2018 Tesla Model 3 Tesla Model 3 2018

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2018 Tesla Model 3 repairs by problem area

Engine (11%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (0%)

Brakes and Traction Control (2%)

Suspension and Steering (12%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (36%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (28%)

Other (10%)

Chart based on 139 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2018 Tesla Model 3.

2018 Tesla Model 3 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (4%)

$500 - $999 (0%)

$100 - $499 (12%)

< $100 (84%)

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Chart based on 57 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2018 Tesla Model 3

Engine not specified

Tesla Model 3 in Maryland, United States
Jun 2021 - Jun 2022
Aug 2021

37000 mi
Replace The LH And RH Front Upper Control ArmsParts Replaced or AddedPartQuantityFR UPR CTRL ARMASSY, RH(1044326-00-J)1.00FR UPR CTRL ARMASSY, LH(1044321-00-J)1.00Pay Type: Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty0.00 Replaced wood trim, which was dry, cracked, and peeling. Bubbles on dash—replaced 12V Battery replaced Repair excessive play or movement in steering wheel column, which shifts or wiggles left to right Moisture in right rear tail light—replaced Driver side window will not rolling all way up—fixed. 
Tesla Model 3 in Georgia, United States
Feb 2018 - Apr 2018
Apr 2018

3098 mi
Remove and replace left seat harness assembly 

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2018 Tesla Model 3 4dr Sedan

258-horsepower Electric 1-speed automatic RWD

Tesla Model 3 in North Carolina, United States
Apr 2018 - Jun 2021
Sep 2019

18000 mi

US $120
Known problem with early Model 3: the cabin air filter gets moldy and needed to be replaced (cause of the mold was fixed by software update). 
Tesla Model 3 in Washington, United States
Apr 2018 - Jun 2021
Mar 2020

15381 mi
Defective rear glass defroster, rear glass was replaced. 
Tesla Model 3 in California, United States
Jun 2018 - Jul 2022
Jul 2020

21000 mi
Left driver window rocker switch broken and replaced. 
Tesla Model 3 in Quebec, Canada
May 2018 - Jun 2022
Dec 2019

6820 mi
Chrome on rear passenger handle was sharp and handle was replaced. At same time power port recall was performed (which I had no issues with) to change part to avoid moisture entering system. I never had issue, but apparently in cold climates there had been. Mentioned earlier. At same time as call they replaced the Charge Port carrier port and Insulator pins. I never had issue but they had issues in other cold climate areas 
Tesla Model 3 in Indiana, United States
Apr 2018 - Oct 2022
Aug 2019

15000 mi
Right front repeater camera was at fault and was replaced 
Mar 2020

19900 mi
Charge port insulator pins were replaced 
Jun 2020

21000 mi
Charging port wouldn’t open. Forced open using a credit card. At the next charge it closed automatically and then started working correctly. 
Sep 2020

24000 mi
Left side DRL wasn't working, so the company replaced the whole headlight unit 
May 2021

27600 mi
Charge port door didn't open. Replaced by company and covered under warranty 
Feb 2022

32000 mi
Reseal Area Around Both Front Upper Control Arm Ball Joints With Urethane 
Tesla Model 3 in Texas, United States
Feb 2018 - Jul 2022
Apr 2019

8000 mi
The drive motor shorted out and blew the main battery cutoff. The entire drive unit was replaced under warranty. 
Mar 2020

14944 mi
Firmware update required after charge port insulator pins replaced. 
Nov 2021

16658 mi
12V Battery replaced under warranty after battery warning. 
Tesla Model 3 in California, United States
Jun 2018 - Jun 2020
Jan 2019

9000 mi
rear taillight condensation 
Tesla Model 3 in New York, United States
Mar 2018 - Jun 2022
Nov 2018

9000 mi
Frunk was struck closed and wouldn't open. fixed latch mechanism. 
Tesla Model 3 in California, United States
Jul 2019 - Feb 2022
Feb 2019

232 mi
Major problems with main computer. Frequent crashes to black screen, disabling all instruments, displays, and controls while the car is in motion. Nothing was done and the problem was not fixed. Turn signal stalk failures, where signal could not be canceled. Module was replaced and since then failed again. Parts of the underside of the car were hanging off the car below. Repair center (apparently) just cut the pieces off. White headliner and windshield pillar covered with black grease stains. Apparently were removed chemically. Door locks, keyless entry, and turning car on / off are unreliable. Car frequently will not lock doors or shut down, just continues running when I leave it. Tesla did nothing, and the problem persists. 
Jan 2021

8000 mi
Backup camera frequently fails to start. Tesla did not fix. Frequent lockouts or other failures to lock / unlock. Even when sent *photographs* of the problem happening, Tesla denies there is an issue. Still not fixed. Automatic wipers frequently do not work when raining, or start wiping at random times on sunny days. Although I've reported it to Tesla many times and provided photographs, they refuse to take any corrective action. 
Sep 2021

11000 mi
Car frequently fails to unlock, or to start. Have had the car in repeatedly over two years for the same problem. No progress with Tesla. Inside of trunk separating from trim pieces. 
Tesla Model 3 in California, United States
Dec 2017 - Aug 2018
Jan 2018

2000 mi
door trim adjustment 
Tesla Model 3 in California, United States
Jun 2018 - Jun 2022
Dec 2020

30000 mi
1. The glovebox wouldn’t close properly once opened. 2. After some body work that was done, the interior trim in trunk would keep falling out. The mobile service person fixed both of those issues promptly. 
Tesla Model 3 in Florida, United States
Dec 2020 - Jul 2022
Jul 2022

54000 mi
Issue with autopilot disengaging. Yesterday various reboots. Ended up doing a camera recalibration with software reboot. 
Tesla Model 3 in New York, United States
Jun 2021 - Jun 2022
Apr 2022

33000 mi
Replaced both upper control arms 
Tesla Model 3 in California, United States
Jun 2021 - Jun 2022
Jul 2021

34000 mi
12v battery failure replaced under warranty 
Tesla Model 3 in California, United States
Jun 2021 - Jul 2022
Jul 2022

55600 mi

US $123
After 4 years, the small 12V battery died. Normal aging process. Was replaced at home by a Tesla mobile tech who came to my home - great service. 
Tesla Model 3 in California, United States
Jun 2018 - Mar 2023
Jun 2022

39570 mi
Charge port pins replaced under warranty, failed during supercharging on multiple chargers 
Tesla Model 3 in Washington, United States
Jan 2021 - Jun 2022
Jan 2022

22400 mi

US $90
Noticed water leaking into headliner near a pillar. Tesla replaced glass roof and seals. 
Tesla Model 3 in South Carolina, United States
May 2018 - Feb 2021
Aug 2018

3000 mi
Air conditioner pressure sensor failed. 
Feb 2021

52000 mi

US $1600
Upper control arm bushings were rubbing/squeaking internally - drove me crazy. Replaced both front upper control arms. They were Rev A parts replaced with Rev G parts. Cost was ~ $500 for parts, 300 for labor. Replaced rear tires (again) with OEM Michelins ($650 / pair). Additionally, had a rear brake clip that was broken. Replaced for cheap. 
Tesla Model 3 in Ohio, United States
Oct 2020 - Jun 2022
May 2021

33000 mi

US $1500
Touchscreen cracked and had "dead areas" rendering a number of functions impossible to use. 
Tesla Model 3 in North Carolina, United States
Oct 2020 - Jun 2022
Mar 2021

27000 mi

US $125
Alignment 
Jun 2022

36925 mi
Horn only partially working (intermittent). Wrong part was brought (mobile service) and the shop didn't have the right part in stock, so had to reschedule another service visit. Horn partially working (now constant). Both horn tones replaced (even though only the low tone was not working). 
Tesla Model 3 in Connecticut, United States
May 2018 - Dec 2020
Sep 2020

49000 mi
squeaking noise. Bolt needed to be tightened 
Tesla Model 3 in California, United States
Apr 2018 - Oct 2023
Jun 2022

34000 mi
Trunk wiring harness disconnected from trunk. Service center reattached it to the trunk. 
Tesla Model 3 in New Mexico, United States
Apr 2018 - Jun 2022
Jun 2018

100 mi
replace ac compressor 
Tesla Model 3 in Virginia, United States
Jan 2018 - Jan 2019
Feb 2018

50 mi
Fixed interior trim issue 
Tesla Model 3 in California, United States
Feb 2018 - Oct 2019
Oct 2018

3000 mi
Replace headlight assembly. The daytime running light was not as bright on the driver side as it was on the passenger side. Seems like it was a common problem with the early models as I know a couple other individuals who had the same issue. 
Tesla Model 3 in California, United States
Jun 2018 - May 2022
Sep 2018

1301 mi
Body panel misalignment: - Frunk lid 3.5mm lower than fenders - Driver side and passenger side fenders protruding noticeably where they met with front doors Rattle from under dash. Notes from invoice: Removed and repaired front passenger air vent/duct as per diagnosis. Verified noise is no longer present. Parts replaced: ASY,HARN,IP,M3,LHD,PREM (1067960-00-D) Qty 1 M3, IP, AIR VENT, ASY, PASSENGER (1083325-00-F) Qty 1 
Tesla Model 3 in North Carolina, United States
Apr 2018 - Jan 2022
Dec 2018

8000 mi
Replaced defective front trunk latches. 
Jul 2019

15695 mi
Replaced charge port insulator pins and verified fitment, Replace Charge Port Door Sensor Target 
Nov 2019

20985 mi
Replaced right headlight assembly (DRL broken). Steering column motor lubed due to loud vibrating noise Lower trunk area filled with 1/4" water. Soaked insulation and trunk liner. Resealed trunk pan seams. Replaced missing underbody panel screw and panel clip. 
Jul 2020

27000 mi
Replaced coolant superbottle due to suspected internal issue, filled and set coolant levels. 
Feb 2021

32683 mi
Driver's door hinge making creaking noise. Replaced LH Front Door Check Strap under warranty. 
Sep 2021

40888 mi
12V Battery gave a warning for replacement. Tesla replaced the 12V battery. 
Dec 2021

42491 mi
Trunk lights flickering. Trunk electric harness had to be replaced due to wear. 
Tesla Model 3 in Ontario, Canada
May 2018 - Jun 2022
Jun 2018

1134 mi
Upon delivery of car, noted mild noise at low speed from rear right wheel. Known issue with some new deliveries, required new clips for pads on rear right brake caliper 
Nov 2018

8920 mi
The front, drivers side headlamp was replaced (due to a known flaw with the LED signature [accent] lights) by Tesla Ranger Service at my home. 
Nov 2019

26040 mi
Ranger service in my home garage: R&R the left front drivers door "pull strap" (that holds the door partially or fully open) as it was making a "click click" noise when the door was swung open or closed. Ranger service in my garage: made a recommended field modification to the glove box door opening mechanism to cure an issue with the glove box door opening on its own. Ranger service in my home garage: periodic noise from the steering wheel retraction mechanism cured with correct lubrication of said mechanism. Ranger service in my home garage: executed a TSB to R&R the onboard charge connection point with a better design to prevent possible freezing issues. 
May 2020

31000 mi
Ranger service in my home garage: R&R the right front passenger door "pull strap" (that holds the door partially or fully open) as it was making a "click click" noise when the door was swung open or closed. 
Mar 2021

35960 mi

C $165
During my once a year routine brake calliper slider pin lubrication maintenance, when I removed the port side front calliper, the outer brake pad material separated from the backing plate due to corrosion. Anecdotal evidence suggests the brand of brake pads used by Tesla have this corrosion issue regardless of the car it is used in. 
Tesla Model 3 in Missouri, United States
Apr 2018 - Jun 2022
Jun 2018

2000 mi
Blemish on paint at delivery 
Jun 2020

36000 mi
Front right upper control arm and ball joint. 
Sep 2021

52000 mi
Lt Ball joint 
Tesla Model 3 in California, United States
Apr 2018 - Dec 2019
Jun 2018

1000 mi
Phone key function never worked since day 1. Bluetooth connectivity is sporadic. Sometimes connecting phone function only, other times connect media only, other times no connection at all. 
Tesla Model 3 in Alabama, United States
Feb 2018 - Jun 2022
Jun 2018

5000 mi
Replaced the center console due to a scratch from the factory.  Adjusted the trunk due to interference with the lift struts and the seal. Replaced rocker panels due to damage from delivery. 
Jun 2020

36000 mi
Driver's side upper control arm ball joint was squeaking. Service replaced both driver's and passenger's sides under warranty. 
Tesla Model 3 in Colorado, United States
May 2018 - Feb 2021
Oct 2018

6000 mi
Replaced door weather stripping that collected water. No interior water leaks. 
Tesla Model 3 in California, United States
Feb 2018 - Jun 2022
Mar 2018 (Electric car) charge port wouldn't open, immediately upon taking delivery (discovered after driving home) 
Apr 2018 Parking brake sensor was flaking out, preventing the (electric) car from powering off when not in use. 
Apr 2022

23000 mi
Cellular data modem on Media Control Unit computer stopped working, causing streaming services to cease working if WiFi was unavailable. 
Tesla Model 3 in Quebec, Canada
Sep 2018 - Jan 2019
Jan 2019

4650 mi
Back Window replacement. There was a crack under defrost line. Frozen charge port 
Tesla Model 3 in California, United States
Apr 2018 - Jan 2019
Jan 2019

6000 mi
Rattling/squeaking caused by cowl, cowl reseated. 
Tesla Model 3 in Virginia, United States
Apr 2018 - Jun 2022
Aug 2018

5000 mi
There was a deformity in the rear glass making it look warped when looking through the rear view mirror (replaced). Found chrome trim over driver side door had wear mark. (replaced). Charge port door magnet fell off (replaced). Tinging sound heard from speakers randomly. Skipping to next song generally clears it up. Transmission shifter trim plastic popped out. High rate of failure to unlock doors via phone key via phone. Found issue realistically was on my end. Samsung S9+ power save features were interfering. 
Jul 2019

18000 mi
Receive reduced charging warning. Only able to draw 32amp on 48amp connection at home on HPWC. Correction: Power Conversion System (Remove & Replace) Tube - Input - Coolant - Power Conversion System (Remove & Replace) 
Oct 2019

23000 mi
Bad mildew smell persists in cabin. Started around middle of July. Evaporator cleaned and Filter - Cabin (Remove & Replace) 
Nov 2019

27000 mi
Heard loud fan noise in park (Car off, parked). Performed a thermal test, ran ac on high, drove vehicle and inspected fan for possible objects. Everything checks out well at this time. 
Aug 2021

49500 mi
Squeaky driver side upper control arm. Replaced both driver and passenger side and performed alignment. FR UPR CTRL ARM ASSY, LH(1044321-00-J) FR UPR CTRL ARM ASSY, RH(1044326-00J) 
Tesla Model 3 in Ontario, Canada
May 2018 - Jul 2022
Nov 2018

6820 mi
Frunk actuator replaced 
Mar 2020

22320 mi
Upper left ball joint developed a squeak 
Tesla Model 3 in California, United States
Apr 2018 - Jan 2022
Sep 2018

5000 mi
Rattle coming from rear of vehicle. Diagnosed, but was not successfully fixed. The LED light strip DRL on the driver's side headlight is no longer working. Parts not in stock, so no repair attempted. 
Jun 2019

15000 mi
A knocking from the rear of the car was apparent at low speeds over bumps. It was diagnosed to be a faulty rear shock, which was replaced. 
Nov 2020

23000 mi
The passenger side headlight accent light failed and was no longer as bright as the driver's side. The driver's side light had been replaced earlier for the same issue. The passenger side headlight was replaced. The glovebox started randomly opening and would not always close, either. Fairly common issue. Glovebox was replaced. 
Jun 2021

25500 mi
The backup camera would intermittently stop and start working. Tesla Mobile Service replaced a wire harness and it's been working great since. 
Tesla Model 3 in California, United States
Mar 2018 - Jul 2022
Apr 2018

327 mi
A piece of the headliner trim wasn't properly installed when new. Right rear interior next to the rear windscreen. 
Jul 2018

2000 mi
The control panel for the driver’s power seat repeatedly pulls away from the structure of the side of the seat. Requires that I push it back into place repeatedly each day to prevent it coming completely detached from the seat. Tesla replaced the lower seat side part that includes the switches and controls for the power seat, at no cost to me.  Replaced the door to the charging plug on the rear driver side tail light assembly due to a small metal part fallen off and needing driver to find the missing piece and super-glue it back on. Before replacing this part, the charging door didn’t work properly (manual press of charge door did not function to open the charge port door.) 
Apr 2020

13175 mi
Service campaign initiated by Tesla. Two small plastic parts replaced inside the electrical charging port to improve reliability of the charging port. Replacement of the two small parts was done by a mobile Tesla technician in a no-touch very quick process in my driveway. Very simple process for me with minimal disruption or effort on my part. 
Apr 2022

18000 mi
Rear driver side door interior trim didn’t fit right at door pocket. I had reported it several years ago but it never got fixed. Even though the car was still under warranty, Tesla wanted to not cover repair under warranty, claiming “cosmetic only”. They eventually covered it because their records showed that I had reported it years ago. 
Tesla Model 3 in Washington, United States
Apr 2018 - Jun 2022
Dec 2018

6500 mi
Front trunk wouldn't open. 

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2018 Tesla Model 3 4dr Sedan

Tesla Model 3 in Illinois, United States
Jan 2021 - Jul 2022
Jul 2022

21000 mi
A/C sensor 
Tesla Model 3 in Texas, United States
Jun 2021 - Jun 2022
Sep 2021

38000 mi
12v battery died & replaced under warranty 
Tesla Model 3 in California, United States
Jan 2021 - Jun 2022
Apr 2022

22000 mi

US $200
Front aero under panel came off and needed to be replaced. Rear light housing had condensation causing error & was replaced 
Tesla Model 3 in Texas, United States
Dec 2020 - Jun 2022
May 2022

28000 mi
control arms were creaking, replaced upper and lower 
Tesla Model 3 in California, United States
Oct 2019 - Jun 2022
Mar 2019

5000 mi
Driver's seat rocked back and forth. Replaced pivot bolts. Problem briefly fixed but then returned. Tesla claimed it was "in spec" on the second attempt. Driver's door check strap began to fail, resulting in loud popping/creaking noise. Was eventually replaced, but service broke the window regulator in the process and had to replace that too. 
May 2022

38000 mi
Front passenger door check strap failed, producing a clunk noise. Strap was replaced by mobile service. 12v battery was dying (indicated by car). Mobile service replaced under warranty. 
Tesla Model 3 in New York, United States
Aug 2018 - Dec 2018
Oct 2018

700 mi
Airbag warning light caused by faulty seatbelt switch. 
Tesla Model 3 in California, United States
Aug 2018 - Jan 2022
Oct 2018

1000 mi
Driver door was not aligned properly. Driver side mirror was painted white instead of silver. Minor body paint imperfection. 
Tesla Model 3 in Florida, United States
Oct 2019 - Jun 2022
May 2019

9500 mi
Replaced rear blinker assembly due to water intrusion 
May 2020

19861 mi
Replace 12V battery 
Tesla Model 3 in California, United States
Jan 2021 - Feb 2022
Jul 2021

50000 mi
Self driving optical camera 
Tesla Model 3 in California, United States
Jan 2021 - Jun 2022
Jan 2022

29000 mi
Noise from emergency brake. Fixed by lubricating system. Driver's side window made noise when lowered. Repaired by replacing regulator. 
Tesla Model 3 in California, United States
Dec 2020 - Jun 2022
May 2021

18000 mi
Center touch screen freezes from time to time. Harness replaced at Tesla's cost. 
Tesla Model 3 in California, United States
Jul 2018 - Jun 2022
Nov 2018

8000 mi
wind noise in roof trim. adjusted trim seating an under-hood piece of trim was out of place. tech adjusted it. cosmetic only. 
Jan 2020

28000 mi
upper control arm failure. replaced under warranty 
Aug 2020

39000 mi
replaced noisy AC compressor backup camera intermittent failure. attempted diagnosis, unable to reproduce. 
Jan 2021

45900 mi
backup / sentry camera intermittently inoperative, triggered by opening trunk. wire harness to camera replaced. battery pack "thunk" on rapid charge. replaced breather vents with new parts per TSB 
May 2021

48000 mi
rear spoiler lip lifting off, installed new lip charging port door sagging / intermittently inoperative for open and close. replaced. 
May 2022

63000 mi

US $132
12V battery failed @ 61600 miles (just outside 60k mile warranty) 

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2018 Tesla Model 3 4-door

Engine not specified

Tesla Model 3 in Michigan, United States
Dec 2020 - Jun 2022
Nov 2021

29000 mi

US $100
Both upper control arms replaced due to clunking noise. Had to pay for alignment service 

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2018 Tesla Model 3 Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2018 Tesla Model 3 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.