2018 TESLA MODEL 3 Complaints

The rear doors do not have a manual release. If power is lost, you cannot open the rear doors. This is a severe safety concern. With 2 child seats in the rear seats, with a power failure, you cannot get the children out. Newer Model 3 vehicles, have a manual safety release. My 2018 does not.

Repeatedly and randomly, with cruise control (not FSD) engaged, the car would brake, sometimes aggressively. The last time, it braked so hard the tires or brakes squealed and the car swerved slightly before I was able to regain control. This was on the freeway (in Colorado, if I remember correctly) while I was cruising at 70 or 75 MPH. I decided that that was the last time I would use cruise control; it was just not safe. I had an appointment on October 22 to take the car in for service. But then a friend told me this was called "phantom braking" and that there was no fix. A friend suggested that I contact the NHTSA.

The front upper control arms on my 2018 Tesla Model 3 have failed multiple times, producing loud clunking, popping, and binding noises during steering. The issue has worsened and poses a serious risk of loss of control while driving. Tesla replaced these parts under goodwill in the past, but the failures have returned. The most recent incident occurred around 03/05/2025 at approximately 106,867 miles. The failure has been confirmed and documented by Tesla Service Centers, and I have multiple invoices showing repeated replacements of the same components. The problem directly affects steering and suspension safety.

The "Front passenger safety restraint system" is prone to errors because the wiring for it beneath the seat is prone to getting knocked loose and electrical interference

The center display (Vehicle Pad) on my 2018 Tesla Model 3 went completely blank while driving. This eliminated access to all vital driving information including the speedometer, gear selection, and safety indicators. Safety Concern: Without visible speed data and wipers the vehicle cannot be operated safely or legally. I attempted to reboot the system and power cycle the vehicle but the screen still failed.

The brake lines badly rusted creating safety hazard as Tesla service reported when working on other maintenance. Not a warranty issue not covered as repair is over $3800. Vehicle was not abused and was kept clean regularly - this seems to be a vehicle defect if the brake lines can get moisture trapped behind the battery pack and create excessive corrosion requiring brake line replacement.

No warning messages at all, all cameras/sensors stopped working all at once while driving, full self drive stopped working, lane assist, safety features of full self drive was degraded by this. Car software v12 (2024.44.25.2 288ce84bb43e), according to the dealership the computer fried randomly.

Driving a 2018 Tesla Model 3, driver seat shows message "Front left safety restraint system issue. Service is required". This occurs when the driver is in the seat with the seat belt fastened and the vehicle is in motion. This issue refers to the possible seat belt, seats and/or air bags failure. This is a threat for drivers as these are the front line of defence in case of any collisions or accidents. This issue has been reported by multiple Tesla car drivers and their posts are available on online forums. Message appears on the Tesla screen driven. Tesla does not cover this out of warranty. My appeal to NHSTA is this is hazardous to drivers and cars should be recalled and repairs should be covered.

The car's horn only works sometimes and often not at all when steering wheel horn areas are pressed, hard or soft!! Tesla said they couldn't fix it!!

The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the GPS failed to function as intended. In addition, the “Unable to Charge” warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the GPS provided incorrect directions. The contact attempted to recharge the battery; however, the battery failed to charge. The contact stated that the failure had occurred the following day after an over-the-air software update was performed. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. In addition, the contact referenced a document that stated that the battery life should last 200,000 to 300,000 miles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 106,884.