NHTSA Complaint #11714297 — 2018 TESLA MODEL 3
VISIBILITY/WIPER issue reported to NHTSA
Complaint Details
| ODI Number | 11714297 |
| Vehicle | 2018 TESLA MODEL 3 |
| Component | VISIBILITY/WIPER |
| Date of Incident | |
| Date Filed | |
| Mileage | N/A miles |
| Crash | No |
| Fire | No |
| Injuries | 0 |
| Deaths | 0 |
| Vehicle Towed | No |
| State | FL |
Consumer Description
The front and rear windshields of my Tesla Model 3 developed long cracks requiring full replacement. For over six months, I have been unable to complete these replacements due to repeated failures in the replacement process. The vehicle and damaged glass are available for inspection upon request. My insurance claim was filed with Esurance, and Safelite AutoGlass, Esurance’s designated auto glass provider, has handled all replacement attempts. During this period, three shipments of glass arrived damaged and two shipments were the incorrect glass for my vehicle, resulting in canceled or rescheduled appointments. Safelite has documentation of these failed attempts. Driving with cracked front and rear windshields puts my safety and the safety of others at risk. The damage impairs visibility, especially in rain or low-light conditions, and compromises windshield integrity, which is critical for vehicle structural support and proper airbag deployment. The rear windshield damage also raises concerns about sudden glass failure while driving. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed multiple times by Safelite AutoGlass, an independent service center. While waiting for service, I personally spoke with several other Tesla Model 3 owners at Safelite locations who reported similar experiences, including multiple failed appointments, incorrect glass, and in some cases incorrect installations requiring return visits. This suggests a broader, systemic issue rather than an isolated incident. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by Safelite AutoGlass, and the issue is documented through Esurance claim records and follow-up complaints I submitted regarding the prolonged lack of resolution. Tesla has not directly inspected the vehicle. There were no warning lights or system alerts prior to the issue. The problem presented as visible cracks that appeared and progressively worsened, prompting replacement attempts beginning approximately six months ago.
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