2020 Tesla Model 3 body problems

STRUCTURE:BODY

The front passenger door intermittently becomes “unclosed.” When this occurs, the vehicle displays “door open” and the passenger door window rolls down and up repeatedly. The window cycling continues until the door is slammed firmly shut. Once the door is securely shut, the window cycling stops and the door-open warning clears. When it occurs: The issue began in the second week of August while a passenger was in the front seat. It continued while the passenger remained seated. The issue occurs intermittently while the vehicle is moving, including when the vehicle goes around a curve.

NHTSA complaint #11757329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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 safety concerns, not just for myself but for all Tesla Model 3 drivers. I urge NHTSA to take the following actions: 1. Investigate this safety issue regarding the bumper detachment on Tesla Model 3 vehicles. 2. Pressure Tesla to publicly acknowledge this known issue and take immediate corrective action to prevent future occurrences. 3. Ensure that affected customers are compensated for damages and repairs due to this defect. I appreciate your attention to this serious safety issue and look forward to seeing NHTSA hold Tesla accountable to protect all consumers and ensure vehicle safety. I have attached proof of diligent efforts on my part to get this resolved: - Claim number with Progressive - Communication with Tesla giving them proof of this issue - Earlier NHTSA bulletin acknowledging the issue and the Tesla internal service incident created for this issue. Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.

NHTSA complaint #11692513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11648596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11634058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Front subframe assembly broken Turn signals don't register input Lateral and compliances links broken

NHTSA complaint #11582532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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 dry spot to let the vehicle dry out to ensure that it's not water caused from opening the trunk.

NHTSA complaint #11574947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11571364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11555323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11555323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11550509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11550509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11492751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11486058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

The paint on the car is chipping all over.

NHTSA complaint #11445543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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

NHTSA complaint #11438169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11404496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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

NHTSA complaint #11363371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11325738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.