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
    - Fairfax Station, VA

    In the Tesla, when using your blinkers, the side cameras display on the main center display screen. In this version of the cameras, the blinker light can actually be seen on the display because light leaks in behind the camera sensor. At night, this results in a bright flashing image on the screen, is completely distracting, and partially blinds the visibility of the "blind spot monitor". It is impossible to configure the car to turn off the camera display. Each time it turns on, you need to swipe the screen to remove the camera image, taking you eyes off the road to manipulate the screen while performing a lane change or turning maneuver. Newer versions of the car/cameras do not have this issue. While I do not have any saved video of this occurring, I can obtain it easily. However, here is an article about the problem and how one user decided to repair it themselves. https://driveteslacanada.ca/model-3/diy-fix-for-side-repeater-camera-glare-in-tesla-model-3-and-model-y-but-it-is-not-for-the-faint-of-heart/?fbclid=IwAR21UEPjKyvKPBYt_iTY4obGNIoHDjFK8gEci4dPNxIEmzlsVlPTv6uzt54 I selected yesterday as the date of incident, but this has been occurring for a while - ever since Tesla added the this camera to the screen when turning in version 2022.24 of their software. I believe I received this in early 2022. However, with the pandemic, I did not drive much and did not see this issue in action often. I was hopeful for a software update to correct this or minimize the impact, but that has not occurred. I consider this a safety issue with the vehicle that should be repaired as a recall. I have an appointment with Tesla now to repair this, however, they are telling me it will be at my expense.

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

    Tesla recently pushed out a significant software update version 2023.2.12. Like a similar software upgrade last year, the upgrade wipes out all user profiles and rearranges control settings. The sudden change makes it hard to find simple and necessary control features of the car. The driver is significantly distracted trying to find where the new controls are. Some are hidden. Some are no longer visible. Software update is inherently unsafe especially for older drivers. In addition, the controls panel font is so small that many of the controls cannot be seen by older drivers. We have complained to Tesla that this is inherently unsafe and poses a risk to motor vehicle safety. No response.

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

    OEM Chrome on door handles is a thick metallic wrap over plastic. Over time the chrome wrap delaminated on 3 out 4 handles. This results in very sharp metal edge that presents a laceration hazard. Just wanted to share this in case others have this issue. It's not a serious issue but it definitely is unsafe and it might be good to warn others.

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

    Automatic Headlights fail to illuminate when wipers are active. This has been reported to Tesla in 3/2022.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2018 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Portland, OR

    Power Conversion System (PCS) failure. This happened without warning over 60 miles from home and service center on x-range Model 3, less than 50,000 miles. Tesla did the repair, and took no responsibility for its premature failure, nor did they provide any explanation for why the failure occurred, leaving me (the owner) with a very expensive repair bill.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2018 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Hastings, MN

    Heating has malfunctioned and car will not warm up defrost windows in snow storm. This happened shortly after charging the tesla at a supercharger and the car also seemed to suddenly require a software update. Having performed the update and reboot, the heat has not fixed. The weather is currently 14f and the car is essentially undrivable in the recent snow storms due to no heat. The system will blow air but this will not melt accumulating ice. Unsafe and random.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2018 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Spring , TX

    Hi, I did order Tesla in 2016 and delivered car in June 2018. Beased on the software updates, and recalls , Tesla was not about to full fill any of the recalls. Apart from existing recalls , I did notice couple of other issues with this my car . one of them is unable to configure /activate Cabin camera , even though Camera with pre installed Hardware. I did try to contact Tesla , as per their episode, 2018 Tesla models come with older computer/processor, and it not support Cabin Camera.& I have to pay $1000 +tax in order to make it active. They also said , I did not purchased 'auto pilot feature '. that way camera is not active. but newer models of does work without ' auto pilot feature'. That means older Tesla model3 computers of Tesla' must be recalled, because of poor computer design. Is there anything I could expect help from NHTSA? thanks [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2018 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Spring, TX

    looks like "upper control arms Parts" are poorly constructed and Tesla is not able to fix . I've had my 2018 model 3 for a 4.5 years now I notice a squeaking noise coming from the steering wheel and its constantly whenever I turn the wheel. Tesla said to replace upper control arms Parts by owner , even though it was poorly designed .costing about $2800.00.. which is not acceptable . Would you mind take a look at this issue

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

    I was turning left into our garage at low speed, and a bolt fell out of the front right suspension (bolt came out of lower control arm) and the wheel practically fell off the car. A whole mess of damage happened, and it came out to an over $5,000 repair, and we're still getting it repaired. We recently had the tires aligned at Tesla in October 2022, roughly 3 months before the bolt fell out. Bolts like this shouldn't be falling out of the car, and at the very least Tesla should be checking the torque on all these things on any major service.

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

    While attempting to park the car in a parking lot, the car did not respond to the release of the accelerator or the press of the brake but just continued. Car continued to jump the curb and run into a concrete wall without slowing or stopping. No auto functions were enabled on the car. Car was attempting to park in the spot on the right side of the photo but just continued on and ran into the stone wall.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE