NHTSA Complaint #11706979 — 2023 TESLA MODEL Y

While operating my Tesla Model Y in a commercial parking lot at a T-intersection controlled by a stop sign, the vehicle unexpectedly and automatically accelerated without driver intent. The incident occurred during a low-speed maneuver. Upon the unexpected acceleration, I immediately attempted to regain control by applying the brake pedal repeatedly and firmly. Despite clear manual brake application, the vehicle did not decelerate as expected and continued to move forward. I also attempted to stop the vehicle by pressing the Park button, but this action did not stop the vehicle. The vehicle continued uncontrollably for approximately 150+ yards, traveling over curbs, striking a fence, and ultimately colliding with the garage structure of a residential home. Throughout this sequence, the vehicle remained unresponsive to braking and stop inputs. Vehicle data later confirmed that brake pedal application was detected prior to impact, yet braking response was insufficient to prevent continued motion. At the time of the event, the vehicle recorded system fault states, and collision avoidance systems did not activate. Despite significant structural impact and property damage, airbags did not deploy. The incident raises serious safety concerns regarding: •Brake-by-wire system execution during fault conditions •Pedal input arbitration between accelerator and brake •Failure of collision avoidance systems to intervene •Failure of restraint systems to deploy during a severe impact •Vehicle behavior when control systems are in a fault state This event occurred without warning and despite appropriate driver response. Based on vehicle data and system behavior, this appears to be a system-level failure rather than driver error.