2020 Tesla Model 3 body & structure problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 16, 2026CABody & Structure

   The front passenger door intermittently becomes “unclosed.” When this occurs, the vehicle displays “door open” and the passenger door window rolls down and up repeatedly. The window cycling continues until the door is slammed firmly shut. Once the door is securely shut, the window cycling stops and the door-open warning clears. When it occurs: The issue began in the second week of August while a passenger was in the front seat. It continued while the passenger remained…

   NHTSA complaint #11757329 · source
2. Filed Oct 10, 2025FLBody & StructureSuspensionWheels & Tires

   I am writing to formally report a critical safety incident involving my 2020 Tesla Model 3, where the bumper detached while driving through a puddle of water on Oct 9th, 2025. This occurred on a busy street, and fortunately, another driver alerted me just in time, averting a potentially serious accident. Following the incident, I arranged for my vehicle to be towed to a Tesla-authorized collision center and opened a claim with my insurance company. I have since learned that…

   NHTSA complaint #11692513 · source
3. Filed Aug 7, 2025NCBody & Structure

   Essentially, I find the lack of emergency, unpowered door release for the back doors a little concerning. There is no way to open the door in the event that all power to the door latch fails. Even in newer models (at least of 3/Y/Cybertruck, that i know of) the emergency release is buried under the cupholder liner in the rear seat. Here is a youtube video showing a homebrew retrofit. It seems like something like this should probably be provided to owners of this model of…

   NHTSA complaint #11678986 · source
4. Filed May 21, 2025CABody & Structure

   I am writing to report a repeated and potentially dangerous defect in my 2020 Tesla Model 3. On four separate occasions, the front trunk (frunk) latch has opened on its own, without any input from me. This has occurred while parked in my garage and poses a serious safety risk, especially at highway speeds where the hood could flip up and obstruct the driver’s view. I am aware that Tesla has issued recalls for this exact problem involving the frunk latch mechanism on certain…

   NHTSA complaint #11662321 · source
5. Filed Mar 16, 2025TXBody & Structure

   Had to drive through water about 8” deep and while going through the water the rear bumper, and the skid plate underneath the car was yanked off breaking 2 brackets that hold the skid plate on and it broke the manufacturer welds on the other two brackets. This is a known defect with 2017-2019 but obviously it is also a defect with the 2020s.

   NHTSA complaint #11648596 · source
6. Filed Jan 4, 2025CABody & Structure

   Tesla Model 3 vehicles, including mine, manufactured before the 2024 "highland" vehicle refresh, do not have a mechanical latch mechanism for opening the rear doors, in the event vehicle power is lost.

   NHTSA complaint #11634058 · source
7. Filed Apr 15, 2024PA1 injuredBody & Structure

   The door handles on the chrome version of the Tesla Model 3 begin to delaminate after several years of use. They delaminate along the door handle seam which creates an extremely sharp edge that can cut fingers. I've had the rear handle on my own model 3 rear door cut my kids finger when they tried to get into the back seat. Because the car is technically out of warranty Tesla will not cover repair without significant cost. There is no warning sign or notification other than…

   NHTSA complaint #11583196 · source
8. Filed Mar 1, 2024WABody & Structure

   The back trunk seal fails at the rear of the vehicle allowing water to spill into the trunk and deep trunk and cause flooding. I have had it repaired multiple times and the technician says that is a known issue but all they do is add more seal. This is known on model 3s before the most recent refresh. Also known as the Highland. This is cause deep trunk flooding and mold to grow on the Fabrics. This is just with casual rain living in Washington State. This is my second time…

   NHTSA complaint #11574947 · source
9. Filed Feb 12, 2024NJBody & StructureSeats & Seat Belts

   Sold car with defective parts. Scratched rocker panels that Tesla refuses to take responsibility for. Broken and rattled center console dash. Crooked front hood that the service center has not fixed. Broken driver seat that has foam missing on one side that tilts the seat and makes driving uncomfortable. The service center has not fixed these issues and the car was sold defective.

   NHTSA complaint #11571364 · source
10. Filed Jan 6, 2024ORCrashBody & Structure

    My Tesla Model 3 was involved in a 'fender bender' almost 9 months ago. It took 3 months just to get an appointment at a "Tesla Certified Collision Center" in my town (and I live in a fairly major city - Portland, Oregon). After the vehicle went to the shop it has now been there for OVER 5 MONTHS! This is a result of parts being incorrectly sent from Tesla, parts being unavailable from Tesla, parts being mislabeled and/or 'hidden' in their Ordering system and so many other…

    NHTSA complaint #11563954 · source
11. Filed Nov 15, 2023NYBody & Structure

    My rear bumper on my 2020 Tesla Model 3 AWD LR completely fell off whilst driving through heavy rain floods. There was a recall for my exact year and model but apparently not for my exact car which was manufactured in Texas instead of California.

    NHTSA complaint #11555323 · source
12. Filed Oct 17, 2023TXBody & Structure

    The front aero shield cover (undercarriage cover) of the vehicle dropped and began dragging on the highway. This appears to be a common issue amongst many Tesla Model 3 owners. Tesla has now created a plastic version of this to resolve this issue. However, they aren't covering repairs.

    NHTSA complaint #11550509 · 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