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
    - Harvard, MA

    Left Lower Lateral Control Arm Failure: One of the bolts attaching the control arm to the subframe had loosened and fallen out. The increased stress caused the other attachment point on the control arm to break resulting in complete failure. Luckily, this happened in a parking lot; on the road this would amount to an extreme safety risk. The Vehicle has been inspected by Tesla and the incident occurred with out warning. There is currently an extremely limited recall for this problem (Recall # 23V-235), but my Model 3 is not included in this.

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

    2018 Tesla Model 3 was in cruise control (not self-drive) on an interstate with no other vehicles in the near vicinity. The car repeatedly applied brakes unexpectedly. I have traveled with this vehicle before and did not have unexpected braking problems. I have requested a Tesla service appointment but do not know if Tesla has an answer to what I hear is a widespread problem.

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

    Tesla Cruise Control was in use when passing a white van or suv on route 505 near Winters. On Friday May 19 at approx. 5:45PM. Our Tesla abruptly slowed from 70mph to approx 50mph before our driver regained control. A motorcycle following was forced to pass us using the left shoulder. The motorcycle was following at a safe distance but was put at risk due to abrupt slowdown by our Tesla. Tesla Customer Service checked vehicle remotely and states there are no current problems with the car. No alerts. Cameras are aligned. Tesla advised computer reboot and ongoing monitoring by owner. States that car may learn over time. Car is equipped with "Full Self Driving " feature but only "Cruise Control" was in use at time of event.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2018 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Fairfax, VT

    Brakes completely failed after the car sat idle for a week. Went to start the car and there were no breaks at all. Fortunately the car was at the garage and after close inspection of the break system it was discovered that the break lining to the break wheel assembles (both sides) had significant rust. With the left rear completely rusted out and leaked the entire fluid out. If we had driven the car it could have been a disaster. We could have been killed and or someone else killed. The car had been in a heated garaged its entire 4 year life and maintained properly. There was no damage to the vehicle prior to the break failure.

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

    Driver seat belt is not locking when I pulled suddenly. It looks that the driver side (front left) seat belt impact locking system is malfunction. Car is only 4 years and 4 months old with 57,000 miles. It is life danger to driver if he hits with an accident. A message came up. Making appointment with Tesla, but I believe that it should be a recall item like rear harness. I have never seen even in 20 years old car the seat belt impact locking system malfunction. It is a poor workmanship of the impact locking system. I would appreciate if you begin an investigation into this and urge Tesla to issue a recall notice to safe drivers and others around.

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

    Driver received alert "front passenger safety restrain system fault." Tesla advised that airbag may not deploy when occupant in passenger seat due to seat pressure sensor malfunction. Added "filter" and issue corrected. Issue has returned and Tesla is asking for $2,000 to replace the entire seat due to pressure sensor not being otherwise accessible. I would like to alert the NHTSA to this issue since I do not feel as though a safety issue such as this should exist on a 4 year old car and, in addition, the cost of repair should not be left to the consumer to cover. I feel as though a safety recall is warranted. Thank you.

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

    My car and every other 2018 or older Tesla doesn't have an audible sound safety system when reversing or driving in low speeds. I work with a blind girl who can't hear me coming. This is dangerous.

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

    PCS failure right when warranty expired. This should have been covered under battery warranty since it is component of charging system. But, Tesla refused to consider this under battery warranty

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

    My 2018 Model 3 was purchased brand new direct from Tesla with no other drivers or accidents. In Feb of 2023 I heard a creaking sound from the front driver wheel. The steering wheel felt like it was shaking when going into lane changes. I brought it into Tesla and they found that both lateral link bolts were loose, subframe damage. The exact issue was recalled under #23V-235. I showed them the reports but Tesla refused to honor the recall because they only do it on specific vins. My VIN was clearly missed in error. There is absolutely no way that I had the exact issue as the recall and for my car to somehow be an exception. I paid $2,162.13 that needs to be refunded. This could have killed me and they are lucky that I brought the car in and found the issue before they were dragged by the NHTSA to actually do the recalls. Now they are trying to skimp on my repair because of a lucky coincidence that my vin was somehow missed.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2018 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Norwood, PA

    Charging power conversion system component fail to take the full capacity the charging station able to give causing very slow charging. Warranty was not covered and costing over $1500 to fix & replace. When asked that this should be Battery warranty, I was turned down and was told that it's not 'part of the battery'. This is safety concern and fire hazard

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE