2018 TESLA MODEL 3 Complaints

View complaints related to 2018 TESLA MODEL 3. The complaints found here are submitted by actual consumers with first hand experience. There are more than 1,000 complaints submitted for the 2018 TESLA MODEL 3. You can submit your own complaint to the NHTSA or call the Hotline, Monday-Friday 8am to 8pm at (888) 327-4236, TTY: (800) 424-9153.

  • 2018 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Leander, TX

    This is for an issue noted on a 2018 Tesla Model 3. On August 2020 the car was serviced for an error message that stated "Front passenger safety restraint system fault/Contact Tesla Service", this went into service for an "OCS REWORK" which was explained to me as some harness under the passenger seat; cost was covered under Limited Warranty. Issue came back on August 2021, same exact one "Front passenger safety restraint system fault/Contact Tesla Service", and went into service again. This time service needed to replace the whole passenger seat, at Out of Warranty cost of $2,059. After explaining the recurring issue, an agreement was reached for a discount; but still ended up paying for theft of the same issue again. Thought appropriate to report this issue, since from the warning, seems like a restraint system problem that can be a bigger issue if not recalled or fixed within warranty.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2018 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Brea, CA

    I received an alert that there’s a problem with my airbag. I reported it to tesla and since my car is out of warranty, it will cost over $1300. Since it’s only an alert, I decided to not pay the $1300 but now I’m wondering how unsafe is it does it mean the passenger airbag will not work in the event of a collision?

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2018 TESLA MODEL 3
    - IRVINE, CA

    We had a warning light that says "“front passenger safety restraint system fault”. The Tesla dealership said that the airbag needs to be replaced. There were no incidences that led to this warning. It just appeared on its own.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2018 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Colorado Springs, CO

    I received a random RCM_a056 safety alert message on my 2018 Tesla Model 3. The Tesla Service Center requires the following repairs: 1) replace front passenger airbag and update vehicle configuration and 2) retrofit SBR in OCS equipped front passenger seat. My vehicle has over 110,00 miles on it, so I am past the Supplemental Restraint System warranty period of 5 years or 60,000 miles. The cost to repair these safety alert is $1,257.76 as Tesla does not classify this safety failure as a recall issue; however, there are numerous Tesla Service Bulletins and complaints as early as 12/30/19 discussing this issue in online Tesla forums. Why is this known issue not classified as a Recall?

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2018 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Ashburnham, MA

    Driving on the highways in cruise control. Car auto braked when going under an under pass. No other cars in front to trigger.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2018 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Laurel, MD

    Vehicle owned since December 2018. Squeaking noise from suspension June 2023 with no precipitating event or incident . No alert or messages. Previous front control arm replacements done. Per Tesla Service inspection, Correction: Links - Compliance - Lower - Front - RH/LH (Remove and Replace) & Correction: Links - Lateral - Lower - Front - LH/RH (Remove & Replace). Suspension issues.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2018 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Silverdale, WA

    I am writing to report a safety concern with my Tesla Model 3 vehicle. The issue pertains to a persistent warning message that displays "Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault". This warning suggests a potential malfunction in the safety restraint system, which could pose a significant risk to the passenger in the event of an accident. The warning message first appeared in July 2019 and has since been a recurring issue. Last December 2023, I paid out of pocket to get this serviced. The warning disappeared for a few months but reappeared recently. I have scheduled a service appointment with a Tesla service center to diagnose and hopefully rectify the issue. However, I felt it was necessary to report this to the NHTSA due to the potential safety implications for other Tesla Model 3 owners if this is a widespread issue.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2018 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Orange Park , FL

    My vehicle recently depicted warnings on my screen showing " Front Left Safety Restraint System Fault" " Service is Required". I also sometimes get a visual warning showing a depiction of an airbag. Now I don't know if anything is wrong, but Tesla is going to charge me $400 to fix this problem. My cars warranty expired in April of this year. My concern is, if this is an airbag problem shouldn't it be coved by a recall? Or does your agency need to receive a large number of complaints to issue a recall? To answer your general questions, the warning messages started one month ago, late May. Beside the warning message, the airbag warning lamp would sometimes appear. I have a service appointment with the Tesla Service Center on July 1, so I should know more then.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2018 TESLA MODEL 3
    - ANAHEIM, CA

    THIS IS ON RECAL SB-20-31-006 R3. THE BALL JOINT OF MY TESLA MODEL 3. SQUEAKS/CREAKING, WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, WHEN I DRIVE SLOW, DRIVE FAST, HIT ANY BUMP, TURN. THE NOISE HAS GOTTEN LOUDER. I WAS TOLD BY TESLA TAHT MY CAR DOES NOT QUALIFY UNDER THE RECAL DUE TO MY VIN#. REQUESTING ASSISTANCE TO GET THIS FIXED.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2018 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Miami, FL

    Got an error code "RCM_a056" that indicates that there is a fault with the Front passenger safety restraint system. Looking at this problem online it seems that is not very unique and many owners of 2018 Model 3 have suffered the same issue. I was quoted for a service that changes the OCS sensor, but then they also have to replace the airbag due to "compatibility" reasons.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE