NHTSA ODI #11444832

2021 Tesla Model 3 Complaint

Forward Collision Avoidance / Lane Departure

Filed December 23, 2021 · Incident date December 22, 2021

Vehicle
2021 Tesla Model 3
Component(s)
Forward Collision Avoidance / Lane Departure
Complaint filed
December 23, 2021
Date of incident
December 22, 2021
Reported VIN
5YJ3E1EB0MF

Owner's description

Several times during every drive where Cruise Control/Autopilot is used, an event known as "Phantom Braking" occurs often time triggering the collision warning systems with no danger present. Phantom breaking is the automatic braking of the Cruise Control/Autopilot systems when no danger is present, causing an unexpected and dangerous automatic braking event. I wish to emphasize that this happens when either system is used under safe conditions and even within the guidelines recommended by Tesla. It is available for inspection should it be necessary. During these events, a vehicle following mine can and has been caught off-guard by the sudden braking, resulting in near-miss rear-endings. The danger of a vehicle collision is extremely high in these scenarios. The problem happens consistently on two-lane roads with no median using standard cruise control (Autopilot is only recommended on divided highways/interstates). Phantom braking still occurs at random in varied environments with both systems. My vehicle has not been taken to a dealer, but the issue has been confirmed/acknowledged by the manufacturer with no solution. This vehicle is new and delivered to me this year. The problem has been occurring since taking ownership/lease. Aside from the the emergency collision warning chime occurring sometimes at the same time as the braking event, there are no symptoms, warnings, or lamps appearing prior to the automatic braking nor afterwards. I have attempted to use the vehicle's camera recalibration and have changed available safety settings to every combination possible to attempt a consumer fix for the issue, but no combination of settings seems to keep the automatic braking events from happening

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Data sourced from the NHTSA Complaints database. Complaints are submitted by vehicle owners and have not been independently verified.