2018 TESLA MODEL 3 Complaints

My Tesla Model 3 has a persistent RCM_a056 alert indicating a problem with the front passenger occupancy detection system. The unresolved fault affects the operation of the front passenger airbag system. I paid Tesla approximately $1,000 for a repair intended to resolve this problem. Tesla replaced multiple components associated with the passenger seat/occupancy detection system, including the sensor, wiring, and other safety-system components. The repair did not resolve the problem. The RCM_a056 alert remained unchanged after the repair. I returned the vehicle to Tesla for further diagnosis. Tesla tested the individual components and documented that they found “no issues present,” but the RCM_a056 alert remained. Tesla then recommended replacing the entire passenger seat assembly at a cost of approximately $3,000. When I asked what diagnostic evidence indicated that the seat assembly was defective, I was told that they had no specific evidence that replacing the seat would resolve the problem. They were unable to identify a failed component and indicated that replacing the entire seat was the only remaining repair they could suggest. I am concerned that this represents an unresolved safety-system defect. I have already paid approximately $1,000 for a repair that did not resolve the fault, and Tesla is now recommending another $3,000 repair without identifying the cause of the failure. The vehicle remains unavailable for normal use because of the unresolved passenger restraint/airbag-system fault. I am requesting that NHTSA document and investigate this potential safety defect, particularly if other Tesla Model 3 vehicles are experiencing the same persistent occupancy-detection failure.

Adaptive cruise control was on, i was driving on the highway, traffic was speeding up and slowing down, and the tesla was braking accordingly. I was paying attention to the road and noticed, all of a sudden, that the tesla was not braking as traffic in front of us slowed. I immediately slammed my foot on the brake as hard as i could, yet there wasn't enough time or distance, and my car collided with the one in front of me. I wasn't injured, but there's a chance someone in the other car was. The emergency brake did not kick in whatsoever, and the adaptive cruise control completely failed, leading to an accident.

On July 10, 2026, while driving, I started to hear a rattling metal noise coming from under the right front side of the car. When making turns, the noise gets louder, less when driving straight. When I got home, I looked under the car and found a large metal piece hanging down adjacent to the right front tire. When the Tow Truck came to pick up the car, the right front tire started to get loose aiming to the right. Took the car to a Tesla Service Center and a new Correction Links - Lateral - Lower Front - Pair (Remove & Replace) Remove and Replace.

After Tesla pushed software update 2026.20.6.11 or “FSD 14 lite” the self driving feature stopped functioning. Also all of the driver assistance safety features stopped working at the same time, forward collision warning, emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection have all stopped working as well. It appears one of the two “self Driving” ECU was damaged or disabled by the update. Without these features the drive is not notified in advance of a collision and the emergency braking does not function to stop the car. The car is awaiting inspection and repair by the manufacturer.

I am reporting a front suspension failure on my 2018 Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor, that appears relevant to NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE26006 and similar to Recall 23V-235. While driving slowly in a parking lot, I heard a clunk and felt the front wheel/steering alignment become slightly skewed. After entering the highway, the vehicle developed severe vibration and became unstable and difficult to control. I exited and stopped as soon as safely possible. While attempting to park it at a curb, during reverse, the suspension entirely collapsed and left front wheel was then severely displaced and the tire was rubbing the wheel well. Tesla inspected the vehicle and confirmed: “The left lateral link was found detached with missing hardware.” Tesla also found the left front halfshaft detached from the drive unit. Tesla replaced the front subframe, both front lower lateral links, both front lower compliance links, the left front halfshaft, and performed an alignment. Total cost was $6,328.96. The failed parts were replaced by Tesla; I do not know whether they remain available for inspection. This failure created a serious risk of loss of vehicle control at highway speed and could have endangered me and surrounding traffic. The problem was confirmed and inspected by Tesla Service. There was no collision or other discrete impact event that I recognized as causing the failure. There were **no warning lights, warning messages, or other vehicle alerts before or during the failure**. The first noticeable symptom was the clunk in the parking lot, followed by the skewed steering/wheel position and later severe highway vibration. I have pre-repair photos showing the displaced wheel, tire contact, and detached suspension component, as well as Tesla’s final repair documentation. I request that this incident be considered in connection with PE26006 and Recall 23V-235.

Description of the Safety Defect:My 2018 Tesla Model 3 AWD suffered an abrupt and catastrophic total loss of mechanical braking power while driving. The brake pedal went completely soft, and the vehicle lost hydraulic pressure.An independent mechanic inspected the undercarriage and confirmed that the factory steel hydraulic brake lines completely rusted through and ruptured, leaking all brake fluid from the system. This vehicle has 142,905 miles and has been operated in regions that use winter road salt.Tesla is aware of this severe corrosion defect under Service Bulletin SB-26-33-001, but they have categorized it as a service bulletin rather than a safety recall. A factory brake line rusting through to total fluid failure is an extreme and immediate safety hazard to occupants and the public. Furthermore, the vehicle simultaneously threw a "Front Motor Disconnected" warning. A federal investigation and mandatory recall are urgently required to ensure Tesla replaces these defective lines for all affected owners before a fatal accident occurs.

Front Passenger Safety Restraint error This seems to be a faulty component on many Teslas and therefore is a design or manufacturing flaw. Several of my personal vehicles of different models and years have had the same issue so it's not just something that has worn out or been damaged by myself. As this involves the action of the airbag, it is an extreme safety concern and Tesla should recall this part and replace. Also, in attempting a critical safety repair, I had to drive for weeks without an airbag before they would fix.

While driving, I noticed that the vehicle suddenly began pulling to the right. There were no warning lights, warning messages, or alerts displayed on the vehicle's screen before I noticed the problem. I took the vehicle to the Tesla Service Center and reported that the vehicle was pulling to the right. The service center determined that the issue was likely related to the front suspension and recommended replacement of the front lower lateral links, front lower compliance links, and front upper control arms, along with a four-wheel alignment. The vehicle had approximately 80,000 miles at the time of the repair. The service center explained that these suspension components can wear at higher mileage, particularly because of the weight of the vehicle and its battery. I paid out of pocket for the recommended suspension repairs and four-wheel alignment. The repair invoice is available for inspection upon request. Before the repairs were completed, I was driving the vehicle without knowing that there was a potential problem with the front suspension. The vehicle pulling to the right affected its handling and steering and created a safety concern for me and others on the road. There were no warning lights, messages, or other indications from the vehicle alerting me to a potential suspension problem. I was also not warned by the Tesla service center that the issue could be related to a known or potentially widespread suspension problem. A few days after having the repairs completed, I became aware of an NHTSA investigation concerning front suspension issues involving Tesla vehicles, including the same make, model, and model year as my vehicle. I had already paid out of pocket to have the affected front suspension components replaced. I am submitting this complaint to document the suspension problem, the safety risk I experienced, and the out-of-pocket expense I incurred to correct the issue. I am concerned that I was placed at risk by a potential su

The vehicle displays a critical 'Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault' warning on the dashboard, indicating that the airbag system may not function as designed in a crash. After googling the error code, it appears to be isolated to either frayed wiring harness under the seat or the faulty Occupant Classification System sensor. The issue occurred on June 11 and again on Aug 11 while driving the car. The warning appeared intermittently and I tried to "reset" the car computer. Tesla Service has diagnosed the issue as wiring harness failure/sensor failure and quoted $3000 for repairs, claiming it is out of warranty. This is a safety-critical system failure that poses a significant risk of injury or death to front-seat passengers due to potential airbag non-deployment. Given the high frequency of this specific failure across the Model 3 fleet, this appears to be a design or manufacturing defect rather than normal wear and tear. I am requesting an investigation into this safety defect.

Lots of creaking and grinding noises coming from both front upper control arm bushings. Steering starting to become less stable.