Body problems of the 2020 Tesla Model 3

I am writing to formally report a critical safety incident involving my 2020 Tesla Model 3, where the bumper detached while driving through a puddle of water on oct 9th, 2025. This occurred on a busy street, and fortunately, another driver alerted me just in time, averting a potentially serious accident. Following the incident, I arranged for my vehicle to be towed to a Tesla-authorized collision center and opened a claim with my insurance company. I have since learned that this issue is recognized internally by Tesla, as they have created a service incident regarding it, but have failed to communicate this to customers effectively. Tesla's lack of accountability is concerning. Despite repeated attempts to address this with their support and service teams, they have deflected responsibility and continue to downplay the seriousness of this matter, insisting I must rely on insurance to cover the costs. This situation raises significant safety concerns, not just for myself but for all Tesla Model 3 drivers. I urge NHTSA to take the following actions: 1. Investigate this safety issue regarding the bumper detachment on Tesla Model 3 vehicles. 2. Pressure Tesla to publicly acknowledge this known issue and take immediate corrective action to prevent future occurrences. 3. Ensure that affected customers are compensated for damages and repairs due to this defect. I appreciate your attention to this serious safety issue and look forward to seeing NHTSA hold Tesla accountable to protect all consumers and ensure vehicle safety. I have attached proof of diligent efforts on my part to get this resolved: - claim number with progressive - communication with Tesla giving them proof of this issue - earlier NHTSA bulletin acknowledging the issue and the Tesla internal service incident created for this issue. Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.

I am writing to report a repeated and potentially dangerous defect in my 2020 Tesla Model 3. On four separate occasions, the front trunk (frunk) latch has opened on its own, without any input from me. This has occurred while parked in my garage and poses a serious safety risk, especially at highway speeds where the hood could flip up and obstruct the driver’s view. I am aware that Tesla has issued recalls for this exact problem involving the frunk latch mechanism on certain Model 3 vehicles. However, I have been told by Tesla that my VIN is not included in the recall, despite my car exhibiting the same malfunction. I brought my vehicle to the carlsbad CA Tesla service center, but they found no issue and have since told me they consider the matter closed. I also want to note that I previously experienced a failure of the rear camera cable, which Tesla also initially claimed was not part of a recall—only to later repair it under warranty when the problem became undeniable. I believe this hood latch issue poses a critical safety hazard that may be more widespread than Tesla currently acknowledges. If the frunk opens while driving, it could cause a catastrophic accident. Tesla’s dismissal of this issue leaves me driving a car that could endanger myself and others on the road. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this defect and consider whether the existing recall should be expanded to include additional vehicles like mine. I would also like NHTSA to contact Tesla and direct them to address the situation in my vehicle…to do more than say “we could not reproduce the reported issue. " thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Had to drive through water about 8” deep and while going through the water the rear bumper, and the skid plate underneath the car was yanked off breaking 2 brackets that hold the skid plate on and it broke the manufacturer welds on the other two brackets. This is a known defect with 2017-2019 but obviously it is also a defect with the 2020s.

Tesla Model 3 vehicles, including mine, manufactured before the 2024 "highland" vehicle refresh, do not have a mechanical latch mechanism for opening the rear doors, in the event vehicle power is lost.

Front subframe assembly broken turn signals don't register input lateral and compliances links broken.

The door handles on the chrome version of the Tesla Model 3 begin to delaminate after several years of use. They delaminate along the door handle seam which creates an extremely sharp edge that can cut fingers. I've had the rear handle on my own Model 3 rear door cut my kids finger when they tried to get into the back seat. Because the car is technically out of warranty Tesla will not cover repair without significant cost. There is no warning sign or notification other than when you reach to pull the handle and the sharp chrome edge cuts you, the one door with this issue now has the handle partially protruding since the handle can no longer sit flush. There are several threads where similar chrome version Model 3 owners have had the exact same issue occur with the exact same safety risks. Tesla has only repaired the ones that fell under factory warranty. Https://teslamotorsclub. Com/tmc/threads/chrome-coming-off-door-handle. 205018/page-2.

The back trunk seal fails at the rear of the vehicle allowing water to spill into the trunk and deep trunk and cause flooding. I have had it repaired multiple times and the technician says that is a known issue but all they do is add more seal. This is known on Model 3s before the most recent refresh. Also known as the highland. This is cause deep trunk flooding and mold to grow on the fabrics. This is just with casual rain living in washington state. This is my second time dealing with the first happened within the warranty and the second is now without warranty however if this issue has been persistent since I have gotten the vehicle as originally they told me the tail light was missing seal but it was still leaking and different times that I inquiried they said to try to park in a dry spot to let the vehicle dry out to ensure that it's not water caused from opening the trunk.

The front aero shield cover (undercarriage cover) of the vehicle dropped and began dragging on the highway. This appears to be a common issue amongst many Tesla Model 3 owners. Tesla has now created a plastic version of this to resolve this issue. However, they aren't covering repairs.

My rear bumper on my 2020 Tesla Model 3 awd lr completely fell off whilst driving through heavy rain floods. There was a recall for my exact year and model but apparently not for my exact car which was manufactured in texas instead of California.

My Tesla Model 3 was involved in a 'fender bender' almost 9 months ago. It took 3 months just to get an appointment at a "Tesla certified collision center" in my town (and I live in a fairly major city - portland, oregon). After the vehicle went to the shop it has now been there for over 5 months! this is a result of parts being incorrectly sent from Tesla, parts being unavailable from Tesla, parts being mislabeled and/or 'hidden' in their ordering system and so many other unbelievable problems that Tesla has had. I have now been without the vehicle for over 5 months and still waiting on some other part that was now ordered over 2 weeks ago. The whole process is completely unacceptable and Tesla has really dropped the ball. I will be selling the vehicle and never owning another Tesla again, the moment it is finally done being repaired. Do I have any recourse? can I sue Tesla to cover the 5 months of insurance I just spent my money on? thanks!.

The 2020 Model 3 uses a fiberboard front skid plate, that is intended to protect coolant lines that protect the battery. When wet, the fiberboard front skid plate degrades and exposes the coolant lines to damage from road debris, which could lead to a battery fire. Attached are photos of this damage. Tesla should be required to use a sturdier material to protect against this risk, and replace existing fiberboard front skid plates with the sturdier material.

Sold car with defective parts. Scratched rocker panels that Tesla refuses to take responsibility for. Broken and rattled center console dash. Crooked front hood that the service center has not fixed. Broken driver seat that has foam missing on one side that tilts the seat and makes driving uncomfortable. The service center has not fixed these issues and the car was sold defective.

My roof glass cracked from inside of the glass that is sandwich to it. They replace the roof glass for free. A few months later, when I pull into a parking lot at an angle, the windshield is cracked from inside of the glass just like the roof glass. No damage from outisde and inside of the glass. But Tesla want to charge me for new windshield.

Aero shield on the Model 3 collapses when driving through a puddle of water. Tesla said they fixed the issue. I was charged for the service to do it which was $250. That was in June 2021x and now again today October 2021, the same thing happened and they said that won’t be covered under warranty.

While turning into a parking spot in a covered parking garage the car seemed to speed up and lurch. It hit the cement wall and pushed the car back with such force the air bags deployed. Thank god it was just a wall. The car is now at the repair garage and have not heard back regarding how much damage and if the car is going to be "totaled". When I mentioned this at a party we were at, a friend of mine said she had the same problem. There were no collision warnings. It happened in a split second. The parking garage was at my doctors office so I was able to have my wrist x-ryed right then. No serious injury. Just a little leary of driving this model car if not any electric vehicle.

The paint on the car is chipping all over.

The contact owns a 2020 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the driver's side floor mat folded over while attempting to depress the pedals. On one occasion the failure caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle and the vehicle struck the curb. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and Tesla service center located at 11163 santa monica blvd, los angeles, CA 90025 were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 600.

Areoshield underneath car get wet from rain puddles and then when wet ripps off from normal driving. I think due to the weight of the wet fabric.

Both front door at the bottom has sharp edge that slice my leg when I work out of the car. At 65 mph on freway with minor rough surface, vehicle zig zag sway back and forth. Only on minor rough road freeway surface.