Complaint volume
982 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2018 Tesla Model 3 Complaints
982 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2018 Tesla Model 3, grouped by component category.
982 Total complaints
100 Crash reports
4 Fire reports
34 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are suspension, unknown or other, forward collision avoidance. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 100 crash reports, 4 fire reports, 34 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 219 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 25,782 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to suspension, unknown or other, forward collision avoidance?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2018 Tesla Model 3?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2018 Tesla Model 3
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2018 Tesla Model 3 complaints?
100 Crash
4 Fire
34 Injury
0 Fatality
63 Towed
19 Medical attention
What are the most common 2018 Tesla Model 3 complaint categories?
SUSPENSION 115
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 82
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 73
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 49
AIR BAGS 42
SEAT BELTS 39
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 34
STRUCTURE 27
STEERING 26
AIR BAGS,SEATS 20
982 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | STEERING | My 2017 Tesla Model 3 was unable to be successfully updated with the OTA firmware update remedy in compliance with NHTSA Recall No. 23V-838. The Tesla Service Advisor claims the computer is the cause of the failure and needs to be replaced at an estimated cost of $2,740.28 because it is no longer covered under warranty. Tesla replaced the original computer with Autopilot Hardware 3.0 at its discretion and expense in 2020, presumably to enable full FSD functionality as the FSD option was part of the original purchase. The computer controls all driving functions of the vehicle without fault and successfully communicates with the Tesla server so the diagnosis that it is defective and the cause of the OTA update failure, as opposed to a "buggy" software update, is highly suspect. Independently verifying the validity of Tesla's diagnosis is not possible given the proprietary nature of such work. In response to my query about the uniqueness of this problem, the Tesla Service Adviser admitted that other customers have paid to have their vehicle computers replaced for this same reason which, if true, is most troubling. It leads me to believe that Tesla is using the safety recall to exploit and profit from unwitting customers for an expensive and unnecessary fix when the root problem is an inadequately written firmware patch. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | I was parked on a flat street and got in my car and began driving. I went one city block at a slow pace because cars were stopped ahead. I pressed my brake pedal and it went all the way to the floor with no tension or braking. It was “floppy”. I was able to stop in the road (in traffic) and since it was a quiet street I decided I should try to reboot the car (thinking maybe it was a software glitch). Luckily only 2 cars passed me as this was happening because even the hazard lights go off during a reboot. Once the car was started up the brakes felt tight again so I drove another block, still going under 20 MPH. At the next intersection the brakes stopped working again and were “loose”My foot would go all the way to the floor with no effect. I saw a space at the corner to pull into (not a legal parking space but my car could fit so I could pull out of traffic). The regenerative brakes worked and I rolled to a stop. I called Tesla. They agreed the car was not safe to drive and asked me to tow it to them. They worked on the car for about a week and half. They told me the Hydraulic Control Unit failed and was replaced. They said the unit is in a protected area and did not fail because of impact or because of my breaking habits. They said it is possible that it might just fail overtime. But there was no warning, light or indicator that it was failing, and the brakes just stopped working suddenly it could’ve been much worse. If I had parked on a hill that day or made my way to a freeway this would have been a very different story. I can’t believe that brakes can fail like that with no warning at all. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | STEERING,SUSPENSION | My steering wheel on my 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range, began to groan louder and vibrate periodically when the steering wheel was turned, especially at lower speeds. At speeds roughly under 50 MPH, the front wheel fender area would vibrate frequently, and more often when I encountered speed bumps or dips in the pavement surface. I contacted Tesla early 2024 through my Tesla app, explained what I was experiencing. Tesla determined I may set a mechanical appointment for 01/14/2024 with a "repair estimate" that was approximately $175.00. Upon preview by the service-intake representative (I do not remember name), he pushed down on my front fender area, heard the "groan" and informed me that my vehicle's issue was "very common and easily correctable, that should not cost me more than $200” in his estimation. A couple hours after dropping off my car, I got a call from another representative from the Berkeley Tesla Service center, informing me that the damage was more extensive and would be approximately $2100 (labor included), which involved a broken control assembly, replacing Front Upper Control Arm Assembly, Right hand and Left hand, Front Lower Compliance Link Assembly Right and Left sides, Lateral Lower Front Links Right and Left sides, an alignment, and various bolts & nuts parts.. or if I choose to not move forward with repair, I can come back to pick up my vehicle without repair costs. On the phone, I brought up that I read the NHTSA and Tesla issued a recall on some vehicles within the same year as my vehicle, however, I was informed over the phone, since I was not notified nor was "on the list," I was NOT covered. I was very concerned with vehicle operating safely so I paid for these repairs out-of-pocket. If my front suspension failure / safety matter is very similar to over 400 Tesla recalled vehicles whose vehicles experienced the same issues, I am hopeful my vehicle can be included in this matter and be reimbursed for my paid repairs. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | AIR BAGS | My car has 98,000 miles and out of warranty. When driving 10 days ago I saw a message on the screen "Front Passenger Restraint System Fault" I took the car to the Tesla Garage and was advised that it might be the air bag. They said it could cost as much as $$1,826.66. They kept the vehicle and sent a message asking me to authorise my credit card pay this amount when done. First of all I note on the Tesla Motors Club that I am not alone. Second I have to rely on Tesla being honest about this. They have their own propriety testing system so I could not take it to another mechanic. Last of all I have never experienced a failed air bag in my vehicles before and it seems that Tesla has problems and this should have been paid by them as a recall item | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | AIR BAGS,SEATS | A defect in manufacturing causes the seat sensor (in this case: passenger) connection to fail. The connection has no retaining clip and falls out. This disables the airbag deployment calculations. Error code: RCM_a056 Telsa wants to replace seat and calibrate airbag at consumer's cost, Quoted ~$1500 I've pushed the connector back in several times over the past few years, one day it's going to hurt someone. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | SEAT BELTS | This is a follow up to issue 11584898. Tesla Service states that due to the seat belt fault, the vehicle is not safe to drive until repair is complete. Tesla is also not providing a loaner vehicle until the vehicle is repaired. This puts many Model 3 and Model Y Drivers at risk due to limited Tesla and 3rd party service centers, limited service center schedule availability, and high cost of repair. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | SEAT BELTS | What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Front left safety restraint system fault, must replace first row seat harness assembly for seat belt. It is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Potential Seat Belt Malfunction, Tesla states "Service Required" Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, common issue all over Tesla forums covering both Model 3 and Model Y. The problem/warning is reproducible on personal vehicle. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Tesla diagnostics showed service is required to replace front row seat belt assembly due to fault. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, warning on display "Front left safety restraint system fault/Service is required" first appeared on personal vehicle 1 year ago intermittently, but online forums show this issue on similar vehicles dating back to 2019 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | SUSPENSION | My car began producing very loud creaking noise at low speed. I brought the car into a Tesla service center and the technician said that this was a well known issue with the upper control arm of the front suspension. He mentioned he performs this repair every day. I was given an estimate of approximately $200 to repair the suspension. I later receive an updated estimate of $1,850. Tesla states there was extensive damage to the front suspension. In addition to the upper control arms; the compliance and lateral links of the front suspension were torn. The technician confirmed that the torn components posed a safety risk. This was shocking as the car only had 33,500 miles on it. I asked about the expected wear life of these components. Tesla was unable to provide me with an answer. Later I was reading discussions of this issue on an owner's forum. Many owners report this issue and have replaced their front suspension two or three times only to have the issue reoccur. It appears that Tesla knowingly sold vehicles with defective components, creating a safety issue; and have placed the burden of repairing and replacing these components on consumers. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Following an over-the-air software update, all audio in the vehicle stops working. This includes entertainment services, but more importantly turn signal indicator "clicks", forward collision warnings, parking assist chimes, shift confirmation and warning chimes, and various ADAS notification sounds. In some instances, the problem corrected itself within 24 hours. In another instance, it persisted for nearly a week before I discovered that unplugging the USB cable for the dashcam fixed the problem. The dashcam hard drive has been installed for over 4 years, per the instructions in the user manual, without problems until early 2024. There were no error notifications or anything else to indicate that there was a problem with the car's safety systems, or what the cause of the problem was, except for the lack of audio. I chatted with Tesla service about the issue. After discovering and sharing that disconnecting the USB drive fixed the issue, they were persistent in wanting to cancel my appointment without gathering any additional information. Here is the transcript of our interaction: Me: Unplugging my dascham hard drive from the USB port fixed it. Weird. Tesla: Oh interesting. Good to know! Do we have permission to cancel this appointment? Me: Since it keeps happening I'd like to keep it open. I turned on remote debugging in case that helps you to report the bug or something. Tesla: We have nothing else to diagnose if your vehicle is operating as expected. Me: Ok. If it keeps happening I will still want to bring it in, so let's keep the appointment. And I wouldn't say it's operating as expected. Having to disconnect USB cable to get the turn signal to work properly isn't what I would expect. Tesla: I would hate for you to bring in your car, only for us to tell you that it is because of your third party accessory, and we charge you for the diagnostic time. Me: I appreciate your concern. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | STRUCTURE,SEATS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | The 2018 Tesla model 3 has no manual release for rear passenger doors. Rear doors often fail to open due to door panel alignment or actuator for door. Doors will feel like they are opening but will be stuck. passenger will be unable to exit the rear of the vehicle incase of fire, power loss or due to an accident with no ability to exit the rear of the vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | AIR BAGS,SEATS | Front passenger seat restraint safety system fault. My car only has 40,000 miles is out of warranty. $2200+ estimate from Tesla. This safety issue happens often according to Tesla Owner sites. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | SUSPENSION | Left and right upper control arms failed, as did both front lower lateral links. Same issues as the vehicles recalled as part of 2 different recalls by Tesla: [XXX] Car requires over $2,000 of out of warranty repairs despite this clearly being a manufacturer defect and car should have been included as part of the previous recall(s). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | The most recent software update v11.1(2024.3.10 9d92fb944d7f) was downloaded automatically and I installed it. The next time I drove, the car made uncommanded and unwanted lane changes, apparently because I could "go faster" if I passed the traffic in front of me. I did not want to go faster due to congestion and aggressive drivers where I live. I then discovered that "Full Self Driving" had been activated after the download and without my knowledge or authorization. I believe that this was an unsafe condition and wish to report it. I immediately turned "FSD" off. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | SEAT BELTS | The contact owns a 2018 Tesla Model 3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, a message displayed reading "Left from passenger safety restraint system fault". The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: SB-21-17-005. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 105,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 105,000 |
| Apr 2024 | STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Tesla Model 3 autopilot engaged. The car steered itself off the road and into a tree as it was accelerating on a residential street from 8 mph to approx. 30 mph. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Medical attention | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I have a 2018 Tesla Mode 3. It is one of the early Model 3 on roads. I have had around 10 issues in the car over the past 6 years of ownership; and most of them were fixed during warranty. My car has no accidents, no water damages (only hand washed), single driver driven and well maintained. Around a month ago, I got an alert in the car “Condition Detected with Controller”. Tesla Service did remote check and stated that VCFRONT (Front Body Controller) needs to be replaced for $900. I took the car for this fix and then heard that VCFRONT Controller is fine, but I need a replacement of Harness and Steering Rack for $4200, as they see corrosion. I told them that I have no issues with driving or anything else, as $4200 is around 25% of the value of the car. I was advised, pay for this amount or take the car. I got my car without fix. My concern include (i) if this is corrosion issue (Model S 2018 and before also had the same issue and there was a recall), then is it their part quality or design quality issue or is it a normal car’s aging issue? (ii) I see malpractice of charging exorbitant $4200 for something I do not see any issues in driving or anything else, and importantly, not sure how are my future repairs going to look like $$ wise. I have request for NHSTA – can I show my car to any entity like yours (and not Tesla Service) to get an advise whether (a) this is a corrosion issue by manufacturer or normal car’s aging issue (b) is it critical car to replace one or both parts (c) is this a malpractice to burden owners with this high cost of maintenance, once it is out of warranty? (Please note that Tesla never offered extended warranty for my car) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Tesla is unable to remediate recall 23V-838; TC2023-657, the over-the-air software update will not install on my car and is asking me to pay at least $200 to diagnosis the issue and then potentially $1000 to fix failed hardware. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | AIR BAGS,SEATS | Experienced safety restraint system failure on all four seats. Had them all fixed for ~$2,000. Front passenger restraint failed again next month. Know. Issue among the message boards online. Investigation into number of these repairs is likely merited. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS | Car displayed safety restraint system fault RCM_a094. Tesla diagnosed as rear seat buckle sensor failure. Additionally, car displays an intermittent fault RCM_a056. Tesla diagnosed this as a front passenger Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor fault. Tesla stated the front passenger airbag would need to be replaced as the new sensor is not compatible with the older airbag. This renders the entire airbag system inoperable due to this component failure. The critical safety issue is extremely expensive as the incompatible sensor requires expensive airbag replacement. Furthermore, the safety system is prone to failure with 2 safety system faults occurring at <80k miles. Service rep stated that the 2018 model year has had issues with the airbag system that is why they updated the module. I asked for recall or replacement at Tesla cost but was denied. Facebook group discussions and search indicate others have intermittent OCS sensor failure and this is likely a defective part for that year. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Front passenger safety restraint system fault. This is the second time this has happened. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | STRUCTURE | There are 2 separate issues with our door handles. The first issue is that they are slow to retract, and in the cold, the often remain in an open position. This has happened numerous times over this winter when my child gets in her car booster. The second issue relates to the method in which tesla adhered the chrome to the handles. There is a small seam on the bottom of the handle that peals off, This results in a VERY sharp metallic layer on the handle. I have now sliced my hand twice on this handle. (I’ve scheduled Tesla to replace this handle. Unfortunately this is coming at a cost to me as the consumer. | Crash: No Fire: No Injuries: 1 | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | SEAT BELTS | Error message displays confirming: “Front left safety restraint system default” Error code displayed: RCM_a021 Service is required but Tesla is charging for this safety issue. Researched this and other drivers are reporting same issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | AIR BAGS,SEATS | Front Passenger OCS errors - Tesla work quote (via Tesla Service Bulletin, not Recall) is to replace the OCS system & front airbag - totaling $1,200 for the repair. This is extremely common error code for Tesla's "Front Passenger Safety Restraint System Fault". | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | SUSPENSION | Suspension bushings failing after 40,000 miles. There is ample evidence online that Tesla's have serious suspension and steering issues, just do a search for Tesla Whompy Wheels. In China the government cracked down on Tesla and required a physical recall and replacements of defective parts. Why is the US not protecting drivers the same way the government of China is? Please issue a recall on Tesla suspension and steering issues. Tesla is quoting us $1,300 to repair a suspension with 40,000 miles on it. The attached invoice does not show their quote, they deleted the quote when we told them no. We cannot afford this repair at this time but this is a serious safety issue on a low mileage car and I am disappointed that NHTSA is not requiring Tesla to fix this obvious defect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING | The turn signal stalk does not differentiate between a partial (lane change) press or a full turn press. The signal will remain on until the stalk is moved in the opposite turn direction. This sometimes results in the opposite turn signal activating. This entire process is intermittent while driving. This happens mainly on the highway where an intermittent (half press) of the stalk is performed to switch lanes. When switching lands I have no idea whether it'll work as designed or fail to register a half press or full press of the stalk. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |