Tesla promised us the future—sleek design, unmatched performance, full self-driving. But is the reality falling dangerously short of the hype? Shocking reports are emerging that one flashy feature in the Model 3, the one hyped the most, could actually turn it into a massive failure. From steering quirks to braking glitches, things aren’t adding up. Is Tesla’s golden child more about marketing than real innovation? Let’s uncover the truth behind the gloss—because this might just be the EV scandal no one saw coming.
Steering System Failures
In 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated an investigation into reports of steering issues in approximately 280,000 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. Drivers reported sudden loss of steering control, with some incidents leading to accidents
Braking Inconsistencies
Consumer Reports found that the Model 3 exhibited inconsistent braking performance, with stopping distances significantly longer than those of comparable vehicles. In emergency braking tests, the Model 3 required up to 152 feet to stop from 60 mph, compared to the average of 131 feet for luxury compact sedans.
Touchscreen-Dependent Controls
The Model 3's minimalist interior design replaces traditional controls with a central touchscreen interface. While innovative, this design has been criticized for causing driver distraction, as essential functions like adjusting mirrors or climate control require navigating through on-screen menus
Build Quality Concerns
A teardown analysis by UBS revealed several manufacturing issues in the Model 3, including inconsistent panel gaps, missing bolts, and misaligned welds. These findings suggest that the vehicle's build quality may not align with its premium pricing
Software Update Complications
Tesla's over-the-air software updates are a standout feature, but they have occasionally led to unintended consequences. For instance, an update once disabled key safety systems like automatic emergency braking and Autopilot for over a day, raising concerns about the reliability of such updates.