2018 TESLA MODEL 3 Complaints

My 2018 Tesla model 3 experiences “PHANTOM BRAKING” specifically and repeatedly traveling eastbound on the Loop 202 approaching 32nd street in Phoenix AZ. I have reported this issue to Tesla with no resolution.

As others have reported, please add my 2018 Model 3 to the list of reports of the vehicle having constant phantom breaking issues that Telsa needs to address. I'm glad you are conducting this investigation. Most times phantom breaking occurs I submit a "Bug Report" using the voice button in the car that sends car logs directly to Tesla so they will have records of these phantom breaking issues at the exact time and location my car experienced it. While it is random it also is very predicable at certain spots on highways I drive in the Bay Area. Namely 680 South in the HOV lane right before the Mission Blvd. exit. At least 90% of the time even I'm the only car in that stretch of road the car breaks hard for no reason. It is occurs so often in that section that I typically disconnect the Advanced Cruise Control in sections as well as other section of the Bay Area where phantom breaking consistently occurs. Two of my neighbors also have M3's and we have compared notes and we all typically see phantom breaking occur in similar areas in the Bay Area.

On several occasions, with Autopilot engaged my 2018 Tesla Model 3 has strongly applied the brakes while traveling at highway speeds, despite the fact that there were no obstacles up ahead. This has occurred throughout my ownership of the vehicle, and in each instance, it has been extremely unsettling. It required me taking manual control of the vehicle in order to return to highway speed. I do believe that on these occasions my safety and that of my passengers and other motorists has been at risk. It is worth noting that each time this has occurred there has been an overpass up ahead. I have hypothesized that the Autopilot interprets either the overpass or the shadow cast by the overpass as an obstruction. In my experience there is an apparent correlation here that is worth exploring. I was motived to report my experience after reading today's NY Times article (2/17/2022) about "phantom braking". The article indicates that you are "focusing on Tesla Model 3 compact sedans and Model Y hatchbacks that were made in 2021 and 2022 and sold in the United States." Based upon my experience, you may need to you broaden your inquiry to include other model years.

Phantom braking- was driving at 65mph and car hard braked and decreased to 55mph in 1 or 2 seconds

The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at 60 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated to 40 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle responded and accelerated as needed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer also informed the contact that the failure was a known issue and that the manufacturer had been made aware of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 14,484.

The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds with the vehicle in auto pilot mode, the vehicle would erroneously reduce speed and on occasions nearly come to a complete stop. On one occasion while driving approximately 70 MPH, the speed was suddenly reduced to 10 MPH. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 5,000.

1. Phantom Breaking when on Adaptive Cruise Control. 2. Many times , unexpectedly there will sudden application of brakes, or slowing down of car when on highway and with speed in range of 55-65 mph. 3. Mostly this happens when big truck comes in front or passing thru a bridge. 4. Many times I am not able make any reason of this sudden brakes. 5. Many times due to sudden deacceleration , I have a car following in back, came very close , and honking.

On multiple occasions while my car was in Autopilot mode on highways and at highway speeds, I have experienced rapid braking (phantom braking) when there was no apparent reason for such. All of the phantom braking events have occurred on sunny days, usually around mid-day. Most often, the events have occurred when approaching a bridge or overpass. My supposition is that the system is mistaking dark shadows under bridges as obstacles that need to be avoided. As a result of the frequency of these events, I no longer use the system on sunny days.

I drive along the highway and all of a sudden while I'm in adaptive cruise control my car brakes suddenly for no reason.

On January 11, 2022 I was driving in Live Oak, Florida with my cousin when my left lateral link came loose from the chassis. The left driver’s side tire turned to the right and the linkage arm dug into the ground causing the car to veer right and bringing the car to an abrupt stop. By the grace of God we were driving in town and only going about 20 mile per hour and no one was hurt but the front driver’s side tire was shoved against the wheel well. The driver’s side door can’t be opened as a result of the left front quarter being pushed into the driver’s door which may indicate frame damage. This appears to be a manufacturer’s defect and I have found that there is a recall of 2019-2020 Model 3’s and 2020-2021 Model Y’s ( https://insideevs.com/news/544553/tesla-recall-suspension-issue-december/) for this same defect. I have a 2018 Model 3 that was delivered late in 2018. I was not informed of this recall and had not idea that this was a safety hazard. As I stated above, no one was injured in this incident. However, if I had been on the interstate going 70 miles per hour, this could have been fatal.