Tesla cars have improved significantly over time, solving many of our problems in terms of sustainability. However, like any other car, it is not perfect – and now and again, there are still some common Tesla Model 3 problems that you need to watch out for.

Many Tesla Model 3 problems have a design cause, including poor paint finish, charging problems, and software issues. Many users have complained about being locked outside their cars or that their car was forced to shut down while they were driving. Issues with leaks, headlight condensation, and hypersensitive alarms have also been reported.

Preparation leads to safety. Here are the most common issues that Tesla 3 users have reported with their car.

Poor Paint Finish

Compared to other cars, the paint finish on the Tesla Model 3 is not as durable as it should be. The car is in very high demand right now, which can lead to issues in its production process. Many car owners are not happy with the paint, complaining that they frequently see new sanding or run marks on the car finish.

Tesla admitted the fact that some of its cars can scratch very easily, which is why they advise extra care. To protect the paint around the wheels, Tesla started giving mud flaps to its car owners. If the paint issue is bad, drivers are reminded that this is covered by the warranty – so, if it gets too much damage within the first 3 years, you can have it repainted.

Charging Issues

There is no secret that Tesla has a bit of a charging problem, and the Model 3 is no exception. These charging problems may have various causes, from a software glitch to a faulty supercharger to a faulty charging port. The charging stations themselves can also be problematic, especially considering how 25% of the charging stations in California don’t work properly.

These glitches can be particularly troublesome and frustrating when you need to go somewhere and cannot seem to charge your car. Often, rebooting the car should help bring back the balance if the problem was a software one. If the issue persists, you may be due a visit to the Tesla shop and have the problem fixed.

Leaks

The Tesla Model 3 seems to have a common leak problem as well – especially around the boot. This is often caused by seals that were installed incorrectly, a problem that was also fairly common in previous Tesla models (for example, the model X).

Similar to any other car, these leaks need to be addressed as soon as possible. In case it is left unchecked, not only can it lead to corrosion, but also bad smells. Many users reported a smell similar to burning rubber in various areas of the car.

Shuts Down While Being Driven

Some people driving a Tesla Model 3 complain that their car would often shut down while it was being driven. They would receive an alert that says “Car Shutting Down — PULL OVER SAFELY,” so they were forced into this action. Some of the drivers say that even after they rebooted the car, the problem would continue.

Tesla claimed this was a battery problem – specifically, a high voltage controller failure. The battery would simply not be able to keep up. If this happens, then you must call a service center than can handle Tesla cars.

Faulty Lock

Unlike most cars, the Tesla Model 3 does not have a metal key for you to unlock the door. You just have an electronic key card, as well as an app that you can use to unlock the car. So, in case the software “skips,” many car owners find themselves locked outside their own car. It’s one of the most common Tesla Model 3 problems that technicians need to save their users from.

Hypersensitive Alarm

It was meant as a security measure – but in fact, it is only bothersome to some Tesla car owners. Some of the alarms on the Model 3 are hyper 3 and are triggered by loud noises in the environment. This means that every time there is a thunderstorm in your area, your car alarm may go blaring. 

This issue has been a common one with Tesla cars before the Model 3 as well – and unfortunately, it has yet to be resolved. The best way to keep your car from having its alarm triggered by the weather is to keep it in a garage. This will at least muffle the sound of the thunder and prevent noisy annoyances.

Touchscreen Issues

It has also been reported that the touchscreen of the Tesla Model 3 is fairly problematic from time to time. For instance, the infotainment screen tends to freeze. On occasion, it might need to be replaced altogether.

Many drivers have also reported that the touchscreen system restarts itself even if you are driving. Luckily, a different device manages the driving system – so, this will not cause the car to stop in the middle of the road. However, certain commands from the touchscreen give you better control over the way you drive the car, which makes this problem very annoying.

The navigation display is also quite small. For instance, if a person needs to check the speed of the car, the time, or the range, then they will likely have to take their eyes off the road. This can be potentially dangerous, and seeing as you cannot install a different model, this can be problematic.

Lights Water Up

Sometimes, condensation can happen in the LED lights, especially after you come out of a cold area and step into a warm one. The same thing can happen if the lights are used for several hours in a row.

Unfortunately, once this condensation starts to happen, there is little you can do other than replace the headlights themselves. Depending on the circumstances, these lights might be replaced under warranty. You will want to discuss this with the repair shop.

Battery Issues

Many electric vehicles have LFP or Lithium-Ion batteries. While these batteries are very convenient, they have the same issues as a BMV 13 battery. For instance, if you live in a cold or wet area, the batteries may not be able to perform properly and may drain much faster than usual.

Sadly, this is a design issue, which means that it cannot be prevented by simply visiting the maintenance shop. To reduce range anxiety, you may want to carefully plan your routes if you want to drive on a cold day. Make sure that you have enough charge stops so that you do not remain stranded along the way.

Conclusion

The Tesla Model 3 is a staple car that has proven to be a great asset to the environment, due to how it consumes energy. However, as a result of demand and continuous technological improvements to the electric vehicle industry, there are still numerous issues that risk leaving you stranded.

Most of the common Tesla Model 3 problems are a result of rushed or faulty manufacturing, some of which can be addressed at a Tesla maintenance shop. Some issues may not be avoided but can be addressed with proper maintenance of the software, which is often covered by the Tesla warranty.

FAQ

Is the Tesla Model 3 more reliable?

In reality, Tesla and reliability are not two words that go hand in hand. If anything, vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf are considered more reliable – despite their own reliability issues. Multiple common Tesla Model 3 problems might annoy drivers, but Tesla states that those issues are “within tolerance.”

How long can you drive a Tesla Model 3 on a single charge?

The Tesla Model 3 has one of the lowest range batteries, which means you can drive up to 267 miles. Depending on your driving needs, you may need to charge it every day or every 2-3 days. Often, on a cross-state or cross-country trip, you have to recharge the Tesla Model 3 car several times.

Are Tesla Model 3 vehicles safe?

The Tesla Model 3 has many problems, but crash safety is not one of those issues. In fact, this vehicle has a safety assist rating of 94%, making it one of the safest vehicles around. Not only can it brake or avoid obstacles using the system itself, but it also has multiple cameras and sensors that can help you prevent a potential incident.