NHTSA complaint #11702355

Owner complaint summary

NHTSA Complaint Narrative (Copy & Paste) CRITICAL SAFETY DEFECT: SALE OF VEHICLE WITH DISABLED AIRBAGS Incident: 10/24/2025 | Dealer: Braman Cadillac (Miami, FL) | VIN: [XXX] Braman Cadillac sold me this 2024 Tesla Model 3 representing it as "clean/no accidents." In reality, they released a vehicle with a disabled airbag system resulting from a crash that occurred in their inventory. 1. DISABLED RESTRAINT SYSTEM (RCM): Tesla Service Mode diagnostics confirm the Restraint Control Module (RCM) is in "Post Replacement" state, displaying the prompt: "Post Replacement Tasks - Routine requires Service Mode Plus authentication." This proves the airbag computer was replaced following a crash/electrical trauma but NEVER calibrated. Consequently, the SRS is disabled and will not deploy. The vehicle explicitly warns: "The Safety Restraint System may not perform as designed." The dealer released a non-roadworthy vehicle. 2. EVIDENCE OF DEALER KNOWLEDGE: Internal logs show critical crash fault codes (VCFRONT_a059 & RCM2_a003) logged on Oct 15, 2025. Dealer records confirm the car was in their exclusive inventory on this date (listed since Sept 23). These faults were active 9 days before sale. The dealer ignored active safety warnings to facilitate the transaction. 3. CONCEALED DAMAGE: Inspection by Classic Collision confirmed hidden structural damage requiring $9,676.69 in repairs, consistent with the uncalibrated module. CONCLUSION: Braman Cadillac knowingly sold a vehicle with a lethal safety defect. I demand an investigation into their release of vehicles with uncalibrated safety modules. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)