Table 1 shows one common tire related problems of the 2021 Tesla Model 3.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Tire problems |
On [xxx], the walmart auto care center on thomasville rd in tallahassee, FL installed four goodyear reliant all-season tires, size 235/45r18 94v (standard load), on my 2021 Tesla Model 3 standard range plus (approximately 75,000 miles). The vehicle's door placard specifies 235/45r18 at 42 psi cold, and the original-equipment specification for this vehicle is 235/45r18 98 xl (extra load). The installed tires carry a lower load index (94 = 1,477 lbs per tire) than the vehicle requires (98 = 1,653 lbs per tire). The tires were delivered underinflated at approximately 35-37 psi instead of the placard-required 42 psi cold. After I inflated them to 42 psi, the right-rear tire initially would not hold pressure and dropped to approximately 31 psi, indicating a bead-seating or valve defect from installation; it later accepted 42 psi but requires monitoring. My normal commute involves sustained highway driving at 70+ mph. Operating at highway speeds on tires rated below the vehicle manufacturer's specified load index, combined with underinflation and a suspected bead/valve installation defect causing pressure loss, creates a risk of heat buildup, tread separation, or sudden blowout and loss of vehicle control. Walmart did not correct the installation: staff attempted to install only three of the four correct replacement tires and later told me to purchase an additional tire at my own expense. I declined both. No crash, fire, injury, or police report resulted. The tires remain on the vehicle pending resolution. This complaint documents the safety hazard created by the incorrect tire fitment and defective installation. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
On [xxx], I was given a Tesla Model 3 loaner vehicle (VIN: [xxx] ) from the knoxville, TN Tesla service center while my own Tesla was in for warranty repair. At pickup, I told the service advisor that the passenger-side tires looked unsafe. No inspection or warning was provided. After driving only 7. 7 miles at normal speed on smooth roads, both passenger-side tires failed simultaneously. There were no potholes, curbs, or debris impacts. Tesla’s own service invoice states the cause was “not specified” and only speculates possible curb or debris damage without proof. Two tires failing on the same side so soon after hand-off suggests a pre-existing structural defect or safety issue. This incident posed a serious safety risk to myself and other motorists and could have caused loss of control at highway speeds. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
Pirelli pzero 235/35/r20 tires on the entire car, was driving when front left tire blew out after 4500 miles, had the car towed back to Tesla dealer and tire replaced. Now after 2 months, rear left tire has bubble on the sidewall after only 5400 miles with no indication of previous damage. I believe this to be a defective tire and an immense safety hazard.