Tesla Model 3: headlights, fog lights and rusty sills on early cars according to AUTO BILD

Engine / equipment

Tesla Model 3, all versions

Period mentioned

2019–2025

Symptoms

Dipped beam out of alignment on cars four or five years old and front lighting faults, especially the fog lights; chipped paint and rust on the sills of early cars.

Possible cause described

AUTO BILD (2026 TÜV report, December 2025): the Model 3 has major defects at the German roadworthiness test 13.1 % of the time at 2–3 years (average: 6.5 %) and 21.0 % at 4–5 years (average: 10.0 %). Lighting does badly in every category except the indicators. Early Model 3 cars have mediocre to poor build quality, with chipped paint and rust on the sills; Shanghai-built cars are considered better. The suspension and brake discs have their own sheets.

Check for the garage

Before the MOT or periodic inspection, have the headlight aim and all the front lights checked. When buying one second-hand, look under the sills for rust or chipped paint.

Cost cited in the source

No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database