2018 Tesla Model S Forward collision avoidance Problems
- Complaints
- 50about this part
- Share
- 29%of 170 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 50 complaints about the forward collision avoidance of the 2018 Tesla Model S, 29% of the 170 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,500 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving on the expressway, cruise control was engaged at 65-70 MPH for 3-5 minutes, until suddenly, the car slowed down all by itself to around 50mph with vibration and jerking. The brake was not depressed at all. No other cars were in front of me or around me at the time of incident”
NHTSA complaint #11377444, filed 2020-12, 19,700 miles“On several occasions both of my dashboard screens (driver cluster and center console) went blank while driving at a variety of speeds. I was unable to see my speedometer, back-up camera, control HVAC, or any audio. I also was unable to use collision assistance, blind spot detection, autopilot, or, presumably, emergency braking. To regain control I had to reboot the vehicle while driving, which was hazardous to say the least. There does not appear to be any specific trigger to this outage other than the vehicle was in gear and moving forward. It happened during the day and at night. …”
NHTSA complaint #11405008, filed 2021-03, 45,000 miles“My car will randomly apply the brakes when driving on the highway for no apparent reason. I have noticed this to occur when going under overpasses especially on a bright sunny day, but also at other times. I do not find it to be predictable and it can be quite dangerous if traffic behind me is very close. This has occurred many times, most recently as yesterday.”
NHTSA complaint #11560509, filed 2023-12“Driving on a freeway at 75mph with autopilot turned on, the car suddenly braked, requiring manual intervention to accelerate to intended speed. After this the car continued as normal. There was no visible obstruction. Fortunately I have had this happen while a vehicle has not been behind me otherwise there is a possiblity of a crash.”
NHTSA complaint #11450081, filed 2022-02“I have experienced many times phantom braking . When I reported that to a Tesla service center 2 years ago, they did not know of this problem. It is scary and dangerous especially for the cars following me It only happens to me on the freeway when in ADAS mode. There is a exact place on the 5 freeway SB near Disneyland, that each time I drive there, phantom braking happens. Further also random without noticing any reason for it.”
NHTSA complaint #11453139, filed 2022-02Related recalls
- 21V846000Oct 29, 2021Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A…Covers: Tesla Model S 2017–2021, Model X 2017–2021, Model 3 2017–2021 +1 more
Forward collision avoidance: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 29% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 18 | 16% |
| 2022 | 34 | 24% |
| 2021 | 48 | 27% |
| 2020 | 23 | 29% |
| 2019 | 12 | 27% |
| 2018 | 50 | 29% |
| 2017 | 68 | 16% |
| 2016 | 39 | 6% |
| 2015 | 31 | 5% |
| 2014 | 9 | 2% |
| 2013 | 3 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2018 Tesla Model S
36 complaintsElectrical system
35 complaintsVehicle speed control
28 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsSuspension
20 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsLane departure
13 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Tesla Model S
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology