2023 TESLA MODEL 3 Structurebody Problems

Tesla has completely removed the rear door manual release latch in my late 2023 Model 3 Performance. This elevates the concern of the ongoing NHTSA Defect Petition DP25002 (opened December 2025), which investigates similar issues with emergency egress controls on Model 3 vehicles, citing them as "hidden, unlabeled, and not intuitive." Again, in my late 2023 Model 3 Performance, these are entirely absent in the design. For some reason, Tesla has doubled down on the defect issue and completely removed the manual door release mechanism.

The entire bumper assembly fell off my Tesla Model 3 during the heavy rains on December 24. I didn't see it happen. It was just missing. But it may have happened on the freeway, when we drive through a flooded area. There is a history of this happening with this model when there is a lot of rain or you drive through a puddle. They admitted to this defect in 2020, but claim it was fixed. Apparently not. They are now telling me "we are unable to cover the repair under vehicle warranty because the condition was caused by outside factors," i.e., water. This cannot be normal.

While exiting the front passenger cut her leg on the door. It appears she contacted the inside bottom, rear edge of the door when closing. This cut her leg requiring immediate medical attention. It took several stitches to close the wound.

On June 4th I was in a hurry to get to work, pushed open my car door and started to slide in at which point the door unexpectedly to me swung back shut, clamping my head behind my ear pressing it against the top of the door frame. Everything stuck for about 1 second and then the door released my head. I am concerned that the door shouldn’t close so forcefully and should not bounce back closed when pushed open; that perhaps this contributed to the dangerous situation? There were other factors such as my car parking pad is slightly sloped. It seems this is an issue with the design of the car as opposed to a defect as there are no warning lights or recalls. I am still trying to figure out the effects of this injury. I have been to two doctors- not immediately because at first there...

Any time I get into the car and immediately start driving before the car has time to catch up with what I am doing, the NHTSA mandated safety sounds played when the car is in reverse or drive does not play until the cars computer can catch up and begin playing the sounds. Most times this can take 3 seconds or so but today I had an incident where it took over 30 seconds before it would start playing. The same issue can be detected when restarting the infotainment screen by holding down both scroll wheels on the steering wheel. When doing this the car will cease playing the sound for around 5 seconds while the computer reboots.

Here’s a template for writing a formal complaint to SaferCar.gov about your Tesla issue: Subject: Vehicle Safety Complaint - Tesla 2023 To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to report a safety issue with my Model 3 manufactured in 2023. This issue has significantly affected the vehicle’s functionality and poses a potential safety risk. Details of the Issue: •VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) [XXX] •Date of Incident: [XXX] •Description of the Problem:: “While driving, the vehicle suddenly was out of control and was under control owned all airbags and airbag scratch my hand seatbelt was not function •Location of Incident: Everet, PA •Outcome: my car being towed, emergency took me to hospital Attempts to Resolve: I have contacted Tesla customer service about this issue , but the problem remains unresolved. Safety Concerns: This issue is not only inconvenient but also endangers my safety and the safety of others on the...

Component or System Failed: The critical safety issue involves Tesla's door locking system, specifically the lack of a readily accessible and obvious manual door release in the rear seat. This design flaw could prevent any child or passenger from knowing how to open the door or escape in an emergency. Safety Risk: The absence of a clearly identifiable manual release mechanism for the rear doors creates a severe safety risk. In an emergency, such as a power failure or accident, a child or any rear-seat passenger may be trapped without an obvious way to exit, increasing the potential for injury or death. This is particularly concerning given two prior instances where the battery failed to charge, leaving the vehicle completely without power even while connected to a charger. Reproduction and Confirmation: Tesla refuses to address the issue, This is a critical fire hazard. Inspections Conducted: The vehicle has been inspected...

I am writing to file a claim regarding a safety issue with my Tesla vehicle, which is subject to the recall identified as NHTSA Recall Number 24V554. The recall involves a potential defect in the hood latch assembly, which may not detect an open condition. As a result, this defect can cause the front hood to unintentionally open while driving, potentially obstructing the driver’s view and increasing the risk of a collision. Safety Concerns: Although no crashes or injuries have been reported related to this issue, I experienced significant safety concerns while driving my vehicle. The possibility of the hood unexpectedly opening and obstructing my view caused considerable anxiety and distraction while operating the vehicle. Remedy and Actions Taken: Tesla has issued an over-the-air software update (firmware release 2024.20.3) to address this issue. However, despite the update, I remain concerned about the reliability of the latch system and the potential...

While driving down the highway at less than 60 mph the rear drivers side window spontaneously exploded. There was no one next to me at the time. Nothing hit the window. It exploded and most of the glass blew out of the car onto the highway. I have video of the incident but can't upload that.

The Tesla model 3 rear bumper came off completely while driving in rain when I drove into a very light puddle. Having a rear bumper detaching completely off could be a serious hazard for someone that driving a motorcycle on the road it could result in a deadly accident. this problem has been addressed to Tesla and they do not have a service bulletin or a recall for 2023 model only 2018 model through 2021 models. The vehicle has been inspected by Tesla. No warning signs where indicated when the rear bumper detached completely while driving

Tesla Model 3 Policy #: [XXX] Claim Number: [XXX] I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to report an incident involving my Tesla Model 3 (Blue) and to initiate the process for an insurance claim. The incident occurred on [XXX], at approximately 2:15 PM. My fiancée was the driver of the vehicle at the time of the incident. Incident Details: - Date: [XXX] - Time: Approximately [XXX] - Vehicle: Tesla Model 3 (Blue) Location: The incident took place on the freeway merge from [XXX], where it merges onto [XXX]. Heading home. Circumstances: My fiancée was operating the vehicle in Autopilot mode while maintaining her hands securely on the steering wheel. As she approached the freeway merge from ramp [XXX], heading onto [XXX], she experienced an unexpected jolt. Despite her continuous control of the steering wheel, the Autopilot system seemed to be accelerating without her input. Simultaneously, my...

On August 5, 2023, my car charge got too low for me to make it to a charging station in Lafayette Louisiana. I had the vehicle towed on a flat bed. I put the car in Tow Transportation mode. While we were towing the car, I opened the car to check the battery level and somehow the frunk was activated (perhaps I accidentally hit it, I'm not sure). The frunk opened while we were going about 60 mph down the highway, the wind lifted the trunk up and it crushed my front windshield and the frunk and opening mechanics were damaged. Had we not immediately pulled over the frunk hood could have been ripped off the car by the wind and caused a major accident. This seems to be a flaw in the Tesla electronics/app system - you should not be able to open the Frunk once it is put...

The rear door jammed shut. It would not open and we discovered there is no mechanical way for a passenger to open the back doors of a Tesla model 3. The car’s electrical system has to be on and functioning properly in order to exit from the back. This is terrifying.

I picked up my Tesla Model 3 Performance less than a month ago and from day 1 it has been having vibrations from 40mph all the way up to 80-85 mph. I haven't driven it faster than that due to safety concern. I took it to Tesla and they said they needed to balance the wheels (why wasn't that done on a brand new car already?) Anyways, I take the car back and I was still having the same issue. Tesla has now booked another service and said that my Wheels might have been bent by me! The audacity! I gave them a piece of my mind so they will not charge me for service and will inspect my vehicle soon. Meanwhile I have driven the car 2500 miles and the vibrations have not gone away. I know this problem exists in Model S Plaids as well as with some...

The undercarriage shield of my car disconnected and started dragging while I was driving in the rain. I did not collide into anything or hit a bump. I inspected my wheel well to discover a set of screws that were bunched up and not installed during manufacturing. I had to pull the shield from under my car so that I can continue to drive the vehicle. the shield is connected to the forward warning and pedestrian warning collision system which became inoperative. The faulty manufacturing that caused the shield to disconnect caused a dangerous condition while operating. After I removed it, a second dangerous condition was created since all of the safety senors were disconnected.