Body Problems of Tesla Model 3 - part 1

The chrome lamination/sticker is peeling from the underside of the door handles. This peeling causes an extremely sharp edge that cut my finger. This issue is noted rather constantly over the internet. The sharp edge is hidden by the retracting mechanism of the door handles, and so you don’t see it until you grab it and cut yourself.

See all problems of the 2019 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

Following a professional suspension repair at a Tesla service center, critical underbody fasteners (bolts) became loose, causing the aero shield to sag and creating a potential road hazard. Upon inspection, the service technician confirmed the bolts were unsecured. The failure of these fasteners on a safety-critical system poses a risk of parts detaching while in motion or loss of vehicle control. The service center refused to acknowledge this as a workmanship failure under the 12-month repair warranty, despite the fasteners being last serviced by their technicians.

See all problems of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

I am reporting a serious safety incident involving a 2023 Tesla Model 3. On March 29 at approximately 5:00 pm, while driving on the freeway at about 65 mph, the right-side passenger door suddenly opened while the vehicle was in motion. The door had been fully closed and latched prior to driving. There was no impact, obstruction, or warning indicating that the door was not secure. The opening occurred unexpectedly during normal driving conditions, creating a significant safety risk. After the incident, Tesla was contacted and indicated that a diagnostic inspection would require a fee, and they suggested the possibility of prior modification or tampering but did not provide a confirmed cause. The vehicle was purchased from a used car dealership, and the incident raises concerns about a potential mechanical or electronic failure of the door latch system and the safety of the vehicle as sold. This issue poses a serious risk to occupants and other road users, particularly at highway speeds. I am requesting that this incident be reviewed as a potential safety defect.

See all problems of the 2023 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

The chrome trim on exterior door handle on driver side failed, peeling back to create a sharp, blade-like edge. When I tried opening the door, it sliced my finger causing bleeding and a trip to urgent care. Aparently many other consumers are facing the same problem. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Reporting a stress fracture in the front windhsield of my Model 3 Tesla. Looking online and speaking to attorney its a very common problem. Mine resulted simply from a heat wave it crack down the middle in a c shape emanating from the top edge of the windshield. No contact evidence and no contact or accident occurred. It’s now unsafe to drive my vehicle and Tesla will not cover it under warranty. They are refusing to label it as a stress fracture though it clearly is. I’m filing this report so more awareness and pressure can be put on Tesla to improve their windshield design. Its very unsafe to drive my car like this and now I’m forced to choose between my safety and affording a $1700 replacement. I have had several friends with the same problem and same response by Tesla. My car had not been driven for 3 days and I have very low mileage, 18k. Car is 3 yrs old and in good condition.

The rear driver side door became impossible to open due to a trim piece failure - this is a safety hazard for rear seat passengers.

Tesla has completely removed the rear door manual release latch in my late 2023 Model 3 performance. This elevates the concern of the ongoing NHTSA defect petition dp25002 (opened December 2025), which investigates similar issues with emergency egress controls on Model 3 vehicles, citing them as "hidden, unlabeled, and not intuitive. " again, in my late 2023 Model 3 performance, these are entirely absent in the design. For some reason, Tesla has doubled down on the defect issue and completely removed the manual door release mechanism.

The rear doors are not equipped with manual door releases. In the event of a crash or fire the rear seat passengers would be trapped and would only be able to exit over the front seats and front seat passengers. If the front doors were damaged or front passengers incapacitated the egress for the back seat passengers would be severely impacted. If a fire would occur the situation would be exacerbated. Tesla corrected this condition in later models by installing cable releases for the rear doors. Tesla has not responded with any positive response to our request to provide an upgrade and manual rear door releases.

The front lateral links, compliance links, and stabilizer bar link on my 2018 Tesla Model 3 long range failed and required replacement in January 2026. Prior to failure, abnormal creaking and clunking noise from the front suspension began appearing weeks before the repair — no warning lights illuminated at any point. The failed components were replaced by a Tesla-certified service center and are no longer available for inspection. The failure was confirmed and repaired solely by the Tesla service center; no police, insurance representatives, or other parties inspected the vehicle. I was charged out of pocket for this repair. The lateral link separation risk directly endangers vehicle safety — if a fastener loosens sufficiently, the lateral link can detach from the subframe, causing sudden wheel misalignment and loss of steering control, which could result in a crash at any speed. Tesla issued recall 23v-235 (NHTSA campaign 23v235000) in March 2023 for this exact condition on 2018-2019 Model 3 vehicles. My vehicle's VIN was not included in the recall population, yet experienced the identical failure mode. I am requesting this complaint be considered for recall expansion under 23v-235 and seeking reimbursement for out-of-pocket repair costs for a defect Tesla has already acknowledged in identical vehicles.

The vehicle's fsd system malfunctioned and initiated an unintended reverse toward a closing garage door. To prevent a total-loss event (the door crushing the glass roof and trunk), I was forced to perform an emergency manual takeover. Due to the vehicle's position caused by the malfunction, I had to maneuver through a confined space, resulting in the side-scrape. I am filing this as a malfunction claim because the damage was a direct consequence of the car's autonomous failure.

The entire bumper assembly fell off my Tesla Model 3 during the heavy rains on December 24. I didn't see it happen. It was just missing. But it may have happened on the freeway, when we drive through a flooded area. There is a history of this happening with this model when there is a lot of rain or you drive through a puddle. They admitted to this defect in 2020, but claim it was fixed. Apparently not. They are now telling me "we are unable to cover the repair under vehicle warranty because the condition was caused by outside factors," I. E. , water. This cannot be normal.

There is no manual door release for the rear doors. Thus rear passengers are at risk should the electrical system fail in a crash. Tesla should be required to provide a modification that allows rear passengers to manually open the rear doors.

See all problems of the 2021 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

Hello, I have a Tesla Model 3 that I bought back in 2018 . On [xxx] when I sliced my finger while opening the door, because the chrome coating on the door handle started peeling. The cut was very deep ( see attached pictures). I contacted Tesla for resolution and they said that the car is not under warranty and I have to pay $340 for each handle to replace them. Apparently the peeling chrome happened to many other Tesla 3 owners and the company is aware of it and they told me that it might be caused by the car washing detergent (?!!) I think it was a defective design and the peeling chrome coating is a major health hazard. The child cand slice their fingers and if person has a bleeding issues and cut themselves while on the road it can be bad. I think it should be treated as a recall for bad design and should be fixed for free. I lost couple of days of work since I work in the operating room and my finger was severely cut. I will wait for your response, thank you, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I purchased a new 2025 Tesla Model 3. During normal driving conditions, the rear bumper detached without any collision or impact. The bumper became loose while the vehicle was moving, creating a potential safety hazard. Tesla service inspected the vehicle but declined warranty coverage and refused to properly repair the issue. The bumper was only temporarily reattached and remains misaligned. Additionally, shortly after purchasing the vehicle, the seat belt assembly had a failure and had to be repaired by Tesla under warranty. While Tesla addressed that issue, it adds to my concern about the overall quality and reliability of a brand-new vehicle. Because the vehicle is new and the failure occurred during normal driving, I believe this may indicate a defect. I am requesting assistance in reviewing this situation. Vehicle: 2025 Tesla Model 3 VIN: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2025 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

The vehicle has a manufacturing defect in the charge port body seal allowing water intrusion into the vehicle cabin and near high-voltage charging components. This has resulted in dampness and potential mold growth, posing a respiratory health hazard to occupants.

See all problems of the 2022 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

Combined formal & supplemental complaint – updated with video evidence disclosure florida division of motorist services – consumer complaint division attn: dealer licensing & compliance section [xxx] via online portal: [xxx] date: November 09, 2025 misrepresentation in sale of 2024 Tesla Model 3 by braman Cadillac, miami, FL VIN: [xxx] purchased: [xxx] | price paid: $42,000. 05 dealer license: [xxx] complainant: [xxx] , 100% p&t disabled veteran braman Cadillac: two days after taking delivery on [xxx], your salesperson luis manotas and finance manager joshua gonzalez were provided video evidence of the vehicle's structural damage. This evidence was escalated to your used car sales manager, who contacted me offering $1,000 to "settle" or threatened to retrieve the vehicle and auction it—despite already possessing my full payment. I countered with $1,800, which was rejected. This coercive tactic instilled fear of losing both vehicle and funds, underscoring your dealership's awareness of defects and intent to evade responsibility. Produce all related communications, video receipts, and internal notes within 10 business days, or face federal subpoena and enhanced penalties. Summary of misrepresentation – updated with new evidence the following timeline, supported by the attached carfax report (dated August 28, 2025), braman listing (September 23, 2025, at 21,015 miles), video evidence affidavit, and $1,000 offer documentation, establishes braman Cadillac's pattern of concealment and coercion: information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2024 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

Tesla’s obstruction of repairs Tesla deleted my original service complaint and annotations regarding these delivery defects. The associated service appointment was cancelled without notice or rescheduling. No repairs were performed despite the issues being raised during the warranty period. This prevented reasonable repair attempts and allowed the defects to persist. Current nonconformities and repair history the same or substantially similar defects continue and have worsened: • recurring misalignment/alignment issues from delivery, impairing value and potentially safety. • safety-related camera system failures: persistent error codes on the camera(s) [specify if known, e. G. , front/rear/adas-related], reducing visibility and affecting safe operation (e. G. , backup, navigation, autopilot/fsd if equipped). These are known Tesla issues potentially subject to recall (e. G. , rearview camera display loss). • power windows failure: unresolved for at least 2 weeks despite service request; windows do not operate properly, impairing use and safety (e. G. , emergency egress). Cumulative out-of-service time and failed repair attempts (including the obstructed initial one) meet or approach presumptions under § 1793. 22(b): multiple attempts for the same nonconformities, with safety impacts. The vehicle remains nonconforming despite reasonable opportunity for Tesla to repair. Nonconformities in the above vehicle that qualify it as a “lemon” under California civil code §§ 1793. 2(d) and 1793. 22 (song-beverly consumer warranty act). These defects originated at delivery, were reported within the express warranty period, but Tesla failed to repair them—by deleting my original service complaint, annotating delivery issues without resolution, and cancelling the associated appointment—preventing conformity to warranty. The same issues persist and recur post-warranty expiration, substantially impairing the vehicle’s use, value, and safety.

The 2022 Model 3 Tesla does not have readily available emergency rear door release. Tesla's automated response to me was to locate the bolts and screws on the underside of the door armrest, then I need to remove the bolts and screw. Once that is done I can then remove the panel under the armrest so I can then reach inside and pull on the manual release cable. This could not be done during an emergency, you would need to have tools and in an emergency people panic and they would have to do everything by feel if they are trapped in the backseat of the Model 3 Tesla. This is a life safety hazard and needs to be addressed by Tesla to provide a fix that will allow easy access and not require tools to open the door if there is no power to the door release. This needs to investigated and corrective actions taken to make Tesla comply with changes for safety.

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.

See all problems of the 2020 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

While exiting the front passenger cut her leg on the door. It appears she contacted the inside bottom, rear edge of the door when closing. This cut her leg requiring immediate medical attention. It took several stitches to close the wound.

While driving at highway speed, the air conditioning system suddenly failed without warning. The system began blowing hot air and making a loud squealing noise. Shortly after, the vehicle abruptly went into limp mode and lost normal driving power, creating an unsafe situation on a major highway. The vehicle was towed by Tesla roadside assistance. Both roadside associates inspected the vehicle at the scene and confirmed there was no body damage. The vehicle was then transported to a Tesla service center, where Tesla later claimed there was body damage and denied warranty coverage. This contradicts the inspection at the time of failure and my own video evidence. The problem has not been repaired. The vehicle remains at the service center and is available for inspection. The failure put my safety at risk by causing sudden loss of drivability in highway traffic. No warning lamps or error messages appeared before the failure. The only symptoms were sudden ac failure followed minutes later by limp mode.

On June 7, 2025, I was a passenger in a 2025 Tesla 3. Driver of Tesla made an unsafe lane change coming off an interstate and my side was struck almost t-bone style by an oncoming vehicle going between 45-55mph. Our seatbelts did not lock us in place causing the driver to hit his head on steering wheel and then on driver side window causing lacerations and possible concussion. My side tool the impact and no side curtain airbags deployed and neither did the dash airbags. I am concerned that the location and speed with which we were hit could have been much worse up to and including death as the airbags did not deploy nor seatbelts firmly lock us in place. The car was deemed a total loss and all 4 panels on passengers side were impacted in the collision. I have pictures, Tesla video, police report I can provide. I want this looked into for defect of the Tesla sensors. All public data indicates that at a minimum the side curtain airbags should have deployed as there isnt much of a wrinkle zone and the speed of impact should have deployed them. I was unable to get out passenger side door and had to crawl across driver seat to get to ems assistance. I was then transported along w Tesla driver to local hospital.

On June 4th I was in a hurry to get to work, pushed open my car door and started to slide in at which point the door unexpectedly to me swung back shut, clamping my head behind my ear pressing it against the top of the door frame. Everything stuck for about 1 second and then the door released my head. I am concerned that the door shouldn’t close so forcefully and should not bounce back closed when pushed open; that perhaps this contributed to the dangerous situation? there were other factors such as my car parking pad is slightly sloped. It seems this is an issue with the design of the car as opposed to a defect as there are no warning lights or recalls. I am still trying to figure out the effects of this injury. I have been to two doctors- not immediately because at first there were no immediate effects except for the discomfort of the pressure at the time. But less than 24 hours following the incident I developed a puffed up patch behind the ear where the door clamped, and now have developed a very swollen painless lymph node behind my other ear as well as headaches and some soreness that comes and goes. I have not contacted Tesla about the problem yet but am extremely cautious when I use the door and I don’t drive people in the car. I have included some photos but also just took some videos illustrating how the door swings back shut pretty forcefully when pushed open.

We were not able to open the door after the 12 v battery died; fortunately we were not inside the car else this could have been catastrophic. There was no way for anyone trapped inside to come out.

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.

On April 23, 2025, at approximately 8:15 pm, I activated Tesla's Smart summon feature to retrieve my vehicle from a parking spot. While operating autonomously under Smart summon, the vehicle failed to detect a pole in the parking area and drove into it, causing approximately $11,000 in damage to the vehicle. I was not inside or manually controlling the vehicle at the time. The vehicle's autonomous driving software failed to identify and avoid a stationary obstacle.

Trunk struts snap/come off. Causing trunk to slam shut. Damaging body. Tesla states vehicle is safe to operate, however vehicle trunk does not latch down anymore and opens every time I hit a bump. The trunk allignment is also well off. The vibration of the trunk causes several electrical issues including automatic emergency braking. Original problem occured September 15th 2023. Issue was fixed and persists. Current issue has been going on since February 18th 2025. Issue is not yet resolved or fixed. Tesla is not taking any action to repair issue at all. Vehicle is unsafe to operate.

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.

Dear NHTSA, I am filing a formal complaint regarding Tesla's refusal to properly address a critical safety recall on my vehicle (recall number 24v554). This recall involves a significant safety issue that Tesla is legally obligated to remedy free of charge under the national traffic and motor vehicle safety act. The required over-the-air software update associated with this recall repeatedly fails to install, getting stuck at 50% completion. I scheduled a service appointment and took the vehicle to Tesla for assistance. However, Tesla informed me that they will not diagnose the issue or investigate why their software update fails to install unless I agree to pay $255. 00 for a general diagnosis. Additionally, they require me to pre-approve a total of $2,658. 28, including the diagnostic fee, in case the computer needs to be replaced. This approach leaves me unable to proceed with a mandatory safety recall and directly contradicts Tesla’s legal obligation to repair safety-related defects at no cost to the consumer. I urge the NHTSA to investigate Tesla's practices concerning this recall and their apparent refusal to adhere to their obligations under the law. This situation raises concerns about Tesla’s commitment to addressing safety-critical issues in a manner that ensures public safety and compliance with federal regulations. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Any time I get into the car and immediately start driving before the car has time to catch up with what I am doing, the NHTSA mandated safety sounds played when the car is in reverse or drive does not play until the cars computer can catch up and begin playing the sounds. Most times this can take 3 seconds or so but today I had an incident where it took over 30 seconds before it would start playing. The same issue can be detected when restarting the infotainment screen by holding down both scroll wheels on the steering wheel. When doing this the car will cease playing the sound for around 5 seconds while the computer reboots.

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.

The Tesla Model 3 has a manual release lever for each door in the front. The passenger side lever doesn't work, creating a safety issue if the car were to lose power then that door would not be able to be owned in case of an emergency. It was never used before and just doesn't work. I've heard this is a common issue on the 2021 model as it was the first refresh or re design.

I took my car in to Tesla to have the tires replaced, during the service appointment my frunk was opened and closed by the technicians. Within ten miles of leaving the dealership my hood/frunk flew open and broke my windshield and frunk hood.

The accident happened in a parking lot. There was a tap of the bumpers going really slow. The passenger in the Tesla is claiming whiplash. The car is not safe if it cannot take a slight bump on the fender in a parking lot.

Component or system failed: the critical safety issue involves Tesla's door locking system, specifically the lack of a readily accessible and obvious manual door release in the rear seat. This design flaw could prevent any child or passenger from knowing how to open the door or escape in an emergency. Safety risk: the absence of a clearly identifiable manual release mechanism for the rear doors creates a severe safety risk. In an emergency, such as a power failure or accident, a child or any rear-seat passenger may be trapped without an obvious way to exit, increasing the potential for injury or death. This is particularly concerning given two prior instances where the battery failed to charge, leaving the vehicle completely without power even while connected to a charger. Reproduction and confirmation: Tesla refuses to address the issue, this is a critical fire hazard. Inspections conducted: the vehicle has been inspected by Tesla service centers on at least two occasions to address charging and battery problems. However, the lack of an accessible rear door manual release remains unresolved and unaddressed. Warning signs or symptoms: there were no warning lamps or messages specifically related to the rear door safety issue. The charging and battery failure were preceded by warning messages indicating charging errors or reduced battery performance, which first appeared during the initial charging failure and notifications on the Tesla app. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request to verify the safety concerns and confirm the emergency safety issues with the rear door locks, charging, and battery systems.