2021 TESLA MODEL 3 Unknown Or Other Problems

Full self driving system (fsd) has ran a red light twice. It slows almost to a stop then takes off.

HVAC system went out at 7500ish miles. It was repaired under warranty, and a "fix" was administered through software by tesla. My HVAC has gone out again at 84k miles FOR THE SAME REASON. about 77k miles after it was just repaired. Quick check online. this is still a very common issue. No heat creates a significant safety hazard due to lack of the ability to defrost the vehicle or frost building up on cold days.

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint to report a serious and potentially dangerous safety defect affecting my 2021 Tesla Model 3 Performance. After exposure to heavy rain or wet conditions, the vehicle’s horn completely stops functioning. The failure occurs regardless of the activation method—neither pressing the steering wheel horn nor using the horn via the mobile app produces any sound. The horn remains nonfunctional even though the vehicle is otherwise operable. This issue has occurred after the vehicle becomes wet due to rain and appears to be related to moisture intrusion or an electrical/design flaw. Once the failure occurs, the driver fully loses the ability to use the horn for warnings or emergency signaling. This is a critical safety concern. The horn is a federally required safety device and is essential for alerting pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers to avoid collisions. Losing horn functionality significantly increases...

After Tesla replaced my high voltage battery in May of 2024 all of the following started to happen. Prior to the replacement none of these issues were present. While driving under normal conditions, my 2021 Tesla suddenly and violently steered into an oncoming lane or toward the roadside without any driver input. The steering wheel physically turned on its own with force. Full Self-Driving was NOT engaged at the time of the incident. This was not lane assist correction and occurred without warning. Importantly, the vehicle did NOT issue a warning at the time of the steering event. A “Take Control Immediately” message appeared several minutes AFTER the incident, not before or during, indicating a delayed or failed system response. This defect began immediately after a High-Voltage Battery replacement performed by Tesla Service in May 2024 and has occurred multiple times since. The incident presents a serious safety risk, including...

Central computer (motherboard), cameras (front/rear/side), autopilot/auto steer system. Error code: APS_w132. Description of Problem: On or around [XXX], Tesla pushed a mandatory over-the-air software update to my vehicle. Immediately after, multiple safety-critical systems failed: all cameras (including backup) became intermittent or non-functional, auto steer/autopilot stopped working, and the car emitted constant distracting beeping alerts due to a critical motherboard failure. This made driving hazardous—impaired visibility for parking/reversing, loss of collision avoidance features, and constant audio distractions that could lead to accidents. I had to drive in this unsafe condition for weeks while waiting for service. Tesla attempted a remote fix but it failed. I scheduled service on November 19 for December 3 (19-day delay). Diagnostics confirmed the update induced the hardware failure, a known issue reported by other 2021 Model 3 owners on forums like Reddit (e.g., software bricking motherboards post-update). Despite this, Tesla refused warranty/goodwill coverage, quoting $2,576.83 for...

Tesla full self driving software malfunctioned and turned into oncoming traffic lanes instead of crossing over to the correct opposite side of the roadway. This occurred after getting off a on ramp in Ukiah, California around 2am Nov 15, 2025. This could have put others in serious danger if there were cars coming in the oncoming lanes heading in the different direction. The problem has not been reproduced by a dealer or other entity. Yet This has happened to other tesla drivers as well using FSD as you are probably already aware. No inspection and it was sudden and unexpected.

Resistive occupancy sensor consistently failing causing: -Bluetooth to not automatically connect anytime the vehicle is entered - vehicle puts itself in park to prevent rollback if seatbelt is not applied - car does not recognize when driver is in seat These are serious safety concerns as it could cause a domino effect in safety features if not applied when needed.

On [Wednesday, 07/09/2025], I was driving my Tesla Model 3 in rainy conditions when the vehicle suddenly swerved and crashed into a sidewall. The road was wet but not flooded, and I was traveling at a moderate speed. As I lifted my foot off the accelerator to slow down, the car's regenerative braking system engaged abruptly, which I believe shifted weight forward and caused the rear tires to lose traction. This led to hydroplaning and complete loss of control. There were no warning lights or alerts prior to the incident. The road surface did not have visible hazards or standing water that would typically explain a spinout. The tires were moderately worn but within usable limits. As a result of the crash, the car was declared a total loss. The insurance company now has possession of the vehicle. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the crash was severe. After the...

Incident Details: • Date of Incident: [XXX] • Time: [XXX] • Location: San antonio, Tx • Weather/Road Conditions: Clear, dry highway; 90 F • Speed: 60 mph; • Description: while driving my 2021 Tesla Model 3 with Full Self-Driving (FSD) software version 12.6.4 engaged, the vehicle unexpectedly changed lanes without my input, likely due to the Auto Lane Change feature. Immediately after, it braked hard for and unrecognized slowing traffic ahead. This sudden jolt caused immediate pain in my upper back, neck, and chest, which persists. I believe FSD misjudged traffic patterns or road conditions, a known issue with v12.6.4 based on online reports. The incident occurred in heavy traffic and no crash occurred, but the abrupt braking posed a safety risk and caused injury. I’m unable to see a doctor today but plan to soon for a diagnosis. This is a serious safety concern, as FSD’s erratic behavior could...

Vehicle Info: Make: Tesla Model: Model 3 Year: 2021 Incident Date: April 7, 2025 Mileage: 49,000 miles Component: Electrical System / Software / Powertrain While driving on a public road, my Tesla Model 3 experienced a total system lag and shut down unexpectedly. The screen and vehicle controls froze, and the vehicle became unresponsive, leaving me stranded in the middle of the road. Tesla service later stated that the car computer had “slow FPS” (frames per second), which they claim caused the issue. They cleared memory, updated firmware, and said no further diagnosis was needed. However, no root cause was provided, and I am concerned that this issue could reoccur. This kind of unexpected shutdown while driving is a serious safety concern. I was lucky to avoid a collision, but if this had happened on a freeway or near traffic, the outcome could have been worse. I am filing this...

My Tesla has full self driving supervised. When I use this feature, since about three updates ago, my Car has started braking for no reason. It hasn’t happened on a freeway, but, but on secondary roads, it will brake and try to come to a stop. It seems to do this, when there is a shadow across the road, or when there is a puddle in or near the road. Sometimes it will brake for no reason at all. I I have come close to being hit from behind. I think this is a dangerous situation that needs to be looked into.

Tesla is refusing to correct this recall on my vehicle for free

The rear doors in this vehicle have no manual open option in case of a power outage such as a fire or submersion. This is a huge safety risk for back seat passengers, who are more likely than average to be children who could not figure out what to do in the case of an emergency

Front passenger safety restraint system fault in sensor, sensors won’t stop going off and giving me warnings while driving.

I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding a critical malfunction that occurred with my Tesla Model 3 on [XXX], in West Palm Beach, Florida. This incident raises significant concerns about the safety and reliability of Tesla vehicles, particularly following software updates. Incident Overview: On [XXX], around 5:00 PM, I placed my French Bulldog in the back seat of my Tesla Model 3 and closed the passenger side rear door. As I walked around to the driver’s side, all the doors locked automatically, and I was unable to open any of them. Despite multiple attempts to unlock the car using both my iPhone and key fob, the vehicle remained locked. My dog was trapped inside the car, and I became increasingly panicked, especially considering the extreme summer heat in Florida. I immediately contacted Tesla customer service, but after a 15-minute conversation, they were unable to unlock the car...

Location: 35.084609,-92.414194 While driving through the roundabout north to south on Amity road, the car has twice now applied automatic emergency braking while exiting the roundabout. There is a billboard 200ft from the road with an image of a person on it. The car is confusing that as a person in the road. This has caused my dog to be thrown (thankfully buckled in) and us to almost be rear-ended both times. This is extremely dangerous issue.

Horn does not work. Seems to be a regular occurrence in this model. SAFETY ISSUE!

I have a 2021 Tesla Model 3. The current owners manual shows how to open the rear doors in the event of loss of power using an emergency latch at the bottom of the door pocket. Our car doesn’t have that latch in the rear doors (though the front doors each have one). This concerns us and we feel it is unsafe for the back seat passengers.

On March 31st, Tesla alerted me that I had been "granted a 30-day complimentary trial of Full Self-Driving" capabilities. They didn't make it clear that the service was automatically enabled (vs. allowing me to opt-in) and did not provide any information about how it operates. Because I have no interest in the service, I didn't click the "Learn More" button in the email. Since the service was turned on, the car has unexpectedly "grabbed" my steering wheel twice while I was driving. I now understand that it's possible that I turned it on without knowing it but, again, I wasn't given any instructions. I was terrified. When I pulled over and tried to find an "off" button, I discovered there is none. When I spoke to Tesla today, I was told that there is no "off" for the service and that all I can do set it to the least...

Problem: As the vehicle is driven and the Adaptive Cruise Control, AutoSteer, FSD, …. is activated. As the system detects an unexpected outside event, the vehicle would slow down for a few seconds, then it would continue driving and re-accelerate to about the same speed that it was before and/or to the maximum set speed. Opinion: This is can be dangerous if the driver is not observant, alert, and does not control the vehicle which can be dangerous and cause death, destruction, and/or damage to the driver, passengers, pedestrians, vehicle, surrounding vehicles, fixed objects, etc. Possible Solution: As the vehicle is driven and the Adaptive Cruise Control, AutoSteer, FSD, …. is activated. Once the system detects an unexpected outside event the system should: * Temporarily Disable Adaptive Cruise Control, AutoSteer, FSD, …. * Interior Cabin LCD would flash Yellow/Orange and beep quickly 3 times in a row - Showing a...

UNKNOWN

The car was in an accident on 10/5/2022 when the autosteer over corrected causing the vehicle to strike the median of the road. It was subsequently totalled.

You guys have ruined auto pilot and made it less safe. Quit trying to get a promotion or recognition by going after Tesla. My model 3 was the safest car to drive hands down. I've had 17 different cars in the last 20 years, Tesla's are like anything else I've ever driven. The problem you caused by forcing stricter safety for autopilot, actually makes it way less safe. Before it assisted on highways so I could briefly do things like change temperature, music, or navigation without accidently running off the road or colliding with another vehicle. Now it's so sensitive with warnings to pay attention, it's actually a distraction. Look at my speed, warning to pay attention. Check my surroundings in mirror, warning. Change temperature, warning. It's to the point where it's distracting me more then anything I would do in a traditional car. Seriously, NHTSA can go [XXX] itself....

I leased a Tesla Model 3 on [XXX] in Tampa, Florida On [XXX] the car went into Sudden Unintended Acceleration as I was coming out of a "Hold" at a Yield sign where I was at a complete stop waiting for traffic to fully clear for a right hand turn onto a two lane street. I was coming off of [XXX] onto [XXX] in St. Petersburg, Florida. As I started the turn, the Tesla tossed me onto the curb and along a pedestrian sidewalk at high speed. I tried to brake, but the car continued plowing towards a traffic sign that I avoided hitting by making a hard left to try to get back onto the street. Instead of returning me to the street and my lane, the Tesla threw me left across two lanes of traffic, over a grass divider, and into two lanes of oncoming traffic heading straight...

I am encountering a serious problem with FSD 2023.44.30.8 06f534d46010. When navigating to a destination the vehicle will drive in a clearly identified bus turn off stop on the right side of the right driving lane. It then abruptly stops and is unsure what to do. The vehicle should not navigate to a bus turnoff stop. The vehicle repeatedly does this at not one but numerous bus turnoff stops in my area. The abrupt turnoff and stop is a hazard.

My car computer touchscreen has been rebooting with every entry since/start since software update 2023.44.30.5.1. in mid December, 2023. Software update 2023.44.30.8 did not resolve the issue. During the reboot process I am able to move my vehicle but the safety systems (parking sensors, back-up camera, wipers, etc) are inoperable for up 3 minutes during the reboot process. I have reported the issue to Tesla and brought my vehicle in for service 1/29/24. The service center claims that reboot issue is due to a software bug and is a “known characteristic” with this release. They also claim that the lack of the ability to use cameras/sensors while operating the vehicle is convenience related, not safety. Tesla can give me no ETA on when I can expect a software update to remedy the issue which has been outstanding for 5 weeks now.

The recall you required has made my Tesla car far less safe to drive. I am an attentive driver and had grown accustomed to using Tesla autopilot to help me drive more safety to and from work. Without it I feel that I drive more aggressively and less safe. You should consider supporting Tesla in it's efforts to improve safety through technology

Heating failed in -10 temperature for approx 40 miles. Window became ice covered and would not clear. Interior of car was 33 degrees and heat came back on when plugged into charger.

Heat failed a second time in a few days. There was no heat in -7 temperature for 60 miles until I could get it to a supercharger. The car was at 60% charge when heat failed.

The rear seat doesn’t detect kids under 50lbs. Putting the seat in car seat mode only disables the seatbelt alert and doesn’t keep the rear fans on. You can turn them on manually, but the car forgets that they should stay on if you precondition the cabin from the mobile app. Meaning that my child cooks in the back seat due to lack of rear cabin conditioning unless I remember to turn it back on in a buried menu every time.

Back up camera not functioning.

When autopilot is engaged, car unexpectedly brakes with no obstacle in front of car. Some called it “phantom braking”.

Autopilot feature is now unstable as I get constant nags if I look away for a few seconds to check my surroundings or check my navigation.i have been locked out of the feature multiple times over the past week forcing me to make navigation changes while manually driving.

concerns about the latest software update for the Tesla Model 3’s autopilot system, which, in my view, significantly compromises safety. As a Model 3 owner for over two years, I have generally found the vehicle and its features to be reliable and safe. However, the recent update has introduced an overly stringent hands-on-wheel detection mechanism that is not only inconvenient but also potentially hazardous. The new update requires frequent and often forceful interaction with the steering wheel to assure the system of driver presence. This change is drastically different from my previous experience, where I received only one hands-on-wheel violation in two years. The current sensitivity of the system disrupts the smooth operation of the autopilot, leading to frequent and abrupt disengagements. I have found myself struggling to maintain the system’s activation, inadvertently causing the vehicle to exit autopilot mode multiple times. This issue goes beyond mere inconvenience; it actively...

It gives you a wrong message that your car is closed but actually no. And I got stuff stolen since this issue. First time close the door properly, but I can not lock it. I have to open it then close it again to lock it. video shows I uploaded the video in twitter [XXX] I can not upload a video in the below upload files area, so plz contact me to let me send the email if you can not see it on twitter. or you may see it here [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Ul_a022_ApeFusesEtc Audience [service-fix, factory) Description Driver Assistance ECU (APE) is not fused or not locked or missing credentials Set Condition Driver Assistance ECU is not fused or not locked or missing credentials Clear Condition Driver Assistance ECU is fused, locked and has proper credentials Potential Impact Driver Assistance ECU is in an unsecured state (unfused)

When I purchased this automobile the dealer told me it had to be built, so it was my thought I was getting a brand-new car. I was not anticipating the problems I would have in the same year I leased this vehicle. I leased the automobile for 3 years with an agreement to drive 12,000 miles or less a year. Later after agreeing to the mileage set in the original contract, I learned through my own research that I could leased this automobile agreeing to drive up to 20,000 miles. My contract was not explained or expressed to me in detail, even after conveying to them that the automobile would be used as a vehicle for my business in transportation. They did not go over every possible option. Secondly, just a few months into having this vehicle, I took the automobile in for service April 6, 2023 Feb 23, 2023...

Wide gap on left back side of trunk whenever it’s closed shut. Opens and close fine but it’s not properly closed. Water gets in through the gap and gets in the trunk whenever it rains or I go to the car wash

I am getting less miles than advertised on full charge. Six months ago I was getting 185 miles on full charge now I get 156. The vehicle has a little over 5k miles and 2021. FSD does not work as advertised, fails to turn and it makes sudden turns and stops

My car has a Homelink that will automatically open the garage door when approaching the door. Unfortunately, if the garage door is already open, this will unexpectedly close the door with no warning. This has resulted in damage to the trunk lid of another can that was parked in the garage with the trunk open. It is a dangerous situation for the door to close when others near the door are not warned or something in the path of the closing door. The Homelink does show the status of the door (open or closed) so it would be easy to not close the door if it was already open. When the Homelink is used to remotely close the door, it has a delay and will flash the lights before the door is closed to warn people who are in the way. This is an easy fix and I hope something...

This is a report of the accident I was in on July 15, 2023 at 3:00 PM. I was going south on two lane Hwy 160 a couple south miles of Hwy 12 when I pulled out onto a wide, long pullout. When I decided to get back on the highway, I looked back to see a long line of cars coming. My Tesla’s Full Self Driving has Auto Lane Change which switches lanes for you when safe. I figured I would use Auto Lane Change to merge onto the road when safe. I already had the Tesla Navigation on. I turned on the Full Self Drive and my blinker, thinking that it would be a while before the Tesla decided it was safe to merge onto the road. However, the car started moving toward the road almost immediately. I realized that there couldn’t have been a break in traffic...

There is a design defect in the Tesla Model 3 which causes moisture to accumulate in the air filters. The filters then sit wet and develop mold and mildew. The first replacement was needed within the first 2 months of vehicle ownership. When the heat / air is turned into the on position, this fowl air is distributed to passengers in an enclosed environment and it becomes a health hazard, especially to those with preexisting respiratory issues. This is an ongoing problem with the soiled air filters requiring constant replacement. A Tesla mobile service agent confirmed that Tesla engineering team is aware of the issue, but hasn't come up with a permanent solution. The service agent stated they are spending tens of thousands of dollars in replacements filters and that a majority of his service calls are to replace the mildewed filters. The problem is Tesla continues to charge people...

On May 22, 2023 driving south on I-580 through Reno with the Tesla adaptive cruise control, there's a 55mph construction zone. As a result, I use the right scroll wheel to adjust the speed from 65 to 55mph. The scroll wheel didn't work. As a result, I turned off the cruise control with the right steering wheel stalk. At the same time, I noticed the vehicle speed indicator on the upper left of the CRT display was malfunctioning; both failing to respond to changes in the car's speed, and then indicating erroneous speeds (at one point indicating 34mph when I was going around 60mph. These issues continued. I took the exit on Double R Blvd to turn right. As I got into the right lane on the freeway to exit I attempted to turn off the cruise control and it didn't work. Approaching the exit, I then applied the brake....

I bought my Tesla model 3 in October 2021. I no longer can view my backup camera or side camera when signaling and reversing. gps doesn’t work. Warning collision doesn’t detect. No warning lamps or messages. I schedule a service and they might think it’s a failed mcu. It’s no longer under warranty since I put 79000 miles on it. Car isn’t even two years old and if mcu failed. I think it should be replace for free if it less than two years, miles shouldn’t count.

I was driving to school which is about an hour away from my home. I was in the carpool lane when all of a sudden I got a notice that the top speed of the vehicle was reduced to 35 MPH second later it said it was in low power mode. The screen starting flashing red and it began to shake and shut down. I had seconds to get into the shoulder of the freeway and the car and the car lost all power. This was an unprovoked incident and I feel that if put me in grave danger. In order for the car to start driving I had to exit and enter it again while on the freeway. I was thankfully able to pull into the shoulder because I was in the carpool lane but had I not been I would have had to do this in full traffic.

Tesla had been sending me messages since last year about the safety recall notice but they have not downloaded the necessary firmware update to remedy the safety issue NHTSA Recall no: 22V-702

Tesla has not downloaded the software to remedy NHTSA Recall No: 22V-702

My car no longer makes any sound when driving in parking lots or alley lanes to warn pedestrians or bicycle riders of my approach. This needs to be addressed for the safety of myself and others.

AC/Heat pump total failure at 18,317 miles. Due to cold weather in Michigan and simply running the car, the heat pump went out entirely which creates the climate control in the vehicle. This caused dangerous driving conditions since the windows could not be defogged and the vehicle was below freezing temperatures inside. The service agents I spoke with seemed to understand this was a common occurrence in cold weather climates. The reason I am reporting this, is although mine was replaced at no cost to me under warranty, this is a manufacturing oversight and needs to be addressed by the company. This can cause very unsafe driving conditions for many people, and cost thousands of dollars in repairs all because they sell a vehicle that has parts not suitable for the climates they operate in.

The heat pump failed in 12/2022. The defroster would not work and heating was an issue. I encountered 2 dangerous situations in snowstorms where I could not see out the window and the heating was inconsistent and difficult to control.This was fixed by Tesla. The heat pump failed again (less than a month later). I was told today that there was an ice buildup in the coils possibly due to car wash (?). This problem, I am afraid, is going to continue.