NHTSA complaint #11588340

Owner complaint summary

The Tesla model 3 from the factory does not have the option to get the trailer mode safety software. Aftermarket suppliers make and sell class 2/3 hitches for the model 3. And while the model 3 is not rated for towing. People still have the tow hitches installed and they tow trailers. The model Y with the tow package has what is called “trailer mode” which enables safety features for towing that allows the vehicle to do several things for safety while towing: - it adjusts the wheel braking and speed stability. - It routs to “pull through” charging stations for safe charging without having to unnecessarily and repeatedly unhook trailers. - auto steer, automatic steering, emergency braking, and following distance is all adjusted to account for the trailer and its weight. - light check, checking for functional trailer lighting. The Model Y that does not get the factory tow hitch does not get this tow package software. If you get the tow hitch added afterwards on the model Y or aftermarket, Tesla does not provide this safety enhanced software. The model 3 does not get this safety software regardless. And yet people are able to install after market tow hitches I believe Tesla should be required to offer the towing software to the Model Y base and Model 3 regardless if the vehicle it tow rated or not because the safety of the vehicle when towing is a necessity. I don’t think it should matter if they charge money or offer it free so long as you can have this trailer mode software option added for safety. Because people are going to tow with their cars. A lot of people don’t follow manufacturer recommendations. And U-Haul trailer rental among many other providers offers tow hitch installations and rents trailers to people with Tesla’s. So the easiest thing is to require Tesla to provide this safety enhancement to every vehicle and not just the model Y “if it gets the tow package from the factory.”