NHTSA Complaint #11492751 — 2020 TESLA MODEL 3

STRUCTURE:BODY issue reported to NHTSA

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report

Complaint Details

ODI Number	11492751
Vehicle	2020 TESLA MODEL 3
Component	STRUCTURE:BODY
Date of Incident	November 8, 2022
Date Filed	November 8, 2022
Mileage	N/A miles
Crash	No
Fire	No
Injuries	0
Deaths	0
Vehicle Towed	No
State	WA

Consumer Description

The 2020 Model 3 uses a fiberboard front skid plate, that is intended to protect coolant lines that protect the battery. When wet, the fiberboard front skid plate degrades and exposes the coolant lines to damage from road debris, which could lead to a battery fire. Attached are photos of this damage. Tesla should be required to use a sturdier material to protect against this risk, and replace existing fiberboard front skid plates with the sturdier material.

Related Complaints for the 2020 TESLA MODEL 3

Other STRUCTURE:BODY Complaints

#11692513 — October 10, 2025 — I am writing to formally report a critical safety incident involving my 2020 Tesla Model 3, where the bumper detached...

#11648596 — March 16, 2025 — Had to drive through water about 8” deep and while going through the water the rear bumper, and the skid plate undern...

#11634058 — January 4, 2025 — Tesla Model 3 vehicles, including mine, manufactured before the 2024 "highland" vehicle refresh, do not have a mechan...

#11583196 — April 15, 2024 — The door handles on the chrome version of the Tesla Model 3 begin to delaminate after several years of use. They dela...

#11582532 — April 12, 2024 — Front subframe assembly broken Turn signals don't register input Lateral and compliances links broken

Recent Complaints for the 2020 TESLA MODEL 3

#11715438 — STEERING — February 4, 2026 — Sunday [XXX] downtown Sacramento, driving about 25 mph. Heard a loud bang—bolt sheared off front subframe. Steering f...

#11715438 — SUSPENSION — February 4, 2026 — Sunday [XXX] downtown Sacramento, driving about 25 mph. Heard a loud bang—bolt sheared off front subframe. Steering f...

#11715176 — FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL — February 2, 2026 — Incident Date: Feb 1, 2026, 2:45 PM PST Location: Camarillo, CA (Pleasant Valley Rd & Village Commons Blvd) Descript...

#11714618 — SUSPENSION — January 30, 2026 — The front suspension control arms on my 2020 Tesla Model 3 are squeaking and show premature wear. The noise occurs du...

#11711819 — SUSPENSION — January 19, 2026 — Vehicle made thunking noise when driving over uneven surfaces such as bumpy roads, speed bumps, or railroad tracks. D...