NHTSA Complaint #11556484 — 2023 TESLA MODEL Y

The contact owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The contact stated that while his grand-son was driving 40 MPH with his friend in the front passenger's seat, he depressed the brake pedal as he was approaching a stopped-occupied vehicle. A light indicating that the brakes were engaged illuminated, but the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, the automatic emergency braking system failed to engage, and the vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle in front of him. The air bags deployed. The contact's grandson and his friend were able to exit the vehicle. The vehicle then turned off and locked, which rendered the vehicle unnoticeable by oncoming drivers. Another driver who noticed the incident parked behind the vehicle and activated the hazard lights to prevent other drivers from crashing into the vehicle. The contact's grand-son sustained a burn on the right hand from the driver's side airbag deployment. The friend and the other driver did not sustain any injuries. A police report was filed. The contact's grand-son received first aid assistance from the ambulance. The vehicle was towed to a Tesla collision center, which denied assistance. The vehicle was then towed to a Collision center that was certified to work on Tesla vehicles. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.