Tesla Model 3 Transmission / powertrain problems
85 of the 4,327 complaints about the Tesla Model 3 (2.0%) concern Transmission / powertrain, making it the model's #10 problem area. That share is 0.2× the Transmission / powertrain share across all tracked vehicles.
Analysis
9 Transmission / powertrain complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 12 in the 12 months before — down 25%.
15 of these reports (17.6%) describe a crash or fire, with 6 injuries and 0 deaths mentioned.
No recall campaign addresses Transmission / powertrain for the tracked model years.
By model year
When complaints were filed
Last 12 months: 9 · Previous 12 months: 12
What owners report
I have a group of individuals that are hacking all of my accounts and trying to steal my car. They first hacked my emails then my Tesla account and now they are actually on the Teslas computer system and have been in the vehicle accessing the screen.
On June 19, 2025, while parking my brand new 2025 Tesla Model 3 in a residential lot, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated forward over a curb, crashed through a iron fence, and struck an outdoor A/C unit and patio furniture on the back of a neighbor’s unit.
While my wife was driving, the high-voltage battery failed and the car went into reduced power/limp mode. Tesla later determined that coolant had gotten into the high-voltage battery and caused it to fail.
I am reporting a front suspension failure on my 2018 Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor, that appears relevant to NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE26006 and similar to Recall 23V-235.
Description of the Safety Defect:My 2018 Tesla Model 3 AWD suffered an abrupt and catastrophic total loss of mechanical braking power while driving.
My RWD motor completely went out and lost power on the highway off ramp. Could have turned into a dangerous situation. Not sure why these motors seem to be very unreliable. Tesla has not given me an explanation as to what is exactly causing this.
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
No recall campaign addresses Transmission / powertrain for the tracked model years.
Problem areas · Tesla Model 3
- Driver-assist systems1324
- Electrical566
- Brakes521
- Airbags & seat belts358
- Unspecified or other356
- Steering322
- Wheels, tires & suspension303
- Body & structure249
- Transmission / powertrain85
- Lighting51
- Engine45
Tesla Model 3 problems, complaints & recalls by model year ›
Related reading
- Transmission problems explained: shudder, harsh shifts, CVTs and what to test on a driveHow the main automatic transmission types fail, the symptoms owner complaints describe for each, and a practical test-drive checklist.