High Severity Issue
This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.
This Problem Across All Years
In all assisted driving modes except Full Self Driving (FSD), the car properly displays the speed Limit it has determined either by Map data or visual confirmation. In FSD, apparently only on pre-2021+ Model S cars, the determined speed limit is not displayed. In my town we have a US60 route. The car sees these signs and determines the speed limit is 60, even though it is only 35. The driver notices a rapid acceleration and may observe the set FSD speed has changed to 60. There is no Speed Limit displayed in this mode. Very dangerous to go this fast on a 35 MPH road. When not using FSD, the car does show this error in the speed limit as being 60, even though the car determined speed limit itself is in error.
In all assisted driving modes except Full Self Driving (FSD), the car properly displays the speed Limit it has determined either by Map data or visual confirmation. In FSD, apparently only on pre-2021+ Model S cars, the determined speed limit is not displayed. In my town we have a US60 route. The car sees these signs and determines the speed limit is 60, even though it is only 35. The driver notices a rapid acceleration and may observe the set FSD speed has changed to 60. There is no Speed Limit displayed in this mode. Very dangerous to go this fast on a 35 MPH road. When not using FSD, the car does show this error in the speed limit as being 60, even though the car determined speed limit itself is in error.
From Aug 23 to 28, 2023, we traveled in our 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range Plus vehicle from Santa Fe, NM to San Diego, CA and back, for a total distance of approximate 2100 miles. We drove primarily interstates (I-25, I-10, I-8, I-5) where speed limits ranged from 55 to 75. We experienced numerous instances of what is known to Tesla owners as sudden, severe "phantom braking" [hereinafter PB] while the cruise control was activated (not AutoPilot, nor FSD, just cruise control). In ALL instances, no cars or other objects were visible within 1 mile ahead of our vehicle, and in ALL instances, these "phantom braking" incidents happened on absolutely flat, straight, smooth road surfaces, at all times of day, morning, noon, and night. This car has had PB problems since the day was purchased; in fact on that day, there were at least two sudden PB incidents while I drove home in the new car! At numerous times since, I've reported these problems to Tesla Service---to no avail. The problem is widely known among Tesla owners, and to my knowledge no owner has been able to get Tesla to do anything. On this most recent long-distance trip, our PB incidents happened typically at the posted speed limit of 75mph in all-clear situations---nobody else anywhere remotely nearby. The car would be operating smoothly when all of a sudden the brakes would engage and the vehicle would rapidly decelerate, throwing forward anything not fastened down inside the car. Because of the history of this problem, I NEVER activate cruise control whenever ANY vehicle is near the rear of the car, as I can never tell if my car will "phantom brake" at that moment, causing a possible accident. I consider this problem VERY dangerous. I have owned this car since 2020, and Tesla has refused to do anything to fix it, always coming up with one or other stalling technique or excuse. I consider this an extreme safety flaw of this car and hope NHTSA can help to force Tesla to fix it once and for all.
From Aug 23 to 28, 2023, we traveled in our 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range Plus vehicle from Santa Fe, NM to San Diego, CA and back, for a total distance of approximate 2100 miles. We drove primarily interstates (I-25, I-10, I-8, I-5) where speed limits ranged from 55 to 75. We experienced numerous instances of what is known to Tesla owners as sudden, severe "phantom braking" [hereinafter PB] while the cruise control was activated (not AutoPilot, nor FSD, just cruise control). In ALL instances, no cars or other objects were visible within 1 mile ahead of our vehicle, and in ALL instances, these "phantom braking" incidents happened on absolutely flat, straight, smooth road surfaces, at all times of day, morning, noon, and night. This car has had PB problems since the day was purchased; in fact on that day, there were at least two sudden PB incidents while I drove home in the new car! At numerous times since, I've reported these problems to Tesla Service---to no avail. The problem is widely known among Tesla owners, and to my knowledge no owner has been able to get Tesla to do anything. On this most recent long-distance trip, our PB incidents happened typically at the posted speed limit of 75mph in all-clear situations---nobody else anywhere remotely nearby. The car would be operating smoothly when all of a sudden the brakes would engage and the vehicle would rapidly decelerate, throwing forward anything not fastened down inside the car. Because of the history of this problem, I NEVER activate cruise control whenever ANY vehicle is near the rear of the car, as I can never tell if my car will "phantom brake" at that moment, causing a possible accident. I consider this problem VERY dangerous. I have owned this car since 2020, and Tesla has refused to do anything to fix it, always coming up with one or other stalling technique or excuse. I consider this an extreme safety flaw of this car and hope NHTSA can help to force Tesla to fix it once and for all.
The latest tesla update has caused significant increased number of "phantom breaking" episodes when using just cruise control on state highways. I had at least 10 episodes on my last 100 mile drive (not using autopilot, just cruise control). Worst events caused rapid breaking from highway speed of 65 mph down to 40-45 mph with warning messages and audible alarms. Non of the events needed breaking. The worst two events were on straight sections of road with no oncoming traffic or other potential obstruction. I do not feel safe using cruise control on the freeway.
The latest tesla update has caused significant increased number of "phantom breaking" episodes when using just cruise control on state highways. I had at least 10 episodes on my last 100 mile drive (not using autopilot, just cruise control). Worst events caused rapid breaking from highway speed of 65 mph down to 40-45 mph with warning messages and audible alarms. Non of the events needed breaking. The worst two events were on straight sections of road with no oncoming traffic or other potential obstruction. I do not feel safe using cruise control on the freeway.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TESLA MODEL S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN AND CRASHED INTO A WALL AT 70 MPH. THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WIFE SUSTAINED BRUISES ON HER CHEST AND HANDS ALONG WITH BURNS FROM THE AIR BAGS. THE CONTACT WHO WAS A PHYSICIAN WAS TREATING HIS WIFE. NO MEDICAL TREATMENT RECEIVED AT THE SCENE. THE POLICE ARRIVED AT THE SCENE BUT NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWED YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TESLA MODEL S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT AT 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN AND CRASHED INTO A WALL AT 70 MPH. THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WIFE SUSTAINED BRUISES ON HER CHEST AND HANDS ALONG WITH BURNS FROM THE AIR BAGS. THE CONTACT WHO WAS A PHYSICIAN WAS TREATING HIS WIFE. NO MEDICAL TREATMENT RECEIVED AT THE SCENE. THE POLICE ARRIVED AT THE SCENE BUT NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWED YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TESLA MODEL S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STOPPED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION SOON AFTER EACH FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO TESLA (2312 STATE ST, SOUTH SALT LAKE, UT 84115) WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,500.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TESLA MODEL S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STOPPED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION SOON AFTER EACH FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO TESLA (2312 STATE ST, SOUTH SALT LAKE, UT 84115) WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,500.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TESLA MODEL S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THEY WERE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT ABOUT APPROXIMATELY 6 MPH, WHEN THEY TAPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL LIGHTLY TO MOVE FORWARD SLIGHTLY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD AT HIGH SPEEDS CRASHING INTO THE BUILDING IN FRONT OF THE PARKING SPACE. AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THEIR LEG AREA AND NEEDED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE DEALER (ACCURATE AUTO BODY 9042 WILLOWS RD, REDMOND, WA 98052; (425) 970-9699) WHO WERE LOOKING INTO THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY OFFICIAL DIAGNOSING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,500.*BF CONSUMER STATED CAR IS TOTALED.*JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TESLA MODEL S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THEY WERE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT ABOUT APPROXIMATELY 6 MPH, WHEN THEY TAPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL LIGHTLY TO MOVE FORWARD SLIGHTLY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD AT HIGH SPEEDS CRASHING INTO THE BUILDING IN FRONT OF THE PARKING SPACE. AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED INJURIES TO THEIR LEG AREA AND NEEDED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE DEALER (ACCURATE AUTO BODY 9042 WILLOWS RD, REDMOND, WA 98052; (425) 970-9699) WHO WERE LOOKING INTO THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY OFFICIAL DIAGNOSING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,500.*BF CONSUMER STATED CAR IS TOTALED.*JB
I WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK MY TESLA MODEL S IN A CHARGING SLOT IN THE TESLA KETTLEMAN CITY SUPERCHARGE STATION. AFTER LOCATING A VACANT SLOT TO MY RIGHT, I MADE A RIGHT TURN INTO THE SLOT. THE CAR COASTED INTO THE SLOT IN A PERFECT HEAD-IN FASHION WITH NO PROBLEM. MY FOOT WAS ON OR HOVERING OVER THE BRAKE PEDAL, SLOWING AS NECESSARY AS THE CAR REACHED ITS DESIRED POSITION. ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD WITH A POWERFUL PROPULSIVE FORCE. IT FELT LIKE WE WERE FALLING OVER A CLIFF OR ROLLER COASTER. I HEARD MY WIFE YELL FOR ME. THEN THE CAR CRASHED INTO A POLE IN FRONT OF THE PARKING SPOT. THE IMPACT CAUSED ALL THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. MY FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TRYING TO STOP THE CAR. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE CAR COLLAPSED DUE TO THE FORCEFUL IMPACT. THE WINDSHIELD WAS SHATTERED. IT WAS IMMEDIATELY EVIDENT THAT THE DAMAGE WAS SIGNIFICANT. MY WIFE AND I WERE THE ONLY OCCUPANTS IN THE CAR AND SUFFERED MINOR BRUISES AND CUTS TO OUR ARMS AND LEGS. MY WIFE ALSO BRUISED HER RIGHT FOOT (5TH METATARSAL WAS FRACTURED) AND SUFFERED SOME CHEST INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE HOSPITALIZATION. THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND HAD TO BE TRANSPORTED ON A FLATBED TO A TESLA FACILITY IN SUNNYVALE, CALIFORNIA. THE MODEL S HAD 661 MILES ON THE ODOMETER WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. I BELIEVE THIS IS A MANIFESTATION OF THE SUDDEN UNCOMMANDED ACCELERATION SYNDROME.
I WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK MY TESLA MODEL S IN A CHARGING SLOT IN THE TESLA KETTLEMAN CITY SUPERCHARGE STATION. AFTER LOCATING A VACANT SLOT TO MY RIGHT, I MADE A RIGHT TURN INTO THE SLOT. THE CAR COASTED INTO THE SLOT IN A PERFECT HEAD-IN FASHION WITH NO PROBLEM. MY FOOT WAS ON OR HOVERING OVER THE BRAKE PEDAL, SLOWING AS NECESSARY AS THE CAR REACHED ITS DESIRED POSITION. ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD WITH A POWERFUL PROPULSIVE FORCE. IT FELT LIKE WE WERE FALLING OVER A CLIFF OR ROLLER COASTER. I HEARD MY WIFE YELL FOR ME. THEN THE CAR CRASHED INTO A POLE IN FRONT OF THE PARKING SPOT. THE IMPACT CAUSED ALL THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. MY FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TRYING TO STOP THE CAR. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE CAR COLLAPSED DUE TO THE FORCEFUL IMPACT. THE WINDSHIELD WAS SHATTERED. IT WAS IMMEDIATELY EVIDENT THAT THE DAMAGE WAS SIGNIFICANT. MY WIFE AND I WERE THE ONLY OCCUPANTS IN THE CAR AND SUFFERED MINOR BRUISES AND CUTS TO OUR ARMS AND LEGS. MY WIFE ALSO BRUISED HER RIGHT FOOT (5TH METATARSAL WAS FRACTURED) AND SUFFERED SOME CHEST INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE HOSPITALIZATION. THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND HAD TO BE TRANSPORTED ON A FLATBED TO A TESLA FACILITY IN SUNNYVALE, CALIFORNIA. THE MODEL S HAD 661 MILES ON THE ODOMETER WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. I BELIEVE THIS IS A MANIFESTATION OF THE SUDDEN UNCOMMANDED ACCELERATION SYNDROME.
AS I WAS DRIVING, SUDDENLY MY SPEEDOMETER DECIDED TO STOP WORKING AND SHOWED 0MPH. IT HAPPENED TO ME TWICE ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS. REBOOTING THE SYSTEM FIXED THE ISSUE. I SPOKE TO TESLA SERVICE CENTER AND THEY TOLD THEY FOUND A FIRMWARE PROBLEM (THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME IT IS THE 1ST TIME HE SAW THIS ISSUE) AND EXPECT A FIX SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE. TO MY QUESTION IF SPEEDOMETER COULD STOP WORKING AGAIN, HE SAID "YES, THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES IN LIFE. THE PROBLEM WILL BE SOLVED WITH THE NEW FIRMWARE." TO MY QUESTION WHEN, HE SAID "I HAVE NO CLUE" I AM UPLOADING A PHOTO AND ALSO HAVE A VIDEO
AS I WAS DRIVING, SUDDENLY MY SPEEDOMETER DECIDED TO STOP WORKING AND SHOWED 0MPH. IT HAPPENED TO ME TWICE ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS. REBOOTING THE SYSTEM FIXED THE ISSUE. I SPOKE TO TESLA SERVICE CENTER AND THEY TOLD THEY FOUND A FIRMWARE PROBLEM (THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME IT IS THE 1ST TIME HE SAW THIS ISSUE) AND EXPECT A FIX SOMETIME IN THE FUTURE. TO MY QUESTION IF SPEEDOMETER COULD STOP WORKING AGAIN, HE SAID "YES, THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES IN LIFE. THE PROBLEM WILL BE SOLVED WITH THE NEW FIRMWARE." TO MY QUESTION WHEN, HE SAID "I HAVE NO CLUE" I AM UPLOADING A PHOTO AND ALSO HAVE A VIDEO