NHTSA Complaint #11706220 — 2021 TESLA MODEL 3

-- Summarized Explanation The automatic windshield wiper system behaves unpredictably and creates unsafe driving conditions. Wipers frequently activate when there is no rain, operate at excessive speeds during light rain, and, most critically, fail to activate during active rainfall. These failures reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a motor vehicle crash. Automatic wipers are forcibly enabled whenever cruise control or Autopilot is activated, regardless of weather conditions. This requires the driver to repeatedly adjust or disable the wipers while driving. Sudden transitions to maximum speed during light rain are distracting and divert attention from the roadway, increasing cognitive load during vehicle operation. -- Attempted Remedies •Replaced windshield wipers multiple times using different manufacturers •Cleaned forward-facing camera/rain detection area •Applied windshield water-repellent treatments •Installed approximately 30–50 over-the-air software updates over four years •Multiple inspections at Tesla-authorized service centers Tesla has consistently stated the system is operating “as intended,” despite continued unsafe behavior. -- Additional Notes There is no option to permanently disable automatic wipers when cruise control or Autopilot is enabled, nor any way to adjust sensitivity of the rain detection. Because the system repeatedly re-enables itself, the driver must divert attention from driving to manage wiper behavior, often multiple times during a single trip. This is especially hazardous when using standard cruise control without Autopilot, where full driver attention is required.