Known faults for Tesla.

Most common faults

Sorted by how many of this make's models each entry applies to.

1. Water inside the boot (and on the Model Y also in the rear or in the passenger footwell) through poorly sealed body areas2 models

   BodyworkModel 3 · Model Y

2. Brake and stability control alerts at power-on that clear after restarting the car (Model 3 and Model Y of 2020–2022)2 models

   BrakesModel 3 · Model Y

3. Cabin heating or cooling failing because of the heat pump refrigerant pressure/temperature sensors (Model 3 and Model Y of 2020–2021)2 models

   Climate controlModel 3 · Model Y

4. Creaking from the front suspension when turning slowly and worn ball joints at the MOT (Model 3 and Model Y)2 models

   Suspension and steeringModel 3 · Model Y

5. Rusty brake discs or a poor contact pattern because the brakes are seldom used (regenerative braking) (Model 3 and Model Y)2 models

   BrakesModel 3 · Model Y

6. Restart alert or a car that will not start because of damaged wiring near connectors X950 and X952 (Model 3 of 2017–2020)1 model

   Electrical and electronic systemsModel 3

7. Musty smell from the vents, water dripping from the vents or water on the right-hand carpet because of the air inlet duct (Model Y)1 model

   Climate controlModel Y

8. Tesla Model 3: headlights, fog lights and rusty sills on early cars according to AUTO BILD1 model

   Known weak pointsModel 3

Models by era

Grouped by the launch year of each generation. Photos show the generation listed; if there is no verified photo, no other car is shown instead.

Recalls

Check what each recall covers: market, production period and VIN. Ask the manufacturer whether a repair is outstanding.

• Power steering that stops assisting once the car stops after an overvoltage warning (Model 3 and Model Y of 2022–2023, recall SB-25-00-004)Steering
• Stiff, notchy steering at low temperatures (Model 3 and Model Y, recall SB-24-32-001)Steering
• Rear-view camera with no picture on the centre screen because its wiring fails (Model 3 of 2017–2020, recall SB-21-17-008)Electrical and electronic systems
• Rear-view camera that stops working when the car powers up because of a short in the car computer (Model 3 and Model Y of 2024, recall SB-25-00-001)Electrical and electronic systems
• Centre screen that lags or restarts while preparing for or during fast charging because the processor overheats (Model 3 and Model Y of 2022)Electrical and electronic systems
• The tyre pressure monitoring fault warning is lost when the car goes to sleep (Model 3 and Model Y, recall SB-24-00-018)Electrical and electronic systems