags deployed. There was no reported fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent body shop. The local dealer was contacted who referred the contact to the body shop. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.

Here is a Tesla Model 3 in the junkyard. . Read more...

This is a complaint about the issue of popped ball-joints which is affecting all models of Tesla cars. Here is just one example of a ball-joint that has popped apart for no good reason. . Read more...

Here is a terdsla in the junkyard. . Read more...

Here is a terdsla Model 3 in the junkyard. . Read more...