Equipment Problems of Tesla Model 3 - part 1

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 went to open the trunk on my 2022 Tesla Model 3 using the normal electric trunk button above the license plate. When I clicked the button, the trunk opened a few inches, made an abnormal noise, and then came crashing shut. At this point, I opened trunk manually to see what occurred and immediately saw the electrically-operated trunk strut separated from the trunk and also a crack in my rear glass as a result of the strut breaking off and getting sandwiched between the glass and the trunk lid when it came crashing shut. This is not only a major design flaw, but a huge safety concern. Other Model 3 owners on reddit have experienced this exact same event happen, clearly indicating the flaw in the part and design of it. In the newer generation Model 3 from 2024 until present, Tesla has changed the design of the trunk strut because they knew it was flawed on the last one. My 2022 Model 3 has the older, more dangerous design. Had my hand and fingers been under the trunk when this occurred, I could’ve sustained a serious injury from the weight of the trunk collapsing on me, but it thankfully didn’t. There is no failsafe in place like a backup gas strut in the event that something like this happens and Tesla put the entire weight of the trunk lid on one electrically-actuated strut on the left side that is prone to misalignment and failure. Tesla needs to be held accountable for this design flaw in the older Model 3s as this trunk part is beginning to wear out or become misaligned in many people’s vehicles by this point. My car has only 62,500 miles on it and this managed to occur. It’s only a matter of time before this part fails on many other Tesla owners, causing massive financial losses and potential injury.

See all problems of the 2022 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

My wife was cleaning the interior and wiped the center main display of her Model 3. While doing that somehow she managed to turn the heat on set the fan/temp controls to hi and popped the front frunk to open. When she exited and closed all doors, it looks like the heat kept running at max for more than 24 hours in the garage. When I entered the garage it was hot in there and inside temp of the car was at 87f. Not sure if there was a fire hazard due to heaters over heat. Just wanted to bring this to your attention.

See all problems of the 2020 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

The touch-screen only media center has an off-by-one error when using the media player for usb media. This results in unsafe conditions for the driver where the expectation of pressing "s" would navigate to music starting with "s", but instead navigates to music starting with "t". This creates momentary confusion for the driver, and pulls focus from the road. There is no mechanism to scroll through the music using non-touch related functionality. There is no warning to only use the media feature when stopped/parked. The manufacturer has acknowledged the issue, but refuses to provide any diagnostics or solutions without taking a downpayment for service.

On March 21, 2026, the vehicle’s automatic emergency braking (aeb) and traffic-aware cruise control (tacc), suffered a severe "phantom braking" failure. While driving, the vehicle engaged in a violent, full-force emergency brake application without any external hazard or driver input. This unprompted deceleration caused the seatbelt to exert extreme pressure and trauma on my abdomen. As I was [xxx] pregnant, this abrupt stop was medically treated as a high-force accident. The trauma caused pregnancy abnormalities, requiring a 20-hour hospital admission for observation and fetal monitoring. I contacted Tesla customer service multiple times. Initially, I was told a service check was necessary, but the service center stated they could not provide assistance for "automatic behavior" issues. A corporate representative (angel) admitted the vehicle should have been flagged for a formal medical claim and instructed me not to visit the service center. Despite this, I took the vehicle to the service center on April 15, 2026. Technicians confirmed they had no findings or solutions regarding the phantom braking event. No warning lamps, audible alerts, or system messages appeared prior to the failure. Upon requesting the vehicle data logs for the date of the incident, I noticed that the specific timeframe of the event was "missing" from the record. The manufacturer cited a VIN-matching error as the cause for the data gap. On April 20, 2026, Tesla corporate denied that a claim had ever been filed and stated they would not take responsibility for injuries related to pregnancy or a fetus, claiming these do not meet their internal threshold for medical injury. The vehicle remains available for inspection. 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 🔎.

Poorly sealed front monitoring cameras. I know it’s poorly sealed on many Tesla vehicles and my own. Allowing fluid and dust to enter to block camera view and use.

See all problems of the 2019 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

The vehicle presented an error that the audio system was offline, and that the horn, speakers, and internal safety sounds may not work. After driving on the PA turnpike and almost getting in an accident, this error causes the horn to not functioning at all. I was not able to alert the other driver due to this issue, and had to therefore slam on the breaks due to this issue which caused a safety risk to myself and other drivers on the road. This issue has been consistent since the error originally appeared a week ago. The horn does not function, as well as the reverse pedestrian safety sound that alerts pedestrians of the vehicle reversing. In the interior, no safety chimes, audio, turn signal clicks are audible and therefore are not able to be perceived. After putting in a service request and being told I was to be scheduled 2 weeks out and not provided a loaner, I called the dealership whom confirmed this, and stated they are not able to provide a loaner vehicle or move the appointment closer regardless of their being a potential safety issue. There are no other warning lights on in the vehicle, and the alert popped up out of no where, as well it does not mention the horn *does not* work, only warning that the horn may not work.

See all problems of the 2025 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

Inused Tesla to back up from my driveway and it hit my gate little damage but the car did it . Did not calculate and crash sensor sisnt work car crash the car on fss (automatic pilot).

Vibration that they said they diagnosed was not fixed per company policy they said they cannot fix it which would mean my vehicle is still unsafe at highway speeds the issue occurs after 70 mph on March 4th 2026 when rescheduling for the same issue I received this message. From a Tesla rep that they did everything they can.

An incident that occurred while full self-driving (fsd) was engaged. During the drive, the vehicle unexpectedly steered toward the curb while making a right turn. I was actively monitoring the vehicle and immediately took control of the steering, but the vehicle still made contact with the curb. After the incident, the vehicle developed steering misalignment, vibration while driving, and abnormal noise, which suggests possible suspension or wheel damage. Since fsd was engaged at the time, I would appreciate it if Tesla could review the vehicle logs and investigate whether there was any system malfunction or unexpected behavior from the fsd system.

See all problems of the 2023 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

Chrome peeling on the underside of multiple door handles has created razor sharp edges that slice fingers open. Online it appears to happen with Tesla 2018-2020 models.

2024 Tesla Model 3 driving on the turnpike heading south of NJ right between exit 5-6 when my vehicle suddenly and spontaneously spun out into the guardrail, while at the same time the automatic emergency brake was disabled. Weather conditions were slightly rainy, there was no signs of traction issues or alerts regarding any concerns. Luckily no other vehicles were hit. The vehicle has not been inspected by any other of the above questioned. No such warning signs, lamps, or symptoms prior to this failure. I do have the dash cam footage that shows the incident.

I was using the vehicle's autopark feature to parallel park on a public street in a normal/spacious parking spot. I selected the parking spot on the center screen and started autopark. During the maneuver, the vehicle reversed into the parked car behind me and caused a dent (low-speed crash). I was supervising the maneuver and did not press the accelerator or brake before impact. After the incident, I reviewed dashcam footage and vehicle telemetry. The rear vehicle was clearly visible in the rear camera view. Telemetry shows the vehicle had already shifted to drive before impact, but it continued moving backward for about 1 second and then contacted the parked car behind. Telemetry also shows accelerator pedal position was 0 and brake was not applied during the impact sequence. This appears to be an automated parking/close-range obstacle stopping failure or delayed stopping response. No warning lamp or prior vehicle fault message was observed before the incident. The issue has not been reproduced since the incident. I have dashcam footage and telemetry logs documenting the event.

While I was making a left turn my steering wheel suddenly got stuck. A vehicle almost hit me.

Issue 1: while using full self-driving (supervised) at night on a two-lane road with a straight lane and a turn lane, the vehicle crossed the white lane markings and drifted into the adjacent lane. I had to manually intervene to correct many times. This happens regulary at night. I clean the lenses on the cameras but it doesn't reslove the issue. Issue 2: while using full self-driving (supervised), the vehicle positioned itself in the incorrect lane when entering a roundabout, selecting the wrong entry lane for my intended exit. This happens at day and night about 50% of the time. I report the issue via the Tesla feedback, but they do not fix it.

There is no manual door release for rear doors in the Tesla Model 3 rwd. This can pose a safety issue if the car has no power and passengers need to evacuate the vehicle.

Full self driving system (fsd) has ran a red light twice. It slows almost to a stop then takes off.

See all problems of the 2021 Tesla Model 3 🔎.

Am reporting an issue involving unexplained cracking of my Tesla windshield with no known impact or debris strike. Last night at approximately 6:20 pm, while in chapel hill, nc, I entered my vehicle and noticed a crack on the driver’s side of the windshield. The outside temperature at that time was about 28°f. There was no audible rock strike and I have no recollection of anything hitting the glass. The morning low temperature was approximately 14°f. To my awareness, the passenger-side crack was not present earlier that morning. Approximately 15 minutes ([xxx]edt) before writing this statement, I was seated in the passenger seat and noticed a second crack on the passenger side. The temperature had risen to about 34°f. Again, there was no strike event that I recall while driving or parked. Both cracks appeared within a short time span during an unusually cold period with temperature changes between 14°f and 34°f. The passenger crack visually resembles an impact point, but I cannot identify any incident that would have caused it. My concern is that these cracks may indicate thermal stress, structural flex, a material defect, or bonding/installation issue. Windshield failure without impact presents a safety hazard due to reduced visibility and potential compromise of structural integrity during a collision. I am requesting that NHTSA document and evaluate this issue for potential safety implications. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

After downloading Tesla’s update (no. 2025. 44. 25. 4) software my heater (with the window defrost functionality) in winter stopped operating. I made my update while at my nearest Tesla service compound (location verifiable per system location log) on 01/25/26 when that same day software began throwing hvac error codes with blowing cold air, when previously my heat ran well. This is not coincidental; this is system design failure.

When cabin heat is enabled, visible vapor/smoke emits from the front trunk area under the windshield cowl and is pulled directly into the cabin through the hvac intake. The vapor has a chemical/sweet odor consistent with coolant or refrigerant. Smoke enters the passenger compartment, especially when stopped or idling. This occurs repeatedly in cold temperatures and stops immediately when hvac heat is turned off. No warning lights appear. This appears to be a heat pump or coolant system leak upstream of the cabin intake, allowing chemical fumes to enter the cabin air stream. Occupants are exposed to fumes while driving. This is a safety concern due to inhalation risk and lack of driver warning.

On January 16, 2026, I noticed the vehicle's horn was extremely quiet and would not be audible to another driver. This puts the safety of the Tesla driver and other roadway users at risk because another driver or pedestrian would not hear the horn if the Tesla driver needed to get their attention. This problem occurred after receiving approximately 6-8 inches of snow and driving in the snow. It is possible the design of the Tesla allows for snow/rain to block the horn speaker causing it to not function correctly during and after snow/rain conditions. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. I've submitted a service request via the Tesla app. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

There is no mechanism to unlock the rear passenger doors in case of electrical failure. No emergency mechanical door opening in case of emergency. Passengers will not be able to get out of the locked vehicle during an emergency (I. E. Crash, battery fire, submerged in water, etc). This is an extremely imminent danger for small kids who are sitting in car seats, since it will take even longer to release them from their straps in order to get out. The small rear windows are useless for escape. This flaw design has already caused deaths. Changes should be made to enable emergence mechanical opening of the rear doors.

Hvac system went out at 7500ish miles. It was repaired under warranty, and a "fix" was administered through software by Tesla. My hvac has gone out again at 84k miles for the same reason. About 77k miles after it was just repaired. Quick check online. This is still a very common issue. No heat creates a significant safety hazard due to lack of the ability to defrost the vehicle or frost building up on cold days.

To whom it may concern, I am submitting this complaint to report a serious and potentially dangerous safety defect affecting my 2021 Tesla Model 3 performance. After exposure to heavy rain or wet conditions, the vehicle’s horn completely stops functioning. The failure occurs regardless of the activation method—neither pressing the steering wheel horn nor using the horn via the mobile app produces any sound. The horn remains nonfunctional even though the vehicle is otherwise operable. This issue has occurred after the vehicle becomes wet due to rain and appears to be related to moisture intrusion or an electrical/design flaw. Once the failure occurs, the driver fully loses the ability to use the horn for warnings or emergency signaling. This is a critical safety concern. The horn is a federally required safety device and is essential for alerting pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers to avoid collisions. Losing horn functionality significantly increases the risk of accidents, especially in urban driving, highway merging, and emergency situations where immediate warning signals are necessary. This issue is not isolated to my vehicle. Numerous Tesla owners have reported the same horn failure after rain or wet conditions on online forums and owner communities, indicating a widespread and systemic defect rather than isolated wear or misuse. Given the safety implications and the volume of similar reports, I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this issue to determine whether a design or manufacturing defect exists and whether corrective action or a recall is warranted. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Owner – 2021 Tesla Model 3 performance.

I am reporting a safety defect involving a welded rear subframe component. The welded section snapped under normal driving conditions, and this is a safety-critical structural suspension component. There was no collision, misuse, or accident prior to this failure. The vehicle is currently not safe to drive due to the compromised rear suspension structure. I have included photos showing the snapped weld and overall rear subframe area. This appears to be a premature structural defect, not normal wear. I am requesting that this failure be documented and reviewed as a potential safety defect. Additional notes: this component is part of the rear suspension and is expected to last the life of the vehicle. The failure created a serious safety hazard, and I am not driving the vehicle. I have scheduled a service appointment, but I am filing this complaint to ensure the defect is officially reported.

While driving, the center display intermittently goes completely black. When this occurs, I lose access to the speedometer and all driver information. The issue has been ongoing and progressively worsening. The vehicle was purchased new. The issue was reported during the warranty period and initially attributed to software updates. A recent service visit confirmed the vehicle computer is failing, and the issue immediately recurred after pickup. Loss of speed and driver information while driving creates a safety concern.

This is a new one but not new for me as this vehicle was the first under my own registration/not rental. Had passenger in car and with music down the passenger heard a very clear odd word which I can only assume was its desire, we declined. This is the umpteenth of many odd and offensive remarks that can cause odd distortion to within the immersive sound system and was what I previously attributed to rental vehicle blue tooths or dysfunctional family raising. Its offensive, distracting, and sometime low-level so unhealthy. Im awaiting the response from Tesla but it should be documented as ive seen isac section on this website, and ive dealt with it since 2018 , and ended up having to put boxing gloves in my trunk for potentially violent followers trying to pair and talk obscene. Im not sure what but its been confirmed and im awaiting the reply from manufacturer.

I drove my car today after it snowed a few inches the night before and while I was driving, I tried to press the horn, but there was no noise coming from the horn. When I went back home I noted that the speaker used for the horn is located near the passenger side wheel well. The speaker was blocked due to snow accumulation. This is dangerous because that means whenever there’s any snow on the road and I try to press the horn in an emergency then I cannot I might get into an accident because of my horn failing.

When there’s heavy rain, the horn is muffled very badly you can barely hear it.

Horn does not work properly during heavy rain and/or splashing from ordinary puddles. The sound produced by the horn is barely audible for a couple of hours until presumably it dries out. Service center declined to repair the problem as they could not reproduce it with their tests. Service center acknowledged that it is a known problem but Tesla has not provided a fix. No warning messages occured during the problem, which occured during two separate rain events,.

I purchased a 2024 Tesla Model 3 a little over a year ago. Recently, and after an update, myself, and other drivers in my life, noticed the self-driving feature was malfunctioning - to the point I used the audio reporting feature to report this problem twice to Tesla. The car would veer off the road when flasing lights appeared and would jerk suddenly for no reason when it thought there was a obstruction in the road (sticks, plastic bags, etc. ). Last month this malfunction has caused an accident, and my car has been totaled, my insurance will not cover it, and I have been advised by two separate attorneys to sue. This has been litigated in court with lawsuits against Tesla (see benavides v. Tesla; see also in Tesla advanced driver assistance systems litigation). I had notified telsa twice of this issue, the car left the lane and did not notice a concrete barrier on the left side going north on I-95 in or around broward county. To my knowledge no one has inspected the car. I was not warned that this car would cause an accident, the problem first appeared when I reported the issue using the voice reporting feature around November 2025. It is currently located at a tow facility in broward county, FL and can be inspected there.

Horn on vehicle is too quiet. Poses a safety risk for cars who will not be able to hear it. Volume needs to be increased or put an actual horn on the vehicle.

I am submitting this complaint to report a safety issue with the turn-signal buttons on my steering wheel of the 2024–2025 Tesla Model 3 highland. The turn-signal buttons are located on the steering wheel surface instead of a traditional stalk. When the steering wheel is turned at any angle, the buttons are difficult to locate by feel, often requiring the driver to look down to activate them and take his eyes off the road. Trying to signal during turns, lane changes, or roundabouts is not intuitive, and I have nearly had several collisions. This design presents a potentially dangerous safety hazard and could increase the risk of collisions. Tesla should be required to recall and retrofit these vehicles with turn signal stalks on the steering wheel column.

I recently purchased a 2020 Tesla Model 3 long range awd (VIN [xxx] internal systems and service records show that all recalls for this vehicle have been completed and closed. However, the NHTSA VIN lookup still shows seven open recalls. This is causing a major issue because I am participating in a California clean transportation incentive program (replace your ride), which requires that all recalls be shown as closed specifically on the NHTSA website. Tesla states that the recalls are complete but has not updated the recall status with NHTSA. Nhtsa customer service informed me that recall data can only be updated by the manufacturer. I am requesting that NHTSA notify Tesla’s regulatory or safety compliance team so they can update the recall reporting for this VIN. The outdated recall data is preventing my state incentive from being processed and is causing significant financial harm. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6) information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I received a safety alert on my car screen: front passenger safety restraint system issue. Service is required. The front passenger safety restraint system fault typically involves a malfunctioning occupant weight sensor in the passenger seat, which controls whether the airbag activates or deactivates evgoer. This is a serious safety concern because the airbag may be disabled at that seat location in the event of a crash. The issue is often caused by loose, broken, or unplugged harnesses or connectors under the seat, particularly related to the occupant classification system (OCS) Tesla owners onlinedigital ev doctor. Many owners report this happens because wires under the seat get crimped over time due to Tesla's "easy entry" feature that automatically moves seats. Since this a widespread Tesla Model 3 problem, I believe this should be a recall.