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2018 Tesla Model 3 repairs by problem area
Chart based on 139 repairs.
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 | ||
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. | ||
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) | ||
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 | ||
See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans
See TrueDelta's information for all Tesla models.
