NHTSA ODI #11635926

2021 Tesla Model 3 Complaint

Forward Collision Avoidance

Filed January 14, 2025 · Incident date January 4, 2025

Vehicle
2021 Tesla Model 3
Component(s)
Forward Collision Avoidance
Complaint filed
January 14, 2025
Date of incident
January 4, 2025
Reported VIN
5YJ3E1EB2MF

Owner's description

I was driving east on [XXX] in Bourne MA using the Tesla adaptive cruise control system called "Autopilot" in very light traffic conditions. The sun was low on in the sky (behind and to the right). The system automatically engaged the brakes while crossing the bridge without obvious reason, decreasing the car speed about 10 MPH in less than a second before I overrode by pressing the accelerator. I believe the car vision system mistook a shadow cast by the vertical girders on the bridge onto the road as an obstacle. The sudden deceleration was a hazard to those behind that had to brake, but there was no collision or loss of control. The manufacturer seems acknowledge and accept that the defect exists, but has not been able to resolve the problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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