Body Problems of Tesla Model 3 - part 2

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.

See all problems of the 2020 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2025 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2023 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2022 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2021 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2018 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2019 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

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.

On at least 3 occasions, the glass (windshield, roof and rear window) on my car has been shattered by a small nut (beechnut) falling from a tree. The cost of the damage has totaled thousands of dollars. The latest incidents were on July 31 and August 15, 2024. A previous incident occurred a few years ago.

When switch is pressed on the trunk to close and when as the trunk starting to come down but want to cancel closing it won't stop. Its so hard and it hit my head. Other cars like mercedes if we want to cancel closing and if we just touch trunk it goes back and does not come down. But on this car trunk keeps coming down hard and hands can get crushed if trunk comes down like that.

I am writing to file a claim regarding a safety issue with my Tesla vehicle, which is subject to the recall identified as NHTSA recall number 24v554. The recall involves a potential defect in the hood latch assembly, which may not detect an open condition. As a result, this defect can cause the front hood to unintentionally open while driving, potentially obstructing the driver’s view and increasing the risk of a collision. Safety concerns: although no crashes or injuries have been reported related to this issue, I experienced significant safety concerns while driving my vehicle. The possibility of the hood unexpectedly opening and obstructing my view caused considerable anxiety and distraction while operating the vehicle. Remedy and actions taken: Tesla has issued an over-the-air software update (firmware release 2024. 20. 3) to address this issue. However, despite the update, I remain concerned about the reliability of the latch system and the potential risk it poses to my safety and the safety of others on the road.

Today is June 25,2024 I took delivery of my 2024 Tesla Model 3 long range on may 26,2024. At time of delivery I visually observed crease in metal of rear right door and damage to paint after Tesla over polished the vehicle with electric equipment. Tesla representatives created a due bill for this repair but decided to do smaller repair by buffing & polishing door panel (and not address the physical crease damage observed on right rear door). Over past 28 days the left and right turn signal buttons located on steering wheel have frequently been inoperable while I drive vehicle. Unfortunately turn signals have failed to activate on multiple occasions while I was driving on highway and trying to change out of far left fast lane. Tesla burbank service center was notified prior to my 1st scheduled service appointment on June 5,2024 that I experienced times while driving where left and right turn signal buttons didn’t activate after being pushed. Tesla elected not to do anything to resolve customer stated problem during the June 5,2024 service appointment. From June 5,2024-June 25,2024 I have sent 6 messages to Tesla burbank service center with date and time stamp when turn signal buttons on steering wheel didn’t activate. Tesla burbank service center feels that this car continues to be safe to drive. As vehicle owner it is my opinion that turn signals not operating properly creates condition that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven; defective turn signal buttons are in vehicle owner opinion a significant impairment of the motor vehicle Tesla should proceed to immediately recall 2024 Tesla Model 3 vehicles to correct the operation of turn signal buttons.

See all problems of the 2024 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

The 2018 Tesla Model 3 has no manual release for rear passenger doors. Rear doors often fail to open due to door panel alignment or actuator for door. Doors will feel like they are opening but will be stuck. Passenger will be unable to exit the rear of the vehicle incase of fire, power loss or due to an accident with no ability to exit the rear of the vehicle.

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

I was driving in the street at 10 miles, I turned to the right and I push the break but the car didn't break and I crashed with the car in front of me.

There are 2 separate issues with our door handles. The first issue is that they are slow to retract, and in the cold, the often remain in an open position. This has happened numerous times over this winter when my child gets in her car booster. The second issue relates to the method in which Tesla adhered the chrome to the handles. There is a small seam on the bottom of the handle that peals off, this results in a very sharp metallic layer on the handle. I have now sliced my hand twice on this handle. (I’ve scheduled Tesla to replace this handle. Unfortunately this is coming at a cost to me as the consumer.

Here’s a template for writing a formal complaint to safercar. Gov about your Tesla issue: subject: vehicle safety complaint - Tesla 2023 to whom it may concern, I am writing to report a safety issue with my Model 3 manufactured in 2023. This issue has significantly affected the vehicle’s functionality and poses a potential safety risk. Details of the issue: •VIN (vehicle identification number):5yj3e1ea7pf656021 •date of incident: 04/03/2024 •description of the problem:: “while driving, the vehicle suddenly was out of control and was under control owned all airbags and airbag scratch my hand seatbelt was not function •location of incident: everet,PA •outcome: my car being towed, emergency took me to hospital attempts to resolve: I have contacted Tesla customer service about this issue , but the problem remains unresolved. Safety concerns: this issue is not only inconvenient but also endangers my safety and the safety of others on the road. I am deeply concerned about the potential for this defect to cause accidents or injuries. I request that the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) investigate this issue and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of Tesla vehicles. Contact information: •name: shahin gafarov •address: 1577 bevan rd apt 16 pittsburgh,PA 15227 •email: sahinqafarov@gmail. Com •phone:9173255985 thank you for your attention to this matter. I hope to see this issue resolved promptly to prevent further incidents. Sincerely, shahin gafarov.

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 rear bumper fell off on 2/1/2024 on the exit 27 off ramp of the 405 north bound for lakewood blvd toward long beach airport when driving in the rain through a puddle of water. It’s a serious safety hazard for the Model 3 and the cars behind. This is a widely reported known design flaw, but Tesla refused to cover the repair cost.

The car is showing a system failure of the passenger restraining system, including the airbag. Car is only five years old with 67,000 miles. This condition should be repaired by Tesla at no cost to the consumer for this early failure. Also, the air conditioning compressor has failed, it is part of the battery cooling system which may create hazard of overheating the battery. This repair should also be covered by Tesla since it is a safety feature. These two failures seem to be very common among Tesla owners as evidence by the multiple social media post on these failures, a safety recall should be implemented to provide these repairs, and no cost to the consumer. Thank you so much.

While driving down the highway at less than 60 mph the rear drivers side window spontaneously exploded. There was no one next to me at the time. Nothing hit the window. It exploded and most of the glass blew out of the car onto the highway. I have video of the incident but can't upload that.

The vehicle was sitting in my driveway during a lower than normal temperature (18 defrees f). The car ha d ot moved at all due to snow fall around the area. The car was warmed up with the automatic function and a u shaped crack appeared in the windshield almost fully closing on itself and there was a crack along the bottom of the windshield. There were no prior chips or issues. The window was since fixed but I feel this is a warranty issue. The windshield shouldn't just crack like that in cold weather.

Automatic trunk (lift gate) guillotine problem: the convenience of the trunk (lift gate) is a helpful feature to the driver and/or passengers of the vehicle, but this feature can be deadly at the wrong place and wrong time, for example: the driver/passenger presses the open/close trunk (lift gate) and a child’s hand, head, and/or body part is against/leaning/underneath/over that opening while the child is blocking/obstructing the opening/closing which can cause injury and/or death. That child’s body part can be crushed/trapped in between the closing/opening between the truck (lift gate) vehicle frame, for example: while a young child spontaneously darts in/around the vehicle during the opening/closing of the trunk (lift gate) and looks/sees/wants an item and instinctively runs to and grabs the item not knowing or forgetting about the opening/closing of the trunk (lift gate) and at that moment the trunk (lift gate) strikes and/or traps the child’s extremities causing injury, amputation, and/or death. * there should be an audible noise and sensors notifying the vehicle occupants about the opening/closing of the trunk/door/lift gate and 2 detection sensors. Audible noise - a beeping noise or gentle soft song during the opening/closing of the trunk (lift gate). * trunk (lift gate) opening/closing motor and motion detection sensor. Trunk (lift gate) motion motor freeze and stop - if there is an opening/closing abnormality the trunk (lift gate) would immediately freeze operation until the button is pressed to open/close. * trunk (lift gate) opening/closing sensor. Trunk (lift gate) that would make sure the trunk (lift gate) is completely open and/or completely closed.

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.

The Tesla Model 3 rear bumper came off completely while driving in rain when I drove into a very light puddle. Having a rear bumper detaching completely off could be a serious hazard for someone that driving a motorcycle on the road it could result in a deadly accident. This problem has been addressed to Tesla and they do not have a service bulletin or a recall for 2023 model only 2018 model through 2021 models. The vehicle has been inspected by Tesla. No warning signs where indicated when the rear bumper detached completely while driving.

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.

Tesla Model 3 policy #: tla-CA-a-t-tau4lfj7 claim number: cl-64-u4lfj7-1 I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to report an incident involving my Tesla Model 3 (blue) and to initiate the process for an insurance claim. The incident occurred on September 22nd, 2023, at approximately 2:15 pm. My fiancée was the driver of the vehicle at the time of the incident. Incident details: - date: September 22nd, 2023 - time: approximately 2:15 am - vehicle: Tesla Model 3 (blue) location: the incident took place on the freeway merge from ramp 87, where it merges onto 85 southbound. Heading home. Circumstances: my fiancée was operating the vehicle in autopilot mode while maintaining her hands securely on the steering wheel. As she approached the freeway merge from ramp 87, heading onto 85 southbound, she experienced an unexpected jolt. Despite her continuous control of the steering wheel, the autopilot system seemed to be accelerating without her input. Simultaneously, my fiancée felt a sudden tire malfunction, which resulted in a significant loss of control over the vehicle. Despite her best efforts to maintain the car's position within the lane, the Tesla Model 3 veered off the freeway and entered the adjacent ravine area. Impact and airbags: upon entering the ravine area, the vehicle experienced a collision. Multiple plants/highbrush/uneven terrain as well as having to maneuver around 2 large palm trees which resulted damage to side mirror. Notably, none of the vehicle's airbags were deployed during the incident, and there were no sensor alerts, except for the tire pressure warning light. Also there wasn't any record of dashcam recording when we checked the car. We are seriously concerned that the airbags did not deploy , attached are photos concerning the damage. I would like to emphasize that my fiancée was diligently following safety guidelines and had her hands on the steering wheel while using autopilot. This incident occurred suddenly and unexpectedly.

The driver's side rear door handle is defective. The chrome wrap around the door handle is I believe aluminum that does not adhere properly to the plastic handle, resulting in the wrap coming loose and have caused cuts to the fingers of unaware passengers. Tesla has requested $350 to fix what is an obvious safety hazard. Others are discussing this online: [xxx] [xxx] the online reports always call out that it's the same door - rear driver's side - indicating to me an installation flaw. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Wide gap on left back side of trunk whenever it’s closed shut. Opens and close fine but it’s not properly closed. Water gets in through the gap and gets in the trunk whenever it rains or I go to the car wash.

On August 5, 2023, my car charge got too low for me to make it to a charging station in lafayette louisiana. I had the vehicle towed on a flat bed. I put the car in tow transportation mode. While we were towing the car, I opened the car to check the battery level and somehow the frunk was activated (perhaps I accidentally hit it, I'm not sure). The frunk opened while we were going about 60 mph down the highway, the wind lifted the trunk up and it crushed my front windshield and the frunk and opening mechanics were damaged. Had we not immediately pulled over the frunk hood could have been ripped off the car by the wind and caused a major accident. This seems to be a flaw in the Tesla electronics/app system - you should not be able to open the frunk once it is put into tow transportation mode.

I was pulling into parking lot at rei car suddenly accelerated and jumped pavement and hit a wall.