Table 1 shows one common engine and engine cooling related problems of the 2018 Tesla Model 3.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling problems |
Tesla failed to properly diagnose a high-voltage battery isolation fault in my 2018 Model 3. Despite safety-critical bms_a027 and bms_a142 faults indicating multiple isolation failures, they skipped required insulation resistance testing, falsely blamed sand in a connector, and charged me $174. 95. After the issue returned, they reversed course, replaced an internal battery contactor, and reduced the $1,173 estimate to $356—admitting fault without owning it. Days later, a diagnostic showed dangerously low isolation resistance (380k?, far below Tesla's 1,000k? safety threshold), yet they took no further action. On July 12, the car again went into limp mode. Tesla’s repeated failure to follow safety protocols, diagnose accurately, and honor warranty obligations has left me with a vehicle in an unsafe state and no corporate accountability. I've contacted their resolutions team three times (7/2, 7/7, 7/10) with zero response.
On March 21, 2025, my Tesla Model 3 long range entered "power reduction mode" — a safety feature that limits power to protect the high-voltage battery from overheating or failure. Tesla later diagnosed a coolant leak near the battery area. Their own service advisor stated in writing that the failure was “most likely related” to the battery’s thermal management system — the very system responsible for regulating battery temperature and preventing damage. Despite the connection to the battery protection system and the vehicle being under the 8-year/120,000-mile battery warranty, Tesla has refused to cover the repair. The issue remains unresolved, and I have not picked up or approved any repairs on the vehicle. My concern is that driving the vehicle in this state — or leaving this failure unaddressed — could lead to further battery damage or pose a safety risk. I am requesting that NHTSA evaluate this issue as a potential safety concern, especially as the manufacturer is refusing to repair a system directly linked to high-voltage battery safety.
Got into car after update, screen blacked out, could not to hard reboots. App could no longer see car. Tech support couldn't remote into vehicle or get in touch with it. Had to have it towed to service center. It's been sitting there for 6 days with no diagnosis just an estimate for $530 to troubleshoot the car. This update caused my car to completely be unresponsive and undrivable. I also had a carseat in the car.
The power conversion system (pcs) failed during driving, disabling the rear motor and regenerative braking. This severely affected the driving characteristics of the vehicle, including top speed, braking profile and handling.
At 70000 the front right bar that connect to wheel went bad 350 dollars. At around 90000 miles the ac went bad and they said is because I used it too much 4700 dollars at 110000 the lid for the charger kept opening up and closing by itself at 127000 the battery range reduced signed went on 129000 maximum charge could be charded 47 percent. And could not be charged more than whatever is in there already.
For a growing number of Model 3 owners, components in the hv battery service panel are breaking down, yet Tesla refuses to cover the repair under its battery and drive unit warranty. Specifically, the "power conversion system" (pcs) in that panel is failing, and reducing an ac charge from 48a to 32a to 16a to… zero. If an owner drives to a location to charge from a level 1 or level 2 charger, and the pcs has failed, that owner will be stranded, unable to operate the vehicle. I have submitted a request for mediation to the american arbitration association (case no. 01-22-0001-9026), but I deem it important to not only address the problem in my vehicle, but all the others experiencing this same breakdown. I am thus reporting it to NHTSA, as I purport that a recall is in order. I will attach a more detailed description of my dispute with Tesla, as well as my original purchase agreement with an agreement to arbitrate, and a copy of Tesla's most recent warranties.
The car tart to have sudden unintended acceleration at low speed after fully charge. The car will stop at the road suddenly. Leave car and back. The ac run for 1 min and shut down. I heard a sound which is from battery switch. 9/21, 11:15 am it happened again. I hear a sound and the car show alert. “”pull over safely” — the autopilot system will slow down a lot passing a bride, even there is no car in the road.
Car interface bugged out and would not recognize with the phone key or key card to start after entering the parked vehicle. Touch screen flashed on and off. Attempted resets to no avail. System would randomly shut itself off and not turn back on.
Unintended acceleration resulting in a crash with a tree. My car was total. The car was was statioanary waiting to put air in my tire.