Tesla Model 3 Transmission / powertrain problems
83 of the 4,228 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
By model year, Transmission / powertrain complaints peak with the 2018 model (27, 3% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2024 model (2). 8 Transmission / powertrain complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 12 in the 12 months before — the pace is falling.
Owners most often describe: “charge”, “accelerated”, “center”, “reverse” and “shutting”. 14 of these reports (16.9%) 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: 8 · Previous 12 months: 12
Common terms in reports
- charge14
- accelerated12
- center16
- reverse12
- shutting8
- unit10
What owners report
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.
I was in a drive thru of a fast food restaurant and the car rapidly accelerated on its own and crashed into a wall. The air bags deployed and we were injured. We also narrowly missed hitting a pedestrian.
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.
HVAC system which provides cooling/heating for all the systems including the powertrain, battery, inverters, Full-Self Driving computer malfunctions randomly shutting itself off due to a known issue of failing pressure and temperature sensors.
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 systems1312
- Electrical552
- Brakes514
- Airbags & seat belts347
- Interior & equipment345
- Steering311
- Wheels, tires & suspension285
- Body & structure241
- Transmission / powertrain83
- Lighting51
- Engine44
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, why some designs generate far more owner complaints than others, and a practical test-drive checklist built from what owners report.
Frequently asked questions
How common are Transmission / powertrain problems on the Tesla Model 3?
83 of the 4,228 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.
Which Tesla Model 3 model years have the most Transmission / powertrain complaints?
By model year, Transmission / powertrain complaints peak with the 2018 model (27, 3% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2024 model (2).
Is there a recall for Tesla Model 3 Transmission / powertrain problems?
No recall campaign addresses Transmission / powertrain for the tracked model years.