2018 Tesla Model 3 Complaints

PARKING BRAKE — Filed 05/04/2026

The rear passenger side break would not release. Had to be towed because the vehicle was non operational.

SUSPENSION — Filed 07/18/2026

As I was backing out of the driveway I heard a strange noise and the steering started feeling crunchy. I parked the car and when I got out I saw a very large bolt on the ground that appears to have dropped out of the car. This seems to be the same issue as described in safety recall 23V-235. Tesla is saying my vin isn’t included and not covered despite the safety recall expiring including this manufacturing date range.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/01/2026

Vehicle displayed a “Safety Restraint System Issue - Service Required” alert (fault codes RCM_a056 and RCM_a032). Tesla diagnosed an open circuit between the driver-side curtain airbag and the left airbag controller, requiring replacement of the left body harness. Tesla quoted approximately $1,800–$2,200 for the out-of-warranty repair. This is a known, recurring pattern — multiple other 2018 Tesla Model 3 owners report experiencing this identical fault at nearly the same mileage (~78,000 miles), suggesting a design or component wear issue rather than isolated damage, similar to a prior Tesla trunk-harness recall (NHTSA campaign 21V-00D) that also stemmed from a wiring/harness defect on this same vehicle. I am requesting NHTSA investigate whether this represents a safety-defect trend warranting a recall.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES — Filed 06/25/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving on a highway at approximately 70–80 MPH, the hood latch failed, causing the hood to unexpectedly open and strike the windshield, obstructing the driver's visibility. Both the hood and the windshield were damaged. No warning lights illuminated and no unusual sounds occurred prior to the failure. The contact was able to safely pull over to the shoulder of the road. The contact temporarily secured the hood using tools kept in the vehicle and drove to the residence. An appointment was scheduled with a Tesla Collision Center for inspection and repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the collision center. The failure mileage was approximately 58,700.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS — Filed 06/25/2026

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.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 04/20/2026

The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on multiple occasions, the message "Front Left Safety Restraint System Issue RCM_a021" was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

SUSPENSION — Filed 07/03/2026

My car experienced a loud clunking noise when turning for the past few weeks. After doing some research and inspecting behind the front right tire, I found a front suspension lateral link bolt nearly falling off. It was only being held on by a few threads. It was so loose I could unscrew it completely or tighten it more by hand with no resistance. It sounds related to an existing recall for 2018 Tesla model 3’s (my year and model), but my car is not included in the recall. The other joints around it appear prematurely worn as well. See picture to show exactly how loose it was upon inspection. Requesting to review and likely expand the existing recall to more 2018 Tesla Model 3s

SEAT BELTS — Filed 06/25/2026

Tesla notification that front left safety restraint system has an issue. Service is required. Who isn't going to take their car in when there is an alert saying the safety restraint system has an issue. Then $232 in parts and $484. in labor. After taking in it was diagnosed that seat harness being pinched against the outboard shield causing the pretensioner to fault. Need to replace the seat harness and the pretensioner. Ended up being $232 in parts and $484 in labor. My safety was at risk because this system affects the seatbelt and airbags. Problem was diagnosed, confirmed, and repaired at my cost. Tesla dealership inspected. Thousands of tesla owners repairing at their own cost- maybe should be recall.

SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/22/2026

My vehicle should've been included in a recall. While exiting my garage to pick up my son from school, a loud mechanical banging noise came from the front of my car. I abruptly stopped and proceeded to reverse back into my garage to inspect my vehicle. While inspecting my vehicle and the surrounding area, I discovered a large bolt on the ground. A quick image search says "on a Tesla Model 3, this specific high-strength 10.9 Class metric hex flange bolt is a critical structural component that almost certainly backed out of [my] front suspension lower control arm/ lateral link assembly or the front subframe structural mounts." So the loud banging noise came from my suspension falling apart after the bolt fell out. Upon further inspection, I confirmed that this was the issue and that a second bolt on the same side had partially backed out as well. My vehicle was not safe to drive, so I had to have my vehicle towed to the nearest service center for repairs. I took photos and video of the areas, as well as the bolt, which showed no signs of any damage to the head or threads - so the bolt simply backed out and appears to be a manufacturing/ assembly issue. After a quick search, we learned that there were previous NHTSA recalls (ie Part 573 Safety Recall Report 23V-235) for this particular issue, including for my same vehicle make, model, year (2018 Tesla Model 3) and production dates (Jan 5, 2018 - Mar 30, 2019). Unfortunately, I never received a recall notice. I barely drive my car, so bolts shouldn't just be backing out on their own. Unfortunately, my car is no longer under warranty, but was advised by the service managers to file a report and to get reimbursed thru NCDS. This is a huge safety issue. I had no warnings or alerts from the car. My alignment was checked a year ago. My wheels and tires get checked often and are well maintained, so I didn't even need air or rotation, yet my suspension just fell apart on its own before 60K miles.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 06/07/2026

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.