RoadVitals

2018 Tesla Model 3 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
1,024
Latest Sep 22, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
106

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 Tesla Model 3, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

300
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While my wife was driving, the high-voltage battery failed and the car went into reduced power/limp mode. Tesla later determined that coolant had gotten into the high-voltage battery and caused it to fail. My main concern is that we had no warning that there was a coolant leak or that coolant was getting into the battery. There was no low-coolant warning or anything telling my wife that there was a serious problem developing. By the time the car started giving high-voltage and reduced-power warnings, the damage had already occurred and Tesla said the battery needed to be replaced. What concerns me even more was what happened after Tesla received the car. Tesla removed the battery and quarantined it in the parking lot. They told us in writing that it was removed because of coolant ingress as a safety precaution and that a specialized technician had to determine whether the battery was safe to discharge. During a phone call, a Tesla employee also told me they quarantined it because there was a possibility the battery could explode and they did not want anyone injured or anything damaged if that happened. That was alarming because my wife had just been driving this car, and afterward it sat in our driveway while we waited for it to be taken to Tesla. At no point were we told that the battery could be dangerous or that the vehicle should be kept away from people or property. We had no idea Tesla would consider the condition serious enough to quarantine the battery once they received it. Tesla later confirmed in writing that coolant ingress was the root cause of the battery failure. I would like NHTSA to look into why this condition was able to get this far without warning the driver and whether other vehicles could have the same issue.

NHTSA ID 11762441 · filed Sep 6, 2026

Adaptive cruise control was on, i was driving on the highway, traffic was speeding up and slowing down, and the tesla was braking accordingly. I was paying attention to the road and noticed, all of a sudden, that the tesla was not braking as traffic in front of us slowed. I immediately slammed my foot on the brake as hard as i could, yet there wasn't enough time or distance, and my car collided with the one in front of me. I wasn't injured, but there's a chance someone in the other car was. The emergency brake did not kick in whatsoever, and the adaptive cruise control completely failed, leading to an accident.

NHTSA ID 11758301 · filed Aug 20, 2026
All 300 reports naming driver assistance →

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

185
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Clunking noise when in reverse and turning.

NHTSA ID 11765961 · filed Sep 21, 2026

AMENDMENT / SUPPLEMENT TO VOQ #11763975 regarding PE26006. Following my initial report of a catastrophic lower lateral link detachment, Tesla Service Center Santa Rosa has provided a highly sanitized and misleading repair report. The official invoice completely omits the physical structural detachment and missing subframe nut, recharacterizing a severe mechanical failure as a simple 'steering alignment adjustment.' Furthermore, the technician took misleading photographs (omitting the damaged side of the vehicle or using obscuring angles). I possess dated photographic evidence of the complete link separation prior to tow-in on a flatbed, which directly contradicts Tesla's service records. This is submitted to alert investigators that field incidents for PE26006 are actively being mislabeled and obscured in Tesla's internal repair databases.

NHTSA ID 11765657 · filed Sep 20, 2026
All 185 reports naming suspension →

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

169
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While my wife was driving, the high-voltage battery failed and the car went into reduced power/limp mode. Tesla later determined that coolant had gotten into the high-voltage battery and caused it to fail. My main concern is that we had no warning that there was a coolant leak or that coolant was getting into the battery. There was no low-coolant warning or anything telling my wife that there was a serious problem developing. By the time the car started giving high-voltage and reduced-power warnings, the damage had already occurred and Tesla said the battery needed to be replaced. What concerns me even more was what happened after Tesla received the car. Tesla removed the battery and quarantined it in the parking lot. They told us in writing that it was removed because of coolant ingress as a safety precaution and that a specialized technician had to determine whether the battery was safe to discharge. During a phone call, a Tesla employee also told me they quarantined it because there was a possibility the battery could explode and they did not want anyone injured or anything damaged if that happened. That was alarming because my wife had just been driving this car, and afterward it sat in our driveway while we waited for it to be taken to Tesla. At no point were we told that the battery could be dangerous or that the vehicle should be kept away from people or property. We had no idea Tesla would consider the condition serious enough to quarantine the battery once they received it. Tesla later confirmed in writing that coolant ingress was the root cause of the battery failure. I would like NHTSA to look into why this condition was able to get this far without warning the driver and whether other vehicles could have the same issue.

NHTSA ID 11762441 · filed Sep 6, 2026

Component/system: The front passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) in my 2018 Tesla Model 3. The vehicle is available for inspection on request. Description of the failure: The vehicle intermittently displays "Front passenger safety restraint system fault — service required]" on the center touchscreen. The alert first appeared on or about 4 years ago and has recurred approximately ~50 times since. The failure is strongly correlated with cabin temperature. It appears after the vehicle has been parked in direct sun in warm weather, and clears on its own once the cabin cools. It has not occurred in cooler ambient conditions. Safety risk: On this vehicle the front passenger seat uses a capacitive Occupant Classification System rather than a simple occupant-detection pad. The restraint control module uses OCS output to determine both whether the passenger airbag deploys and at what force. When the system faults, I have no way to know whether the passenger airbag is suppressed, will deploy at an inappropriate force for the occupant, or will deploy at all. This directly compromises frontal crash protection for anyone in that seat. I have been avoiding seating passengers there as a result. Inspection and confirmation: The vehicle is outside the basic warranty. Per Tesla's own service documentation, the passenger-side OCS sensor is not individually serviceable; the remedy requires replacing the seat cushion assembly and running a proprietary calibration routine that requires a cabin temperature near 68°F. The vehicle has not been inspected by police, insurance, or any independent shop. Prior warning symptoms: The touchscreen alert described above is the only symptom. There was no prior indication. There is no open recall for this condition on my VIN. Given the number of similar owner reports and the cost of the remedy, I believe many affected vehicles remain unrepaired and in service.

NHTSA ID 11752890 · filed Jul 26, 2026
All 169 reports naming electrical →

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

142
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

- When I start my car, I see the following error message appear: Front Left Safety Restraint System Fault. Also, the air bag disabled alert is displayed. Since the air bag is disabled, it puts me at grave risk if I were to get into an accident. - Many other Tesla owners have reported the same exact issue (RCM_a021 Front Left Safety Restraint System Fault). - Today, I took the car into the Tesla Service Center, they had to replace the entire harness. - No other symptoms were apparent...just all of a sudden the alert appeared.

NHTSA ID 11766272 · filed Sep 22, 2026

Vehicle Information: Year/Make/Model: 2018 Tesla Model 3 Mileage at Incident: 45,000 miles Description of Safety Defect: A sudden and persistent "Safety Restraint System Fault" / "Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault" warning illuminated on the vehicle's primary touchscreen interface, indicating a complete compromise of the supplemental restraint and airbag system. Upon inspection by Tesla Service, the root cause was identified as physically broken/severed internal copper wiring within the first-row passenger seat harness assemblies. This breakage occurred purely due to the mechanical wear-and-tear of normal fore-and-aft seat tracking (including the standard vehicle "Easy Entry" setting). Because the electrical line cleanly severed, communication to the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor was totally cut off, preventing the vehicle from accurately detecting passenger occupancy or correctly configuring front passenger airbag deployment logic in a collision. Tesla has addressed this known design vulnerability internally via Service Bulletin SB-23-20-002, replacing the weak early-production parts with ruggedized components. However, because the vehicle was past its calendar warranty period despite having only 45,000 miles, I was forced to pay $1,322.00 out of pocket to restore critical safety systems. Because a severed seat harness disables essential airbag safety constraints through normal everyday use, this represents a systemic manufacturing defect that should be escalated from a Technical Service Bulletin to a mandatory Safety Recall to protect all owners. Specific Component Part Numbers Replaced: First Row Seat Harness Assemblies: P/N 1489060-02-G & 1489060-03-G Passenger Airbag Assembly Module: P/N 1077323-00-G Seat Position / Occupancy Sensor Module: P/N 1099592-00-F

NHTSA ID 11764720 · filed Sep 16, 2026
All 142 reports naming airbags →

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

105
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

- When I start my car, I see the following error message appear: Front Left Safety Restraint System Fault. Also, the air bag disabled alert is displayed. Since the air bag is disabled, it puts me at grave risk if I were to get into an accident. - Many other Tesla owners have reported the same exact issue (RCM_a021 Front Left Safety Restraint System Fault). - Today, I took the car into the Tesla Service Center, they had to replace the entire harness. - No other symptoms were apparent...just all of a sudden the alert appeared.

NHTSA ID 11766272 · filed Sep 22, 2026

Vehicle Information: Year/Make/Model: 2018 Tesla Model 3 Mileage at Incident: 45,000 miles Description of Safety Defect: A sudden and persistent "Safety Restraint System Fault" / "Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault" warning illuminated on the vehicle's primary touchscreen interface, indicating a complete compromise of the supplemental restraint and airbag system. Upon inspection by Tesla Service, the root cause was identified as physically broken/severed internal copper wiring within the first-row passenger seat harness assemblies. This breakage occurred purely due to the mechanical wear-and-tear of normal fore-and-aft seat tracking (including the standard vehicle "Easy Entry" setting). Because the electrical line cleanly severed, communication to the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor was totally cut off, preventing the vehicle from accurately detecting passenger occupancy or correctly configuring front passenger airbag deployment logic in a collision. Tesla has addressed this known design vulnerability internally via Service Bulletin SB-23-20-002, replacing the weak early-production parts with ruggedized components. However, because the vehicle was past its calendar warranty period despite having only 45,000 miles, I was forced to pay $1,322.00 out of pocket to restore critical safety systems. Because a severed seat harness disables essential airbag safety constraints through normal everyday use, this represents a systemic manufacturing defect that should be escalated from a Technical Service Bulletin to a mandatory Safety Recall to protect all owners. Specific Component Part Numbers Replaced: First Row Seat Harness Assemblies: P/N 1489060-02-G & 1489060-03-G Passenger Airbag Assembly Module: P/N 1077323-00-G Seat Position / Occupancy Sensor Module: P/N 1099592-00-F

NHTSA ID 11764720 · filed Sep 16, 2026
All 105 reports naming seat belts →

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

89
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The break line ruptured causing loss of hydraulic pressure. The root cause was corrosion of the break line. This caused a major safety risk as I was unable to stop/slow the car down and had to coast to a stop. This is a known problem as addressed in Tesla's service bulletin SB-26-33-001. Tesla chose not to do a recall nor inform it's customers to get it inspected. The cost to replace the break line with corrosion resistant parts (as should have been done in the original design given that these cars as sold in the north east) is significant.

NHTSA ID 11761910 · filed Sep 3, 2026

Description of the Safety Defect:My 2018 Tesla Model 3 AWD suffered an abrupt and catastrophic total loss of mechanical braking power while driving. The brake pedal went completely soft, and the vehicle lost hydraulic pressure.An independent mechanic inspected the undercarriage and confirmed that the factory steel hydraulic brake lines completely rusted through and ruptured, leaking all brake fluid from the system. This vehicle has 142,905 miles and has been operated in regions that use winter road salt.Tesla is aware of this severe corrosion defect under Service Bulletin SB-26-33-001, but they have categorized it as a service bulletin rather than a safety recall. A factory brake line rusting through to total fluid failure is an extreme and immediate safety hazard to occupants and the public. Furthermore, the vehicle simultaneously threw a "Front Motor Disconnected" warning. A federal investigation and mandatory recall are urgently required to ensure Tesla replaces these defective lines for all affected owners before a fatal accident occurs.

NHTSA ID 11756949 · filed Aug 14, 2026
All 89 reports naming brakes →

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

80
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving 4 MPH, the front sway bar detached from the vehicle, and the contact lost steering control. The vehicle was towed, and a service center was contacted but informed the contact that the repair was not covered because the VIN was not included in a recall associated with the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

NHTSA ID 11764522 · filed Sep 15, 2026

This is a follow-up to a previously submitted complaint regarding the same issue. I am submitting this update to reference NHTSA's recently opened investigation into 2018-2019 Tesla Model 3 suspension failures. Previous complaint ID is 11732882.

NHTSA ID 11761140 · filed Aug 31, 2026
All 80 reports naming steering →

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

78
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Vehicle Information: Year/Make/Model: 2018 Tesla Model 3 Mileage at Incident: 45,000 miles Description of Safety Defect: A sudden and persistent "Safety Restraint System Fault" / "Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault" warning illuminated on the vehicle's primary touchscreen interface, indicating a complete compromise of the supplemental restraint and airbag system. Upon inspection by Tesla Service, the root cause was identified as physically broken/severed internal copper wiring within the first-row passenger seat harness assemblies. This breakage occurred purely due to the mechanical wear-and-tear of normal fore-and-aft seat tracking (including the standard vehicle "Easy Entry" setting). Because the electrical line cleanly severed, communication to the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor was totally cut off, preventing the vehicle from accurately detecting passenger occupancy or correctly configuring front passenger airbag deployment logic in a collision. Tesla has addressed this known design vulnerability internally via Service Bulletin SB-23-20-002, replacing the weak early-production parts with ruggedized components. However, because the vehicle was past its calendar warranty period despite having only 45,000 miles, I was forced to pay $1,322.00 out of pocket to restore critical safety systems. Because a severed seat harness disables essential airbag safety constraints through normal everyday use, this represents a systemic manufacturing defect that should be escalated from a Technical Service Bulletin to a mandatory Safety Recall to protect all owners. Specific Component Part Numbers Replaced: First Row Seat Harness Assemblies: P/N 1489060-02-G & 1489060-03-G Passenger Airbag Assembly Module: P/N 1077323-00-G Seat Position / Occupancy Sensor Module: P/N 1099592-00-F

NHTSA ID 11764720 · filed Sep 16, 2026

My Tesla Model 3 has a persistent RCM_a056 alert indicating a problem with the front passenger occupancy detection system. The unresolved fault affects the operation of the front passenger airbag system. I paid Tesla approximately $1,000 for a repair intended to resolve this problem. Tesla replaced multiple components associated with the passenger seat/occupancy detection system, including the sensor, wiring, and other safety-system components. The repair did not resolve the problem. The RCM_a056 alert remained unchanged after the repair. I returned the vehicle to Tesla for further diagnosis. Tesla tested the individual components and documented that they found “no issues present,” but the RCM_a056 alert remained. Tesla then recommended replacing the entire passenger seat assembly at a cost of approximately $3,000. When I asked what diagnostic evidence indicated that the seat assembly was defective, I was told that they had no specific evidence that replacing the seat would resolve the problem. They were unable to identify a failed component and indicated that replacing the entire seat was the only remaining repair they could suggest. I am concerned that this represents an unresolved safety-system defect. I have already paid approximately $1,000 for a repair that did not resolve the fault, and Tesla is now recommending another $3,000 repair without identifying the cause of the failure. The vehicle remains unavailable for normal use because of the unresolved passenger restraint/airbag-system fault. I am requesting that NHTSA document and investigate this potential safety defect, particularly if other Tesla Model 3 vehicles are experiencing the same persistent occupancy-detection failure.

NHTSA ID 11758370 · filed Aug 20, 2026
All 78 reports naming interior & seats →

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

61
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Incident / Safety Defect Summary: A certified Tesla mobile service technician improperly calibrated the low-beam headlights on my 2018 Tesla Model 3, causing a severe reduction in forward night visibility and creating an immediate roadway crash hazard in direct violation of FMVSS 108 illumination standards. Detailed Description of the Safety Failure: Improper Calibration Environment: The technician attempted to perform the headlight alignment procedure inside a closed residential garage with approximately 12 inches of clearance between the front bumper and the garage door. Standard automotive and manufacturer procedures require either a level 25-foot standoff from an aiming target or a dedicated optical aiming tool. At 12 inches, optical beam geometry and cutoff steps cannot be evaluated. Extreme Downward Misadjustment: The technician bypassed standard cutoff alignment and manually adjusted both headlights down to their absolute lowest mechanical limit using the vehicle interface. Safety Impact: The usable beam throw is now restricted to only a few feet in front of the vehicle's bumper. At standard driving speeds, especially during early morning and nighttime commutes, the vehicle completely overdrives the low beams, rendering road hazards, lane markings, and pedestrians invisible until impact is imminent. Manufacturer Failure to Triage Safety Rework: When reported to Tesla Service as an urgent safety-critical failure caused directly by their technician, the service center refused immediate safety triage/rework and scheduled resolution days out, leaving an unsafe vehicle in service.

NHTSA ID 11758477 · filed Aug 21, 2026

After downloading Tesla’s update (no. 2025.44.25.4) software my heater (with the window defrost functionality) in winter stopped operating. I made my update while at my nearest Tesla service compound (location verifiable per system location log) on 01/25/26 when that same day software began throwing HVAC error codes with blowing cold air, when previously my heat ran well. This is not coincidental; this is system design failure.

NHTSA ID 11714886 · filed Feb 2, 2026
All 61 reports naming visibility →

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

59
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while reversing approximately 5 MPH, there was a loud screeching sound coming from the vehicle without warning. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that a bolt had detached from the subframe. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The approximate failure mileage was 82,678.

NHTSA ID 11764800 · filed Sep 16, 2026

The exterior door handles are made of a thin metal top cover over a plastic door handle. The exterior door handle metal begins to peel, and does so in a manner that isn't clear to see. This has resulted in me cutting my hand on the door handle. I had to remove the metal from the door handles to prevent my family from also being injured. I asked Tesla to fix it, and they quoted $1,275 to fix the issue on all four doors.

NHTSA ID 11763160 · filed Sep 9, 2026
All 59 reports naming body & structure →

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

29
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While my wife was driving, the high-voltage battery failed and the car went into reduced power/limp mode. Tesla later determined that coolant had gotten into the high-voltage battery and caused it to fail. My main concern is that we had no warning that there was a coolant leak or that coolant was getting into the battery. There was no low-coolant warning or anything telling my wife that there was a serious problem developing. By the time the car started giving high-voltage and reduced-power warnings, the damage had already occurred and Tesla said the battery needed to be replaced. What concerns me even more was what happened after Tesla received the car. Tesla removed the battery and quarantined it in the parking lot. They told us in writing that it was removed because of coolant ingress as a safety precaution and that a specialized technician had to determine whether the battery was safe to discharge. During a phone call, a Tesla employee also told me they quarantined it because there was a possibility the battery could explode and they did not want anyone injured or anything damaged if that happened. That was alarming because my wife had just been driving this car, and afterward it sat in our driveway while we waited for it to be taken to Tesla. At no point were we told that the battery could be dangerous or that the vehicle should be kept away from people or property. We had no idea Tesla would consider the condition serious enough to quarantine the battery once they received it. Tesla later confirmed in writing that coolant ingress was the root cause of the battery failure. I would like NHTSA to look into why this condition was able to get this far without warning the driver and whether other vehicles could have the same issue.

NHTSA ID 11762441 · filed Sep 6, 2026

I am reporting a front suspension failure on my 2018 Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor, that appears relevant to NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE26006 and similar to Recall 23V-235. While driving slowly in a parking lot, I heard a clunk and felt the front wheel/steering alignment become slightly skewed. After entering the highway, the vehicle developed severe vibration and became unstable and difficult to control. I exited and stopped as soon as safely possible. While attempting to park it at a curb, during reverse, the suspension entirely collapsed and left front wheel was then severely displaced and the tire was rubbing the wheel well. Tesla inspected the vehicle and confirmed: “The left lateral link was found detached with missing hardware.” Tesla also found the left front halfshaft detached from the drive unit. Tesla replaced the front subframe, both front lower lateral links, both front lower compliance links, the left front halfshaft, and performed an alignment. Total cost was $6,328.96. The failed parts were replaced by Tesla; I do not know whether they remain available for inspection. This failure created a serious risk of loss of vehicle control at highway speed and could have endangered me and surrounding traffic. The problem was confirmed and inspected by Tesla Service. There was no collision or other discrete impact event that I recognized as causing the failure. There were **no warning lights, warning messages, or other vehicle alerts before or during the failure**. The first noticeable symptom was the clunk in the parking lot, followed by the skewed steering/wheel position and later severe highway vibration. I have pre-repair photos showing the displaced wheel, tire contact, and detached suspension component, as well as Tesla’s final repair documentation. I request that this incident be considered in connection with PE26006 and Recall 23V-235.

NHTSA ID 11757214 · filed Aug 15, 2026
All 29 reports naming powertrain (other) →

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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!

NHTSA ID 11696855 · filed Oct 31, 2025

The bolt/fastner holding the control arms almost backed all the way out. I was driving and heard metal sound it got worse on the drive home. I also noticed the alignment to get worse and when I got home I looked and the bolt/ fastner almost came out. There is a tesla recall for only a small percent for my year with that issue. Tesla wants 4k to replace it. It is a huge safety issue. I have a family and it could have been serious if it detached not only to me and my family but other vehicles other pedestrians.

NHTSA ID 11664858 · filed Jun 4, 2025
All 26 reports naming other / unspecified →

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Potential safety defect: high-voltage battery and battery management system (BMS) appear to overestimate available energy and remaining range, creating risk of unexpected 0% state of charge or loss of motive power without warning. Across 20 documented charge/discharge cycles between January and May 2026, the vehicle has consistently delivered approximately 135-150 miles of real-world range against an EPA-rated 310 miles, under routine driving conditions. The vehicle's own energy display shows observed usable energy averaging approximately 49.93 kWh -- approximately 66.6% of the rated 75 kWh pack. Tesla/BMS diagnostics report approximately 79-80% pack retention, implying approximately 58-59 kWh available -- approximately 8-9 kWh more than the vehicle's own consumption display reflects. No BMS fault code, low-power alert, or driver warning has been generated despite this persistent discrepancy. On April 22, 2026, after a drive, the vehicle was parked showing approximately 3% SOC and 7 miles remaining. Approximately five hours later, while parked and not being driven, the vehicle displayed 0% SOC and 0 miles. No fault or warning was triggered. Supporting photographs document the same low-SOC discharge cycle: vehicle at 27%/65 miles on April 20 and at 0%/0 miles on April 22. A driver relying on 3%/7 miles as a margin to reach a charging location could become unexpectedly stranded. If a similar BMS recalculation occurred while driving at low SOC, the result could be sudden unexpected loss of motive power -- a potential roadway safety hazard before the driver receives adequate warning. On May 14, 2026, Tesla Service performed a battery health review (Invoice 3000S0016915237) documenting 79% pack retention, no faults found, no further action. Test name, methodology, and whether the review evaluated BMS calibration accuracy or low-SOC energy availability were not disclosed.

NHTSA ID 11738357 · filed May 16, 2026

Tesla failed to properly diagnose a high-voltage battery isolation fault in my 2018 Model 3. Despite safety-critical BMS_a027 and BMS_a142 faults indicating multiple isolation failures, they skipped required insulation resistance testing, falsely blamed sand in a connector, and charged me $174.95. After the issue returned, they reversed course, replaced an internal battery contactor, and reduced the $1,173 estimate to $356—admitting fault without owning it. Days later, a diagnostic showed dangerously low isolation resistance (380kΩ, far below Tesla's 1,000kΩ safety threshold), yet they took no further action. On July 12, the car again went into limp mode. Tesla’s repeated failure to follow safety protocols, diagnose accurately, and honor warranty obligations has left me with a vehicle in an unsafe state and no corporate accountability. I've contacted their Resolutions team three times (7/2, 7/7, 7/10) with zero response.

NHTSA ID 11673763 · filed Jul 15, 2025
All 24 reports naming fuel system →

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

In the last 18 months I have had 8 service visits relating to electrical issues. In the last 30 months: - I had my car computer replaced after it shorted out, and then had to have it replaced again the next week. - I had the same taillight short out twice in a row. - I have had the 12V battery replaced three times. - I have had multiple low voltage controllers short out over multiple service visits. - The sound system has shorted out once as well. - One time, I was unable to shift to drive because a heater had shorted out. Now, I have to replace my right headlight and passenger airbag occupancy sensor due to shorts as well. The right headlight goes out intermittently and the passenger airbag alert fires sometimes. Tesla Corte Madera submitted a buyback request on my behalf after witnessing all these issues, but Tesla corporate denied it. I am sure the electrical issues will continue to affect the safety and drivability of my car. Thank you for your help.

NHTSA ID 11749184 · filed Jul 8, 2026

The turn signal stalk does not differentiate between a partial (lane change) press or a full turn press. The signal will remain on until the stalk is moved in the opposite turn direction. This sometimes results in the opposite turn signal activating. This entire process is intermittent while driving. This happens mainly on the highway where an intermittent (half press) of the stalk is performed to switch lanes. When switching lands I have no idea whether it'll work as designed or fail to register a half press or full press of the stalk.

NHTSA ID 11578794 · filed Mar 21, 2024
All 16 reports naming exterior lighting →

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

High voltage fast charge contactors experienced partial weld failure (BMS_a167_SW_FC_Partial_Weld) during routine Supercharging, causing complete HV system shutdown (hvState = HV_DOWN). Vehicle also threw BMS_a085/a086 Pack and Fast Charge Contactor Mismatch codes. Tesla service is refusing to cover repair under the 8-Year HV Battery Warranty, claiming fast charge contactors are not a warranted component despite being integrated into the HV battery assembly. Vehicle has been at Duluth, GA Tesla Service Center since approximately June 8, 2025.

NHTSA ID 11743421 · filed Jun 11, 2026

Tesla failed to properly diagnose a high-voltage battery isolation fault in my 2018 Model 3. Despite safety-critical BMS_a027 and BMS_a142 faults indicating multiple isolation failures, they skipped required insulation resistance testing, falsely blamed sand in a connector, and charged me $174.95. After the issue returned, they reversed course, replaced an internal battery contactor, and reduced the $1,173 estimate to $356—admitting fault without owning it. Days later, a diagnostic showed dangerously low isolation resistance (380kΩ, far below Tesla's 1,000kΩ safety threshold), yet they took no further action. On July 12, the car again went into limp mode. Tesla’s repeated failure to follow safety protocols, diagnose accurately, and honor warranty obligations has left me with a vehicle in an unsafe state and no corporate accountability. I've contacted their Resolutions team three times (7/2, 7/7, 7/10) with zero response.

NHTSA ID 11673763 · filed Jul 15, 2025
All 10 reports naming engine →

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11702049 · filed Nov 29, 2025

BRAND NEW VEHICLE WITH 2 TIRES HAVING SIDE WALL BUBBLES. NO ROUGH DRIVING . SEEMS TO BE AN INNER TIRE PROBLEM. MAYBE A DEFECT .CONTINENTAL BRAND TIRES.

NHTSA ID 11175813 · filed Feb 9, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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