2018 Tesla Model 3 · symptom sheet
Forward collision warning goes off or the camera drops out
- 38owner reports
- 30,000median miles
- 13involved a crash
Newest report Aug 16, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
38 of the 1,026 complaints on this car describe false collision warning.
Tick what matches of 38 reports
False collision warning on other Model 3 years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2019, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
This group is about the forward collision warning itself. Owners describe alarms with nothing ahead, a forward camera that fails or reports itself blocked, and other safety features shutting off at the same moment. A lot of them happen at highway speed, and a lot end with a dealer who couldn't reproduce it.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the software (11 reports), the forward camera (5 reports) and the radar sensor (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on collision avoidance covers the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds.
All 19 recalls on the 2018 Tesla Model 3, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
When it happens
Too few of these reports state a mileage to give a range.
What owners wrote
“I received a warning message that displayed, âFront Left Safety Restraint System Fault.â This is an engineering problem as the cables associated easily detach under the driverâs seat. Tesla has been long aware of this problem. They came out to my home and replaced the wire connection by installing sturdier connectors. I was subsequently was charged $329.40.”
Filed Oct 26, 2023
“Multiple "phantom braking" events in which the car, on a clear day & no cars around, would suddenly slam on the brakes and try to stop. No messages were displayed on the screen. Tesla Service seems uninterested as it is a "software" issue. I tried a full reset of the car with no improvement.”
Filed Apr 26, 2023
“While driving a Tesla Model 3 on an interstate highway at a speed of about 75 MPH with Full Self Driving engaged, the car aggressively applied the brakes for no apparent reason. This action could cause injury to passengers in the vehicle or an accident involving another vehicle that is following too closely. No information about the reason this occurred was presented. Tesla is aware of this issue.”
Filed Feb 5, 2023
“Vehicle failed to detect object in HOV lane while traveling at 73 mph north on I-280. Vehicle impacted object with no warning or braking, causing car to become airborne and resulting in $19000 in damages. Note: please use ZIP code as password to access the insurance report (CSAA attachment)”
Filed Dec 16, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 13 of 38 reports involved a crash and 2 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Suspension noise, struts or alignment 186 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 152 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 142 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 131 reports
- Brakes on its own (automatic emergency braking) 100 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 88 reports
- Adaptive cruise or lane keeping misbehaves 82 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 32 reports
- Full Self-Driving (FSD) does something unsafe 29 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 26 reports