NHTSA Complaint #11452756 — 2018 TESLA MODEL 3
SERVICE BRAKES issue reported to NHTSA
Complaint Details
| ODI Number | 11452756 |
| Vehicle | 2018 TESLA MODEL 3 |
| Component | SERVICE BRAKES |
| Date of Incident | |
| Date Filed | |
| Mileage | N/A miles |
| Crash | No |
| Fire | No |
| Injuries | 0 |
| Deaths | 0 |
| Vehicle Towed | No |
| State | TX |
Consumer Description
While using Autopilot adaptive cruise control at speeds of 50-70 mph, the car suddenly applies the brakes even though there is no car or other hazard anywhere near the car. This phantom braking has been happening since I bought the car in 2018. I imagine it's a software problem. I read recently that NHTSA is investigating a similar problem on 2021 and 2022 Tesla Model 3s, so wanted to let you know that this problem is also affecting my 2018 model. Also I read that there's speculation that the problem was as a result of a software update over the past year, but in my vehicle the phantom braking has occurred since 2018. The problem most recently happened last week.
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