2018 Tesla Model 3 body & structure problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 25, 2026CABody & StructureDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   Possible ineffective recall remedy – NHTSA Recall 21V-00D / Tesla SB-21-17-008. My Model 3 received the trunk harness recall remedy in 2023. Tesla inspected the original harness, determined it was within specification, left it installed, and added the guide protector. Tesla’s recall documentation states the guide is intended to prevent further wear caused by trunk movement; if wear is beyond specification, the harness is replaced. In 2026, my rearview camera began…

   NHTSA complaint #11767060 · source
2. Filed Sep 16, 202682,678 miCATowedBody & Structure

   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 complaint #11764800 · source
3. Filed Sep 9, 2026WA1 injuredBody & Structure

   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 complaint #11763160 · source
4. Filed Aug 25, 202664,402 miCABody & Structure

   The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. While a passenger was attempting to enter the vehicle, the contact sustained a cut to the hand, which was caused by the exterior door handle. The contact stated that over time, the edges of the flush door handles had degraded and become progressively sharper and posed a threat to anyone attempting to open the doors. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11759555 · source
5. Filed Jul 9, 202658,700 miCABody & Structure

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11749346 · source
6. Filed May 27, 2026GA1 injuredBody & Structure

   The door handles have a defect. The chrome peels off unexpectedly, outside of normal wear and tear, and may cause a deep cut to a person’s finger. It cut my son’s finger, causing bleeding. After researching, I found online that that this has happened to many other people.

   NHTSA complaint #11740487 · source
7. Filed Apr 21, 2026CABody & StructureSteeringSuspension

   The front lateral links, compliance links, and stabilizer bar link on my 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range failed and required replacement in January 2026. Prior to failure, abnormal creaking and clunking noise from the front suspension began appearing weeks before the repair — no warning lights illuminated at any point. The failed components were replaced by a Tesla-certified Service Center and are no longer available for inspection. The failure was confirmed and repaired…

   NHTSA complaint #11732882 · source
8. Filed Apr 13, 2026TXBody & StructureOther / UnknownSuspension

   Following a professional suspension repair at a Tesla Service Center, critical underbody fasteners (bolts) became loose, causing the aero shield to sag and creating a potential road hazard. Upon inspection, the service technician confirmed the bolts were unsecured. The failure of these fasteners on a safety-critical system poses a risk of parts detaching while in motion or loss of vehicle control. The service center refused to acknowledge this as a workmanship failure under…

   NHTSA complaint #11730896 · source
9. Filed Mar 27, 2026CA1 injuredBody & Structure

   The chrome trim on exterior door handle on driver side failed, peeling back to create a sharp, blade-like edge. When i tried opening the door, it sliced my finger causing bleeding and a trip to urgent care. Aparently many other consumers are facing the same problem. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint #11727386 · source
10. Filed Feb 7, 2026ORBody & Structure

    The rear doors are not equipped with manual door releases. In the event of a crash or fire the rear seat passengers would be trapped and would only be able to exit over the front seats and front seat passengers. If the front doors were damaged or front passengers incapacitated the egress for the back seat passengers would be severely impacted. If a fire would occur the situation would be exacerbated. Tesla corrected this condition in later models by installing cable releases…

    NHTSA complaint #11716455 · source
11. Filed Dec 7, 2025WA1 injuredBody & Structure

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11703600 · source
12. Filed Oct 31, 202589,700 miUTBody & Structure

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11696856 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology