2020 TESLA MODEL 3 Structurebody Problems

18 NHTSA complaints on file

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Structurebody Issues in the 2020 TESLA MODEL 3

18 structurebody complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2020 TESLA MODEL 3. Of these, 2 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, and 2 resulted in injury.

18
Complaints
2
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Structurebody Complaints

#11692513 |
I am writing to formally report a critical safety incident involving my 2020 Tesla Model 3, where the bumper detached while driving through a puddle of water on Oct 9th, 2025. This occurred on a busy street, and fortunately, another driver alerted me just in time, averting a potentially serious accident. Following the incident, I arranged for my vehicle to be towed to a Tesla-authorized collision center and opened a claim with my insurance company. I have since learned that this issue is recognized internally by Tesla, as they have created a service incident regarding it, but have failed to communicate this to customers effectively. Tesla's lack of accountability is concerning. Despite repeated attempts to address this with their support and service teams, they have deflected responsibility and continue to downplay the seriousness of this matter, insisting I must rely on insurance to cover the costs. This situation raises significant...
#11648596 |
Had to drive through water about 8” deep and while going through the water the rear bumper, and the skid plate underneath the car was yanked off breaking 2 brackets that hold the skid plate on and it broke the manufacturer welds on the other two brackets. This is a known defect with 2017-2019 but obviously it is also a defect with the 2020s.
#11634058 |
Tesla Model 3 vehicles, including mine, manufactured before the 2024 "highland" vehicle refresh, do not have a mechanical latch mechanism for opening the rear doors, in the event vehicle power is lost.
#11583196 |
The door handles on the chrome version of the Tesla Model 3 begin to delaminate after several years of use. They delaminate along the door handle seam which creates an extremely sharp edge that can cut fingers. I've had the rear handle on my own model 3 rear door cut my kids finger when they tried to get into the back seat. Because the car is technically out of warranty Tesla will not cover repair without significant cost. There is no warning sign or notification other than when you reach to pull the handle and the sharp chrome edge cuts you, the one door with this issue now has the handle partially protruding since the handle can no longer sit flush. There are several threads where similar chrome version model 3 owners have had the exact same issue occur with the exact same safety risks. Tesla has only repaired the...
#11582532 |
Front subframe assembly broken Turn signals don't register input Lateral and compliances links broken
#11574947 |
The back trunk seal fails at the rear of the vehicle allowing water to spill into the trunk and deep trunk and cause flooding. I have had it repaired multiple times and the technician says that is a known issue but all they do is add more seal. This is known on model 3s before the most recent refresh. Also known as the Highland. This is cause deep trunk flooding and mold to grow on the Fabrics. This is just with casual rain living in Washington State. This is my second time dealing with the first happened within the warranty and the second is now without warranty however if this issue has been persistent since I have gotten the vehicle as originally they told me the tail light was missing seal but it was still leaking and different times that I inquiried they said to try to park in a...
#11571364 |
Sold car with defective parts. Scratched rocker panels that Tesla refuses to take responsibility for. Broken and rattled center console dash. Crooked front hood that the service center has not fixed. Broken driver seat that has foam missing on one side that tilts the seat and makes driving uncomfortable. The service center has not fixed these issues and the car was sold defective.
#11563954 | Crash
My Tesla Model 3 was involved in a 'fender bender' almost 9 months ago. It took 3 months just to get an appointment at a "Tesla Certified Collision Center" in my town (and I live in a fairly major city - Portland, Oregon). After the vehicle went to the shop it has now been there for OVER 5 MONTHS! This is a result of parts being incorrectly sent from Tesla, parts being unavailable from Tesla, parts being mislabeled and/or 'hidden' in their Ordering system and so many other unbelievable problems that Tesla has had. I have now been without the vehicle for over 5 months and still waiting on some other part that was now ordered over 2 weeks ago. The whole process is completely unacceptable and Tesla has really dropped the ball. I will be selling the vehicle and never owning another Tesla again, the moment it is finally...
#11555323 |
My rear bumper on my 2020 Tesla Model 3 AWD LR completely fell off whilst driving through heavy rain floods. There was a recall for my exact year and model but apparently not for my exact car which was manufactured in Texas instead of California.
#11550509 |
The front aero shield cover (undercarriage cover) of the vehicle dropped and began dragging on the highway. This appears to be a common issue amongst many Tesla Model 3 owners. Tesla has now created a plastic version of this to resolve this issue. However, they aren't covering repairs.
#11492751 |
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.
#11486058 |
MY ROOF GLASS CRACKED FROM INSIDE OF THE GLASS THAT IS SANDWICH TO IT. THEY REPLACE THE ROOF GLASS FOR FREE. A FEW MONTHS LATER, WHEN I PULL INTO A PARKING LOT AT AN ANGLE, THE WINDSHIELD IS CRACKED FROM INSIDE OF THE GLASS JUST LIKE THE ROOF GLASS. NO DAMAGE FROM OUTISDE AND INSIDE OF THE GLASS. BUT TESLA WANT TO CHARGE ME FOR NEW WINDSHIELD.
#11445543 |
The paint on the car is chipping all over.
#11438921 | Crash
While turning into a parking spot in a covered parking garage the car seemed to speed up and lurch. It hit the cement wall and pushed the car back with such force the air bags deployed. Thank God it was just a wall. The car is now at the repair garage and have not heard back regarding how much damage and if the car is going to be "totaled". When I mentioned this at a party we were at, a friend of mine said she had the same problem. There were no collision warnings. It happened in a split second. The parking garage was at my Doctors office so I was able to have my wrist x-ryed right then. No serious injury. Just a little leary of driving this model car if not any electric vehicle.
#11438169 |
Aero shield on the model 3 collapses when driving through a puddle of water. Tesla said they fixed the issue. I was charged for the service to do it which was $250.that was in June 2021x And now again today October 2021, the same thing happened and they said that won’t be covered under warranty
#11404496 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TESLA MODEL 3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR MAT FOLDED OVER WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DEPRESS THE PEDALS. ON ONE OCCASION THE FAILURE CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE STRUCK THE CURB. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT YET DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND TESLA SERVICE CENTER LOCATED AT 11163 SANTA MONICA BLVD, LOS ANGELES, CA 90025 WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 600.*DT
#11363371 |
BOTH FRONT DOOR AT THE BOTTOM HAS SHARP EDGE THAT SLICE MY LEG WHEN I WORK OUT OF THE CAR. AT 65 MPH ON FREWAY WITH MINOR ROUGH SURFACE, VEHICLE ZIG ZAG SWAY BACK AND FORTH. ONLY ON MINOR ROUGH ROAD FREEWAY SURFACE
#11325738 |
AREOSHIELD UNDERNEATH CAR GET WET FROM RAIN PUDDLES AND THEN WHEN WET RIPPS OFF FROM NORMAL DRIVING. I THINK DUE TO THE WEIGHT OF THE WET FABRIC. *TR

Other 2020 TESLA MODEL 3 Problem Areas

Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control 102 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking 80 complaints Unknown Or Other 76 complaints Vehicle Speed Control 65 complaints Service Brakes 45 complaints Steering 43 complaints Electrical System 34 complaints Suspension 34 complaints Air Bags 29 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Warnings 24 complaints Seats 22 complaints Lane Departure Assist 21 complaints Visibilitywiper 21 complaints Seat Belts 18 complaints Exterior Lighting 12 complaints Lane Departure Warning 9 complaints Back Over Prevention 8 complaints Power Train 8 complaints Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection 7 complaints Fuelpropulsion System 6 complaints Visibility 6 complaints Wheels 6 complaints Back Over Prevention Warnings 4 complaints Electrical Systemadasautonomousself Driving 3 complaints Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch 3 complaints Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera 2 complaints Engine 2 complaints Air Bagssensoroccupant Classificationdriver 1 complaint Back Over Prevention Rearview System Braking 1 complaint Forward Collision Avoidance 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatchemergency Mechanical Release 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch 1 complaint Service Brakes Hydraulic 1 complaint Structurebodybumpers 1 complaint Structurebodydoorhandleexterior 1 complaint Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields 1 complaint Tires 1 complaint Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal 1 complaint Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control 1 complaint
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