Tesla Model 3 2018 problems
The Tesla Model 3 is a battery electric mid-size sedan with a fastback body style built by Tesla, Inc., introduced in 2017. The vehicle is marketed as being more affordable to more people than previous models made by Tesla. The Model 3 was the world's top selling plug-in electric car for three years, from 2018 to 2020, before the Tesla Model Y, a crossover SUV based on the Model 3 chassis, took the top spot. In June 2021, the Model 3 became the first electric car to pass global sales of 1 million.
An upgraded Model 3 with revamped interior and exterior styling was introduced in late 2023 for countries supplied by the Shanghai factory, and in early 2024 in North America and other countries supplied by the Fremont factory.
History
In an interview for Wired Science recorded during 2006, Elon Musk presented the Model 3 as likely being affordable by most people able to purchase new cars, aiming for a $30,000 price point. In 2008 the car was stated to be a family car. In 2017 Tesla added that the Standard Range version of the all-electric car would have an estimated EPA-rated range of 215 miles (346 km), a five-passenger seating capacity, front and rear trunks, and promised sports-car levels of acceleration performance. Tesla said it would have a 5-Star safety rating and have a drag coefficient of Cd=0.225. This is lower than the Tesla Model S drag coefficient of Cd=0.24, which, in 2014, was the lowest among the production cars of the time.
Within a week of unveiling the Model 3 in 2016, Tesla revealed they had taken 325,000 reservations for the car. These reservations represented potential sales of over US$14 billion. By August 2017, there were 455,000 net reservations.
Industry experts were dubious when, in May 2016, Tesla announced its decision to advance its 500,000-total-unit build plan (combined for Model S, Model X, and Model 3) to 2018, two years earlier than previously planned, in order to accelerate its target for Model 3 output. As predicted, there were "production bottlenecks" and "production hell". In May 2016, Tesla issued US$2 billion in new shares to the stock market to finance the plan.
The company plans for the Model 3 are part of Tesla's three-step strategy to start with a high-price vehicle and move progressively towards lower-cost vehicles, while the battery and electric drivetrain were improved and paid for through the sales of the Roadster, Model S, and Model X vehicles.
On April 18, 2018, Tesla updated its production target to 6,000 vehicles per week by the end of June 2018, an increase from its previous target of 5,000 vehicles per week which was previously promised at earlier dates. On July 1, 2018, Elon Musk announced that Tesla had met its production goal of 5,000 cars in a week.
On February 28, 2019, Tesla announced the availability of the highly anticipated Standard Range trim priced at $35,000 (equivalent to $41,710 in 2023). However, on April 12, 2019, Tesla announced that the Standard Range model would no longer be available for ordering online, but only over the phone or in stores. Autopilot, previously a $3,000 option, was included in all versions of the Model 3 except for the Standard Range, while each version's price only increased by $2,000. In February 2019, the Model 3 passed the Chevrolet Volt to become the all-time bestselling plug-in electric car in the U.S. Model 3 sales surpassed the Nissan Leaf in early 2020 to become the world's all-time top selling plug-in electric car.
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Common Tesla Model 3 2018 problems
The Tesla Model 3, despite being a highly advanced electric vehicle, has faced several common problems since its inception. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues by owners of the 2018 Tesla Model 3:
- Software Glitches: Tesla's over-the-air software updates, while generally beneficial, can occasionally cause unexpected issues. These range from minor user interface problems to major system breakdowns. Regular software updates and communication with Tesla's customer support can help mitigate these issues.
- Autopilot Quirks: Autopilot, Tesla's advanced driver-assistance system, has been praised for its autonomous driving capabilities. However, some owners have reported issues such as sudden disengagement or incorrect assessments of driving conditions. To avoid potential dangerous situations, it's recommended to keep your eyes on the road and follow Tesla's guidelines for using Autopilot.
- Charging Difficulties: Despite the growing availability of charging stations, some Model 3 owners have experienced charging issues, including incompatibility with certain stations or slower-than-expected charging times. Learning about charging networks and utilizing Tesla's Supercharger network can help alleviate these concerns.
- Door Handle Malfunctions: The Model 3's flush door handles, while sleek and aerodynamic, have been known to fail, making it difficult to open the doors. Potential causes include faulty sensors or power outages.
- Paint Problems: There have been reports of paint issues, such as peeling and chipping, on Tesla Model 3s. This is likely due to a novel painting technique used by the company that has not been thoroughly tested.
- Build Quality Issues: Some owners have reported misaligned body panels and loose trim pieces, indicating potential issues with the vehicle's build quality.
- Suspension Issues: Premature wear in suspension components has been reported by some Model 3 owners. This could lead to costly repairs for owners.
- Phantom Braking: Some of the latest Model 3s have been affected by "phantom braking," where the automatic emergency braking system activates without sufficient input, potentially causing a collision.
- Climate System Issues: Owners have reported problems with the climate system, including the AC compressor, blower motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, and refrigerant leakage. These issues can affect the car's ability to heat or cool the cabin, and in some cases, may require extensive repairs.
In conclusion, while the Tesla Model 3 is a groundbreaking electric vehicle, it is not without its faults. Regular maintenance, software updates, and communication with Tesla's customer support can help address these issues and ensure a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.
Is Tesla Model 3 2018 worth it?
If you want the more affordable standard-range model (available late 2018 or early 2019), it may not make sense to get the Model 3 right away. Overall, though, we like the Model 3 and think it's a great choice for an EV. Notably, we picked the 2018 Tesla Model 3 as one of Edmunds' Best Electric Cars for 2018.
Does Tesla Model 3 have quality issues?
Wind Noise and Panel Gaps
Some drivers of the Model 3 have complained about wind noise at greater speeds and of panel gaps that aren't uniformly spaced. Even though Tesla's manufacturing standards and reliability have increased over the years, there may still be inconsistencies on occasion.
What's the most common problem with Tesla?
The Most Common Breakdowns in Teslas
- Battery and Charging Related Issues. One of the key components in any Tesla vehicle is its high-capacity battery pack. ...
- Software and Firmware Glitches. ...
- Suspension and Air Suspension System. ...
- Door Handle and Window Failures.
Is Tesla Model 3 reliable?
Is the Tesla Model 3 reliable? Tesla came a respectable tenth (out of 32 brands) in the 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey. The pre-facelifted Model 3 (2019-2023) did quite well too, coming eighth out of 20 models in the electric car category.
Tesla Model 3 2018 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Tesla Model 3 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Forward collision avoidance problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
- Suspension problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Tesla Model 3 2018 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints Tesla Model 3 2018
The NHTSA has received 833 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Tesla Model 3 2018. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Tesla Model 3 2018 vehicles.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-12
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EB7JF
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-05
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EB8JF
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: I was driving (~42 m/h) my Model 3 Tesla on a freeway and the traffic in front of me suddenly slowed down. The driver in front of me (she was a new driver with a new car) braked hard and came to a complete stop even though the traffic in front of her was moving. I ended up colliding with her as a result. I would have expected the Tesla Forward collision system or the Automatic Emergency Braking system to have activated and prevented this crash. Further, it seems Tesla brakes behave differently when it is fully charged as the engine braking does not engage. In fact the car seems to accelerate instead. If the Tesla Forward collision system and the AEB do not work and prevent such accidents, what is the point of having these systems?
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-31
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA6JF
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: Got warning about front drivers safety restraint failure on screen. Airbag warning began to display on the side showing if an accident occurred, they would not deploy. Talked with Tesla representatives and was told this is a known issue but would not be covered. Seems to be faulty wiring from chair moving over time based on what I was able to read. Error code was rcm_a021.
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-15
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EB1JF
- Components: AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault error. Tesla is indicating this is out of warranty but seems this is a very pervasive issue with an important safety mechanism on the car.
BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-13
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EB8JF
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The rear camera routine fails to activate. I wonder if this related to the trunk harness issue. I tried contact Tesla, but they want to charge for a repair.
STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-12
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EB0JF
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,WHEELS
- Summary: On [XXX], I started driving to work when I heard an click from my front wheel. The car was driving without any problem. After a while when making a U-turn, the car front wheel got completely locked with a "grinding sound" and I lost control of the car. Fortunately, it was at low speed and I just stopped driving, If it was at high speed, it could've been a horrible situation. I had to park my car, call Tesla and tow the car to them as it was not drivable. After initial evaluation, they said the bolts of the right suspension lateral arm were not only loose, but detached and fell off, so there was physical locking between the wheel and the lateral arm. Also the bolt attachment site at the subframe was completely worn out so they needed to change the whole subframe and both lateral arms. Beside a clear RECALL from TESLA models 3/y made between 2018-2020 about the exact same issue, and this event being for the same exact problem, Tesla keeps not appreciating that and says that recall is gone. Tesla says the loose component will be audible before it completely separates, but it was not in my case. Looking at people's posts in public media, I strongly believe Tesla is ignoring this life-threatening deficit in these cars and models and this can put the lives of many drivers at risk. While I paid out of pocket for repairs, I'm more concerned about the safety of driving my and similar cars at the moment, so I request adequate investigation. Here is some evidence: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] . [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-01
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA3JF
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: Concern: I See the error message on my screen like restraint system fault require service. when I contacted Tesla for Sevice Repair I got an estimate which includes following fixes for a charge of 1,804.02. They are not covering for this saying the car is out of warranty. Seems like Tesla is aware of this issue and impacting many other Tesla's for 1) FIRST ROW SEAT HARNESS ASSEMBLY - RIGHT HAND(1489060- 03-G) 2) FIRST ROW - SEAT BELT REMINDER SENSOR BOX CLIP(1130363-00-B) 3)Correction: Replace Front Passenger Airbag And Update Vehicle Configuration - Remove and Replace
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-08
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EB2JF
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: I was called told suspension issue unrelated to accident. Sounds like a recall from the same year and same model. Could it be under this recall? Suspension: Front Recall date 2023-03-30 Recall no. 23V235000 Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame. Recall consequence A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall action Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 (tel:1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-31-001. This recall is an expansion of previous re call number 21V-835.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-29
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EB6JF
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? “Front left safety restraint system fault” error code “RCM_a021” How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? It appears as though the seatbelt or airbag may not function properly when needed. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No but it has been on every time I drive. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No, upon requesting inspection, I was quoted 400$ Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, it appeared periodically before but now it’s constant as of 9/29/2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EB1JF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Seems that when brake pedal sensor can trigger a "pressed" reading when not actually being pressed. The only way to turn off the car manually is defeated by, you guessed it, depressing the brake pedal. This causes the vehicle to remain on and unlocked. Even if you are able to leave the vehicle in a locked park state, at any point, the sensor can register a "pressed" reading and essentially unlock and turn on the vehicle. I see this as a extremely serious safety issue. The issue seems to occur randomly at first and then more frequently. It can be confused with a known seat sensor issue which seems to also cause the same symptoms.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-09
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EB1JF
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: Car was making clunking sound, so made an appointment with service center. Before appointment, clunking sound stopped. Around the same time the clunking stopped we found a bolt in the driveway. Took into service and was told a bolt was missing from the lower lateral link which sounds quite concerning. I'm told by others had both bolts fallen out the wheel would have tipped inward or outward and damaged the fender and possibly caused an accident. I searched recall notices and I found recalls and/or bulletins with the same problem in similar but not the same VIN range as our vehicle and have read of others with similar problems not covered by recalls. There had been no previous work done on the front suspension.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-19
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA8JF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Tesla model 3 Power Conversion System failure which will now limit the car charging to 16 amps (half the normal charge rate). This is a common failure which should be recalled
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-24
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA1JF
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: My vehicle has a faulty seat sensor in the drivers seat. In some instances my car remains on without my knowledge when exiting. I return to the car with the headlights on and the main info screen on as if there were someone seated inside. Since this is a keyless electrical vehicle, we have been trained to just exit the vehicle without pressing a off button or turning a key to the off position and removal. Also when entering the car and first sitting down in the seat, the car then turns off completely after closing the door. The car will turn back on after buckling the seat belt or pressing the brakes. After researching to see if there was a fix or if it was a known issue I stumbled upon a large number of people and threads that are having the exact same problem. Even after I have turned on the pin functionality to drive the car, of what use is this if the car remains on after exiting and anyone can access the car while the pin was already entered. Anyone could have accessed my vehicle during these times and the security function was not active (Sentry Mode) because the car thought that the primary driver was inside. The first instance of this happening was back in 2020. But it could have potentially started much sooner. The incident in 2020 was bothersome enough to remain in my recollection. It happened during a road trip from Corona CA to Mammoth CA at a charging station located in Lone Pine CA.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-01
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA5JF
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The driver's side rear door handle is defective. The chrome wrap around the door handle is I believe aluminum that does not adhere properly to the plastic handle, resulting in the wrap coming loose and have caused cuts to the fingers of unaware passengers. Tesla has requested $350 to fix what is an obvious safety hazard. Others are discussing this online: [XXX] [XXX] The online reports always call out that it's the same door - rear driver's side - indicating to me an installation flaw. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-15
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA4JF
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Front Driver’s Side Safety Restraint Fault" remained displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-20
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EB9JF
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the "Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault" message remained displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the failure had occurred previously with the front driver’s seat, the rear middle seat, and the rear passenger’s side seat. The vehicle was repaired at the local service center. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 80,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-01
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA7JF
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I am reporting a safety concern with my Tesla Model 3. The vehicle is equipped with both a high and low horn, and the low horn in my car has failed. After discussing with other early production Model 3 owners, I’ve found that this is a widespread issue affecting many vehicles. A failing horn is highly unusual in modern vehicles, and I believe this issue should be addressed through a recall due to its frequency among Model 3 owners. Tesla has quoted $400 to repair the horn, which seems unreasonable for a critical safety feature. It's important to note that some owners may not report the problem if only one horn (either high or low) is affected. However, the failure of either horn poses a significant safety risk, as the reduced sound output may not be sufficient to alert other drivers in emergency situations. I believe this defect requires further investigation and should be considered for a recall. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-01
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA0JF
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: 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.
SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-28
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA6JF
- Components: SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound underneath the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The front passenger restraint message was displayed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V376000 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front lower link was tearing. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-08
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA9JF
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I have an error on my car, have had this for almost a year now, Front Left Safety Restraint System Fault. This seems to be a safety issue that Tesla should recall. I have seen thousands of online posts related to this same issue. .
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-06
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA1JF
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: On 9/6/2024 I was driving on I-10 E going about 70 mph in the left lane. I had engaged the cruise control but not the Autopilot because I’ve had dangerous experiences with the Autopilot phantom breaking and misinterpreting cracks in the road as lane markers and dangerously changing lanes. So even though Inoaid thousands of dollars for Autopilot I never use it. So I was driving approaching a big rig in the lane to the left of mine and the sun was low in the sky casting a shadow on the road. The car thought the shadow was a car and slammed on the breaks and almost came to a complete stop until I pressed on the breaks to release the cruise control. We are very lucky the car behind us didn’t hit us. The car behind us almost hit us and my passenger and I both sprained our necks. The same exact thing happened 5 minutes later. After that I am too scared to use cruise control which is very inconvenient when on a road trip. My car is a 2018 Tesla Model 3 that is equipped with LIDAR radar when I bought it, however Tesla turned this feature off awhile back. I never had issues with cruise control when the LIDAR was still enabled. I am very angry that a carmaker can turn off a safety feature that I paid for without my consent. I would have bought a different electric car if I had know I’d have to go back in time to the 1990’s before cruise control was invented. Most cars use some kind of radar for their cruise control systems and this seems to much safer. There are many, many complaints on line of other Tesla drivers having lots os problems with phantom braking. This is an important safety issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EAXJF
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: Occupant classification System (OCS) for front passenger seat kept alerting while driving both with and without any person or object in the seat. I contacted Tesla service center and they stated that the occupant classification system (OCS) AND the front passenger airbag require replacement, otherwise the front passenger airbags will not function properly in a collision. I asked if this was a recall or covered by warranty, and they said no.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-29
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA7JF
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I was involved in a rear-end collision where I was completely stopped at a green light due to traffic congestion and the person driving behind me hit my car from behind that caused me to hit the car in front of me. The impact was hard that the Tesla model 3 immediately turned on the hazard lights and called 911. The screen of my Tesla model 3 stated "airbag deployed;" however, no airbags deployed. The Tesla immediately became inoperable and did not let me drive the car to the side of the road out of traffic. Also, the Tesla did not let me change to towing mode (since the screen eventually went black); which made it more difficult to tow the vehicle out of the way of traffic.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-30
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA3JF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The car's horn has stopped working. A car was entering my lane almost running me off the road and I could not alert the other driver because the horn wouldn't work. The car has not been inspected by the dealer, police or insurance yet. I received no warning lights or messages before the failure. problem was recognized on 8/30/24. This seems to be a known issue that Tesla has not addressed. Estimate they have given for repairs is $195.00
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- VIN: 5YJ3E1EA6JF
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: Front passenger safety restraint system fault error. They tried fixing and it started the next day again. Now they want to replace this along with my airbag. This seems to be a consistent issue reading forums online. This is a manufacturing defect and major safety issue.
Tesla Model 3 2018 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 17 recalls for different components of the Tesla Model 3 2018.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: A seat belt warning system that fails to alert occupants of an unbelted seat belt can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-008.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2013, 2018-2021 Model S, 2020-2021 Model X, 2018-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
- Consequence: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are muted, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, release 2023.44.30.14, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 27, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-006.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2019-2024 Model Y, and 2024 Cybertruck vehicles. An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Consequence: Warning lights with a smaller font size can make critical safety information on the instrument panel difficult to read, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla began releasing an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-003.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
- Consequence: In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, and the driver does not maintain responsibility for vehicle operation and is unprepared to intervene as necessary or fails to recognize when Autosteer is canceled or not engaged, there may be an increased risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2024. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-008.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.
- Consequence: A lateral link separation could shift the wheel alignment, causing instability and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla Service will tighten or replace the lateral link fasteners as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 30, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-31-001. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-835.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: STEERING:AUTOMATED/ADAPTIVE STEERING
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a complete stop, or proceeding into an intersection during a steady yellow traffic signal without due caution. In addition, the system may respond insufficiently to changes in posted speed limits or not adequately account for the driver's adjustment of the vehicle's speed to exceed posted speed limits.
- Consequence: FSD Beta software that allows a vehicle to exceed speed limits or travel through intersections in an unlawful or unpredictable manner increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 15, 2023. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-23-00-001.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor may have been incorrectly reassembled during vehicle service.
- Consequence: An incorrectly reassembled seat belt anchor can impair the performance of the seat belt during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and reassemble the seat belt anchors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-20-004.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Model 3, 2020-2022 Model Y, and 2021-2022 Model S and Model X vehicles. The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 118, "Power-Operated Window Systems."
- Consequence: A closing window may exert excessive force by pinching a driver or passenger before retracting, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update of the automatic window reversal system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2032. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-013.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Model 3 Performance vehicles. The unit of speed (mph or km/h) may fail to display on the speedometer while in Track Mode. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
- Consequence: The driver may not know how fast the vehicle is traveling without the mph or km/h unit display, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-008.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
- Consequence: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, including Summon and Smart Summon, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall supersedes recall 22V-063. Vehicles configured with Summon or Smart Summon and already remedied under 22V-063 will need to have the new remedy software installed.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Model S, Model X, and 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles equipped with Autopilot Computer 2.5 and operating certain firmware releases. The rearview image may not immediately display when the vehicle begins to reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence: A delayed rearview camera image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-004.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
- Consequence: Pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle if the PWS sounds are obscured, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that will disable the Boombox functionality when the vehicle is in Drive, Neutral and Reverse modes, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 5, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-003. Note: This recall has been superseded by Recall 22V-235. Tesla's number for the new recall is SB-22-00-003.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: The driver may be unaware that their seat belt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 1, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-002.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:AUTONOMOUS/SELF DRIVING:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
- Consequence: Failing to stop at a stop sign can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla will perform an over-the-air (OTA) software update that disables the "rolling stop" functionality, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-22-00-001.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling all 2017-2020 Model 3 vehicles. The rearview camera cable harness may be damaged by the opening and closing of the trunk lid, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
- Consequence: A rearview camera that does not function reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and install a guide protector and new cable harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2022. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-17-008.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
- Consequence: Unexpected activation of the AEB system may cause the car to stop suddenly, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Tesla Service has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. The recall began October 25, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-00-004.
- Manufacturer: Tesla, Inc.
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Model 3 and 2019-2021 Model Y vehicles. One or both fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to the b-pillar may not be properly attached.
- Consequence: An improperly attached fastener may prevent the seat belt system from performing as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Tesla Service will inspect and repair both fasteners if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 23, 2021. Owners may contact Tesla customer service online by visiting www.tesla.com/support/contact or by calling 1-877-79-TESLA (or 1-877-798-3752). Tesla's number for this recall is SB-21-20-001.
Negative Tesla Model 3 2018 car reviews
Positive Tesla Model 3 2018 car reviews
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I'm thrilled to share my experience with my M3 LR RWD w/autopilot! The acceleration and handling are fantastic. While the minimalistic interior took some getting used to, I've grown to love it. Here are some of the things I appreciate most: the display/user interface and vehicle controls, the power/acceleration, the autopilot driving range, the handling, and the regular software updates (it's like Christmas every 8 weeks!). However, I do have a few suggestions for improvement. The uncomfortable ride can be a bit jarring, and you feel every road imperfection. My wife, who has a Mercedes E300, dislikes taking my Tesla due to the rough ride. Additionally, there is some cabin noise at freeway speed, which is unexpected for a vehicle at this price point. I would love to see a 400+ mile range option (and would be willing to pay extra for it), as well as a smoother ride (like the E-class Mercedes) and much less cabin noise. Overall, I'm a big fan of my Tesla and can't wait to see what improvements are in store!
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Updating my review after 5 years... The Tesla Model 3 remains the best car I've ever owned in terms of reliability, economy, and advancing Tech. The OTA updates improve the efficiency and safety of the car every month or so. I highly recommend it! For superior performance, safety, style, reliability, and (surprisingly) economy, the Model 3 is a car you must consider for your driving needs. If you own a home or live in an apartment where you can install your own electric charger, the economy of electric will be very kind to your pocketbook. Adding to economic efficacy is the fact that service is essentially non-existent. I have only paid $80 to switch my winter tires to regular tires, and that is the only needed service in over 7000 miles. This car is the safest vehicle ever made, and that is important to guard those close to me. Auto-Pilot assist, when used as directed by Tesla, actually enhances the safety of your highway driving by adding the 10 or so visual cameras, the 10 ultrasonic sensors, and the radar to your visual input and thus optimizes your own driving skills. In addition, the stress of driving in high traffic and stop-and-go situations is minimized, and you will be less stressed and less tired than driving a traditional car. Without reservation, I give the Tesla Model 3 my highest recommendation. The sound system rocks and is the best ever. After 5 years and 49900 miles, the only paid repair out of warranty was to replace one camera at $156. Best car ever and best service ever.
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I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share my experience with you. I recently received my Model 3 and I couldn't be happier! The car is absolutely amazing - the fit and finish are impeccable, it's zippy and luxurious, and the sound system is fantastic. The handling is nice and it's so quiet on the road. Plus, the autopilot feature is quite something to experience. I highly recommend getting one for yourself! Take care.
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My wife and I have owned a series of domestic and luxury cars including BMW and Mercedes. If you're looking for a car to own for a lifetime, this is the one. The acceleration is phenomenal and the interior is thoughtful and well-designed. We made sure to wait until after some of the production issues earlier in 2018 had been addressed before picking up the car, and the fit and finish is excellent, equaling or surpassing that of a BMW or Mercedes.
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We purchased the All wheel drive extended battery model with standard wheels. This is the best car I have ever owned. I'm glad to say that I have no complaints about this car. Driving is precise and regen breaking is very good. Mileage calculation is accurate and we have not seen a significant drop off in mileage due to cold weather. I'm happy to report that after 3 years, the car has only needed annual maintenance. Tesla has been very helpful and most of the time they came to the house to perform annual maintenance. I can confidently say that this is the best car I have ever driven. The more I know about this car, the more impressed I am. You definitely need to study the manual to really understand the car and its features. I'm still impressed with the car and I'm eagerly waiting for my upgraded computer to be installed for full self-driving. The self-driving feature is still a bit finicky and will not work in all conditions, but the autopilot is excellent. I recently traded my Model 3 in for a Model Y. I looked at all other manufacturers, and even though I dislike Elon Musk, the Model Y was the best value for money.
Additional sources
More sources of information about Tesla Model 3 2018 problems:
Problems with model 3 : r/TeslaModel3
May 19, 2023 ... 1 alignment · 1 cabin air filter change at Year 3. · 1 12V battery change at Year 3 (my own preventative measure) · 1 new set of tires · rotations ...
Multiple issues with my 2018 Model 3 | Tesla Motors Club
May 16, 2022 ... From reading issues that others had with this sort of sleep/wake loop issue, some mentioned it was a HV firmware bug and was only resolved by an ...
2018 Tesla Model 3 Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Jan 18, 2023 ... Problems: software bugs. Nothing game-changing but just minor inconveniences. Performance: fantastic handling and speed. Reliability: 8/10.
Is a 2018 Model 3 a bad idea? : r/TeslaModel3
Jan 26, 2023 ... I got one too, 70k miles, great car. Typically the upper control arms fail and creak and the accent lights on the drls burn out. And the seat ...
Model 3 concerns | Tesla Motors Club
May 6, 2022 ... No paint defects or panel gaps. Maybe I have just been very lucky, but don't let yourself believe that the issues people report here are common.
Other years of Tesla Model 3
Are you having problems with your Tesla Model 3 2018?
Dudley Harris 2024-07-23
There are some aspects of this car that did not meet my expectations. The 'autopilot' feature can put you in dangerous situations, such as hanging out in blind spots or changing lanes while braking in front of other cars. Additionally, the battery degrades noticeably within a few years, although the charge speed is limited to preserve it. My car required four different warranty part replacements, including the entire rear drive unit, for reasons that were not explained. However, I had a positive experience with the SF Millbrae service center. Although I was concerned when my dashboard suddenly rebooted on the freeway, I am still impressed with the drive feel and the traction control, which is especially useful in snow or dirt. Overall, while some aspects of the car were disappointing or scary, there were also some positive features worth mentioning.
Harold Wilkinson 2024-06-15
Update 3 years later and 17,500 miles: The car keeps getting better with each software update. I purchased the basic Autopilot (adaptive cruise control and lane assist) feature in March 2019, which now comes standard on all Model 3's after April 2019. Although I am still disappointed that I had to pay an extra $2k for a feature that should have been standard from the beginning, I must say that it is the best feature. FSD has improved significantly since 2018, but I have not upgraded as I still don't think paying $12,000 is worth it for what you get. Performance-wise, the two software updates over the 3 years have made the car a little faster, which makes driving it a blast. I wish it had a little more speed, but for what you get, it's plenty fast. The range has decreased by 11%, which is my biggest complaint and the reason why I have dropped a star. Tesla keeps telling me that my battery is fine, but I charge it per their recommendations to only 90% and generally charge it once it gets to 20%. For a car that is mostly driven in town/committee, it's not a big deal, but the one time I took it from Phoenix to Grand Canyon, it barely had enough range to get me to Flagstaff (172 miles). Yes, that trip had mountains, but I tried to maintain 75 miles an hour and still was rolling into our stop at 6% battery from a 100% charge. I believe that what Tesla claims on range is overstated, and this is a common complaint among owners. In terms of reliability, the only big issue I had was the 12V battery dying on me while I was on my only road trip to Grand Canyon. I never knew it had this battery until I was stranded at the park, as there was no warning until I was in the middle of nowhere. Tesla roadside service did pick up the car and took it to Scottsdale, and it was fixed before I woke up the next morning. The challenge was that no Ubers go to Grand Canyon, especially during Covid, so I had to have family come pick us up. I now carry a jumper battery pack. Because of the range anxiety from this trip, I don’t feel comfortable taking it on long trips.I replaced the cabin air filter myself instead of paying $250+ for something that was not designed for normal maintenance. Although I have low mileage compared to others, I have had to replace my front windshield twice due to rock chips. This is especially common in Arizona, where windshields get chipped easily, and even more so with the M3 given its large size. While the car's reliability has been good compared to other cars, it's important to note that if something does go wrong while on a road trip, your options may be limited outside of large cities, especially in the Southwest. Would I buy the car again? Yes, but only as a commuter car, which is what I bought it for. Once the M3 can get 400 miles and have quick charging, then it will be a game changer.The Auto Navigate (beta) feature that comes with EAP is a cool concept, but it has trouble recognizing HOV lanes in my area. My route to work involves several HOV interchanges to the freeways in the Phoenix area, but the navigation only routes using the normal interchanges. When I first tried the feature, which I do not suggest during rush hour, it scared me as the car started to cross 5 lanes to follow the route mapped rather than staying in the HOV lane and taking the HOV interchange. I tried it one more time during a lighter traffic day and had the same experience. Ever since, I have not engaged this feature as it is too dangerous to cross 5 lanes. I blame it on Google maps for not recognizing the HOV lanes, so if this is updated it may be worth it. Navigation, as mentioned above, does not always pick the best route and has trouble selecting HOV lanes. This is more likely a Google issue. On the bright side, the big screen is easy to see and I have had no issues with the voice control. The braking system, however, takes a longer distance to stop the car unless the sensors engage emergency braking. This was apparent on two occasions when there wasn't a car in front of me and when there was. Without a car in front of me, it felt like the brakes did not fully engage even though it felt like the pedal was as far as I could push. The feature that has trouble understanding which lane/direction to go when the lane splits for highway interchanges, such as an HOV interchange, needs improvement. It's not clear if using the turn signals would help in selecting the direction as instructions are unclear and had different outcomes when I engaged the feature. This function is in beta and it acts as such.When I had a car in front of me, I was worried about rear-ending them. However, the brakes engaged fully at the end of the pedal, which was reassuring. It's great to know that the car will stop in those situations, but it's also a bit scary that the brakes don't engage fully unless it's an emergency. The exterior paint is beautiful, but it shows every fingerprint, so you either have to clean it constantly or accept the smudges. The same applies to the center console, which has a glossy finish that shows fingerprints. It needs to be wiped down regularly unless you don't mind the smudges. The exterior paint is also prone to chipping easily. In my first week of owning the car, I got three rock chips on the hood. The phone app is the best way to access your car. The app allows you to control the climate and pre-cool or heat your vehicle, which is a fantastic feature in Phoenix during the summer. However, the car takes quite a bit of time to wake up in the app, which can vary between 25-70 seconds during the day. It seems that the longer times are during peak usage, but it's not consistent. There have been a few times when the car doesn't detect my phone, even when I try to open the doors or access the rear trunk. I have to take my phone out of my pocket and open the app for it to unlock. On two occasions, the car still wouldn't unlock, so I had to turn off my Bluetooth on my phone and then turn it back on for the car and app to recognize each other and unlock my doors. Unfortunately, there is no place to put your sunglasses, but you can purchase a tray that goes into the center console on Amazon.
Salvatore Greenholt 2024-02-02
I have always been a fan of Teslas and their commitment to clean electric cars. Elon Musk is a visionary and I truly hope to see this brilliant idea succeed. During my wife's recent test drive, the local Tesla representative in Salt Lake City highlighted how they do things differently from other manufacturers, which I found to be a positive. However, my sister's recent experience has shown that they may not be as transparent as other automakers. During my visit to LA in September, I convinced my sister to order the Model 3 after months of deliberation and driving an 18-year-old Lexus. She was thrilled to design her new car online and eagerly awaited its arrival. Unfortunately, when the car was delivered two days ago on October 19th, it was a service loaner with over 2100 miles on it, scratches, and a dirty interior. The delivery person even asked if she knew about the mileage, which she did not. She tried to contact her sales consultant all day but was unable to reach them. If anyone from Tesla is reading this post (her reservation number is RN109185359), please help correct this situation. My sister works hard for her money and deserves better than this. I am confident that Tesla can do better and I hope to see this issue resolved soon.