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
    - irvine, CA

    The front suspension control arm was completely detached due to unfastened bolts. While this happened on the parking lot at low speed, such detachment at highway speed would certainly lead to major damage, loss of control and injuries or death to the driver. Pictures attached show that the bolts did not have any thread lock applied and simply unscrewed themselves due to vibration. The vehicle was brought to Tesla service, where the owner was charged $3700 for repairs. The customer's complaints that this is a structural/manufacturing problem were ignored by Tesla representatives.

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

    Hello, I have a Tesla model 3 that I bought back in 2018 . On [XXX] when I sliced my finger while opening the door, because the chrome coating on the door handle started peeling. The cut was very deep ( see attached pictures). I contacted Tesla for resolution and they said that the car is not under warranty and I have to pay $340 for each handle to replace them. Apparently the peeling chrome happened to many other Tesla 3 owners and the company is aware of it and they told me that it might be caused by the car washing detergent (?!!) I think it was a defective design and the peeling chrome coating is a major health hazard. The child cand slice their fingers and if person has a bleeding issues and cut themselves while on the road it can be bad. I think it should be treated as a recall for bad design and should be fixed for free. I lost couple of days of work since I work in the Operating room and my finger was severely cut. I will wait for your response, thank you, [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
    - Round Lake Beach, IL

    1.The component that failed is the load index rating and both inner and outer sidewalls of the tire. Yes, the tires are available for inspection, they are off the car and stored in my garage. 2. I believe the safety of others and my self were at risk, I went for a tire rotation and saw the damage and asked the shop if tires were good and they said its good. Later my father points out this will kill me, so I went back and they offered the replacement warranty with that "tire is free and clear of all liens" claim. :( I refused to sign after reading and bought new tires at tesla and kept the old ones in storage. Also would like to note there website has a gap on warranty manual year after January 1, 2021 to before January 1, 2024 so I'm assuming the newest one is in play. Overall, the safety of others mainly heavy cars like Tesla's are involved. Also the local manger spilled to me that these tires are on Hertz and Enterprise cars, but they might be lighter/cheaper versions then mine. 3. Yes, tesla Tech in Libertyville IL informed me this is a problem and to read my user manual and double check the load index rating. All of which check out correct and don't sound any alarms. 4. no, only firestone and Tesla inspected the tires. 5. No, no warnings besides the cracks forming and getting bigger in the cold weather. Only visual inspection or leak might warn others, but I fear the leak is too late unless parked. Tire size: "235/45R18 94W M+S" from the actual tire. Now that I'm looking at it they are missing the 'P' for passenger.

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

    I have an active alert on the drive side safety restraint system. Alert code RCM_a021. I have noticed this appears to be a common problem. A recall should be issues as this a a safety issues and lives could be at stake.

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

    I received a safety alert on my car screen: Front passenger safety restraint system issue. Service is required. The front passenger safety restraint system fault typically involves a malfunctioning occupant weight sensor in the passenger seat, which controls whether the airbag activates or deactivates EVGOER. This is a serious safety concern because the airbag may be disabled at that seat location in the event of a crash. The issue is often caused by loose, broken, or unplugged harnesses or connectors under the seat, particularly related to the Occupant Classification System (OCS) Tesla Owners OnlineDigital EV Doctor. Many owners report this happens because wires under the seat get crimped over time due to Tesla's "easy entry" feature that automatically moves seats. Since this a widespread Tesla Model 3 problem, I believe this should be a recall.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2018 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Medford, NJ

    I am reporting a major safety defect that began immediately after Tesla installed the Full Self-Driving (FSD) hardware upgrade on my vehicle. After paying $2,000 for FSD and receiving the hardware retrofit, the car now instantly veers left toward oncoming traffic whenever FSD is engaged. This began immediately after Tesla’s installation. Before this service, my vehicle operated safely. I have contacted Tesla Cherry Hill Service Center in New Jersey multiple times. The advisors there repeatedly told me to “just recalibrate the cameras from the touchscreen.” I’ve done this numerous times, following every instruction carefully, but the issue persists. When I called the Service Center, I was told that “everything looks fine remotely,” even though the problem continues and is clearly dangerous. I was also told they could take it for a test drive, but that if they couldn’t find anything, I would have to “wait for a future update” to make FSD usable. This is unacceptable and unsafe. Tesla delivered this car to me in a dangerous condition that could easily cause a serious crash. A car that steers itself into oncoming traffic under FSD control should never have been returned to a customer — especially one new to using FSD. I should not be responsible for any repairs, recalibrations, or diagnostics related to a defect introduced by Tesla. This issue appears to be the direct result of improper installation, misalignment, or faulty calibration following the FSD hardware upgrade performed by Tesla Cherry Hill. This poses a severe risk of collision and injury, and Tesla’s refusal to take responsibility or correct it under warranty demonstrates clear negligence and disregard for safety. Tesla Cherry Hill is also known for poor customer service and repeated dismissal of safety complaints from other owners, which further concerns me.

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

    The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH through an intersection, another vehicle t-boned the driver's side from the driver's side front bumper to the rear passenger door. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy as intended. Medical attention was needed after the contact sustained lower back, left shoulder, neck, tailbone, and internal bleeding injuries were sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to a collision center, where it was currently pending an inspection. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,894.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2018 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Stuart , FL

    I own a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of steering assist while driving, and the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn, eventually locking up to the point where the vehicle could no longer be safely controlled. There were dashboard warnings related to steering and low-voltage system faults. The vehicle had to be towed because it was unsafe and not steerable. This is the second time within a few months that the vehicle has become inoperable and required a tow. The first failure involved a low-voltage electrical fault that prevented the car from charging or driving. The most recent failure involved the steering rack and a front-end controller component. Tesla diagnosed the issue as requiring replacement of the steering rack and a front controller assembly. The repair cost was quoted at approximately $4,200 out of pocket, and Tesla stated the failure was not covered under warranty and not related to the earlier electrical issue. No recall was listed for this VIN. There was no crash, but steering control was lost while the vehicle was in motion, which created a safety hazard. I am reporting this because a sudden loss of steering function while driving is a serious safety defect that could lead to a collision if it occurs at higher speeds or in traffic.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2018 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Provo, UT

    The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the frame underneath the vehicle was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,700.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2018 TESLA MODEL 3
    - Provo, UT

    We noticed that one of our tires was leaning inwards and the alignment was completely shot. There was no event that caused this but just noticed it one day driving. After having to replace two new tires, we took it into the Tesla dealership and they found that the control arm and suspension as well as the frame underneath is broken. The car has a clean tittle and this problem use to be covered by Tesla but for some reason now is not and this is a big steering and safety issue! We should not be responsible for the cost to fix the car if this has happened so often in the past!

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE