Tesla Model 3 owners have reported 40 engine and engine cooling related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 1 most common engine and engine cooling problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's engine and engine cooling (40 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling problems |
After the high voltage battery contactor recall service, my 2025 Tesla Model 3 performance suffered a sudden 13% drop in range (from 303mi to 264mi at 100% charge). An official Tesla battery health test confirms the battery health is at 92% in less than a year of ownership. This degradation happened immediately following the recall procedure, indicating a hardware or software defect caused by the service.
Possible unintended acceleration incident while approaching the driveway the car accidentally accelerated on its own, cause a collision. We request that Tesla preserve all vehicle logs and telemetry data for safety investigation. VIN: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
On [xxx], at just 9,526 miles, my brand-new 2025 Tesla Model 3 (VIN: [xxx] ) suffered a front motor/inverter failure. The vehicle displayed the warning “front motor disabled. ” Tesla vallejo service confirmed this and replaced the front drive inverter (3du). A catastrophic drivetrain failure at under 10,000 miles is unacceptable and raises serious concerns about reliability and safety. It still doesn't not accelerate as before. In addition, since delivery on [xxx], this vehicle has had persistent rattling and vibration issues in the cabin. I have returned to Tesla vallejo multiple times (April, June, July, and August 2025). Each time, the service manager, steve mcnerney, dismissed or minimized my concerns, blaming “seatbelt rattling” or claiming the issue could not be replicated. After July, I even sent three separate videos clearly documenting the noise, yet the most recent service invoice still instructed me to “provide a video,” showing Tesla ignored or failed to record my evidence. This ongoing defect has been reproduced and confirmed at Tesla service but remains unresolved. Tesla’s dismissive handling and failure to fix the defects create both safety risks and loss of confidence in the vehicle. A front motor failure while driving could result in loss of power, reduced acceleration, or unsafe driving conditions. Tesla has failed to provide a reliable or safe resolution despite repeated repair attempts and clear evidence. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
Tesla failed to properly diagnose a high-voltage battery isolation fault in my 2018 Model 3. Despite safety-critical bms_a027 and bms_a142 faults indicating multiple isolation failures, they skipped required insulation resistance testing, falsely blamed sand in a connector, and charged me $174. 95. After the issue returned, they reversed course, replaced an internal battery contactor, and reduced the $1,173 estimate to $356—admitting fault without owning it. Days later, a diagnostic showed dangerously low isolation resistance (380k?, far below Tesla's 1,000k? safety threshold), yet they took no further action. On July 12, the car again went into limp mode. Tesla’s repeated failure to follow safety protocols, diagnose accurately, and honor warranty obligations has left me with a vehicle in an unsafe state and no corporate accountability. I've contacted their resolutions team three times (7/2, 7/7, 7/10) with zero response.
Documenting a sudden unintended acceleration experience. Today while driving and trying to stop for a red light, I lightly applied pressure on my brake pedal to brake for the red light. Midway through the braking, my car lunged forward for about half a second. Went through the dash cam footage, and I noticed that the footage skipped half a second as well. Seems like something electrical that caused the car to lunge. This is a huge safety issue.
On March 21, 2025, my Tesla Model 3 long range entered "power reduction mode" — a safety feature that limits power to protect the high-voltage battery from overheating or failure. Tesla later diagnosed a coolant leak near the battery area. Their own service advisor stated in writing that the failure was “most likely related” to the battery’s thermal management system — the very system responsible for regulating battery temperature and preventing damage. Despite the connection to the battery protection system and the vehicle being under the 8-year/120,000-mile battery warranty, Tesla has refused to cover the repair. The issue remains unresolved, and I have not picked up or approved any repairs on the vehicle. My concern is that driving the vehicle in this state — or leaving this failure unaddressed — could lead to further battery damage or pose a safety risk. I am requesting that NHTSA evaluate this issue as a potential safety concern, especially as the manufacturer is refusing to repair a system directly linked to high-voltage battery safety.
Tesla has told me the ap4 computer has failed in my car which has resulted in them having to replace it. This issue impacts: emergency braking, blind spot detection, lane keep/centering, assisting with parking, automatic high beams and wipers, cruise control/ adaptive cruise control, vehicles built in gps to be stuck at one location every time, has made my touchscreen not automatically brighten or dim, my auto dimming mirrors be too dim in most driving conditions, constantly fail to install system improvements and safety updates, and because my vehicle keeps trying to do this, it has caused increased battery drain as well. This has increased the safety risk of my vehicle tremendously. . . Tesla has not seemed to publicly acknowledge the issue yet either.
The following will happen in drive or reverse. Causing the vehicle to enter a free roll condition. If the vehicle detects both pedals are pressed. The vehicle will then disengage the motors and the brakes. And it will free roll. The vehicle does not successfully maintain stop and hold in this case. I was stopped at a red light and on an uphill. When the light turned green, I bumped the brake pedal when I went to accelerate forward in drive. My car rolled backwards downhill as a result. My instinct was to press the accelerator to try and go forward before I thought to hit the brake. My car rolled about 1. 5 car lengths backwards. Luckily nobody was behind me. This is a safety issue that has existed for the 3 years that I have owned this car. Not once has this been corrected in a software update. This is a serious safety problem and I’m surprised nobody has free rolled into a pedestrian or vehicle because of it. Or if they have, maybe they don’t know that it was caused due to this vehicle behavior. The software needs fixed to prevent free rolling in drive or reverse. Normal gas cars don’t suddenly fall to neutral and free roll all over the place if you bump both pedals. Like wow.
Hi, my car computer completly stop(complete blackout) on the highway, no power, all doors and window blooked, reduce brake and steering wheel capacity. I changed line and went to the side of the road, but in an intersection or other road type, that could have been so much worst results. No hard reset nothing put back the power of the car.
The rear motor failed on my car. It has less than 4,000 miles on it. It is already being worked on. The car barely gave me 10 seconds before it lost power, locked up and wouldn’t move. Yes. They told me the rear motor failed and needed to be replaced. Tesla inspected it themselves and confirmed the issue. Yes, they appeared 10 seconds before it died, I had no other warnings prior to that. This was extremely dangerous as I barely had time to get to a safe place.
Specifically when in somewhat cool and cold temperatures the front drive unit is emitting abnormal high pitched sound that is intermittent at times and that is causing a distraction while driving and is very bothersome. Tesla acknowledged they hear it but nothing is being done about. Front drive unit should be replaced.
Vehicle was in cruise control, and cruise control did not deactivate causing the vehicle to propel into a building, causing airbag deployment. Safety sensors of car failed to recognize building, other vehicles, and obstructions as required.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? car stopped working in middle of road how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? luckly there were no traffic or car behind , I am not moving the lane. Personal safety and passenger safety has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Tesla service center at spring field NJ , told me, front module was at fault and replaced has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? by Tesla service center at spring feild NJ were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? car shows cp_a044 unable charge error while car is running suddenly car shows move the vehicle side , it will shutdown then shut down the car.
The Tesla is reflecting an error “dir_a126” that is reducing the speed below the speed limit and with no rhyme or reason. Tesla services are not available and the problem is intermittent. Additionally, based on research it is found to not have consistent resolutions and reasonings.
The contact rented a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50-60 mph, the vehicle lost motive power. The engine lost power message was displayed, instructing the contact to pull over immediately; unable to drive, exiting and re-entering the vehicle may restore operation. Following the directions, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive to the destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,500.
Got into car after update, screen blacked out, could not to hard reboots. App could no longer see car. Tech support couldn't remote into vehicle or get in touch with it. Had to have it towed to service center. It's been sitting there for 6 days with no diagnosis just an estimate for $530 to troubleshoot the car. This update caused my car to completely be unresponsive and undrivable. I also had a carseat in the car.
The power conversion system (pcs) failed during driving, disabling the rear motor and regenerative braking. This severely affected the driving characteristics of the vehicle, including top speed, braking profile and handling.
The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and merging right the vehicle lost control and was able to stall after colliding with the center median. The vehicle was totaled. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
I was driving to work that all of sudden heard warning sound and the monitor displayed the "shutdown" sign as well. The car lost its power and came to complete stop in the middle of the street. Luckily there was no car near me. I was not able to drive the car and had to tow it to the dealership. According to mechanic “the rear drive unit has failed internally”. This was extremely scary and dangerous and may have caused a fatal accident. The problem has been fixed.
So here goes my story back in may I bought Tesla Model 3 2022 46k from hertz clean title however, in the history, it showed a prior accident long story short one day I was charging at Tesla supercharger I drive home the car did update and after that it wouldn’t charge or going in to drive so of course the car has warranty. I sent it to Tesla service first time. Coral cables the response was OH this car had an accident we can’t touch it the second service center after a week of diagnostic and charging me $590 for no help at all and the response to my issue first was because of the accident but when I was able to prove that the car was driving when I bought it and nothing wrong, they blamed it on the supercharger Tesla supercharger that it overheated the batteries and now the motor and the high voltage battery needs to be replaced at my own expense, at no time the car told me pull over it could’ve caught on fire ,no warranty at all when I asked service why I didn’t see that me charging the car is overheating the batteries he said it’s internal warning messages this is at miami gardens service center now I have been experiencing and Tesla‘s and how to do service and how they work and I’m pretty sure I can see that they are clearly I don’t want to say a lying , but they are not honoring their own warranty and they just want to blame it on me now keep in mind that I’ll myself. I am a read. The reason there is at least 20 or 30 people driving a Tesla right now. I was the first person in my own community. I was the first person in my office and everybody when they saw that car with me and how I love it, they decided to buy it but when I needed help, unfortunately Tesla was not there for me I have proof that the pyro fuse is working condition not like it what is states in the estimate and also the rear inverter is in working condition.
The contact owns a 2022 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of an excessive amount of fluid underneath the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle started to overheat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the hvac system had caused the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Within one day of taking ownership of a new 2023 Tesla Model 3, the car suddenly stopped running, slowing rapidly to a crawl on the highway, causing a potential hazardous situation. Error code di_a137 appeared onscreen, and a message that the vehicle was not drivable. After several minutes on the shoulder, the car behaved normally. I cancelled my trip and attempted to return home. The fault recurred, forcing me to pull off the road again. After several minutes the car allowed me to return home. There was never any prior warning. Tesla roadservice picked up the car and today notified me repairs have been made. Tesla lynwood wa confirmed the intermittent high voltage inverter problem. The rear motor inverter was replaced. I have heard of many such failures in the u. S. And a recall in china for this engine failure problem.
The contact's son owns a 2023 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 386.
I got a "power reduced dir_a126" error code that limited my speed to 55 mph. This is dangerous on the highway as 55 mph is significantly under 70 mph and cars were almost rear ending me.
The contact owned a 2019 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving with the auto pilot feature enabled, the vehicle slid across the road and crashed into a concrete barrier. The contact stated that it was raining at the failure occurred. No police or fire report were filed. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned a total loss. The contact stated after researching, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 23v838000 (electrical system). In addition the vehicle was not inspected by Tesla to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
After backing out of a parking place I could not switch into "drive". The car froze and had to be put into "tow mode" to be pushed aside and later taken to a dealer. Before being collected the car was partially blocking a car park, but there was no other safety risk. Warnings appeared when the event occurred, but not prior to. The rear drive unit was replaced under warranty.
Picked up car from the dealership same day and had only 40 miles total on odometer. The car was running smooth. I was driving with my daughter in the passenger seat (12 yrs old) and got 2 error codes and my car went limp in the carpool lane. Basically went into neutral. Deceleration from 75mph . I had to avoid cars next to me to get to the shoulder and was driving at most 30-40 mph hoping a car would not slam into my rear. By the grace of god I made it to the shoulder safely. “acceleration and top speed reduced” and “automatic emergency braking is disabled” were the two errors. I’d never been so stressed. That was highly dangerous and I’ve been reading online of several other Tesla owners suffering the same fate. Please don’t wait until someone gets injured or killed before making Tesla recall their cars. I’ve been hearing its the rear drive inverter (motor) that is faulty according to others online. The service center has not diagnosed the problem with my car yet but I think that is the same issue. I feel that Tesla is negligent and should be penalized for allowing these cars to be driven off the lot by unsuspecting customers.
Tesla Model 3 year 2022, making too much noise while driving noise.
At 70000 the front right bar that connect to wheel went bad 350 dollars. At around 90000 miles the ac went bad and they said is because I used it too much 4700 dollars at 110000 the lid for the charger kept opening up and closing by itself at 127000 the battery range reduced signed went on 129000 maximum charge could be charded 47 percent. And could not be charged more than whatever is in there already.
Driving on freeway, very little traffic, no cars near me. Speed 73 mph. Sudden loss of power, coasting to stop making a lane change and seeking shoulder space. At about 30 mph power was regained. Sudden loss of power. ( electric motor, motor controller, battery or software failure ) difficult rapid maneuver to get to side of road. Dealer has made an appointment. Nor warning lamps or warning sounds. There was another incident 2 days earlier when the cruise control would not engage. Two trips no cruise control. Yellow warning symbol with "cruise control unavailable" made an appointment with Tesla, they cancelled saying that the car did not do that, and my appointment cancelled. Tesla or vehicle software lies.
While driving, car just cut down in speed and prevented being driven faster than 50 mph. A yellow turtle appeared. Went to charge the vehicle. Vehicle wouldn't accept charging anymore. Manufacturer confirmed vehicle at fault and repaired under warranty.
For a growing number of Model 3 owners, components in the hv battery service panel are breaking down, yet Tesla refuses to cover the repair under its battery and drive unit warranty. Specifically, the "power conversion system" (pcs) in that panel is failing, and reducing an ac charge from 48a to 32a to 16a to… zero. If an owner drives to a location to charge from a level 1 or level 2 charger, and the pcs has failed, that owner will be stranded, unable to operate the vehicle. I have submitted a request for mediation to the american arbitration association (case no. 01-22-0001-9026), but I deem it important to not only address the problem in my vehicle, but all the others experiencing this same breakdown. I am thus reporting it to NHTSA, as I purport that a recall is in order. I will attach a more detailed description of my dispute with Tesla, as well as my original purchase agreement with an agreement to arbitrate, and a copy of Tesla's most recent warranties.
The car tart to have sudden unintended acceleration at low speed after fully charge. The car will stop at the road suddenly. Leave car and back. The ac run for 1 min and shut down. I heard a sound which is from battery switch. 9/21, 11:15 am it happened again. I hear a sound and the car show alert. “”pull over safely” — the autopilot system will slow down a lot passing a bride, even there is no car in the road.
When I was driving on highway the suddenly I lost power and if I press gas pedal it would not go. I applied brake to slow down and pull over but as soon as I applied the brake it corrected on its own and continued to go since I did had similar issue like this previously I called Tesla and asked them to tow it to the shop. This is the 3nd time that I'm having an issues with drivetrain that my car was towed to shop.
There was engine power loss while I was driving on the highway. So due to power loss I parked the car on the side and then put it back in to drive and it would go for approximately 10min then I lost power again, it started to do like these few times. Since it was unsafe I stopped the car and had the factory tow it to the shop.
After parking and leaving the car, I realize later the dashboard did not shut down. The dashboard was still illuminated, and I was also able to hear the sound from a tuned fm radio. I re-open and closed both the driver and the passenger doors in an attempt to shutoff the dashboard. Since I did not get the expected result, I decided to get back into the car. I sat down in the driver chair to investigate the problem when the car was instantly activated and switched to a sudden and uncontrolled acceleration. It crashed into a facing wall after a run of about 30 feet.
See description on file report nb:11423241.
Car interface bugged out and would not recognize with the phone key or key card to start after entering the parked vehicle. Touch screen flashed on and off. Attempted resets to no avail. System would randomly shut itself off and not turn back on.
Unintended acceleration resulting in a crash with a tree. My car was total. The car was was statioanary waiting to put air in my tire.
My vehicle is experiencing wire issues resulting in error messages such as "power reduced, front motor disabled, etc" that disable safety features such as the turning signals and issues with braking and steering. The vehicle will power off/shut down while driving and restart. The car is currently in service for the past 2 weeks and other than notifying me that there are "wire issues," Tesla has been unable to diagnose the cause of the problem or fix it.